I found these guys via WOMO by accident & after reading the impressive reviews decided to call up & request an onsite quotation.

I was impressed as soon as the phone was answered - good manners, asked important questions, explained how they operate & set a time/date.

Today a lovely man by the name of Caesar inspected everything I wanted renovated, gave me a few options, pointed out some important issues, was extremely polite & just charming. It's been a very long time since a tradie treated me with respect (being a female renovator & soon to be owner/self builder).

I will post again once the work is done.

Approximate cost: $Waiting for a quote

This is a pretty good pub & still has a friendly vibe.
Food is incredibly cheap if you opt for the daily $7 special. There is a full menu board with some fab dishes. The chicken caesar is excellent as is the greek lamb skewers.

Approximate cost: $7 - $24

I'm an immediate local so have seen this pub transform from a pub with a conscience to a pub with none. Shame really because it was a fair watering hole with a nice vibe.

I did eat here a few months ago & I have to say it was mediocre, mass outsourced packaged food & plonked on a plate with average cooking skills.

Recently walked past with the idea of having a quick dinner & saw one of the cooks smoking outside with a little finger planted firmly up his nostril.

Definitely not a good look.

I commented as we walked past (purposefully within earshot) that...

1. He shouldn't be smoking in full view of patrons
2. He should not be wearing his chefs jacket out of the kitchen
3. I bet he doesn't wash his hands before cooking again.

As we checked the menu (outside) we watched him walk straight back in the kitchen & start cooking... ewwwww!!!

Enough said.

Approximate cost: $9.95 - $24

A quaint little shop that has some really good gift ideas.

Found some long searched for egg cups last week so I was really happy.

They also have some very funny greeting cards :-))

Approximate cost: $5 - $50

As a former Adelaidian, I grew up with Haigh's chocolates.. the joy we had visiting the shop for our Christmas sweets or a dark chocolate Easter bunny - childhood memories you never forget.

Now I can follow in my families footsteps & take my children to Haigh's in George St. Nothing has changed. Excellent chocolate, beautiful packaging, friendly service & something for everyone.

Approximate cost: $2 - $100

A great little market with good vibes & friendly stall holders selling all kinds of foodstuffs.

Amazing East Timorese coffee - the best 'Bica' I have had for about 5 years since I went to Portugal! I also found some gorgeous chai mix from the same people - very good.

Noticed there was a varied Mediterranean selection of hot foods/spices/coffee/ready-made & eat-in. Quite a few representatives of Brasillian & Portuguese items. I found the cheeses retailer to be a bit up himself & quite rude (so he lost my business), other than that everyone else was so friendly.

There is 2hrs free parking (get your ticket validated by a shop when there is an event on otherwise you'll be slugged $25 flat rate).

For the kids there is a play area which costs $20 for unlimited activities for 1hr & a little train that goes around the shops/markets for $3.50 (child) & $4.50 (adult).

The market was supposed to be open until 3.30 but by 2,30 half of the stall holders had already gone. I guess its better to go earlier.

Traffic is a nightmare if the footy or cricket is on so plan ahead or catch a bus.

Approximate cost: $3 - $90

I've been here twice so far & every time I go with a full wallet that empties very, very quickly! Everything is just so tempting.

Produce ranges from flowers & herbs - wine - meat - cheeses - free range eggs - sweets - bread - cakes & take-away hot foods from Tony Bilson & Kylie Kwong.

One thing I'm not keen on is dogs within range of food items - not hygienic, however it is surprising how cute some dogs are especially if you have the chance to give them a pat.

Parking is a nightmare. There is a shuttle bus that departs from technology park (near Redfern stn) or you can walk from City Rd.

Prepare to spend $$$. Nothing is a bargain & to be honest I think some prices are beyond reality, especially if the produce is not organic /free-range.

Approximate cost: $4 - $30

There are only a few cottages/townhouses so it's elite to say the least & positioned in the 'French Quarter' with lots of high end cafes close by.

Owned by Katie & Alan Livermore, this gorgeous accommodation has absolutely everything you could possibly need & is decorated with the utmost of taste & sense of design. Some of the beautiful furniture is made by Alan - a highly respected artist/lecturer for more than 30 years!

Even though it's located in Launceston its quiet & peaceful (we stayed in the cottage known as Number 10). There are bicycles available, free wireless internet, private backyard with BBQ, fully equipped laundry & luxuries for the late arrival (frozen pastas/sauces in the freezer - extra $). It's the little touches that make the stay extraordinary.

Tariffs are very reasonable based on double occupancy, a small extra for children or another adult.

The booking process was easy & Katie is easy to like & she goes out of her way to ensure everything is ready before your arrival. Superb service! Housekeeping is wonderful too - very thorough.

In front of the main establishment is Cafe Mondello - a cute Italian cafe serving gorgeous delights which are all made on the property using Tasmanian produce.

I highly recommend this property - its just gorgeous.

Approximate cost: $220 - $350 (4 guests)

I recently did 2 extended stays at one of their new 'takeover' establishments within a 3 week timeframe.

I rang Accor to enquire about joining & they said the hotel is a part of Accor & a rep would ring me within the week.

When they finally did call me back I found out the hotel was not a part of Accor as it was still called a Sebel property. I pointed out that the takeover was completed & the hotel had told me to join the club for rewards because I had utilised the suites & it would be a great benefit to me.

The rep then told me it would cost what I consider to be an exorbitant fee to join!!!! It was pointed out that I'd get 1 nights free (its not free if you have to pay to join) accomodation in a standard room in any Accor property. I asked what if I travel with children & use suites? The rep said I'd have to pay for a connecting room!!! I said thanks but no thanks.

I was very annoyed that my $$$ spent didn't amount to the gathering of points for future rewards.

Whilst the hotel is fantastic, with great staff - the Accor club leaves alot to be desired. Especially charging an annual fee.

I have read reviews about it on another feedback forum & it seems woeful (i.e.: reward rooms never available for booking) with plenty of negative feedback.

Not for me I'm afraid.

If it's not on Tripadvisor then I don't stay - simple!
The reviews are often spot on, get to the point & have photo's to back up a review.
Establishments also get rewarded at the annual Tripadvisor awards evening - encompassing all regions worldwide & they are much respected by the large establishments - especially the Hilton chain.
Its a fair system that allows the establishment to respond to client feedback openly for all to see.

Approximate cost: $Free