Readers recommend

Belgium: holiday apartment

Fran Van Buggenhout Bed and Breakfast Holiday Home Apartment, 3 Straatje zonder einde, Mechelen 2800; e-mail fran.ronny@skynet.be, 011-32-15-20-97-21. “Mechelen, 10 miles north of Brussels, is noted for its beautiful cathedral, St. Romboutskathedraal, the tower of which has Belgium’s finest carillon. At Fran Van Buggenhout’s B&B;, we kept our windows open to not miss a sound; the church was only 100 yards away. Fran, fluent in several languages, paid attention to the smallest detail: The kitchen of the two-floor apartment was supplied with ham, cheeses, crackers, cookies yogurt, fruit and beverages. A hot breakfast arrived at the front door each morning, with warm, freshly made bread, plus an omelet, pancakes or daily special.” Small studio, $62; larger apartment $78.

Diane P. Male

Solana Beach

*

Mexico: Cabo cafe

Alexander Restaurant, Plaza Bonita Mall at the Marina, Cabo San Lucas; 011-52-624-143-20-22, www.sdro.com/alexander. “The food is exquisite, the service both friendly and immaculate at this Cabo restaurant. If you have room after the meal, order a coffee drink from the dessert menu -- the show when they serve it is nearly as good as the drink itself. If owner Alex Brulhart recommends the lobster fresh off the boat and a particular wine, take his advice.” Entrees $14-$24.

Tracy Brown, David Dougela

Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach