The Algarve is a spectacular area of Portugal and most people staying in Faro are either coming or going from the airport or visiting to see the gorgeous Deserta Island. When I visited Faro, I stayed at the Hotel Faro, and the location couldn’t have been better. It was located in the marina area, just steps away from the bus station and the main shopping areas. The Faro beach is about 9 km away. The spacious room had a comfy bed, and the best pillows I’ve ever slept on while traveling. (Fluffy goose down pillows)  There was also a refrigerator, nice leather chairs to relax in, and a flat screen…

If you are looking for a bed and breakfast in the lively Bairro Alto area of Lisbon, then A Casa das Janelas com Vista is a great choice. The minute I walked in to its tastefully decorated living room, I knew I was going to have a great stay. It is the kind of lobby that beckons you to relax and unwind. Even though the Bairro Alto, is a busy area, A Casa das Janelas com Vista is located on a quiet street, so I always had a good night’s sleep.  If you aren’t familiar with Lisbon, the Bairro Alto neighborhood is full of great restaurants, bars, and shopping.  Breakfast was healthy and delicious…

I had been traveling non-stop for six weeks, when I got lucky enough to stay at the Valmor in Lisbon. I had gotten to the point where I was tiring of small hotel rooms, dirty laundry, and eating out for every meal. I just loved the roomy kitchen, and after so many meals eating out, it was great to finally cook for myself, and make my own coffee. There was a grocery store and three health food stores nearby, so I was basically in heaven. When I didn’t feel like cooking, there were great restaurants nearby. I love eating momos at Casa Nepal, and I had one of the best…

Casa Amora is a charming guesthouse in Lisbon located near the Rato Metro stop in the Praça Amoreiras neighborhood. I absolutely loved the garden patio area where I had breakfast each morning and just hung out and relaxed.  Casa Amora also prepares a nice breakfast with casseroles, rice pudding, eggs made the way you want them, fresh squeezed juices, coffee, and meats and cheeses. (Go early, though, if you don’t want to miss the casseroles. Breakfast is buffet- style, and they will run out of them if you sleep in!)  I thought it was great that Juan, the manager was on site every morning to make sure that I had everything I needed, and…