Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 14,326 ratings
Read 14,326 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Paris, France was everything I wished for!
France | Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2024

Amy
Amy C.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
Paris, France was everything I wished for and so much more. It was my Eat, Pray and Love experience. Enjoyed every corner and every bit as much as I could. Itinerary was perfect and planned nicely, day by day with the essencial spots and meeting points needed. Amandine left everything very clear and understandable. I did this trip solo and never felt unsafe. Everything she sent me was by the book and on paper. Very thankful for this experience, and definitely looking forward to visiting... Read more

Paris, France was everything I wished for and so much more. It was my Eat, Pray and Love experience. Enjoyed every corner and every bit as much as I could. Itinerary was perfect and planned nicely, day by day with the essencial spots and meeting points needed. Amandine left everything very clear and understandable. I did this trip solo and never felt unsafe. Everything she sent me was by the book and on paper. Very thankful for this experience, and definitely looking forward to visiting France again in the future.

Hotel Review
La Maison Eugénie
Paris

The hotel was beautiful, very parisian and great spot by the metro!

Authenticity & Character
Very Parisian
Location
Its right next to the Pont Cardinet station
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Activity Reviews
Baking Class in a French Bakery
Baking Class in a French Bakery
Paris

Didier was absolutely wonderful as well as his translator. Learned sooo much from him, tried the baguettes and took the hotel baguettes as well. He also gave us the recipes to make at home!

Quality of Experience
Very authentic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Felt safe!
Transport
Learned the metro pretty quick!
French Conversation & Coffee at Café De Flore
French Conversation & Coffee at Café De Flore
Paris

It was also very authentic, wonderful, helpful!!

Quality of Experience
Guide was helpful and authentic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Amandine Dumas
Amandine
Amandine Dumas
Local specialist in Villefranche sur Saône | Replied on Oct 04, 2024

Thank you so much for sharing this nice review, it was a real pleasure to share this Eat, Pray, and Love adventure with you!
Thank you for your nice words and trust during this special trip :)
Take care, Amandine

Amazing Turkey presented in style!
Turkey | Sep 2 - Sep 24, 2024

Steven
Steven M.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
From the moment we stepped off the plane, until our last day, we felt special and well taken care of. Our guides were all simply excellent in both knowledge and personalty. We were able to shift times around to avoid long lines, and our guides always knew how to maximize our time.
All of our activities and hotel's were exactly as described, certainly above our expectations a few times!
As always, we cannot praise Kimkim and the local agents enough. Thank you for another wonderful holiday....
Read more

From the moment we stepped off the plane, until our last day, we felt special and well taken care of. Our guides were all simply excellent in both knowledge and personalty. We were able to shift times around to avoid long lines, and our guides always knew how to maximize our time.
All of our activities and hotel's were exactly as described, certainly above our expectations a few times!
As always, we cannot praise Kimkim and the local agents enough. Thank you for another wonderful holiday. We are traveling with you to India in February 2025, and cannot wait!

Hotel Reviews
Istanbul Life Hotel

Small, quiet, elegant, great breakfast, and LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. The Adian side of Istanbul is the place to stay. Europe is a 20 mins ferry ride away - and the terminal is a 5 mins walk from the hotel. Best of all are the hundreds of restaurants within a 29 minute walk of your room!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to everything from shopping to transportation.
Staff
Front desk never made an attempt to interact. The room service and breakfast staff were fabulous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Small rooms. But chic and well appointed.
Kale Konak Hotel

This is a must stay hotel. It is so much more than a hotel, it doesnt do it justice. It is a time capsule from the past adorned with fabulous antiques, quiet location, underground tunnels, and beautiful views.

Authenticity & Character
It is a museum with luxury appointments
Location
10 mi s cab ride to the heart of the city. It is a great town, but very bright, busy, and noisy. Up on the hill at the feet of the castle your stay will be calm and peaceful.
Staff
Breakfast staff were simply fabulous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything.
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Sep 28, 2024

Many thanks for your lovely review, Steven!

We look forward to hosting you here in Turkey soon.
Kind regards,
Berat

Our first trip to Morocco!
Morocco | Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2024

Ritz and Mario
Ritz and Mario B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
We had the absolute pleasure of having Faysel as our driver and travel guide during our trip to Morocco. Faysel is a true gentleman—thoughtful, respectful, and someone who proudly showcases his beautiful country. It was evident how much he loves his job and genuinely cares about his clients. He listened attentively and paid great attention to detail, remembering little things like when I mentioned my daughter was getting married. To my surprise, he bought her a gift at one of the shops we... Read more

We had the absolute pleasure of having Faysel as our driver and travel guide during our trip to Morocco. Faysel is a true gentleman—thoughtful, respectful, and someone who proudly showcases his beautiful country. It was evident how much he loves his job and genuinely cares about his clients. He listened attentively and paid great attention to detail, remembering little things like when I mentioned my daughter was getting married. To my surprise, he bought her a gift at one of the shops we visited—a touching gesture that speaks to his kindness.

Throughout the trip, we learned so much about Morocco’s culture, its people, and religion, all thanks to Faysel’s deep knowledge and passion for sharing his heritage. The long drives felt anything but long as we frequently stopped to explore various villages, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Our stay in Fès was quite interesting. The Riyad we stayed at was beautiful, and the city was vibrant. However, this part of the tour felt more like being taken to vendors to view products and, while we never felt pressured to buy anything, it was clear that this was a subtle marketing strategy. As a result, we ended up spending a bit more than we had planned.

The Sahara Desert, however, was absolutely phenomenal! Riding camels to reach our luxury camp was an unforgettable experience, and there’s truly nothing like it. We also enjoyed our stay at Dades, where the hotel was lovely and the meals—both dinner and breakfast—were simply superb. A special shoutout to the chef there!

Lastly, Marrakech! We loved this city immensely, and it was the perfect way to round off our trip.

Would I visit Morocco again? Absolutely! I would likely skip or shorten the stay in Fès next time, but without a doubt, I would use Kim Kim again and request Faysel to be our guide. His professionalism, warmth, and dedication made our trip unforgettable.

Hotel Reviews
Palais Amani
Fès
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi
Local specialist: Saïd Nayt Addi
Saïd
Saïd Nayt Addi
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Sep 30, 2024
Hi Ritz, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are glad to hear that Faysel made such a positive impact on your trip to Morocco. His dedication to showcasing the beauty and culture of our country truly shines through in everything he does. We appreciate your feedback about the experience in Fès. While we strive to provide immersive and enjoyable experiences, we understand the importance of maintaining a balance between exploration and shopping. Your insights... Read more

Hi Ritz,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are glad to hear that Faysel made such a positive impact on your trip to Morocco. His dedication to showcasing the beauty and culture of our country truly shines through in everything he does.

We appreciate your feedback about the experience in Fès. While we strive to provide immersive and enjoyable experiences, we understand the importance of maintaining a balance between exploration and shopping. Your insights will help us refine our offerings.

Thank you again for your kind words and for choosing to travel with us. We would love to welcome you back to Morocco for another adventure!

Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!

Warm Regards,
Said

Well planned trip.
Peru | Sep 4 - Sep 16, 2024

K
K A.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
The process of planning this trip with the travel company was quite easy. Liz was very patient with us, as we changed the itinerary a few times.
Once we got to Peru, everything was taken care of; transportation, guides, tours, hotels etc. All of our tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and made our experience exceptional. Drivers were always there and on time.
The restaurant recommendations provided by kimkim were wonderful. We had one poor experience at a hotel, but... Read more

The process of planning this trip with the travel company was quite easy. Liz was very patient with us, as we changed the itinerary a few times.
Once we got to Peru, everything was taken care of; transportation, guides, tours, hotels etc. All of our tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and made our experience exceptional. Drivers were always there and on time.

The restaurant recommendations provided by kimkim were wonderful.

We had one poor experience at a hotel, but kimkim made it up to us with a special night out. We were surprised and very grateful.

This trip was close to perfect. Would consider using kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Tika Wasi Valley
Sacred Valley
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chakana Boutique Hotel
Machu Picchu, Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Qalasaya Hotel
Puno
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tika Wasi Casa Boutique
Cusco
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private tour to The Sacred Valley
Private tour to The Sacred Valley
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Quad bikes tour in Moray & Maras
Shared Quad bikes tour in Moray & Maras
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Pachamanca Lunch Farm Tour
Shared Pachamanca Lunch Farm Tour
Sacred Valley
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Short Inca Trail Trek 1/2
Shared Short Inca Trail Trek 1/2
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Short Inca Trail trek 2/2: Machu Picchu SV Htl
Shared Short Inca Trail trek 2/2: Machu Picchu SV Htl
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Briefing about your future tour/trek
Briefing about your future tour/trek
Peru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Route of The Sun:  {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
The Route of The Sun: {{start_location}} - {{end_location}}
Peru
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Uros & Taquile Floating Islands tour
Shared Uros & Taquile Floating Islands tour
Puno
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shared Trek to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Cr
Shared Trek to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Cr
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking tour to  Sacsayhuaman, Cusco city & San Pedro Market
Private Walking tour to Sacsayhuaman, Cusco city & San Pedro Market
Cusco
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Liz Karen
Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Local specialist in Cusco | Replied on Oct 01, 2024

Hi KA,
Thank you very much for your comments. I'm glad to read that you had a nice experience in Peru, and it was almost a perfect one. Despite the poor experience you had at one of the hotels.
I'll be glad to help you in the future with any LATAM trips.
Take care.
Liz.

Happy honeymoon in Ecuador
Ecuador | Sep 17 - Sep 26, 2024

Tessa
Tessa M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
My husband and I loved our 10-day trip to Ecuador with Kimkim. Nick put together a great itinerary and was very patient with our many questions and changes. Once we arrived, Nick checked in periodically to make sure all was going smooth. And we had great experience with Sebastian, our local guide, who drove us between destinations, took us on tours/hikes, gave us tastes of local cuisine, had vast knowledge of the flora/fauna, culture and history of Ecuador, helped with translation, and... Read more

My husband and I loved our 10-day trip to Ecuador with Kimkim. Nick put together a great itinerary and was very patient with our many questions and changes. Once we arrived, Nick checked in periodically to make sure all was going smooth. And we had great experience with Sebastian, our local guide, who drove us between destinations, took us on tours/hikes, gave us tastes of local cuisine, had vast knowledge of the flora/fauna, culture and history of Ecuador, helped with translation, and generally made sure we were taken care of. We had never used a travel service, generally preferring to arrange our own travel, but we were very impressed with everything. And for our honeymoon, it was so nice to not have the extra stress of planning.

Hotel Reviews
Hacienda El Porvenir
Machachi

Beautiful hacienda. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We loved our horseback riding tour followed by sweat lodge and spa.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Huasquila Amazon Lodge
Cotundo

Our stay at Huasquila was a great introduction to the Amazon. The lodge was very comfortable and the meals were filling, tasty and authentic. They were able to accommodate a vegetarian diet. There were lots of activities to choose from. We particularly enjoyed a hike through a cavern, a chocolate making experience, and the visit to the local indigenous community.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Dear Tessa,

Thank you for this beautiful feedback, we're extremely happy to hear you enjoyed your honeymoon in Ecuador, and we hope you always have a piece of this small yet beautiful country in your heart.
I will let these lodges and guides know how satisfied you were with these stays especially Sebas as he will be thrilled to hear this feedback!
We look forward to welcoming you to South America again in the near future, and of course, you and Aaron will always be welcome in Ecuador like family!

Yours,
Nick

Turquía maravilloso
Turkey | Sep 23 - Sep 26, 2024

Raquel
Raquel K.
Mexico | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
Mi guía fue muy buena, visitamos lugares de forma exhaustiva y completa. Turquía es un país maravilloso. El hotel fue muy bien elegido, nos encantó!!! El trato fue maravilllso!! Read more

Mi guía fue muy buena, visitamos lugares de forma exhaustiva y completa. Turquía es un país maravilloso. El hotel fue muy bien elegido, nos encantó!!! El trato fue maravilllso!!

Hotel Review
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul

Excelente Hotel, limpio, excelentes habitaciones, bien situado, trato maravilloso

Authenticity & Character
Todo
Location
En el centro de los lugares sagrados
Staff
Muy serviciales
Cleanliness & Comfort
Todo excelente
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Oct 03, 2024

Hi Raquel,

Many thanks for your positive review!
We're happy to hear you had a fantastic time with us:)

Kind regards,
Berat

The trip was seamless and easy as KimKIm Tra...
Brazil | Sep 16 - Sep 26, 2024

W
Wendy J.
Orleans, MA | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
The trip was seamless and easy as KimKIm Travel set all in motion based on all of our needs and desires. Guides awaited us at every leg of our journey. Renata planned a great trip. We absolutely adored Bruno, our guide in Rio. He was kind, caring of our needs, and surpassed any expectations we might have had. The Availhanas lodge in the Amazon was amazing. The staff, particularly Pedro and Kenrick (one of our guides) went over and above any of our expectations.....The iguazu falls... Read more

The trip was seamless and easy as KimKIm Travel set all in motion based on all of our needs and desires. Guides awaited us at every leg of our journey. Renata planned a great trip. We absolutely adored Bruno, our guide in Rio. He was kind, caring of our needs, and surpassed any expectations we might have had. The Availhanas lodge in the Amazon was amazing. The staff, particularly Pedro and Kenrick (one of our guides) went over and above any of our expectations.....The iguazu falls were spectacular and then we ended with our last day back with Bruno. An overall perfect trip -

Hotel Reviews
Arena Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro

food was not good at dinner - buffet breakfast fine

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Intercity Manaus
Manaus

only there for a night prior to our amazon trip but staff kind and breakfast buffet decent

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
Manaus

an amazing experience from beginning to end - all the staff amazing - activities, meals, guides made everything seamless -

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nadai Confort Hotel
Foz do Iguacu

just a place to spend the night - as always breakfast buffet great

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arena Copacabana Hotel
Rio de Janeiro

love the location - again just a place to spend a night - breakfast buffet as well great -

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half-Day Tour of Sitio Burle Marx, Rio de Janeiro
Half-Day Tour of Sitio Burle Marx, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

this is a definite must see if you want to see the authenticity of the area outside of the big city -

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Iguaçu Falls Hike on the Argentina Side
Iguaçu Falls Hike on the Argentina Side
Foz do Iguaçu

spectacular views

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Carioca Lifestyle and Carnival Culture (by Public Transport)
Carioca Lifestyle and Carnival Culture (by Public Transport)
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Days at the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
Full Days at the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Renata Guglielmetti
Renata
Renata Guglielmetti
Local specialist in Brazil | Replied on Oct 07, 2024

I'm so glad to hear you had such an amazing trip! It’s wonderful to hear how much you appreciated Bruno in Rio. The Avalhanas lodge must have been an incredible experience, and Iguazu Falls is simply breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Sebastian put together a wonderful first time...
France | Aug 23 - Sep 1, 2024

T
Tahira C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
Sebastian put together a wonderful first time visit to France! I really liked the neighborhood of our hotel in Paris, where it was easy to walk to nice eating and shopping places and it felt safe and clean. Our tour guide Sabine was kind, patient, and knowledgeable on our guided fashion/shopping experience. Harry, who was our guide for Palace of Versailles, was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. The hotel was nice with good food. In Marseille, my favorite was the guided walking... Read more

Sebastian put together a wonderful first time visit to France! I really liked the neighborhood of our hotel in Paris, where it was easy to walk to nice eating and shopping places and it felt safe and clean. Our tour guide Sabine was kind, patient, and knowledgeable on our guided fashion/shopping experience. Harry, who was our guide for Palace of Versailles, was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. The hotel was nice with good food. In Marseille, my favorite was the guided walking tour, a self walking tour the local African/French markets, and our gourmet restaurant meal. Ezekial was our walking tour guide and was so patient with my mom and Susan as they needed to end the walking tour early; he helped them get a ride back to the hotel. The hotel in Marseille was my favorite with the decor, food, and lovely kitchen and home-style way of serving breakfast. Nice was great as well and we enjoyed our full day tour to Monte Carlo, Eze, and Monaco with our guide (unfortunately I did not record his name in my notes; he lives very close to the hotel we stayed in in Nice). He shared a lot of knowledge with us and drove safely. The hotel in Nice was not quyite as nice as the ones in Paris and Marseille but everyone was friendly and the location was very close to attractions in the Old Town and shopping, which we all enjoyed. We did have a few small challenges knowing when to get off of the trains to Nice and Marseille as the announcements were difficult to understand (we are not fluent in French) and finding elevators/escalators for painful arthritic knees in metro stations was tricky. The boat ride in Marseille for the Calanques National Park was a bit rougher and more wet than we anticipated. I think we all thought the boat would be larger and a smooth laid back ride, but the sea cliffs were lovely. All in all, I really enjoyed the trip and would love to visit all of these areas again and many more in France in the near future. Thank you!

Activity Reviews
Paris: Illuminations River Cruise
Paris: Illuminations River Cruise
Paris

So fun and pretty to experience. We were able to go around 8:30 pm which was great timing to catch the Eiffel Tower light up around 8:45-9pm. I kind of wish we could have arrived a day or 2 earlier before doing this as we were very sleepy during the tour since it was our first day in Paris.

Quality of Experience
relaxing and lovely sights to see
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the guide was funny and had humor in providing the history of the bridges sights along the tour.
French Fashion, Fragrance and Fun in the Marais
French Fashion, Fragrance and Fun in the Marais
Paris

I loved going into French based fragrance and jewelry stores where we made some purchases. I'm not sure I learned any specifics of French fashion which I kind of though I would but I liked our guide Sabine and how she was told us about the area and the unique shops. She was able to arrange an chocolate demonstration and tasting for us which was very cool.

Quality of Experience
Found some places to discover that we probalby never would have known but we got some unique gifts for ourselves and loved ones.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and easy to talk to; very patient and not pushy or loud in her demeanor.
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Sep 27, 2024
Hi Tahira, how are you? Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your first visit to France and had a memorable experience. It sounds like you really made the most of the diverse places and activities in each city. I'm thrilled that the hotel in Paris was in a great neighborhood for walking, and that Sabine and Harry made your fashion and Versailles tours special. I'll definitely pass on your kind words to them, as well as to Ezekial... Read more

Hi Tahira, how are you?

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your first visit to France and had a memorable experience. It sounds like you really made the most of the diverse places and activities in each city.

I'm thrilled that the hotel in Paris was in a great neighborhood for walking, and that Sabine and Harry made your fashion and Versailles tours special. I'll definitely pass on your kind words to them, as well as to Ezekial for his helpfulness during the walking tour in Marseille.

I'm sorry to hear about the small challenges with the trains and metro stations, as well as the unexpected roughness of the boat ride in Marseille. I'll make a note of those for future trips, especially when it comes to planning more accessible options and clearer transportation tips.

Your positive remarks about the hotels, especially in Marseille, and your enjoyment of the tours in Nice and Monte Carlo, are great to hear. Thank you again for sharing your experiences, and I’d love to help plan your next adventure in France whenever you're ready! Safe travels, and I hope to assist you again soon.

Cheers,
Sebastian

Our trip to Croatia was amazing. Great people...
Croatia | Sep 13 - Sep 18, 2024

M
Marie R.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Our trip to Croatia was amazing. Great people, great food and such wonderful history. Robi was awesome with planning our trip from Dubrovnik to Zagreb including the national parks. The arrangements were wonderful and he even found a few unexpected sites for us to visit. He checked in with us every night and sent us updated information and even managed to work with the weathe.I would highly recommend him and Kimkim.

Local specialist: Robert Pinčević
Robert
Robert Pinčević
Local specialist in Croatia | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Hi Marie,
thank you very much for your feedback and kind words, much appreciated.
I am happy to hear you had a good time, and that I was able to contribute to your experience.
Many regards from Croatia!
best
Robi

The perfect blend of guided and unguided activities.
South Korea | Sep 10 - Sep 23, 2024

David
David R.
Berkeley, CA | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Christine, we really liked the accommodations, especially La Meridian Myeongdong, AC Marriot (Gangnam) and La Valse in Busan. I must admit, I was surprised to learn that our hotel on the beautiful natural island of Jeju was in a highly urban area; it wasn't what I expected. But the hotel itself was fine. We appreciated the balance of planned activities (six days) and unplanned activities (5 days). That really worked for us. The guides were tremendous. Jiyoung, Jake and Kevin were all so... Read more

Christine, we really liked the accommodations, especially La Meridian Myeongdong, AC Marriot (Gangnam) and La Valse in Busan. I must admit, I was surprised to learn that our hotel on the beautiful natural island of Jeju was in a highly urban area; it wasn't what I expected. But the hotel itself was fine. We appreciated the balance of planned activities (six days) and unplanned activities (5 days). That really worked for us. The guides were tremendous. Jiyoung, Jake and Kevin were all so different, but they were fun, friendly, enthusiastic and informative. We couldn't have been happier with them. In fact, we've enjoyed guides in several other countries and we think Korea's might have been the best we've ever had. One of the special aspects of having a great guide is that you learn more about the culture than simply learning about the sites. We learned about how elders are treated, about the different perspectives of the different generations, the ways the ancestors are honored (and so much more). Also, Alicia Lee was extremely helpful in many regards, especially in supporting us in real time. Thanks to you and Kim Kim for another great experience!

Local specialist: Christine Liu
Christine
Christine Liu
Local specialist in Seoul and China | Replied on Oct 12, 2024
Dear David, Hope you are doing fantastic. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your accommodations, especially at La Meridian Myeongdong, AC Marriott in Gangnam, and La Valse in Busan. We appreciate your feedback about the location in Jeju. We’re delighted that the balance of planned and unplanned activities worked well for you, and it’s fantastic to know that Jiyoung, Jake, and Kevin made such a positive impression. Our guides are truly... Read more

Dear David,

Hope you are doing fantastic.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your accommodations, especially at La Meridian Myeongdong, AC Marriott in Gangnam, and La Valse in Busan. We appreciate your feedback about the location in Jeju.

We’re delighted that the balance of planned and unplanned activities worked well for you, and it’s fantastic to know that Jiyoung, Jake, and Kevin made such a positive impression. Our guides are truly passionate about sharing their culture, and we’re glad you felt that connection. Learning about the nuances of Korean culture from them is something we strive for, and it’s rewarding to hear that you found that experience enriching.

Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to create more memorable experiences for you in the future.

Best regards,
Christine

Sauf stomach issues, great trip!
Morocco | Sep 10 - Sep 15, 2024

L
Le'Kedra Q.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Ok, so the 4 stars had only a little to do with my KimKim experience overall. However with all of the illnesses my husband and I experienced, giving the trip five stars would not be real. Ok, things that made this trip great - driver pick up from the airport - they hired a porter once we arrived near our Riad Bayti, because the streets are so narrow, we could not be dropped off doorstep. My husband was so sick, he couldn't walk to the Riad, and the porter put him in the wheelbarrow and... Read more

Ok, so the 4 stars had only a little to do with my KimKim experience overall. However with all of the illnesses my husband and I experienced, giving the trip five stars would not be real. Ok, things that made this trip great - driver pick up from the airport - they hired a porter once we arrived near our Riad Bayti, because the streets are so narrow, we could not be dropped off doorstep. My husband was so sick, he couldn't walk to the Riad, and the porter put him in the wheelbarrow and wheeled him to our Riad = ABOVE AND BEYOND! The Riad was in a central location - right by the spice market. The host was gracious and kind and we had refreshing mint tea as our welcome drink. Our room was traditionally decorated and had a full and a twin sized bed which turned out to be a blessing. There was also a very nice rooftop where I spent a lot of time.
My first full day, I had a nice full day tour. You can easily get lost in the narrow streets and not where you want to be - so it was nice to have a guide show me around - let me enjoy "sand coffee" and take me to a lovely (allergy accommodating) lunch. YSL gardens/museum were nice - 1.5 does suffice. I had a relaxing hammam experience with a stellar massage! I enjoyed Marrakech, but after my own bout of food borne illness, I was happy to take our leave.

We headed out to Imlil which was a nice scenic car ride. Upon arriving, our Riad (Dar Imlil) was lovely - they upgraded us, and our room had a both a nice indoor sitting area, as well as a nice balcony overlooking the pool with the mountains as the backdrop. We sat there for several hours taking in the peacefulness of the mountains and the surrounding quiet enjoying freshly brewed teas the host gave us to ease our gastric distress. We had a very good outdoor dinner prepared by our host that was more than we could eat and just delicious. The next day we had a hike. Abdullah our KimKim host knew my husband still wasn't feeling well and he asked if we wanted a mule - that was extremely thoughtful and turned out to be a great option that allowed my husband to not completely lose out on the trip. We were able to have a nice lunch at our guide's home. Turns out, they also AirBnb their place-so it was updated and clean and we didn't feel "eeked" out eating there (considering our negative food experiences on the trip - no fault of KimKim). We then head off to Agafay to Yes, We Camp - it was an oasis in the desert. We were welcomed, dropped our bags in our "glampsite" and headed to the pool. I was in the desert and the pool water was actually COOL!!! Later, we went for a camel ride and then had a very LARGE dinner back at the camp with fun entertainment included. I mean for a desert location, it definitely exceeded our expectations! We checked out the next morning, and off to Casablanca to catch our flight.

So sickness aside, we had a really nice experience. Prior to Morocco we were in India...comparing KimKim to the tour company we used there to Morocco, is another reason for the 4 stars. In India we had soup to nuts VIP experience where our driver became our friend and was very friendly and kind, and we met our met our local host in person and he made sure we lacked nothing. Our Morocco drivers were "friendly enough" but not our friends - can't remember their names. . .I never actually met the local guide. So, I would say, if you are looking for the "average traveller" experience, then this is for you. Unfortunately, I had just completed a 5 star hotel VIP experience in India, so I had to reset my expectations here. . .which is fine, but dear reader, just letting you know.

Hotel Reviews
Riad Bayti
Marrakech

This Riad was centrally location in the spice market, very walkable. The host was gracious and very accommodating. Our room was very nice and comfortable, decorated traditionally. They have a great rooftop where I spent evenings privately, writing and unwinding. I had a delicious dinner dinner at the property my first evening (where you can get wine) and each morning a (bread heavy) breakfast. The only reason I don't give 5 starts here is because you do need to request/pay for bottled water and I'd just stayed in 5 star hotels in India. . .and I want to be honest:-)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The towels I think are line dried, for an American, just note, there's no "fabric softener" so the towel smelled used.
Dar Imlil
Imlil

This place has a very good location. Our room had a balcony that overlooked the pool and we had the mountains as our backgdrop - we spent hours sitting there and just enjoying the view. We informed our host that we were having stomach issues, and they brewed us a special tea that helped a lot. Our dinner as traditional and very good (which means a lot as we were recovering from food issues on Turkish airlines and in Marrakech). We only stayed one night, but we very much enjoyed the hospitality of the host and the superb view!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yes We camp Agafay
Marrakesh

This is our second time "glamping" in a desert. Our first stay was in Dubai, which we absolutely loved, but this one exceeded our expectations! Our "tent" was SOOO clean - no "icky" feeling, it was nicely decorated and felt new. There was a really nice pool and the water was actually "cool" being in the desert! There was a nice dinner, with more food than I could possibly eat, that was delicious, and we had energetic live entertainment. We only stayed overnight - but it felt like the kind of place I could have stayed for several nights and really had some nice chill days!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Magic of Marrakesh: A Guided Tour
Explore the Magic of Marrakesh: A Guided Tour
Marrakesh

I had a really great time with my guide! He allowed me to ask endless questions about the culture and at no point did he seem annoyed. I'm a shopper that hates having someone hover, but to be honest, with the endless streets and shopping areas, it was nice to have someone to navigate and help negotiate while I was shopping. We also had a late lunch together, and he was so personable, it felt like I was having a lunch with one of my friends. He did a great job and we had a lovely day together.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Serenity Unleashed: Indulge in a Tranquil Hammam & Spa Experience
Serenity Unleashed: Indulge in a Tranquil Hammam & Spa Experience
Morocco

Framing this, I've done spas in multiple countries in the world. As a prude American, I always have to say to myself, I'm not in America, you're gonna be naked. But, my "scrubber" who kept leaving the door open, could tell I was uncomfortable and at one point, she actually laughed at me (I laughed too). My massage was firm, and my therapist kept checking in to make sure the pressure was good - it was very, very good. I enjoyed my experience very much, but I am not giving 5 stars because the scrubber poured water on my face and it went up my nose and down my throat, and the experience felt a little rushed. I do understand when your operation turns over a lot of people in a single day, but I as the client never want to feel that.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From Bustling Medina to Mountain Tranquility: Marrakech to Imlil Transfer
From Bustling Medina to Mountain Tranquility: Marrakech to Imlil Transfer
Morocco

The guided trek through Toubkal National Park was truly wonderful. Even though we faced some health challenges with my husband being sick, the local guide was incredibly considerate and arranged for a mule, so he didn't miss out on the experience. This made the outing memorable and enjoyable, allowing us to take in the beautiful scenery without worry.

Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Sep 26, 2024
Hi Le'Kedra, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We’re glad to hear that you found many aspects of your trip enjoyable, despite the challenges with illness. It’s wonderful to know that our team went above and beyond to ensure your comfort, from the thoughtful assistance of the porter to the gracious hospitality at the Riads. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the activities, including the guided tour, hammam experience, and the scenic beauty of Imlil... Read more

Hi Le'Kedra,

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We’re glad to hear that you found many aspects of your trip enjoyable, despite the challenges with illness.

It’s wonderful to know that our team went above and beyond to ensure your comfort, from the thoughtful assistance of the porter to the gracious hospitality at the Riads. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the activities, including the guided tour, hammam experience, and the scenic beauty of Imlil and Agafay.

We appreciate your constructive feedback regarding the driver and local guide experience. Your insights are invaluable as we continually strive to enhance our services and provide a more personalized touch.

We're sorry that your trip was marred by illness, but we’re glad that the beauty of Morocco still shone through. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for a healthier adventure in the future!

Best regards,
Abdel

Excellent trip and support, again!
Italy | Sep 10 - Sep 19, 2024

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Michael R.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Planning was very smooth - Rita was very helpful and insightful. Support during trip was timely and professional. Kim Kim support was aware of our train cancellation before we were and proactively rebooked and notified us. We’ve had just as good of service from Kim Kim on previous trip. Would highly recommend and will definitely use again! Read more

Planning was very smooth - Rita was very helpful and insightful. Support during trip was timely and professional. Kim Kim support was aware of our train cancellation before we were and proactively rebooked and notified us. We’ve had just as good of service from Kim Kim on previous trip. Would highly recommend and will definitely use again!

Hotel Review
The Glam
Rome

Excellent hotel. All staff from front desk to rooftop were wonderful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Oct 01, 2024

Hi Michael, thank you very much for taking the time to submit your comments! We appreciate your kind words, and I am happy you had a wonderful experience in Italy with Espíritu Travel and Kimkim. I hope to work together in the future!🥰 All my best, Rita

I don't expect that you should publish more than excerpts...
Switzerland | Sep 15 - Sep 24, 2024

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Dennis m.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
I don't expect that you should publish this as a review of specific places, but rather use is as some guidance for selecting the places you offer to your clients.
All our accomodations were convenient and clean, and provided good value for the cost. Few had adequate hanging space for hand-washed clothing (and often exorbitant laundry pricing). Some had very little space for placing anything so we had to rummage in our bags on the floor. Location and quantity of electrical receptacles...
Read more

I don't expect that you should publish this as a review of specific places, but rather use is as some guidance for selecting the places you offer to your clients.
All our accomodations were convenient and clean, and provided good value for the cost. Few had adequate hanging space for hand-washed clothing (and often exorbitant laundry pricing). Some had very little space for placing anything so we had to rummage in our bags on the floor. Location and quantity of electrical receptacles was generally feeble, particularly since the vast majority had only one port and that was in many cases already occupied by a lamp or appliance cord. Modern travelers need to charge phones and other electronics, and preferably be able to use them while charging. We invested in a combination USB charger/plug adapter that took care of providing USB charging but only had one pass-thru AC receptacle (It replaced a lost adapter that only served to provide a port for our 3-port extension cord). At least one hotel had USB charging ports at each nightstand. Several hotels had receptacles that had 3 ports arranged around a central axis, which works for three ungrounded EU-standard cord plugs but does not accept our adapters or chargers without blocking the unused ports - making the outlet no more useful than a single-port one.
Meals at the hotels were all quite good to excellent . We only took one dinner in a hotel (in Zurich - excellent albeit from a limited cafe menu). Breakfasts were all great in terms of quality and variety. Our only gripes about breakfast are that the coffee machines generally can serve only a dozen or so tiny (but nice) coffee drinks, one at a time, to a line of generally sluggish and easily confused customers. Getting a decent-sized cup of black coffee usually takes multiple button presses and cycles, and a trip to the machine is best done empty-handed so one doesn't have to balance a plate of food while puzzling out the menu and waiting for the action. Some of the breakfast layouts were kind of chaotic, with a lot of walking around to scope out the offerings and decide on what one wants, then finding things in a rational order and navigating the traffic of other similarly challenged customers. A first-world problem, I realize, but it could be easier...
We spent for an upgrade to our room in Zurich so we'd have extra space for our final re-packing and some relaxing before the flights home, and it proved worthwhile. Hanging and shelf space were still limited and arranged so that it seemed we were always in each others' way or blocking a closet door when unpacking/packing . The ultra-modern bath was almost entirely open to view from the room, being walled with glass. We didn't mind the lack of privacy, having been married for 47 years now, but having any light in the bathroom illuminate the whold sleeping room was annoying. The toilet and shower were further isolated by a second, partially frosted glass wall which hid only the toilet. IMHO, a bathroom that has no provision for using the toilet then washing and drying at least the hands before handling one's clothes is barbaric. No amount of TP is ever going to beat soap and water. Oddly, the only bidet we encountered on our trip was in a 350-year-old house in Courmayeur (IT) remodeled as an inn by a young couple, in a small bath with everything in reach and a place to put everything two guests would need.
Maybe someday we'll stay somewhere that has, on each side of the bed(s), a nightstand, reading lamp, two receptacles compatible with chargers and adapters, hanging space, shelves and drawer space and a countertop or bag stand big enough for at least one large and one carry on bag. The room should also havelso two decent chairs, at least one usable desk with power, some open level space for snacks and personal items, adequate lighting for sorting, packing, reading out of bed and for the cleaning staff to see what they are doing. A dim nightlight in the room, switched from both sides of the bed or by a motion detector, and a second one in the bathroom placed to not illuminate the bed when the bathroom door is open should be standard. Bathroom lights should be switched inside the bathroom so they can be operated without waking a sleeper.
On our Tour du Mt. Blanc, many inns had a shoe-changing room at the entry, with at least a place to store dirty outdoor shoes, and some offered loaner sandals or mules for indoor use. Several had drying racks or cabinets and a couple even had hanging space for wet raingear and packs and wet clothes. These might be over-kill in urban hotels, but for folks who intend to do a lot of walking and sightseeing in whatever weather is extant they are a real attractive amenity.
Our transportation was fine - the driver who took us to Martigny was good comapny and full of information. The rail passes worked fine, though I seemed to have a hard time finding the daily ticket on my phone sometimes and had to log back in repeatedly.
The bike tour out of Interlaken was great fun. Guide Leo did a great job herding us (10) and laid on a nice picnic. The bikes were good quality and plenty powerful, though the saddles could be better. Getting a train of 11 bikes through the traffic of downtown Interlaken seemed a bit chancy, but Swiss drivers are a lot more courteous than Americans and all went well.
The Jungfraujoch was grotesquely oversold and overrun with tourists (like us), many of whom seemed obsessed with getting the perkiest selfie ever taken at whatever cost. Lines for everything, and lines for lines. Dirty windows so photographs from indoors were not practical, but there were few places one could stop inside anyway apart from at dining and shopping opportunities. We took a walk through the Discovery tour, partly icky and artless but partly interesting and informative, spent a bit of time out on the balconies and the glacier in worsening weather, then bailed out as soon as we could get onto the train. At Klein Scheidegg the food options were quite limited but we had a little lunch of food bought from the sausage stand and some we'd brought, then hiked down the trail to Grindelwald - quite enjoyable in a very unusual sort of rural setting, and a much-needed opportunity to de-compress and get some exercise.
The outing from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus was very much more to our liking - still a little busy but much less intense than Jungfraujoch. Lower elevation, better weather and less imposing infrastructure made the whole experience there more comfortable partly because folks could spread out on the trails and outdoor viewpoints and there wasn't the sense of collective claustrophobia - just a bunch of friendly people out appreciating a beautiful place, mostly unhurried and un-flustered. The cogwheel train down and the boat ride back to Lucerne were also quite pleasant - we got back feeling like we'd had a fun, relaxing and stimulating day. We should have scheduled Zurich for other than a Monday as most of the cultural attractions were closed, but we had a good time walking and sightseeing, with a big bike race event to provide a little bit of buzz (though opportunities to see any of the time trial racing were quite limited).

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Phoenix Zermatt
Zermatt

Quiet area but convenient to the station and town, clean contemporary decor, good amenities (reading lights, charging ports), little hanging space outside of a small armoire, or layout area for unpacking (pretty typical - fortunately we didn't need to dry out any wet gear). Breakfast service is great, like almost every Swiss hotel we visited. There is a new hotel blocking the view toward the Matterhorn. Check-in was easy, recption staff helpful and friendly, knowledgeable about local hiking.

Authenticity & Character
Contemporary style with references to tradition but not kitschy at all.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Could use a boot/shoe changing area at the entry and loaner sandals to help guests avoid tracking in dirt. Not a problem for us as the weather was fine.
Parkhotel Schoenegg
Grindelwald

Very good location WRT views, a little bit of an uphill hike from the station but worth it. Perfectly charming and helpful staff. We asked to move to a different room further from the elevator and were "upgraded" to one in the original section - a long walk from the stairs or elevator and a flight down to the room in a stairway smelling faintly of deep frying oil. We could exit the building directly outside our door but not enter that way, but the room was relatively spacious and well-equipped. Noisy people upstairs , but it's a hotel.... Breakfast service is excellent - so much to choose from that it's hard to just grab a quick breakfast without a couple days of reconnaissance to know where to find what you want, and the elaborate automated coffee machines are kind of a bottleneck.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing to distinguish it, but nothing to fault it for apart from the old wing that is too good to tear down but not up the the level of the rest of the building.
Location
Great view
Staff
Unobtrusive but efficient and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Could use boot trays and more hanging space for wet gear. Duvets aren't my favorite bedding - hard to regulate temperature. A top sheet, two light blankets and a duvet would cover more range with less draftiness or overheating.
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora
Luzern

Very stylish and beautifully decorated public areas, great breakfast service, convenient but quiet location. A great base for walking the downtown/old town area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mathilde Dubuisson
Mathilde
Mathilde Dubuisson
Local specialist in Villefranche-sur-Saône | Replied on Oct 01, 2024

Hello Dennis and Karen,
Thank you so much for sharing about your trip to Switzerland! I am sorry to read about the inconveniences you had during your stay such as the limited outlet options or the crowded breakfast areas. On the other hand, I'm glad to read you had a great time overall, especially that you enjoyed the bike tour! This type of feedback is valuable and helpful to us!
I wish you all the best in your future travels!
Mathilde

Our travel agent Angela ( Aggeliki) was the b...
Greece | Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2024

C
Carolyn S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Our travel agent Angela ( Aggeliki) was the best. Being based in Greece, she knew the best places to stay and arranged everything perfectly. Loved every moment. Read more

Our travel agent Angela ( Aggeliki) was the best. Being based in Greece, she knew the best places to stay and arranged everything perfectly. Loved every moment.

Hotel Reviews
Boheme Mykonos Hotel
Mykonos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Antony Suites & Residences Naxos
Naxos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Absolute Bliss
Santorini
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private round transfer anywhere in Santorini
Private round transfer anywhere in Santorini
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
HS Catamaran Sunset Cruise MD
HS Catamaran Sunset Cruise MD
Santorini

This was magical. The only way to truly appreciate Santorini.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Angela (Aggeliki)
Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Local specialist in Greece | Replied on Sep 26, 2024

Yeia sou Carolyn!

I'm so happy to know that you had a blast in Greece and I was able to part of that. 😍

I would love to see you coming back soon and show more of my amazing country.

Until our paths meet again, take care & safe travels,
Angela and the GA Trips team

The booking experience was good, Stephen was helpful but the exsorbatant cost did not result in the trip of a lifetime.
Scotland | Sep 16 - Sep 22, 2024

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Karrie A.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
The booking experience was very good, Stephen was responsive and made the process easy. The trip however did not live up to the dollars spent. One of the vendors arrived an hour late which led to lost time on our tour since we were on a schedule for transportation to our next location. The tour was very good but I did not appreciate the lost time and sightseeing that had been paid for. Kimkim did their best to connect with the vendor to find out when we could expect them to arrive but... Read more

The booking experience was very good, Stephen was responsive and made the process easy. The trip however did not live up to the dollars spent. One of the vendors arrived an hour late which led to lost time on our tour since we were on a schedule for transportation to our next location. The tour was very good but I did not appreciate the lost time and sightseeing that had been paid for. Kimkim did their best to connect with the vendor to find out when we could expect them to arrive but it took me almost 45 min to get in touch with anyone at Kimkim.
Stephen booked excellent private tour providers and hotels in Scotland but the tour itself was very poorly organized. Our first day put us at the hotel way past dark, we had to get take out food as everything was closing and we missed out on some of the planned stops. The next morning we sat with our local driver and reviewed our itinerary. He said that this is common for 3rd party planners. Our tour as written was not feasible; we worked together to reconfigure it into a trip that made sense for the time it takes to travel from sight to sight and based on our interest and the events that had been pre-paid. This reconfiguration provided a more enjoyable experience.
The end result is that I would not use Kimkim again, the very high cost did not result in a luxury trip, only luxury hotels that we did not have time to enjoy. Going forward I will take the time to work with local vendors to configure a trip.

Hotel Reviews
Craigellachie Hotel of Speyside
Aberlour

Beautiful hotel, I would love to have spent more time here. The hotel is furnished in beautiful antiques and woven fabrics produced locally. The pub and restaurant looked wonderful, sadly we did not get there in time to try them. The breakfast was very good and the staff were wonderful. The only note is there is no lift / elevator so it is not conducive to those travelling with a lot of luggage or mobility needs. Stairs are the only option.

Authenticity & Character
The decor
Staff
Everyone one was kind and helpful, that is the Scottish way after all.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Druid House B & B
Inverness

The owner is a wonderful woman who is so very welcoming. She made all efforts to make us feel home as we arrived late and hungry. I would highly recommend staying here if you plan to spend some time in the inverness area. It is a great place that provides an at home feel. The rooms are spacious and very well appointed with everything you need.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like home; after days of hotels and car rides it was a nice change.
Location
Just a hop off of the main road.
Staff
The owner greets everyone with a huge smile and is clearly glad to open her home. I would have loved to stay there longer, she made it very easy to be comfortable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The home is spotless, our room appeared to be new and was extremely well appointed. I was thrilled with the Dyson hair dryer and just wish we had more time to enjoy the large soaking tub.
Hotel Colessio
Stirling

The rooms are very small, you will be stepping over luggage to get around. The location is good but don't bother to stay for breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
We were told it was an old hospital so I'm glad it no longer looks like one but there was very little "character"
Location
Very walkable to all of the sights
Staff
Staff was fine, good to see teens working
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fine for one night
Activity Reviews
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk

Fantastic feat in engineering, we enjoyed seeing it but the boat ride was not worth the time.

Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

The castle is amazing. The history and views are not to be missed but book the guided tour.

Visit the Kelpies
Visit the Kelpies
Scotland

We all enjoyed learning about the story behind the Kelpies. The tour was informative and being able to go inside the structure was something I will remember each time I see photos of the iconic pair.

Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Stirling

We did not know what to expect from this tour but it was above and beyond any other tour experience. A one on one opportunity to ask all the questions and delve into any aspect of not only Bannockburn but the overall history of Scotland was fantastic. I will look for similar bookings on all of our future trips.

Johnstons Of Elgin
Johnstons Of Elgin
Elgin

We all enjoyed this tour, although I believe there is room for improvement on how the mill and process works it was an enjoyable and educational experience that we would recommend.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Sep 27, 2024
Dear Karrie Thank you for taking the time to write the review. I LOVE that you thought the guides were great, and the hotels were special. I especially love that you name-dropped the ones you adored: Bannockburn, Druid House, Craigellachie, but also the guides that you didn't mention by name, in Ireland, and in the Highlands. To your point about the pace of the trip, I am sorry to have heard just now that you didn't arrive as early as you had desired. I do recall the day planning as being... Read more

Dear Karrie

Thank you for taking the time to write the review. I LOVE that you thought the guides were great, and the hotels were special. I especially love that you name-dropped the ones you adored: Bannockburn, Druid House, Craigellachie, but also the guides that you didn't mention by name, in Ireland, and in the Highlands.

To your point about the pace of the trip, I am sorry to have heard just now that you didn't arrive as early as you had desired. I do recall the day planning as being tight, and for that I apologise if it all became too overly ambitious. I do remember though, that the addition of Grantown on Spey, for example, was at your last-minute request. Any rate, it is a relief for me to read that the guide we chose for you managed to sort all of this out. To avoid this concerning future travelers we will take note - to add more free-time in each day!

Lastly, when it comes to the delayed driver at the very beginning of the trip, I believe that was because you had requested a size increase to accommodate excessive luggage. Do you remember? This vehicle was changed overnight and the driver was, as a result, late. This is how I understand the situation.

Thank you again for the detailed trip notes, I am very appreciative of the detail and also your overall comments - we do listen, and we do implement changes based on feedback - and that is why I say THANK YOU! All the best, Stephen Molloy - High Point Holidays

FAMILY TRIP TO IRELANS
Ireland | Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024

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Barbara O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Claire was our travel agent. Can you imagine asking someone to coordinate a family trip with 19 people which included 9 children ranging in ages from 1-15. Claire not only met our expectations but far exceeded our expectations. She coordinated our 10-day trip to southwest Ireland and Dublin. There was something for all ages. Our travel every day was a large motor bus that Claire coordinated along with our daily tours by Claire. She was available at all times if we needed her--we only... Read more

Claire was our travel agent. Can you imagine asking someone to coordinate a family trip with 19 people which included 9 children ranging in ages from 1-15. Claire not only met our expectations but far exceeded our expectations. She coordinated our 10-day trip to southwest Ireland and Dublin. There was something for all ages.

Our travel every day was a large motor bus that Claire coordinated along with our daily tours by Claire. She was available at all times if we needed her--we only called called her once. Our driver, Con, was delightful.

The tours were amazing. Claire listened to our requests and requirements. Her recommendation for restaurants were amazing. We give Claire 5+ Stars. We have used Kim Kim 3 x's in lthe ast two years. We have always had excellent trips kimKim is is great and look forward to our next trip with their amazing advisers.

Hotel Review
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Excellent for our large family. The breakfast was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Staff was very efficient and pleasant.
Location
Location was about a mile from Temple Bar but was perfect for large families.
Staff
Attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lunch at Petronella
Lunch at Petronella
Kilkenny
 Gap of Dunloe Adventure & Lakes of Killarney Day Tour
Gap of Dunloe Adventure & Lakes of Killarney Day Tour
Killarney
Falconry Adventures
Falconry Adventures
Killarney

This was a true highlight for the children.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mark, the owner was terrific
Transport
Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Ireland

Amazing. Kids really enjoyed as much as adults.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Visit Blarney castle and kiss the stone
Ireland
Private tour to the Ring of Kerry
Private tour to the Ring of Kerry
Killarney

This is a must see for anyone visiting Ireland.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny
Private transfer
Private transfer
Dublin
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Private Transfer/Taxi in Town
Ireland
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Dublin

Book of Kells were lent out.

Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Self-Guided Guinness Storehouse Experience
Dublin
The Leprechaun museum
The Leprechaun museum
Dublin

It is not what you expect. It is more. It is very well out together about Irish Folklore. It was amazing.

Local specialist: Claire Monfray
Claire
Claire Monfray
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Oct 02, 2024

Hi Barbara and Patrick,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It was truly a pleasure to craft a personalized trip for your family, and I’m incredibly grateful to have contributed to a small part of your family’s travel memories.
All the best,
Claire & High Point Holidays Tean

Our trip to Norway was outstanding!
Norway | Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024

Sarah
Sarah P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Our trip to Norway was outstanding, thanks in part to Kimkim. The itinerary they put together for us was great. We had no issues with any of the transportation. We loved traveling on the trains and ferries. The hotels were perfect for our family - the kids loved the bunk beds! Not something you find in American hotels. My favorite part of the trip was our stay in Dragsvik/Balestrand. The views were breathtaking. The kids loved kayaking in a fjord in Bergen. Our guide Johan was wonderful.... Read more

Our trip to Norway was outstanding, thanks in part to Kimkim. The itinerary they put together for us was great. We had no issues with any of the transportation. We loved traveling on the trains and ferries. The hotels were perfect for our family - the kids loved the bunk beds! Not something you find in American hotels. My favorite part of the trip was our stay in Dragsvik/Balestrand. The views were breathtaking. The kids loved kayaking in a fjord in Bergen. Our guide Johan was wonderful. Kimkim made it so easy for us. We would definitely use them again.

Hotel Reviews
Dragsvik Fjordhotel
Balestrand

The hotel was our favorite of the trip. The views are spectacular. The food is delicious. The staff couldn't have been more gracious and helpful. We had two rooms for four of us. They are minimal, with no tvs, but the gathering areas in the lobbies and outside were perfect for enjoying each other's company. They even had a shuttle you could use to get into Balestrand since it is a drive around a fjord to get there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The setting is beautiful. Everywhere inside is a gorgeous view. It's about 12 minutes from "town" but there is a local bus and the hotel has a van.
Staff
Family run, they were lovely and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Byporten
Oslo

Great location. The lobby is so cute. It's attached to an indoor mall which was nice because it was raining when we were there. The included breakfast was wonderful. The kids loved the bunkbeds!

Authenticity & Character
Super cute lobby - with a barber shop.
Location
Right next to train and bus stations.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Terminus
Bergen

Our ferry arrived a while before check-in but they were able to accommodate us when we got there. It's a bit of a walk from the ferry terminal but nothing too bad. We had backpacks which made it easy - you probably could take a taxi if you had a lot of luggage. Overall location was great though. We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
A Norwegian evening on the fjord
A Norwegian evening on the fjord
Oslo

This was a fun activity for us after walking around the city all day in the rain. It was raining on the trip too, but they have a tarp that keeps you dry and you can still see everything. The staff was very friendly and informative. When they say all you can eat shrimp, they mean it! We unfortunately didn't get to see a sunset due to the rain, but the lights in Oslo harbor were lovely.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ethel Laul

The Tour du Mont Blanc trip was spectacular! ...
France | Sep 7 - Sep 19, 2024

Caroline
Caroline S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
The Tour du Mont Blanc trip was spectacular! The hikes were strenuous but all had amazing beauty. KimKim worked well with the local tour company, Altitude Mont Blanc, to arrange accommodations that worked well with the hikes. When the hotels were off the route, they provided transportation. Marion provided extra electronic maps which ensured that we did not get lost. She also researched other forms of transportation when some of the gondolas and such were closed for the season. Everything... Read more

The Tour du Mont Blanc trip was spectacular! The hikes were strenuous but all had amazing beauty. KimKim worked well with the local tour company, Altitude Mont Blanc, to arrange accommodations that worked well with the hikes. When the hotels were off the route, they provided transportation. Marion provided extra electronic maps which ensured that we did not get lost. She also researched other forms of transportation when some of the gondolas and such were closed for the season. Everything with accommodations and transport went exactly as planned. We enjoyed the other activities beyond the hiking trip as well including a trip to the Mer de Glace and ice cave.

Local specialist: Marion Passelegue

Review of 3 week trip to Africa - September 2024
Kenya | Sep 2 - Sep 20, 2024

Greg
Greg F.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Overall we were very happy with the itinerary offered and the locations and accommodations were terrific. We do have a few suggestions to make the trip easier. 1 - We expected the overland transportation to be in a newer and more comfortable vehicle, like a Land Cruiser. We were in an older minivan which was not the best for the 28 hours of travel we did from location to location plus the 24 hours of touring and game drives on very poor roads. Our driver, Stanley was fantastic but we... Read more

Overall we were very happy with the itinerary offered and the locations and accommodations were terrific. We do have a few suggestions to make the trip easier.

1 - We expected the overland transportation to be in a newer and more comfortable vehicle, like a Land Cruiser. We were in an older minivan which was not the best for the 28 hours of travel we did from location to location plus the 24 hours of touring and game drives on very poor roads. Our driver, Stanley was fantastic but we did notice the ride was much better more comfortable and faster with guides who had new Land Cruisers.

2-We had a flight delay out of Nairobi (we were told the delay was secondary to airline strike Monday) which made us miss our connection in Lusaka to Livingstone, and only found out about this when we arrived at the airport ready to leave for Lusaka and then to Livingstone. Someone from Nariku should have been able to notified us beforehand and make necessary flight changes. We had to wait in the Nairobi airport for 4 hours waiting for Joseph to make new arrangements and then we had to spend the night unexpectedly in Lusaka, waiting for a flight out to Livingstone the next day. We met people in the Nairobi Airport who had a direct flight to Victoria Falls Airport. We should have been redirect to that flight and not miss a day of touring.

3-We did not get our inter Africa flights until a few weeks before our trip. Those should have been done farther in advance because we did have to make major changes. There were flights that we found doing our own research that were shorter, also we should have been booked on a direct flight Nairobi to Zimbabwe with car transfer to Livingstone which would have alleviated the missed connection on September 13th.

Hotel Reviews
Pelican House

Very large and comfortable. We had the 3 bedroom compond with 4 staff to ourselves. Private very clean and beautiful. Beautiful views. Saw animals everyday. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rudi

Great location and super friendly staff. Small room and a little worn but beautiful manor home and gardens.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Nairobi

Excellent location and big beautiful lodge and ground. Excellent food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp
Maji Moto

very wonderful and unexpected interactions with all the camp. it has left an impression on our lives. Food and outdoor eating meals excellent. Great for 2 days.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashnil Mara Camp
Maasai Mara

Great tent but hot in the daytime and cold at night. Beautiful looking out onto river, but too far into the reserve - a 2 hour drive from the entrance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport

wish we didn't have this unexpected stay but this City hotel was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone 20100

great Zambia location for walking to the Falls.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Commodore Hotel
Cape Town

perfect location and ambiance - great breakfast and ok staff - not as friendly as other locations but typical for a Big City Hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park
Kenya

Good intro to Kenya - saw lots of animals including a Rhino charging our van.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Kenya

fun and informational

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Giraffe Center
Giraffe Center
Kenya

interesting but we have Giraffe at our zoo that we can feed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy

excellent in every way

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Game Drives
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Game Drives
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Meet The Northern White Rhinos
Meet The Northern White Rhinos
Ol Pejeta Conservancy

so special to meet the remaining 2 in the world and feed them

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lion Tracking
Lion Tracking
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Game Drive
Night Game Drive
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lake Naivasha Activities
Lake Naivasha Activities
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park
Lake Naivasha Hells Gate National Park
Kenya
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Activities
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Activities
Maji Moto
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Activities at Maji Moto
Cultural Activities at Maji Moto
Maji Moto
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maasai Mara Game Drives
Maasai Mara Game Drives
Masai Mara
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Falls Tour
Victoria Falls Tour
Livingstone

We did not need a guide for this activity. Easy to walk and enter the Falls area at no charge. Paths and walkways well marked and safe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zambia & Zimbabwe Activities
Zambia & Zimbabwe Activities
Livingstone

The Elephant Cafe was terrific

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dine at GOLD Restaurant
Dine at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

Not a great meal but fun entertainment.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula & Robben Island Tour
Cape Peninsula & Robben Island Tour
Cape Town

great drive , boat ride and tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Hermanus Tour & Whale cruise
Full day Hermanus Tour & Whale cruise
Cape Town

disappointing because of weather conditions, rough seas and very long 5 am drive from Cape Town. Beautiful location

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Cape Winelands Tour
Full day Cape Winelands Tour
Cape Town

the weather was bad but we did see great locations. Our guide arranged a private small family vineyard tasting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Joseph Thuo
Joseph
Joseph Thuo
Local specialist in Nairobi, Kenya | Replied on Sep 28, 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we're glad to hear you enjoyed the itinerary, accommodations, and locations we curated for your trip. We sincerely appreciate your suggestions and insights on the areas where we can improve. The airport strike and resulting flight disruptions were unfortunately beyond our control, but we understand how this impacted your experience, and we will certainly work on ways to be more proactive in such situations in the future. We’ll also take your... Read more

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we're glad to hear you enjoyed the itinerary, accommodations, and locations we curated for your trip. We sincerely appreciate your suggestions and insights on the areas where we can improve. The airport strike and resulting flight disruptions were unfortunately beyond our control, but we understand how this impacted your experience, and we will certainly work on ways to be more proactive in such situations in the future.

We’ll also take your comments about the overland transportation and flight arrangements to heart, ensuring that our future trips provide more comfort and efficient travel. Your input helps us fine-tune our services, and we’re committed to making improvements. And of course we’ll pass along your compliments to your driver guides.

Thank you again for choosing Nariku Travel Experiences, and we hope to have the opportunity to host you on another adventure soon.

Regards,
Joseph

From start to finish we had an incredible tri...
Croatia | Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2024

C
Carol B.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

From start to finish we had an incredible trip to Croatia. Antonia did a fantastic job with our trip plan. Every transfer and tour went off without a problem. Every driver, guide, tour/experience, and accomodation was phenominal! Croatia is such a beautiful country with warm, welcoming, and helpful people. I loved the small experiences that allowed us to get to know the guides and drivers and hear their stories. Antonia always made sure she was available if we needed anything at all. This was a trip we will not forget- Thank-you Antonia!

Local specialist: Antonia Šutić Ljuština
Antonia
Antonia Šutić Ljuština
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Oct 04, 2024

Hi Carol,
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave me a review! I’m so happy you had a great time in my home country and thank you so much for putting your trust in me and Kimkim! It was a true pleasure working with you and I sincerely hope that you will choose Croatia as your travel destination once more.
I wish you all the best!
Antonia