For us the Hotel Collingwood, also known as the Hotel Del Almirante is like Menorca, small but perfectly formed. So first up where is Menorca?
Menorca is the most eastern Island of the Balearics. This group of Islands belong to Spain and lie in the Mediterranean Sea. Its western neighbour Majorca is larger and more brash whilst Formentera is tiny. Ibiza which sits between Majorca and Formentera is known for its lively nightlife.

We first visited Menorca in 2010. It was a late vacation planned as a 60th birthday celebration for Hubby. We came upon Menorca as our destination almost by chance. The vacation was to be taken in late October and finding a European destination that was still clement at that time of year but was new to us led to Menorca.

We also came across our hotel almost by chance. Faced with one or two options Del Almirante looked quirky, charming and definitely not run of the mill. Did it suit us? Yes it did and here is why.

Location and transport
The Hotel Del Almirante, or Collingwood House, was once the home of an English Admiral, Collingwood. A little poetic licence may be seen around the place but it was at one time the man's home. The main house has belongings and artefacts that belonged to or relate to the Admiral. It is rather like a museum. That said staying at this hotel has something of the feel of taking a weekend break at a country home.

Collingwood House is situated between the Island's capital, Mahon, and Es Castell. Its location makes it perfect for exploring the capital and the island. For those with mobility issues, or those who simply do not walk nor want to, there is a bus stop slap bang outsideof the hotel. From here buses take you into Mahon and into the central bus station. From here it is possible to take bus trips to various places, but it does depned on the time of year.

Many visitors choose to hire a car for all or part of their vacation. You can do this through your travel agent but if you contact the hotel direct the owner will do the necessary for you. The bonus is it should work out cheaper.

We walked into Mahon or Es Castell all the time. It is not a long walk. Going into and out of Mahon we had a few different routes, some more scenic than others. The most scenic has to be around the harbour looking down from above.

The Island has a safe feel which may encourage you to walk more than at home. Always consider your safety. The Hotel reception will offer good advice about interesting walks and routes, and even loan you a brooly if the need arises.

Public transport does not visit all areas of the island but in high season it does go further afield.

The Hotel
The Hotel is small. It does however offer:

•  Loan of a laptop available from the reception, for you to use.
  
• Ask at reception also if you want to borrow playing cards, dominoes or even a travel plug. Enrique or Maria will try their utmost to oblige
  
• Call at reception for the latest weather forecast, bus timetable or the like.
•  Ask for recommended walks or how to get to places.
• A dining room. It depeneds on your taste. This area could be viewed as basic or quirky but it does offer lovely views over the estuary which leads into Mahon. Eat breakfast and watch cruise liners pass by. The breakfast provides an ample amount of cereals, bread, fruit juice, hot drinks, sweet cakes, cheese, ham and fruits. The exact ingredients vary according to the season. Pour yourself a last minute coffee or tea after breakfast and take it outside to enjoy the morning sun. If you prefer you can choose a different type of breakfast for a little extra money.
• A table tennis room and TV room are available also. The TV was not working when we visited the first time but that was just right for us. Outdoors there is a table tennis court and boules area. The grounds are lush if not a little overgrown in parts. That gives the place a hideaway feel.

• The hotel also has two outside verandas. One overlooks the estuary and the other faces the countryside. Choose the harbour veranda for the morning sun and the other one later in the day to catch the last rays. The other veranda is often used by those wanting to enjoy a game of backgammon, in the evening.
• As already said part of the hotel incorporates what was Collingwood House, home to Admiral Collingwood. Across the bay you can see what was once the home of Lord Nelson. Almirante has interesting displays and antiques on show. One day a week someone offers a guided tour of the house, which lasts around an hour, more or less. You can, however, wander around as and when you want. There are guest rooms in this part of the hotel but not many.
• The reception has a small gift area, postcards, postage stamps and a small post box.
• There are a selection of English magazines or papers often in reception. A bookshelf offers holiday reading. Guests take and leave books constantly.
• Most of the rooms are located around the pool area but you can ask to stay in the main house. We have stayed in both. The rooms are fairly basic for what the hotel charges but people return year after year to what is essentially a very special place.
• All rooms have safe deposit boxes which you can hire for a reasonable fee, again via reception
• .A few cats are spoiled by the guests and staff but they are not actually residents of the hotel. Perhaps they keep the bugs at bay. Maybe that is why we saw none. A black cat with only half a tail, christened Stumpy by us, was especially friendly.

The staff
No review of this hotel would be complete without at least a brief nod to the staff. From Enrique, the owner, to Maria at reception to the cleaning ladies who clear up the visitors mess, no member of staff will let you down. Nothing is too much toruble. Many have worked here for years. If you return you are remembered and welcomed as an old friend or family member. Sure it could just be good business but it feels genuine.

Other visitors
You will either enjoy the feeling of friendship at the hotel or you will not. Some visitors do not like the fact that there are people who may know each other. We have seen reviews where people claim they felt left out. They found the atmonsphere clickish. That will only happen if you let it. On the whole people are friendly. You will however be left alone if you want to be. It is up to you to get what you want out of your stay. If you stay in a room near the pool you may find that you are rarely in the company of those who are staying in the house. As the bar and reception are in the house you will still come across each other though.

Finally
Hotel Del Almirante is relatively small and the house is set over two floors. There are 40 rooms for guests. There are no lifts or elevators but there are many rooms on the ground floor. Our first room had a bathroom which included a shower, bidet, loo and wash basin. Some rooms also had baths. The rooms were painted a relaxing primrose colour with dark wood furniture. The sleeping arrangement was twin beds.

In some ways the rooms, as we have said are fairly basic but we liked ours. The rooms are kept to a good standard of cleanliness by the team of hotel cleaners and ancillary workers.

The rooms do not have drink making facilities or fridges. However, the bar area is open for much of the day and evening. You may want to take along with you a travel kettle especially if your budget is tight.

There is no evening entertainment as such but that suited us down to the ground.

There is one family guest room, I think, but it is not really a children's type of hotel.

The Hotel opens at the start of May each year and closes at the end of October. Check out the Hotel's website for full details. With so many people returning each year it may be hard to be accommodated. That said the current economic crisis in Europe is bad news for the people of Menorca. This could mean that they be more welcoming than ever. If you thought common courtesy was dead and buried you will find it going strong here.

We used to say that we would like to return to our liked destinations but there are so many places yet to see we probably never will. Whether it is our advancing years, or simply the charm of the place, the island and the staff is not clear but finances permitting, we keep going back. Perhaps we will see you there.

Unusually for us we have returned to this hotel a few times now. In September 2013 we will be visiting again. It is hard to pinpoint why for us, and many others, Menorca and the Hotel Del Almirante is special, but it just is. You will either "get it or you won't"

As small hotel accomodation is limited so book early.

Website: Hotel Del Almirante

What to pack

When you travel in high summer it can be so easy to pack. A few skimpy shorts and T shirts, one or two evening outfits, swimwear, sandals and not much else. Travel in Autumn, early Spring or Winter though and you may need to take a whole range of items.

As our traditional seasons go topsy turvy you may experience snow and extreme weather at almost anytime of year.

With tight restrictions on baggage allowances for flights these days it as well to travel light. Include an umbrella, light raincoat, woollen jumper, pair of shoes and warmer trousers. If your vacation is actually in winter you will need to increase the heavy wear and reduce the light wear. Why waste space on shower gel, shampoo and sun cream?. It will be cheap enough to buy on vacation. Liquids can be a pain getting through passport control anyway. You probably will not need the amount of creams you do in high summer.

Baggage allowance

The UK has reduced its free baggage allowance. Well, I mean that travel firms have. Make sure that you know exactly how much you can take. Hand luggage restrictions are also tight these days. It will be cheaper to increase your baggage allowance at time of booking rather than if you are overloaded at the airport. Currently an extra 5kgs will cost you £17.50 from most travel companies in the UK.

Remember it is out off season

Although it is often lovely to vacation out of the busy season you may find that not everything is open or available. The bus timetables for instance will probably be reduced or offer a limited service. Museums and art galleries may open less frequently. If there are places you long to visit or activities you want to enjoy do your research before booking your holiday.

Bag a bargain

One of the perks of late travel is that you can often get a good deal. Remember to cost in extras such as insurance, flight meals, seat bookings and the like. Bear in mind that if it will be winter when you are flying your flight could be affected by bad weather and delayed.

The weather

Remember that even places such as the Greek Islands and Spain can have bad weather during some seasons. Check long range weather forecasts before you book.

Destination

You may have to think outside of the box, as with regards to your destination for out of season vacations. If it is going to be cold weather a beach will not suffice. Ensure that there are activities available and other places, such as monuments and museums, to visit.

The perfect holiday for you

Make sure that your vacation suits your requirements. It is up to you. We are all different. Are you looking for peace and quiet or nightlife? Do you love beaches, a rural setting or a busy city? Want to walk or ski? Is this late vacation the only one you have had this year or even longer or is it an extra break?

Note: In general it is good advice to pack what you think you will need and then re-pack aiming to reduce the amount by at least 10%.

Intro: Small but perfectly formed Menorca. The currency in Menorca is the Euro. There are cashpoints in towns which are easy to use. Many tourists hire a car when holidaying on Menorca. It definitely makes every nook and cranny accessible but is not necessary. We travelled all over the place by bus and on foot. You can take the bus to one cove and mooch along to the next. Bear in mind that some of the paths are rather rugged.

Menorca

When we told a relative that we would be vacationing on the island of Menorca, or Minorca as it is sometimes called, she said that she liked Menorca as it was "small but perfectly formed". Now we are back home I know exactly what she meant.

Menorca is one of the four Spanish Balearic Islands that are situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The other three Islands are Majorca, or Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Majorca is larger and more commercialised. Ibiza is a little smaller but brash at some times of the year when clubbers invade the island. Formentera is the smallest.

Menorca, has the middle ground in more ways than just its size.

Arriving in Menorca and our hotel.

We flew from Robin Hood Airport, near Doncaster in the UK, on 15th October 2010. Our flight time to Menorca was around 2 hours and twenty minutes and we were bang on time. Sadly it was not the same story going home but that is another hub I guess. We flew into Mahon Airport and were told that Menorca time was one hour in front of UK time. It does differ at certain times of the year and sounded more confusing than GMT to me.

The airport which is near to the island's capital, Mahon, is modern and clean. It is an efficient international airport. The Spanish worker who checked my passport gave me a winning smile and greeted me with Hola, Hello.

Our accomdation, the Hotel Del Almirante, was a mere ten minutes from the airport. A small but comfortable mini bus took Hubby and I, and two other couples on our way. The whole travelling experience going was perfect and ran like clockwork. As I have already said there were a few problems going home.

As we approached our hotel one of the couple's said, "Look at that." I said "that is our hotel". I knew it perfectly from the travel brochure. She looked embarrassed as she seemed to think that we were out on a limb. However, nothing was farther from the truth. We bumped into this couple on our second day and they were fed up and moaning. It seemed their hotel in Punta Prima was truly out on a limb. Ha.

We soon settled into our lovely hotel and, as it was only early in the afternoon, decided to stretch our legs. One thing we had not taken into account was the various opening hours due to the Menorcan afternoon siesta. We took in Es Castell, previously known as Georgetown, and Cales Fonts, and were rather impressed.

It was onward and upward from then on in.

The Island of Menorca

The currency in Menorca is the Euro. There are cashpoints in towns which are easy to use.

Many tourists hire a car when holidaying on Menorca. It definitely makes every nook and cranny accessible but is not necessary. We travelled all over the place by bus and on foot. You can take the bus to one cove and mooch along to the next. Bear in mind that some of the paths are rather rugged.

If you want to hire a car you may be as well doing so before you visit. If you opt to book through your hotel it could cost you more. The next time we visit we are going to check out the special bus passes which enable more journeys for the same price. Hiring bicycles is a popular alternative.

Mahon and Ciutadella sit at opposite ends of the island. Both are large cities by Menorcian standards. Ciutadella used to be the island's capital and has shops, small narrow streets, museums, good architecture and a large harbour. Mahon is the island's capital now and has an even deeper harbour where cruise ships dock on a regular basis. Mahon offers good cafes, restaurants, shops, museums, views and more.

The rest of the Island is made up of small villages and coastal coves and beaches. When we visited Menorca the season was almost over. Menorca, in effect closes its tourist doors between the end of October and the end of April each season. Travel earlier in the season if you want better bus services and every attraction to be open.

July and August are the hottest and driest months whilst June and September are slightly cooler. May and October can be wet at times and less hot, though still are usually very pleasant.

Menorca is an island where you will feel save to wander around whenever you want to. The people are warm and friendly especially away from the busy tourist resorts. I cannot recommend this pretty island enough. It must have been great as we have visited twice more and plan to return again.

images (C) ethel smith or eileen kersey

Greece is in a pickle. The media keeps reporting on violent protests and financial ruin in Greece. With no government in power until the next election, in around a week's time, the situation appears volatile.This does not however mean that the Greek Isands are off limits.

We who fell in love with the Greek Islands know that each is a treasure in its own right. The people of Greece rely heavily on tourism. Right now the dire news is deterring visitors to the Greek Islands, especially the Germans and The British. Both of these populations used to visit the Greek Islands in droves during Summer. Now they are turning their backs on Greece.

In 2012 there could also be other reasons why Europeans are bypassing Greece. The Jubilee and Olympics in the UK will attract many tourists. One thing that you cannot rely on in the UK though, and perhaps in Germany, is the weather. In the UK the only thing certain about the weather is that it will be unpredictable. 

Added to this many Europeans are worried over their financial future. This will mean that some will not have a vacation abroad this year.

The Greek Islands can offer you beautiful weather and so much more. Wall to wall sunshine on some Greek Islands is the norm for much of the summer months. Visit the eastern half of Crete for glorious weather and more.

There are so many Greek Islands that there is literally something for everyone. Beaches, history, walking, flora and fauna, culture, shopping all with Grecian hospitality. The Greeks are a friendly people who will welcome you with open arms. Perhaps this year they will welcome you more than ever.

In these uncertain times nowhere is guaranteed trouble free. Spain now has its own set of problems. However remember that the protests have been on mainland Greece and not in and around the Islands.

As a precaution you could book a package holiday with an established agent. There are good deals to be had right now. Currently as well English currency is fairing quite favourably against the Euro. This will mean that your money will go further. A final precaution could be to book a last minute deal.

Next time you open the door to rain, hail, wind and more remember there is a warm haven waiting for you in the Greek Islands. What are you waiting for?

Having just returned from a third stay in the Hotel Del Almirante, Menorca, hubby and I are refreshed and revitalised. Funny how just one week away can make such a difference. Vacations are inevitably an expense but for many, including us, they are worth every cent or penny. Until we discovered Menorca and this hotel in particular we had never returned anywhere, so what is so special about this destination?

Location

Situated within walking distance of Es Castell and the Island's capital of Mahon it offers a peaceful location with facilities easily reached. Restaurants, bars, shops, museums, harbours, historical, sights panoramic views and more can be reached by car, bus or on foot.

A negative for you could be that there is no wild night life on your doorstep and no beach. However beaches such as those at Calan Porter and Punta Prima are a brief bus or car journey away. The Collingwood offers spectacular views over the waters leading into Mahon and across the bay.

Facilities

The Collingwood does not come with all singing and dancing accommodation but provides scrupulously clean rooms, pool area and more. Two verandas or balconies allow private sun bathing in relaxing surroundings. The one attached to the main house has a conservatory area where you can relax out of the hot midday sun

The bar has a pool table, dining room and seating area for bar meals and drinks. Outside there are numerous tables with brollies offering shade. Set away from the house is a play room with TV and table tennis available.In the grounds there is a tennis court. Internet services are free to use, just ask at reception for the password. Due to the thickness of the main house walls you could find that you need to sit close to the reception area sometimes.

The Del Almirante is not really a hotel ideal for children. It does however have a family room for such guests. For adult visitors the lack of children is a huge positive when you want to get away from it all.

History

Once the home of British Admiral Collingwood the main house has many artifacts on display. One morning each week there is a free guided tour of this house which lasts about an hour. It is possible to stay in one of the guest rooms in the main house but most of the rooms surround the Swimming Pool.

Staff

This is where the Hotel Del Almirante comes into its own. A small team ensure that every request, within reason, is granted. If you want a book to read there are shelves filled with books for guests to read. Need to borrow a travel plug, umbrella or pack of cards just ask at reception. Staff are always happy to help with information, bus timetables and more.

Overall

If you look to book a vacation here do not let the official star ratings deter you. In some ways Collingwood is the best kept secret on the Island and many visitors would like it to stay that way. However like all businesses it needs customers. Regulars flock back to this hotel time and time again Once you visit you will see why.

Rooms can be booked as just that or you can opt for breakfast and dinner, or just breakfast included. The food is always well cooked. For some it may be unadventurous but for the price it offers excellent value for money. We had no complaints. In fact we cannot wait to return once more.

Hotel del Almirante

Visiting the beautiful Balearic Island of Menorca in May or June could be perfect for you. In July and August the temperatures begin to soar and the tourist trade hots up in response. That said bookings will be a little down this year mainly due to two things. England has events which will draw visitors, the Olympics and Jubilee, and Spanish people are feeling the financial pinch. 

When money gets tight vacations are the first thing to go. However they are important. If you can opt for a less expensive vacation it could be worth every penny or cent. Working hard all year we all deserve a break and time to relax.

Menorca is less brash, and smaller, than its neighbour Majorca. It does not have a club scene like the Balearic Island of Ibiza. What it does have is charm and friendliness oozing from its very being. We stayed at the Hotel Del Almirante between Mahon, the Island's capital, and Es Castell in the east of the island. As the former home of British Admiral Collingwood it combines history with lovely surroundings in a quiet area. 

Menorca closes to direct flights from the end of October to Early May each year. Most if not all of the hotels also close. Visiting for a week from May 11, 2012 we found that the island was peaceful. There were some shops and hotels just starting to begin their summer season but the peace just added to the ambience of Menorca. It was possible to mooch along the cobbled streets of the old town in Mahon and the narrow alleyways of Cuitadella feeling that you were the only person there.

The temperature when we arrived was 30C and 29C the following day. During the week the temperatures averaged out between 22C and 25C. Apart form one night and one cloudy morning blue skies and sunshine were the order of the day.

Currently the Euro is down against the Pound which helped our holiday money go further. This however means that Menorcans need visitors to the Island more than ever. Spanish debt, unemployment and economic worries have hit this lovely area of the World too. You would not know that though from the warmth of the people unless you decide to chew the fat with the locals.

If you want to book a late deal to Menorca for May or June you will need to book now. Perhaps it will prove to be just what the "doctor ordered".

Adios my Menorcan friends till we meet again

In the last couple of years The Yorkshire Museum York has undergone extensive changes. The building is located in a pleasant green area, in the centre of the historic city of York, which skirts the River Ouse. York has so many attractions such as museums, historic buildings, churches, shops and more. The Yorkshire Museum though has to be ranked as one of the city's best places to visit.

The museum's official website details, "The Yorkshire Museum reopened on 1 August 2010 following a nine-month £2million refurbishment project. Five new galleries now showcase some of Britain's finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting new displays.  Our aim is to make the Yorkshire Museum a must-see destination in a tour around the beautiful city of York. Come and see us this summer and give us your verdict, whether you're a regular user of the museum or a first-time visitor.  The refurbishment work has also restored the museum's Georgian building, letting in more natural light and opening up spaces that have been divided up over the years. The museum was opened in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and was one of the first purpose-built museums in the country."

Lesvos, or as it's also known Lesbos, is the largest of the group of Greek Islands of the Northern and Eastern Aegean. In fact it is actually the third largest Greek Island, after Crete and Evia. It is roughly central from the northern and southern most of these Aegean Islands and it hugs Turkeys west coast. It became free of the Turks in 1912. In common with the Greek mainland, and other Greek Islands, there remains no love lost between the Greeks and the Turks .

Traditional industries such as olive growing, ouzo making, fishing and shipbuilding survive but, as with most Greek Islands, the Tourist industry is booming, and it looks as if that is were the future prosperity of this island lies. At the moment Lesvos is managing to maintain it's pretty villages, beautiful countryside, good beaches and relatively unspoilt Greek charm. For how much longer though one can only wonder.

There are hot springs which you can enjoy, plus a multitude of birds and plants to fascinate you. This island truly is a country lovers dream. Although having said that you can find a more lively side to this island if you wish to.

The climate is very warm and the environment is lush. Mytilini, the Island's capital, has the Island's main harbour, a busy waterfront and sophisticated cafes and tavernas. There is plenty to see in the capital, not leas , a  fair few museums such as the Archaeological museum and the Museum of Theophilos. There are direct flights to Lesvos and regular ferry services to many of the Greek islands. Lesvos would be a great place to go  ' Greek island hopping '. So whether you choose to visit Lesvos whilst you are hopping around, or visit for a more lengthy stay, you should have a great time. There is so much variety of accommodation and things to do it should suit everyone and anyone.

The above was written in 2007. Since then the EU crisis has hit Greece hard. The Greek Islands have never been rich places and tourism was a much needed boost to their economy. More than ever these days Greece will welcome you with open arms. Do not let the "hororr stories" deter a visit. Simply make sure you research a visit to include current information.

Most of the riots and public protests have been happening on the mainland and in the country's capital Athens. That said it is not a scene of constant violence.

Tags: The Greek Islands, Lesvos, Lesbos, Aegean, EU crisis, vacation, greek vacation