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Rick Steves' Europe 2009 Tours: Great Hotels

Rick Steves' Tours: Great Hotels

Our guidebook research gives us an edge in discovering the charming, centrally located, often family run hotels that promise to be a memorable part of your travel experience.

Often quaint (sometimes creaky), and full of personality, they are run by Europeans who are also our friends. "Shared facilities" have all but disappeared from European hotels, so in 2009 there's about a 98% chance your room will include a private bath. However, there will still be stairs — hundreds of them. Many of our hotels don't have elevators...one more reason to pack light and be in good shape.

If you're traveling solo, you won't pay the mandatory "single supplement" required by other tour companies. Instead, you'll share a room with another tour member of the same gender. If you'd prefer to sleep alone, we offer a limited number of optional extra-cost single supplements on each of our 2009 tours.

Read what our tour members are saying about our hotels...

Watch a clip about our hotels from our Tour Experience DVD:

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Hotel El Convento in Arcos, Spain

Hotel Convento, Spain

"The Hotel El Convento in Arcos was so nice and had a stunning balcony view"

- Juliet in Beverly Hills, CA

Schluxen Hotel in Austria

The Gutshof zum Schluxen in Austria

"I loved the farm in Pinswang, Austria. The bunnies, the ponies, the bike ride to the river...woke up to hearing the cows "moo" and the clink of their bells...What could be better?"

- Denise in Redmond, WA

Hotel Frimurare in Kalmar, Sweden

Hotel Frimurare in Kalmar, Sweden

"Hotel Frimurare was great — so friendly, and the 2nd floor sitting area was so comfortable for a group of us to chat after dinner"

- Caryl in Kirkland, WA

Hotel Gruner Baum in Hallstatt, Austria

Hotel Gruner Baum in Hallstatt, Austria

"The best was Hotel Gruner Baum in Hallstatt. Very large rooms, bright yellow paint and the view from the balcony was incredible."

- Lori in La Mesa, CA

Hotel Londres Eiffel, Paris

The Londres Eiffel of Paris

"It was the perfect home-away-from-home for the traveler. The two ladies who cleaned and helped with breakfast each day were always singing and laughing. The front desk staff was extremely helpful and charming."

- Bonnie in St. Augustine, FL

Provencal Hotel Calendal in Arles, France

Provencal Hotel Calendal in Arles, France

"As a guide, I look for a hotel that has friendly, helpful staff — and a personality that makes it as memorable as the city's great sights. The Calendal makes our tour members feel they're someplace special."

- Michaelanne Jerome, Tour Guide

Hotel des Remparts in Beaune, France

Hotel des Remparts in Beaune, France

"Hotel Remparts in Beaune, France was a quaint hotel. It was worth carrying my luggage up three flights of stairs."

- Eden in Irvine, CA

Hotel Accademia, Florence

Hotel Accademia, Florence

"The Hotel Accademia was really special because of the owners and staff. It was also the noisiest, but I would stay there again in a heartbeat."

- Kathleen in Lithia, FL

Hotel Aberdeen , Rome

Hotel Aberdeen , Rome

"We really liked Hotel Aberdeen. Very friendly staff and the location is great because it's close to the train station and is in a very quiet area of Rome."

- Terry in Edmondton, AB