Report Cards

From Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS, Feb. 4, ’04. . .

• Hotel Istmania — at Calle Buenos Aires and Lempira Avenue, about five blocks from the center of Tegucigalpa.

This place has an English-speaking staff, an elevator and a full-service restaurant. Also air-conditioning and hot water. This is also one of the few hotels with the American version of CNN (most hotels’ CNN is the Spanish-language version with entirely different programming).

$26 single or $41 double. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

— Sharon Muir, Rochester Hills, MI

On LUXEMBOURG, January ’04. . .

• Brasserie Guillaume on Place Guillaume in Luxembourg City.

This bistro serves the freshest oysters on beds of ice and seaweed as a starter course. I had traditional pea soup with sausage and fish. My companion had oysters and fish. The fish was so fresh, it was swimming in a tank when we arrived. The bass and sole and local trout were served European style, with skin, bones, tail and head, so we knew it was fresh as could be.

We each had a glass of French wine and a bottle of sparkling water, and along with a crème brûlée or espresso we paid around €38 (near $48) each for lunch. The prices were a bit high for lunch but were similar to those of other restaurants in the area.

Be sure to ask for a table upstairs. The bistro below is small and just has snacks and drinks. Chic and popular, this brasserie is French in flair and German in its portions!

• The 4-star City Hotel (Ave. Liberte, Luxembourg City; e-mail mail@cityhotel.lu) is located across from the train station, just five minutes by cab from the historic city center.

This is a newly renovated accommodation. The hotel is clean, with very modern bathrooms. Mini-bar in room. The price is much less on weekends (€115, or about $145, for two) than weekdays (€154).

Full breakfast of cheese, yogurt, bread, juice, meats and coffee. Also a cozy whiskey bar. The staff is friendly.

— Jennifer Eisenlau, Boulder, CO

From Waterford, IRELAND, Jan. 23, ’04. . .

• Diamond Hill Country House (Slieverue, Waterford, Ireland; phone 051 832855, fax 051 832254, e-mail diamondhill29@hotmail.com or visit www.diamondhillhouse.com). A marvelous place, if you are in the area, it’s located about two kilometers from downtown Waterford and the crystal factory.

Classifies itself as a B&B but really is about a 3-star hotel. Large rooms with huge bathrooms (at least in room No. 7). €62 (about $79). Full Irish breakfast included in the price.

Very nice residents’ lounge, if you want to relax.

We stayed here about 20 years ago before it expanded and it was just as nice at that time. If you want a place for a couple nights to explore the southeast of the country, this is it. Plus they have individually controlled heat!

— Terry Cummings, Long Grove, IL