Tonight we decided to eat at the Marriott at El Mir Lebanese restaurant, downstairs in the former location of El Bacha. We had eaten here quite often when it was El Bacha, and have continued to do so after it had changed names, as the menu had remained virtually unchanged. Believe it or not, we chose El Mir because it does have reasonably priced food if you are...

Drove by the Novotel Hotel on Victoriei the other night and stopped on to check rates (never a good idea as walk-in rates tend to be the worst). Surprisingly enough they are taking a “different” tact during economic difficulties. There pricing is high. 330 Euros to be exact for a room. They told me that was maximum rates, but weren’t willing to...