Try haggis and black puddling - learn what they are the day after eating them! Smoked salmon is wonderful in Scotland. All fish is good in Ireland and Scotland as both are surrounded by water. For desserts, try spotted dick and clootie dumplings - both are melt in your mouth heavenly. Carry a large purse and in it have a collapsable umbrella. It will most likely rain a bit every day. If it doesn't, consider yourself lucky. Pack clothes so that you can add and shed layers. I've spent alot of time in Scotland - Glasgow is a pretty modern city now. Much of the older architecture has been replaced by new buildings. Both my sisters will be at the Tattoo this year, too...I'm envious of you all! If you have any free time in Glasgow, head to the Willow Tearooms at 217 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. It's a teamroom/restaurant designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and it opened for business in October 1903. The tearooms were extremely popular, and are the most famous of the many Glasgow tearooms that opened in the late 19th and early 20th century. His architecture and design is my favorite in the world. Have a great trip!

Hi Daisy, I am glad you found a good option. Personally, one of the reasons I never used Air BnB is because so often we are in far flung places or in high season and I did not want to risk it (with a very spoiled family of five and our luggage retinue) and then have no choices. The first time I booked an Air BnB was just this past March in LA, because i figured LA has tons of hotels and March isn't really a high season where I wont be able to find a room. My second AIrbNb reservation is in NYC for a girls weekend, which would just mean we'd all go to my home instead if we run into a problem. BTW Gail, booking a back up hotel is fine except so many of them now price like airlines do and won't let you cancel "6pm day of arrival" like in olden days! High season in Paris could indeed be tricky if something fell through, unlike March in LA. I share your skepticism too, the owners can compare their place just like you did and one wonders why they would underprice.

I have no experience with Sonder but wanted to update my airbnb experiences following an inquiry I made here about them. Years ago, when they were relatively new, we tried a couple and were deeply disappointed. I asked for opinions about them maybe a year ago and because of the positive experiences, we dipped our toes back in the water. The first was at Christmas in Mexico with DD and DSIL. I cannot begin to tell you how much we loved it! Everything was absolutely perfect and far exceeded our expectations. So often we are on the go-go-go when on vacation but this place was so comfortable and lovely that we found ourselves very happy to spend some days there hanging by the pool, playing games on the large veranda overlooking the pool and water, grilling and drinking margs outdoors. It was very, very special and we would return in a heartbeat. "Superhost" designated. The second experience was in D.C. a couple of months ago where our first nightmare ventures into airbnb began. Our primary requirement was that it would be walking distance to our kids' home of which there aren't a lot of options. A "superhost" designated apt. was available with stellar reviews. We LOVED it, too. Nothing fancy or extravagant but so nicely decorated, lwell appointed, ight and bright, good sheets and bed, thoughtful snacks and pantry items, and it could not have been cleaner. The owners live upstairs. We had a reservation for May but unfortunately just canceled it, hoping to reschedule soon. Last thing. We also almost always stay in smaller boutique hotels and nicer bnb's. There have been SO many memorable ones. The breakfasts are almost always wonderful and satiate us well into the afternoon. So many interesting conversations occur at these breakfasts. DH is the one who enjoys researching and booking our trips and accommodations. Before booking he used to always ask me to take a look. I would veto many based on decor, lack of light, bathroom in the wrong location, yada, yada. But, wow, have to say he's gotten GOOD! Usually his options are all very acceptable but I still need to look them over because he may still throw in a zinger now and then! ;) Anyway, I appreciate the encouragement I received to try airbnb again!

I agree that there are charming places to be found but not where I am looking. I started the thread because I really can't understand why a chain hotel can't or won't figure out a color scheme. A light tan wall, wood trim, a warm patterned carpet that reads solid from a distance. It's not brain surgery. Pal mentioned above that the crazy patterns and garish colors are chosen because of cost considerations. Why are people manufacturing these textiles with garish colors and patterns? I think someone in Asia is messing with us :)