NEALTOWEY

Archive for March, 2011

Extended hotels mainly cater to the needs of business travelers. These hotels are comparatively cheap and they are in the form of studio apartments or suites which are mainly meant for long residents. The charges of extended hotels are cheap during the weekdays but a little high during the weekends. You can find cheap extended hotels easily every where you go.

So, now let me tell you about some best cheap extended hotels that you can conveniently locate in tourist destinations.

1. Valley View

Valley View is a beautiful extended stay hotel which is located in Las Vegas, United States of America. It is 8 miles away from the strip and offers many facilities to the tourists. The rooms are spacious with internet access, a kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and cookware, utensils and coffee and tea maker.

2. Mondrian South Beach Hotel Residences

This is an enchanting extended hotel situated in Miami, Florida. The hotel is just minutes away from the busy South Beach. From here you can get amazing views of the ocean, downtown Miami and the bay. It is a full service hotel with a cordial atmosphere and friendly staff members. It is the ultimate stop for leisure as well as business travelers.

3. Hawthorn Inns and Suites

It is located in the Napa Valley and would surely provide you a comfortable and relaxing stay with a beautiful view of the attractive landscapes of Napa Valley. The guestrooms are fully furnished with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and comfortable beds. Nearby to this place you can locate many cafes, restaurants and fashionable shops.

4. Element Lexington

Element Lexington is located just minutes away from downtown Boston. This hotel is surrounded by rich colonial history with enchanting views. The facilities that the guests are provided are a well equipped gym, a refreshing swimming pool, large public area and spacious bedrooms.

5. The Staybridge Suites

This alluring hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the bustling city of Atlanta. Movie theaters, many restaurants, shopping malls and tourists locations are just walking distance away from here. The rooms are very spacious with refrigerator, internet, phone and hair dryer facilities. You will get complimentary breakfast in a buffet system daily.

6. The Inn at Peralynna Manor

This place is located near the rolling hills of Clark’s Elioak Farm in Columbia, Maryland. It is like a country manor with excellent services for the guests. Here you can easily book spa suites, villas, and boutique style Inns at very reasonable rates.

These are some of the best cheap extended hotels, come here and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Regardless of which coast you decide to visit, there are an amazing amount of high quality beaches in the United States. The people on the west coast might be known for taking it a bit slower and enjoying life a little more, but once you get to the beach on the east coast, that fast-paced and rushed lifestyle immediately goes out the window. Whether it’s the beach, the horizon, the sand, or some other unknown factor, east coast beaches have some form of tranquilizing effect. You have an urge to relax the instant you get there.

If you like to relax on white sandy beaches while looking at a crystal clear ocean and the most beautiful people in the world, then your first stop should definitely be South Beach, which is located in Miami, Florida. This beach took over as the most popular spring break destination about a decade ago, only in this case, the party never ends. Expect to see a younger crowd. And if you’re not into relaxing, then jet skiing and socializing are also popular activities.

If you travel up the coast just a few hours, you will reach Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The beaches here are known for their cleanliness as well as the promenade at Lauderdale Beach and walkable dunes at Hollywood Beach. Beachgoers range from families to college kids.

Travel north to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for an active beach atmosphere. It’s ironic that South Carolina is where you will find one of the most active beaches, but it’s probably the most active and fast-paced area in the state. There are all types of hotels and resorts flanking the beach. This is a place you go for action, not sanctuary. It’s a popular beach for families as well as college kids and senior citizens.

If you keep traveling north, you will hit Virginia Beach. This is another active area, where scuba diving, waterskiing, cycling and running are all very popular. There is also a boardwalk that stretches for miles.

If you like water parks, haunted houses, funnel cakes, pizza, and novelty shops while being only steps away from the ocean, then Wildwood, New Jersey is where you want to be. This is a very family-oriented area with an emphasis on good-natured fun. If you have a family and love the beach, this is highly recommended.

Are you more of the laid back type who enjoys fishing and/or eating at restaurants that overlook the ocean? If that’s the case then you should check out Montauk, New York. Montauk is at the farthest point on Long Island and over two hours away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. It is also the epitome of a beach town.

If you’re looking for rocky beaches for picnics and sightseeing, then just keep heading up the coast to Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Acadia National Park has some of the most beautiful views in the continental United States.

If you live on or plan on visiting the east coast, it’s hopeful that one of the beaches listed matches what you’re looking for.

Are you a tourism lover? Are you thinking of visiting beaches in your life? Wondering, what am I talking about? Yes, exactly, I too wondered when I stepped at Goa. So, if you are thinking of or never been to any beaches in your life, take Goa beach tour once, I am damn sure that the meaning of your beach tour will be changed or at least you will be forced to think once more. Goa beaches tour is basically nothing but a live tour to paradise in the earth. Goa is world’s one of the most popular tourists spot, it witness millions of tourists round the year around the globe. 125 k.m. from Goan coastline is renowned for its cuisine, night life, feasts and festivals. The central attraction of Goa beach tour is undoubtedly its palm-fringed sandy beaches, a perfect destination for romanticism, honeymoon and of course for an ideal vacation.

Beaches of Goa are divided into two parts, north and south beaches both have its own characteristics. North beaches are popular while south beaches are for relaxed visitors.

North Goa Beaches:

North Goa beaches are elongated a distance of over 30 k.m. You can only dream such a place but yes if you are in Goa beach tour, it can be a reality. These beautiful beach are always like a groom and popular for its carnivals, parties and for different sports activities. The important beaches of North Goa are: Arambol Bambolim Chapora Anjuna Baga Vagator Candolim Sinquerim Morjim Miramar Dona Paula Calangute

South Goa beaches:

South Goan beaches appeal to those tourists who are looking for relaxed solitude. The important south Goa beaches are:
Bogmalo Majorda Colva Benaulim Varca Cavelossim Mobor Canaguinim Agonda Palolem

Besides these wonderful heart touching beach, you will find in your Goa beach tourism, there are lots more fun waiting for you. Visit once and enjoy your holiday with these exotic beaches.

According to the Italian Tourism Board, there are about 40,000 hotels in Italy. That’s a lot to choose from when you’re traveling from overseas. Whether you’re planning to stay in a hotel in Venice or a hotel in Rome, here’s what you should know when you make your Italian hotel reservations:

1. Pay your deposit – According to law, a hotel booking is valid upon payment of a deposit. Your deposit is refundable upon cancellation of your reservation at least 14 days in advance of your stay, or 30 days in advance if you are going during tourist season.

2. Time your trip – In cities and resorts, the off-season is considered November through March. April, May, September, and November are considered the off-season for ski resorts. Rates for a hotel in Venezia or Roma will be less during the off season.

3. Hotel ratings – The tourism bureau gives hotels ratings from one to five stars, with five stars signifying deluxe accommodations. Bed and breakfast accommodations are available throughout Italy, but they are not given ratings.

4. Day hotels – If you’re on the move and simply need a place to freshen up, Italy offers day hotels. With baths, showers, beauty salons, baggage checking, and private rooms, day hotels are often found in cities and near train stations.

After you’ve made your Italian hotel reservations, paid your deposit, and arrive at your hotel in Venice, your hotel in Rome, or another Italian destination, it’s time to enjoy your vacation. The Italian Tourism Board provides these tips to help ensure that your vacation is the memorable experience you deserve:

* Avoid counterfeit goods – A new 2005 law imposes heavy fines on those who purchase counterfeit goods. If you’re looking for knockoffs with luxury labels, you may want to think twice. Purchasing such goods carries a fine of up to 10,000 Euros.

* Know the duty-free limits – The U.S. allows citizens returning from Italy to bring in up to $400 worth of products duty free. A duty charge of ten percent of the next $1,000 worth of goods will be assessed.

* No visa required – U.S. citizens staying in Italy fewer than 90 days do not need a visa.

* Registration required – Tourists are required to register with the police within three days of arrival. Hotels generally do this on behalf of their guests, but it’s wise to double check when making your Italian hotel reservations. If you’re staying in a private home or with friends, you should go to the nearest police station to register.

The Florida Keys beaches and party atmosphere attract a large number of tourists throughout the year. Many hotels dot the area all along the beaches of Florida Keys and cater to all kinds of tourists.

A variety of hotels are available in the Florida Keys region. They vary from top of the line, five star hotels to economic, bed & breakfast. Most hotels in the Keys offer accommodations that are as glorious as their surroundings, and they are reasonably priced.

Room rates in the Keys vary from hotel to hotel. They depend upon the standard and class of the hotel, and the type of room a guest would like to stay in. Most hotels offer a choice of rooms such as single, double, deluxe, suites or penthouses. Room rates are also seasonal and vary from month to month. They are higher between Christmas and Easter and for special events and three-day holidays. Typically, the highest rates apply during special annual events such as the Fantasy Fest and the lobster mini-season. There are good hotel deals in the fall, while early December is the best period to travel to the Keys, when temperatures are moderate and humidity is low. When planning a trip, it is essential to remember that local, state and tourist taxes are levied on all accommodations.

Almost all the hotels in the Florida Key provide excellent in-house services. Even economy hotels offer rooms with air conditioners; color TV, phones and a small refrigerator. There are many all-suite hotels that offer accommodation units with a kitchenette, living room and one or two bedrooms. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast including fresh-squeezed juices or fruits.

Some of the hotels offer private water front and private islands to its customers. Quiet a few of the hotels in the Keys have wheelchair accessible units. Some have private docks and ramps. Many hotels offer their residents boat services, dolphin shows and other attractions. Some hotels allow pets. and it is advisable to check the pet policy before making a reservation.

Choosing a vacation travel destination can be a slightly difficult task for many people. Sure, you could go to the same old boring places that everybody else goes to like Disney World or the Grand Canyon or Branson Missouri’s Silver Dollar City… or you can branch out to slightly more exotic but still boring places like Paris or London or even Hong Kong; and while these are slightly better choices, they’re still the same old boring things that just about everybody does.

Why not choose a vacation that is slightly more exotic and definitely more exciting?

Might I suggest Havana Cuba?

Havana has many things going for it and not the least of all is the fact that it’s so very close to the United States, geographically speaking. This means that you won’t spend all of your time sitting in an airplane when you could be enjoying a jewel of the Caribbean.

Yes, it’s true that Havana is still a city in a communist country, one of the last communist countries left on the planet to be precise; but you should be perfectly safe nonetheless.

This isn’t your normal vacation with your normal tourist destinations. You can expect to explore beautiful Spanish colonial architecture as well as breathtakingly stunning beaches instead of the same cookie cutter tourist shops found elsewhere.

Havana is the capital of Cuba but it doesn’t have the typical consumer trappings that you might expect in a regular capital city.

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean with 750 miles of mountain ranges (including the Sierra Maestra, the Cordilla de los Organos, and the Sierra del Escambray) and miles of vast beautiful plains. It has over 200 exotic looking bays and nearly 300 beautiful beaches.

The worst time of year to go is between May and November because this is the rainy season when you can get caught in terrible weather including, potentially, hurricanes. Any other time of the year you can expect a wonderful vacation.

What exactly is there to do in Havana? It’s a good question. The simple answer is you can find yourself a beach that you like and just relax for a week or two. If you want a little more activity then you can always explore the rich culture, the music, food, and even the art of the area. And there’s always the mountains too!

Fidel Castro has been sick for a long time now and his brother Raul runs the government these days. Raul is seen as more open to the Western world and Cuba as a whole is slowing beginning to open up. Now’s the time to take advantage of this great travel destination opportunity!

Most people don’t think of Cuba as a tourist destination but if you don’t want to be like everybody else then I suggest you take a serious look at everything Cuba has to offer. You’ll be more than happy you did.

Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but taking some time to plan beforehand can help things to go smoothly. There are some inherent differences between traveling on a cruise ship and using other forms of travel. You should take some of these differences into consideration when packing for your cruise.

There are some items that should not be packed on cruises. Valuables can be difficult to keep track of on a cruise ship with all of the activities going on, and certain types are best left at home. Wedding rings and other jewelry can easily fall off and become lost or misplaced in the transition from one activity to another on a cruise. At times, you may be very active swimming, dancing, drinking or participating in children’s activities, and it may not be practical to bring these items along. If you do choose to do so, make sure you have a plan for how to store them in the room or bring an inexpensive necklace to put the ring on when you swim.

Many travelers these days consider some items essential, such as cell phones, cameras and laptop computers. Sometimes, these are necessary for business reasons, but if not needed, most of these items are better left at home.

The key to packing for a cruise is to pack lightly. Many travelers make the mistake of bringing much more than they would on a plane trip because they have a room to store their belongings in and are allowed to bring more. However, it is important to consider that the staterooms are small, and you will likely be sharing your room with a few other people. The more people sharing a room, the more potential for someone to leave it open or unlocked or to let others in who have access to your belongings. You should also check reviews about housekeeping staff stealing from rooms and how any incidents were handled. When bringing any valuables, it is important to know who to go to to report an incident and to do so as soon as possible so you have a good chance of recovering your items.

Many people bring expensive cameras on cruises because of the scenery and family memories to capture. However, it is important to consider the possibility of a camera becoming lost or damaged on a cruise ship. When deciding whether or not to bring your expensive camera, consider your personal habits and whether or not you think you are someone who can keep track of it. If you do bring an expensive camera, bring a neck strap so you can always have it on you or carry it in a fanny pack. Think before you bring your camera out of the room each time. For example, if your family is going swimming, it will not be a good idea to set the camera down beside the pool, so it would be best to leave it in the room. Many travelers purchase inexpensive cameras, disposable or otherwise, to take on cruises to reduce the risk of losing a good one. You will want to capture memories, but makes sure to be smart.

The type of money you carry is another important consideration. You may want to get recommendations from a travel agent on this subject. Most no longer recommend using traveler’s checks, but experts disagree on whether to carry debit cards or credit cards. One thing to consider is that if you carry a credit card, you can dispute charges should the card become stolen, while with a debit card you are responsible for those charges.

According to one survey report, beach tourism has reported enormous growth rate from the past decades. However, with the sluggish economy, most of the people are changing their vacation places. All of them are interested to spend their vacation at beaches. There are so many beaches around the world are offering beach tourism services. There are so many attractions nearer to so many beaches. However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw states; they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich visitors in the quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and experiences. Almost every country has excellent beach facilities.

One of the best among all other is Haddrin beach in Thailand. It is one of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in Asian continent. Its broad shoreline gently curves to form a perfect cover flanked by smooth volcanic peninsulas with the sun rising right in the middle of the bay. When it comes to the length of the beach, the beach is over one kilometer in length and was one of the first visited by travelers over twenty years ago. The night life in this beach is so good and the full moon party in this Haadrin beach and the southern half of the beach is mainly populated by so many night clubs and restaurants whilst the northern end is mostly taken up by bungalow operations. The sea shelf drops off fairly sharply at Haadrin beach, and it is possible to swim in virtually any tide. However, there is no major living coral reef except for the one at Haadrin beach so snorkeling is a bit dull. The waves can get pretty big in the day, a bit are too dangerous to surf as they break on the rocks at either side of the beach.

When you are planning to spend your beach vacation, prepare yourself for your beach vacation by first creating a list of what you are going to need. Include sunscreen, sunglasses for protection against the suns ultra violet rays. The clothing you will bring will vary from the region to the region but keep in mind that weather conditions change so warmer clothing and even rain gear may be necessary. Don’t forget gear for your vacation activities like surfing or snorkeling; bring your camera, personal effects, and a first aid kit. Finally, beaches nature’s gift to the human beings, due to man made mistakes, pollution; the beaches are losing their beauty. There are some well established and experienced organizations are trying to protect the beauty of beaches. And they are inviting all of the people to participate in this program. For more information and details, please visit their valuable web site.

Five Affordable World Travel Destinations

Locations That Offer More But Cost Less

So you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget? Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures and ready to have some of your own? Have you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’t afford it? There are numerous travel destinations across the world that are both exciting and affordable. Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started planning your own getaway.

There are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations. Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once you arrive at your selected spot. If you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and receive millions of travelers each year. The competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging to tour packages. Airfares between major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts and last minute travel deals.

London

In Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these exact reasons. Not only do you have more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote location. On average, staying in London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to fit their budgets. And you can use London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense of flying there.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean. Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera. With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few moderate lodging options. Development of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.

Although there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa is just a half hour away. It is filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown. From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.

For Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they get to their destination. Depending on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other travel expenditures once you arrive. By choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a great deal on your international vacation. A drink or dinner in Tokyo will costs you many times more than what it would in Saigon. The key here is to go where you dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.

Tioman Island

An affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman Island, knows as the mythical ‘Bali Hai’ from the film ‘South Pacific.’ Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia on the South China Sea. It’s sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun lovers, snorkelers and divers. The island also has many villages for exploring and shopping. English is widely spoken and the rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars. Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the mainland. Although the trip can take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin watching along the way.

Buenos Aires

South American also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings once you arrive. Locales like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.

A huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and a host of tours and excursions. La Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big tourist draw. The large number of choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around $500 round trip. Buenos Aires might not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American destination.

Las Vegas

The list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’t be found anywhere else. Close enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other options for those who have had their fill of casinos.

The city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter the origination destination. And with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging choice that fits your budget.

The world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your travel consolidator can make recommendations and help with locating discount flights and hotel deals that fit your budget. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world.

Meru Kenya

Stretched out along the eastern side of the Mt Kenya ring road, Meru isn’t so much a base of operations for Mount Kenya or Meru National park, but rather a travel hub. Whether you end up having to spending the night here, or just stop to stock up on various commodities, it’s worth a look around.

Because it’s a regional service centre and not a tourist destination you’ll rarely hassled on the streets, despite them being alive with activities. The colorful main market is worth a stroll and if you ever thought of chewing miraa, Meru is the epicenter of Kenyan production.

It’s quite a climb up to Meru from either Isiolo or Embu, and in the rainy season you will find yourself lost in the clouds. However, when the weather is clear there are superb views for miles over the surrounding lowlands, and you may catch glimpses of Mt Kenya.
The town is focal point for the Meru people.

Information on Meru town Kenya

Barclays Bank (Tom Mboya St) exchange cash and charge 1% commission on traveler’s cheque. With ATM.
Caf? Candy (Tom Mboya St; Internet per hr Ksh180) decent internet connections.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB; Njuri Ncheke St) Exchange cash and travelers cheques (Ksh 50 per leaf commission).

Meru Country Council (Kenyatta Hwy) booking for Meru Mt Kenya Lodge on the Chogoria route.
Post Office (Kenyatta Hwy) with internet and card phones.

Standard Chartered Bank ( Moi Ave) Exchange cash and travelers cheques (Ksh50 per leaf commission).

Places to Sleep in Meru

Nothing here will truly float your boat, but hopefully those listed bellow won’t sink it either.

Goodnight Lodge (Mosque Hill Rd; s incl breakfast Kshs350) probably the best budget option. Rooms and bathrooms (hot water showers but no toilet seats) are clean and the upstairs options take in some sun. Breakfast is a bit of a joke (two boiled eggs and buttered bread).

Brown Rock Hotel (Njiru Ncheke St; s/tw Kshs350/450) although the brown – and – white floor tiles are failing, this is still your best bet for cheap twin-bedded rooms. Some arte brighter and have balconies, so check out a few. Hot water is sketchy at times.

Meru Safari Hotel (Kenyatta Hwy; s/tw Kshs600/800) considering your hot water showers come from the kitchen with buckets, this place is overpriced. Rooms are slightly more comfortable than those seen at Goodnight and Brown Rock. The terrace bar is its greatest asset.

Stansted Hotel (Kenyatta Hwy; kshs200) any cleanish rooms at this price with bathrooms (and toilet seat) are a blessing indeed. It’s quit too, but the beds aren’t comfortable.

Pig & Whistle (off Kenyatta Hwy; s/tw incl breakfast Kshs1000/1200) this place has a distinctly ramshackle to it, with nice quiet grounds and a colonial-style bar/restaurant and lounge. Most of the cottages are uninspiring concrete blocks, but TV, phone and a dinning area go some way towards compensation. More memorable stays are to be had in the old (1934) wooden cabins.

Meru Country Hotel (Kenyatta Hwy; s/tw incl breakfast Ksh 1000/1500) this is the other midrange contender in town, with a bit less style but a few more creature comforts. The ‘studio’ suites, with balconies and TVs, are well worth the extractor Kshs100.

Eating and Drinking

With French, Thai Chinese and French bits (how cruel of us!) but that still leaves you with Indian and Kenya.
Pig & Whistle (off Kenyatta Hwy; meals Ksh 60-250) flowering hedges separate tables in this scenic garden eatery that serves up tasty Kenyan Fare. It’s also a great place for an afternoon beer.

Meru country Hotel (Kenyatta Hwy; meals kshs60-280) Thatched umbrellas hover over each table on this pretty nyama choma (Barbecued meat) terrace. If you want to give the flaming flesh a rest, Western, Kenyan and Indian Meals are also on offer.

Royal Hotel (Tom Mboya St; meals Kshs80-150) Deep pots ensure they still have locals; this is a good place for cheap vegetarian curries, stews and fish during the day.

Angie’s Caf? (Kenyatta Hwy; meals Kshs50-150) Sedated goldfish patrol the aquarium and watch over some simple menus. Locals recommend the biryani.
Uchumi Supermarket (off Mosque Hill Rd) a very well stocked option for self-caterers.

Entertainment in Meru

The Mwitari Bar (off Moi Ave), behind the shell petrol station, is an odd, weirdly Swiss Family Robinson-style structure, which sometimes hosts life bands. The only other evening action is at Club Dimples (Angaine Rd; cover Kshs50; Wed, Fri & Sat evenings), which is an energetic disco joint up the hill.

Getting there and away

Kensilver (Mosque Hill Rd) has 13 daily departments from 6.45am onwards, covering Embu (Kshs250, and two hours), Thika (Ksh 280, 3 ? hours) and Nairobi (Ksh 300, 4 ? hours).

Mombasa Raha (Mosque hill Road) has daily 5pm services to Mombasa (Ksh900, 10 hours).
Regular matatus serve the same destination for similar costs and leave from the main stand, near the main market, and from opposite the Shell petrol station. Matatus also serve Nanyuki (Kshs120, 1?, hours) and Isiolo (Kshs120, 11/2hours).