Hotel - Marriot Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/Manhattan Beach:
Very nice hotel, it's a small studio with everything needed to spend several days : Kitchen, Kitchenware, Microwave, Fridge (large), TV with Cable , nice Sofa. Great for spending a few vacation days. Very good service.
Only be careful for the room location. The building seem to be older, and the 1st floor can get noisy with steps from residents above... so just try to take a 2nd floor room.
Also, the air conditioning machines or the fridge in the room are louder than I'd like at night time.
daily room service, as any hotel
free parking
free wifi
free contonental breakfast
close to restaurants
a Target supermarket is near by (1 or 2 blocks away)
walking distance to the beach: 20 or 30 minutes (consider that coming back, part of the way is uphill)
the area seems to be very safe
Manhattan Beach board walk:
Very nice buildings on the breach front ... it seems that lots of places are for rent.
The 3 main ways of going from HEL to Helsinki downtown , which lies about 17 km from the city center (~ 10 mi) are:
regular bus (cheapest, about 4 €)
FinnAir Citi Bus ( a little more expensive but faster, about 6.2 €)
taxi (about 40 €)
All options take somebody to the destination, is matter of cost, comfort, and speed desired. My experience with the FinnAir Citi Bus is very good, goes directly, very few people in the bus, very clean, and helpful drivers. Ask the driver , or download from the Web, a map with the stops. The last stop is by the central rail station, with access to bus, metro, tram, and in the core of Helsinki downtown. So in the worst case, if somebody gets asleep due to the jet lag, the worst case is waking up in the middle of downtown with access to everywhere (safe place as well).
Hotel Hilton Strand:
The hotel lies 2-3 blocks away from a Bus / Tram / Metro station. Also, it is walking distance from downtown.
The hotel is nice and service good. In the US I would give it a 3.5 star rating. The rooms are spacious and clean, with all amenities such as TV with English channels, Fridge, Safe Box in room, Wifi in room at 10 € for 24 hours, Free Wife on the 1st floor lobby. Sauna and swimming pool on the 8th floor, with a nice city view. Breakfast is excellent.
There is a small number of restaurants in a 5 block radius, but the area is much more quiet than downtown of course, and not too much to see. However, the church <name here> is at a walking distance (probably 10-15 minutes)
Although I like the hotel, it is farther away than other good hotels from the core of downtown (e.g., Kampi area). The Hilton was cheaper when I was looking for price, though. But check for prices, as having to take the public transport to the hotel ads 2.2 € for each way (however, free if walking 10-15 blocks).
Safety:
My impression is that Helsinki is a very safe place. I've been walking day until very late in the night, never felt unsafe or threatened. Men and women are walking around at all times as well.
Free WiFi (WLAN):
WIFI is everywhere. I've been more successful in getting decent free WIFI at the shopping malls (e.g., Kampi, Citi Center, etc.), hotel lobby, and at the airport. But many restaruants (ravintola) and Cafe offer it as well. The subway (Metro) also provides Free Wifi but the signal is very weak (perhaps it is just the place I stood, perhaps is better somewhere else in the station)
Before accessing the web, it is necessary to open the Web browser, and sign up to a Welcome page (either click on a banner with an Ad or click on a Term Agreement button)
Souvenirs
I walked a lot and checked at least 5 souvenir places, including Stockman. The souvenirs are about the same everywhere, but found one place with lowest prices, and also providing a Tax Free form that allows getting back some € when leaving the airport (Only for non EU passports. Remember to take your passport when shopping).
The place where I found lower prices (in some cases 5-10 € under other shops), is located about 1 block away from the stone church (walking distance from the downtown, but a bus or tram can be taken to go faster). I haven't taken note of the address, but got a (pretty bad) picture of the store front:
Bar and Restaurants:
When getting inside some bars and restaurants it called my attention that I was being asked to leave the jacket at the entrance. Somebody would keep it safe for a 2-3€ fee , which seems a little bit steep for just a jacket and in such a safe place such as Helsinki.
My City Tours:
The boat tour is very interesting and informative (audio in finish and english). I recommend it.
However, I don't recommend the red bus tour. My experience wasn't that good, since I paid for a 48hrs ticket (combination of ship+bus), but the next bus didn't come after I went down the first time, and I had continue walking :( On the next, the time schedule had been removed from the stop. In general, the interesting stops from this bus, can be easily walked, or be done with tram/bus (get a day pass)
Very nice hotel, everything inside looks brand new. It is a 5-10 minute walk away from the gate.
Not a cheap hotel, but a great location to overnight and rest well before an early flight.
A cheaper option is to just sleep inside the airport.
Free WiFi internet: After connecting the WiFi, open the browser and look for a form that needs to be filled in order to get free WiFi acess. After submitting the form, will get 15' of free access. They said they would send an email to confirm the account, and afterwards provide more free access, but I never received this email. Another option is to pay for access , if a Boingo subscriber , it can be used too.
This trip was pretty short and fast. there wasn't much time for visiting the place, but still, I got to see something.
Sweden is a very nice country, with very nice, organized, and clean cities.
Everybody seems to have a very high level of english speaking.
It is very easy to move around this country. Credit card is accepted everywhere, one can literally spend a week without the need of cash. The only place I saw cash could have been handy is at the public restrooms in the train station.
Arlanda Express (train from Airport to Stockholm)
Hotel Comfort Inn , Stockholm
Tiny 1 bedroom/1 bathroom. No closet. Hangers on wall.
Bed is comfortable
Room is quite silent.
Hotel and neighborhood feel very safe.
Excellent free breakfast.
Large HD tv , with a couple of channels in english.
No closet.
No safe in room, but available at front desk.
Free WiFi. Need to ask for a password every day (expires in 24 hours)
Very good location, 3 blocks away from central station. A stop to the Arlanda Express is accross the street.
Across Arlanda Express exit
1 Bedroom from Comfort Inn Stockholm
1 Bedroom from Comfort Inn Stockholm
1 Bedroom from Comfort Inn Stockholm
Gamla Stan (old town)
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan
Royal Palace
Stockholm Central Station
Train, Metro, and bus station
Train ticket can be purchased online, but access to a printer is needed. They can SMS the ticket information, but this only works for local phone numbers. The Ticket teller machines will ask for a PIN in order to validate a credit card purchase, which afaik, I don't have for my international card.... in order to save time, just go and buy from the ticket office (I didn't look at what time they closed)
Lockers are available, and the fee can be paid with credit card or currency.
Restrooms with showers are available, but SEK cash only.
Locker for bags
Stockholm Arlanda Airport:
There are many paid Internet Wifi providers such as Boingo, Ipass, Tmobile europe. But there is only one way of getting free Wifi, by having a local phone number (they send a password through SMS). They offer sending the SMS to a foreign phone, but I never got it. Guests at Hotels inside the airport will get free Wifi.
The airport is safe for overnight sleeping until the international departure gate opens at 4:30am. The Lunges are behind the gate, and therefore, closed.
This airport seems safe for overnight sleep. Lots of people stay and sleep in comfortable couches.
For dinner, the option that is open until latest is Mcdonals, open until 11:00pm. And they sell beer :-)
The information in this post applies to rental car insurances issues in the United States.
Always look at the exclusions section in the policy. Usually, standard policies don't cover cars driven off road, exceeding certain value, trucks and SUV. Even, some policies don't cover cards driven in specific countries or states. Checking all the details it's a boring and time consuming job, but it has to be done. The advertisements look very nice, but there are so many exceptions that can produce a false sense of security.
Car Insurance
Your own car insurance will many extend to car rentals for a specific period of time. Always call them and verify, as there are certainly going to be exclusions. Remember that if you make a rental claim against your car insurance, your policy costs could be increased. Most credit cards offer secondary coverage only, that is, your car insurance pays first and the credit card the rest. But I've found some good coverage at affordable price, read bellow.
Only the coverage you have on your own insurance will be extended to the rental. For example, if the car insurance only covers liability , then comprehensive and/or collision won't be covered.
Allianz Rental Car Damage Protector This policy is very affordable and I like the coverage very much. The coverage only covers damage and loss, it does NOT include liability.
Quick Facts:
$9 per day.
Covers vehicles up to $40000, including SUV (which isn't common). There are some exclusions, read the policy. In regards to SUV coverage, I called customer support and the representative told me that the SUV are covered, except when they are used as off road as 4x4 vehicle (they don't cover 4x4 vehicles, and I think that they also don't cover off road driving but I didn't ask this last one).
This is primary coverage.
I've purchased it from American Airlines' website or by phone. The process is pretty quick, about 10 minutes.
The policy certificate can be downloaded from Allianz web site (I don't know whether this link is going to be valid in the future. But I took it from the same place where I purchased the policy)
I've seen that other companies offer the same coverage from Allianz. However, when I went to Allianz web site, the coverage offered was for $35000 only.
American Express Premium Card Coverage This is the best Rental Card policy I've seen so far. Not only due to the superior coverage, but also the affordable cost. The only limitation is that the full cost of the car rental has to be charged to an American Express card.
Quick Facts:
$24.95 for up to 42 days
Up to $100,000 of primary coverage for damage or theft of a Rental Car.
Up to $100,000 of Accidental Death or Dismemberment coverage ($250,000 for California Residents).
Up to $15,000 for excess medical expenses per person.
On Line enrollment is needed before being able to use this coverage (see above site)
Travelguard Car Rental Collison Coverage I didn't look too much at this one as it doesn't seem as good as Allianz or American Express.
Quick Facts:
$9 per day
Up to $35,000 in coverage minus a $250 deductible. Sold per vehicle, not per person. This plan covers the cost of repairs for damage to a rental car, up to the limit of coverage, for which the car rental contract holds you responsible.
It is not clear to me whether a stolen card is covered by this policy. I would confirm by calling them before signing up.
Also, I haven't checked whether it is primary or secondary insurance.
Rental Car insurance from credit Cards Read carefully the policy coverage included by credit cards. Most of them are secondary insurance. It seems that when a car renter doesn't have car insurance, the credit card would act as primary car insurance, but I haven't confirmed this yet. Also, ready the restrictions carefully. Most credit cards limit the coverage to standard cards costing less than $50000, not including truck, SUV. In general, I read the statement saying that the rental has to be paid fully with the credit card. It is not clear to me yet, whether a car paid with miles and taxes with credit card, is also covered. Afaik, it wouldn't.
Visa Signature Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Receive Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles. Simply complete the entire rental transaction with your eligible Visa Signature card and decline the auto rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW/LDW) option or similar provision. You will be reimbursed for the repair or replacement oReceive Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage for damage due to collision or theft up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles. Simply complete the entire rental transaction with your eligible Visa Signature card and decline the auto rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW/LDW) option or similar provision. You will be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of covered losses to your rental vehicle when certain terms and conditions are met.f covered losses to your rental vehicle when certain terms and conditions are met.
Citibank Citicards Auto Rental Insurance Product List & Disclosures (here is some information I've collected, but always check the details specific to your credit card) VISA consumer card: Automatic coverage when you charge the entire cost of your rental from a licensed rental agency with these cards and decline the car rental company's collision, loss/damage waiver insurance.Visa Auto Rental Insurance coverage is secondary coverage and underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America. Certain conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply. Not all vehicles and not all countries are covered. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership. Mastercard consumer card: Automatic coverage when you reserve and rent a vehicle with this card and decline the car rental company's collision, loss/damage waiver insurance. Excess Collision Loss/Damage Insurance coverage (of up to $25,000 per occurrence) is secondary coverage and is underwritten by Triton Insurance Company. Certain conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply. Not all vehicles and not all countries are covered. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership. Mastercard business card: Automatic coverage when you reserve and rent a vehicle with these cards and decline the car rental company's collision, loss/damage waiver insurance. MasterRental Insurance coverage (up to $50,000 per incident) is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. Certain conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply. Not all vehicles and not all countries are covered. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver - Business Card: Automatic coverage when you charge the entire cost of your rental from a licensed rental agency with these cards and decline the car rental company's collision, loss/damage waiver insurance. Visa business card: Visa Auto Rental Insurance coverage is primary coverage and underwritten by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America. Certain conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply. Not all vehicles and not all countries are covered. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership. American Express card: Worldwide Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Coverage : Automatic coverage up to $50,000, when you charge the entire cost of your rental from a licensed rental agency with these cards and decline the car rental company's collision, loss/damage waiver insurance. Worldwide Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Coverage, which provides coverage in excess of other insurance, is underwritten by Federal Insurance Company, a member insurer of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Certain conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply. Not all vehicles and not all countries are covered. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership.
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