While Naples’ mayor says her city’s garbage issue has been overblown by international media, the U.S. embassy in Rome has nevertheless posted a tourist advisory about the problem. Visitors to Naples should apparently be aware that they may encounter local protests, large piles of garbage and/or fumes from burning piles of garbage. While the crisis seems to have abated somewhat since its height in May, the fact that there is too much garbage coming out of Naples and not enough dumps to send it still holds true.

Interesting - I just went to try to find the warning on the US Embassy Rome web site, and it’s no longer there. The story linked below mentions that residents were protesting the travel advisory - so maybe they removed it.

Whew! Plug Your Nose When in Naples

Lufthansa is beefing up its all business class service by adding a Dusseldorf to Newark route to its existing trans-Atlantic offerings. The airline currently flies all business class flights from Dusseldorf to Chicago and Munich to Newark. The new flight takes off on October 28, 2007.

Lufthansa to Launch All-Business Class Service from Frankfurt to New York

Qatar Airways first North American flight arrived at Newark Liberty International this week. The airline will fly non-stop from Newark to Geneva, Switzerland. Qatar Airways Maiden USA Flight Arrives in New York

With 12 rooms created by leading Belgian fashion designers, the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Palace Brussels may just be the most fashionable hotel in town. The 266-room hotel has been adding its Fashion Rooms to the property for the last two years. The last two rooms were completed recently. The one pictured here was designed by Kaat Tilley, a Belgian painter and fashion designer. Yes, that’s the bed!

To attract fashion-forward travelers, the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Palace Brussels is offering a Fashion Addict package for two. Starting at 299 euro/night, the package includes:

- Overnight accommodations in a Fashion Room

- A guide to Brussels’ most fashionable districts

- A map of the Dansaert District

- Breakfast for two

- Afternoon tea for two

Traveling overseas for business? Don’t be a rube.

International Business Etiquette 101

Last week, the 5-star Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam (whose exterior is pictured here) opened in the town’s city center. With a location about 1,600 feet from Central Station and a short walk from Dam Square, the 163-room hotel is certainly easy to reach. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Rooms also come with Nespresso machines and Lanvin bath amenities. In December, a wellness center will open on the property.

To celebrate its opening, the hotel is offering introductory rates. In June, rooms start at 200 euro/night. In July and August, room rates increase to 235 euro/night. In September, the increase yet again to 330 euro/night, but drop back down to 280 euro/night for October and November. Rates are good for bookings made before August 31 for travel through November 2007.

As an added bonus, guests at the hotel automatically receive 500 bonus miles from 18 participating airline partners when they show their frequent flyer cards.

Ask George: We’re going to be in London this summer and would like to make a side trip to Mykonos. I’m trying to figure out which airlines fly nonstop from London to the island and how much fares would be, but it’s not particularly easy to do. Can you help? Also, is there an official Mykonos tourist site?

Answer: As far as I can make out, British Airways flies this route nonstop from London’s Gatwick Airport only, with fares as low as $130 each way, but many dates are completely sold out for travel in July and August, and only the higher fares are available on days when there are seats. Also a possibility is Astraeus, which I believe offers nonstop charter flights from Gatwick, and charter operator XL Airways, also from Gatwick. As a side note, other airlines flying nonstop from European cities to Mykonos are TUI, Condor, and Transavia, among others. You can find route maps for these and dozens of other airlines on the Airfarewatchdog.com route maps page. Visit the island’s official Mykonos Web site, and you’ll find some reviews of Mykonos here on TravelPost.com.

George Hobica is a travel writer living in New York City.

Do you have a question to ask George? Send us your question, and George may feature it in an upcoming column.

Who woulda thunk it? You hear all this stuff about how much everyone hates Americans, yet we were voted 2nd best tourists in a recent survey of European hoteliers. Of course, the Japanese did beat us by 35 percent. But we were still second. I’m not sure why we’re such good tourists. Our tips and general largesse, perhaps?

And the Best Tourists in the World Are…

This month, Lonely Planet launches its new Encounter guidebook series with eight new titles aimed at travelers on short breaks and weekend jaunts to major cities like London, Dublin, Hong Kong and New York. At 6 x 4 inches, the guides are a good size for lugging around the city and include pull out maps and itineraries designed for two- to five-day trips. And along with the regular tourist information, this guide series offers tips, favorite destinations and other morsels from local celebrities (e.g. Craig Newmark in San Francisco).

Introducing Lonely Planet Encounter

I recently subscribed to a new newsletter called Suzanne’s Files, and I’ve found the travel section to be a great resource for hunting down luxurious little hideaways and destinations for weekend breaks in Europe (like Umbria’s Palazzo Terranova, pictured). The newsletter is penned by London-based writer, business consultant and entrepreneur Suzanne Aaronson, who has made it her life’s mission to hunt down unusual places, boutiques, products, experiences, etc., and tell others about them. Definitely a cool little resource for travelers who constantly want to be “in the know.”