Category: Great Britain
Deciphering the hotel star-rating system.
If you've wandered around European cities, you've probably noticed that the star-rating system doesn't make a lot of sense. You'll see a three-star designation on an absolute dump, while that perfectly charming little auberge down the street has a solitary star.
If you've wondered what's up with that, you're not alone. Many of the complaints on tripadvisor are because the reviewer expected a level of service or accommodation from the hotel's star designation that the property didn't deliver.
Here's why.
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Lunchtime at the Victoria and Albert.
There are plenty of delightful places to have lunch in South Kensington. But one of the most appealing is in an unexpected place -- the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The restaurant here was the first museum restaurant in the world, and today, it's better than ever. The food is prepared fresh daily on site by award-winning Benugo Catering with something for every taste. There's poached salmon with dill sauce, roast veggie pie, brie and chicken panini, fresh salads, deli sandwiches, and everything in between. Plus delicious baked goods, and a nice selection of beer and wine.
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More than a Cathedral in Canterbury
Europe is so packed now that even when we travel off-season, we still make most of our arrangements in advance. These days, the convenience of not waiting in line offsets the hassle of being on a schedule. 
But every once in a while, we regroup on the fly and end up pleasantly surprised. On our last trip, it was an unplanned visit to Canterbury, a perfectly charming town in eastern Kent.
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