Dream Sleeps: Castle & Palace Hotels of Europe (Dream Sleeps)

Rating:
Summary: Does a good job of being what the title says
Review: An intriguing book. I have already dreamt up enough vacations to last the rest of my life, and I've only had this book two days. The book has short, two or three page descriptions of 132 hotels. Most of them are based on old castles or palaces, though there are a couple based on convents, and at least one is an old royal hospital. They are all appropriate for the book. There is usually an exterior photo and an interior photo, and good information on the history of the place, both as a castle (or whatever) and how it came to be a hotel. There is fairly detailed information on accommodations, including comments on virtues and vices of specific rooms in some of the hotels (at least one specific room is listed as allegedly haunted). I could wish for a bit more detail in some cases, but that is probably unrealistic.

I hadn't planned to go to Europe in 2001, but now may have to change my plans....

Rating:
Summary: Does a good job of being what the title says
Review: An intriguing book. I have already dreamt up enough vacations to last the rest of my life, and I've only had this book two days. The book has short, two or three page descriptions of 132 hotels. Most of them are based on old castles or palaces, though there are a couple based on convents, and at least one is an old royal hospital. They are all appropriate for the book. There is usually an exterior photo and an interior photo, and good information on the history of the place, both as a castle (or whatever) and how it came to be a hotel. There is fairly detailed information on accommodations, including comments on virtues and vices of specific rooms in some of the hotels (at least one specific room is listed as allegedly haunted). I could wish for a bit more detail in some cases, but that is probably unrealistic.

I hadn't planned to go to Europe in 2001, but now may have to change my plans....

Rating:
Summary: Good Primer for Castle Vacations
Review: As editor of a web site (GetawayWeddings.com) devoted to romance travel, Dream Sleeps piqued my interest. I was very interested in learning about fairy-tale vacation destinations in Europe. And, more importantly, how to find the most romantic castles and how to make reservations for a stay. Happily, Pamela L. Barrus answers aof these questions - and more - in her latest revision of Dream Sleeps: Castle & Palace Hotels of Europe.

Every chapter is devoted to a different region including Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Chapters begin with a short introduction that will give you a sense of the country, historic significance, and regional customs. Contact information for relevant departments of tourism are also included. Then, it's on to the matter at hand! Which castle is right for your next vacation? Each property is described in one or two pages and most entries include a black and white photograph. A handy "fast facts" section follows the description and includes basics like contact information, room types, rates, dining options, facilities for the disabled, on-site recreation, nearby attractions, and much more.

Rating:
Summary: Sleeping in a castle hotel should not be missed!
Review: One of my passions when traveling throughout the world is to seek out magnificent and magical buildings that exude character and history. For years I've collected castles and palaces--their dominance over the European landscape inescapable--finding the stories of their glory years, their lords, and their transformation to modern times utterly fascinating. The idea of sleeping in a knight's bedchamber, or exploring secret passageways, towers and great halls, as if they were part of my own home, has added just that special touch to many of my trips. The greatest pleasure of writing this book was driving along the off-the-beaten paths of Europe--my guess is well over 15,000 miles worth--and coming out of the forest or around a hill to find a spectacular castle suddenly in front of me. It's an unforgettable experience. "Dream Sleeps" presents my very favorite castle and palace hotels of Europe. I hope its readers will discover the romance (and fun) of staying in some of Europe's most unique lodgings.

Rating:
Summary: If your are interested in staying overnite in a castle....
Review: Then this book is for you. You will need more detail and updated information as the book is from 1998. However, this extra info can usually be found on the internet. The book provides a great starting point for finding places to stay (in different price ranges as well). I would definitely recommend this book because it saved me time and energy. It doesn't have every castle but it sure has a bunch. Even staying at just one of the places listed can possibly turn your trip into a great one.

Rating:
Summary: If your are interested in staying overnite in a castle....
Review: Then this book is for you. You will need more detail and updated information as the book is from 1998. However, this extra info can usually be found on the internet. The book provides a great starting point for finding places to stay (in different price ranges as well). I would definitely recommend this book because it saved me time and energy. It doesn't have every castle but it sure has a bunch. Even staying at just one of the places listed can possibly turn your trip into a great one.

Rating:
Summary: Descriptions of book's contents.
Review: Who hasn't dreamed of living the pampered life of a king or queen? DREAM SLEEPS provides the information you need to turn your daydream into reality. Want to spend the night in Mary Queen of Scot's bedchamber? No problem. Or maybe you'd like to call England's fabulous Hampton Court Palace home. That can be arranged as well. You can even feast in a stone-vaulted great hall once ruled by emperors and kings. The unique hotels describe in DREAM SLEEPS are much more than lodgings. Restored and converted survivors of an often brutal past, they are now living museums. Descriptions include the intriguing history of each, as well as a description of facilities and services available to present-day guests. Information on activities and excursions in the area, and facilities for children and disabled persons, are also noted, and E-mail and website addresses are listed when available. DREAM SLEEPS describes 132 castle and palace hotels in ten countries--Austria, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, and Wales, Each was personally inspected, and locator maps help you find those that fit easily into your European itinerary. Author Pamela L. Barrus has traveled solo in over 150 countries. She lives in Laguna Beach, California.