My favorite 3.

When I travel alone, I savor the time I have to really look around and appreciate where I am especially if the surroundings are remarkably beautiful. These are 3 of my all time favorite hotels which, by no surprise, I saw for the first time when I was traveling alone.  Each of them in their own way was so incredibly memorable that even though I've visited many hotels since, these still remain my absolute favorites.

1.  Shutters on the Beach - Santa Monica, CA.  
This place is simply unbelievable.  It's located on Venice Beach about 15 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles.  The guest rooms are designed by Michael S. Smith who recently designed Obama's Oval Office.  The details make you feel like you're at home - a gorgeous home.  Or perhaps page 26 of a Pottery Barn catalog came to life and you get to sleep in it.  Check out the beautiful One Pico restaurant where movie moguls are making deals and Jennifer Aniston might be lunching with a friend.

Guestroom at Shutters

Poolside at Shutters

2.  The Pfister Hotel - Milwaukee, WI

Yes, I know when you think fine hotels, you don't usually think Milwaukee but the Pfister is legendary.  Built in 1893, the Pfister has hosted many dignitaries and every president since McKinley.  It is also home to visiting professional baseball teams.  I was working with the Minnesota Twins when I first arrived at the Pfister years ago. As we entered the lobby that first time, the lavish Victorian art collection and beautifully painted ceiling took my breath away.  It looked like a palace.  Since then, there have been reports that some ball teams believe the hotel is haunted and refuse to stay there anymore (see video from the Today Show on the Pfister web site).  Many people have reported hearing strange noises and there have been sightings of a portly man standing at the top of the lobby staircase surveying the property.  He's believed to be the original owner - Charles Pfister.  I've stayed there several times since and I've never seen the old guy or heard anything spooky.  It's always been wonderful.

Pfister Lobby

The hotel was purchased by a new owner in 1962 who refurbished it to it's original glory and added a new tower section.  I prefer to stay in the "old section" of the hotel.  Glass doorknobs, creaky floors and elegant staircases = tons of character. I love it!

3.  Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

Although the name says Sanibel, this hotel is technically in Ft. Myers. It's right at the beginning of the causeway that leads to Sanibel Island.  The hotel has a huge lobby with a Tommy Bahama-like feel.  There are several gorgeous restaurants with excellent food and superior service.  It has a great pool with cabanas on the sandy beach, tennis courts, beautiful spa and work-out facility. The grounds are immaculate. For some reason, dolphin love to hang out at the end of the resort's long dock. Several of them can be seen jumping and playing, day or night - they're always there.  Banana boat rides and dinner cruises are yours for the asking too.

Main Pool

Guestroom

Tarpon House

This hotel is very family-friendly.  For extended stays, there are several privately owned condo buildings next to the main hotel.  Each building has it's own pool, but you can still frequent the hotel's pool if you wish. I've returned to the Harbour Inn several times since and brought my family along.  We have our favorite condo that we rent directly from it's owner (I'll provide contact info upon request).

I hope I'm lucky enough to return to all of these places again someday.  Until then, I have great pictures and even better memories.

http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/ 
http://www.sanibel-resort.com/ 
http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/

Fall Colors

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for a good chic movie and what better chic movie than "Dirty Dancing"?  The vacation resort that was used in the movie still exists today (see link below) and they still dance the cha cha, but probably not quite like Patrick Swayze. The closest thing (to me anyway) is Lutsen Lodge on the north shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota.

Lutsen Lodge, Lake Superior, MN

It has the same family-friendly feel of the fictional Kellerman's resort from the movie.  Located just a few minutes drive from Lutsen mountains, this historical, 125 year old ski lodge sits right on the lake.  The lake itself is massive.  The waves are strong, the water is ice-cold and you can't see the shoreline on the other side which might make you think you're looking at the ocean.  The lodge is quaint and rustic. It's history is told in photographs on the walls inside.  There are hotel-like rooms within the main lodge, but there are also many different styles of properties nearby.  Newer condos, older time-share owned "Sea Villas" from the 60's, as well as well-appointed town homes are all within walking distance of the main lodge.  My family and I always stay at the Poplar Ridge Condos.  Beautiful views, big kitchen, hot tub, deck and a loft with twin beds for the kids.  The lodge has a pub, a gourmet restaurant, and indoor pool and....shuffle board!  It also hosts alot of weddings so call ahead or do your best to avoid the weekend if crowds are not your thing.

Unbelievable colors

There are plenty of things to do at Lutsen in the fall.  The colors can't be described.  Although catching them just at their perfect peak can be tricky.  Despite weather reports, we've always had good luck at the end of September and early October. Take the gondola ride up to the top of the mountain to get an even better view. Sit on the deck of their new restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine.....or two.

Alpine Slide

Sliding down the side of a mountain on a cement path at brake-neck speed normally wouldn't be something I'd want to do but I'll admit it....after the first ride - I was hooked.  The Alpine Slide starts with a beautiful and tranquil chair lift ride to the top of the mountain. There are plenty of look-out decks and the view is amazing so spend as much time as you wish up there.  When you're ready, jump on a sled and zoom down to the bottom. It does have brakes, oh and there is no racing allowed...... but I won't tell anyone if you don't.  Plenty of scenic mountain hiking, nightly bonfires on the beach at the lodge, great service, and delicious food all make for a fantastic fall weekend away.
http://www.lutsenresort.com/
http://mountainlakehotel.com/

Things Hotels Don't Want You To Know

1.  You get the best rate by calling the hotel's local number, not the 800 number which usually links callers to an off-site, centralized all center.  Instead of asking for the reservations desk, ask to speak with the manager on duty, the general manager, or the director of sales.  They have the authority to negotiate room rates.

2. Rooms are more expensive in the morning.  The best time of day to make a reservation by phone is right after 6pm.  This is when hotels wipe out all the no-show reservations that were unsecured by a credit card.  In cities like New York or San Francisco, the deadline in 4pm. Also, if you're planning a weekend away - hotel rates are usually lower on a Sunday, Monday & Tuesday.  Switch it up a little.  You'll save money and it'll be less crowded.
3. Everything is negotiable.  Even parking.  If the lot seems empty, offer less than the daily rate.
4. A thief takes one credit card, not your entire wallet.  It's no secret that crime is common in hotels.  The new twist is that some hotel thieves now take just one credit card when they find a wallet in a room and leave everything else untouched.  Often, the victim doesn't notice the card is missing until the credit line is maxed out.  Travel with only the cards you really need, and check your wallet carefully.  We recently had our credit card number stolen from the hotel staff in New York.  We used one credit card to hold the reservation and another one to actually pay for it upon check-out.  Since we never used the first card during our trip, we notice the fraudulent charges right away. They're not always big or obvious. Someone used our stolen card number to charge $60 at Walmart.  It raised a flag for me because I'm a Target shopper, but to someone else it might go unnoticed for a long time.
5.  Tip and greet your housekeeper if possible. She'll know your face and if someone enters your room while she's cleaning she'll know something's up.
6.  Your bags aren't always safe with the bellmen.  If your bag will be sitting for more than a few minutes ask for it to be stored in a secure room and get a claim ticket.
7.  Hotels really are infested with germs.  I really have to do some mental gymnastics to get over the "ickies" sometimes - even in what appears to be the cleanest hotel room.  There are certain items that never get cleaned.  A friend of mine who is married to an airline pilot said that he always takes the plastic wrap off of the cup (if there is one) and puts it over the TV remote.  Pack some anti-bacterial wipes and use them on the telephone and alarm clock as well. Also, the sheets may be changed out daily but the bedspreads almost never are.  I usually make sure there is always a sheet between the spread and me or I just remove it all together. 
www.bottomlinesecrets.com\information 

An Italian Vacation...that cooks.

Imaginary Me on a Vespa - the guy came with the picture

Ok. Picture me - well, I'll picture me and you picture you - whizzing around the hills of Sorrento, Italy on my very own little Vespa.  I've just checked in to the sweetest little boutique hotel at the top of the hill.  I'm surrounded by unbelievable panoramic views.  I can see the Gulf of Napoli and the Gulf of Solerno - I can even see Capri and Positano from here.  The hotel is called Oasi Olympia Relais.  It's a renovated ancient colonial house built in 1892. I can choose either a suite with those amazing views or my own cottage complete with it's own kitchen.  Maybe I'll choose the cottage so I can try out my new recipes, because this hotel also has it's own cooking school.

Oasi Olympia Relais

I can learn how to make pasta, gnocchi, stuffed Napoletan style squid (well, maybe I'll skip that class) and other classic dishes using organic ingredients from the estate’s own gardens. I can take a whole week of classes or just one. The classes are taught by the hotel's Chef Carmen. She learned to cook (like all good Italian girls) in her mama's kitchen.

The Kitchen

Chef Carmen

 After class, we'll take our freshly prepared dishes out on to the veranda, open a few bottles of wine and enjoy.  After dinner, I'll hop back on my Vespa, feel the wind in my hair, and head down the hill for more shopping or maybe I'll just unwind by the pool and enjoy the view.  What a marvelous vacation and those recipes will be a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
http://www.oasiolimpiarelais.it/

New York TV & Movie Tour

Carrie Bradshaw's apt. from Sex & The City

I'll admit it.  I'm a TV junkie.  I love TV.  I think it's exciting to see a live television show in production. A few years ago, before a trip to New York, I wrote to the David Letterman show for tickets...over and over again ...and they never responded.  I was bitter.  So bitter in fact, that I haven't watched the Letterman show since. (I'm still working with a therapist).  I was still excited, however, to see the famous Ed Sullivan theater from the outside at least.  Recently, I found a web site with several tours to offer celebrity stalkers like me.  These are film & TV show tours guided by actors and actresses who are certified tour guides.  They'll not only show you different TV and movie locations, but give you tips on how to get tickets to live tapings.  (Hmmm....I guess I could have used them all those years ago).  You'll visit the apartment building from Friends, the Cosby house, the cafe from Seinfeld and many other famous spots.  They'll play a little TV trivia and might even make you sing a theme song or two.  Well, that part would bug me but the rest sounds like fun.  

During our last trip to New York, I did some of my own detective work and found a few places that I really wanted to see.  Carrie Bradshaw's apartment from Sex & The City was (in the show at least) supposed to be on the Upper East Side.  In reality, the inside of the apartment was a set but the real stoop is at 66 Perry Street in the Village.  It was being refurbished when I found it.  They discourage people like me from standing on the steps and even have a little box for donations to keep it looking nice.  Just a block or so away on Bleeker St. is the Magnolia Bakery - the characters' favorite place for cupcakes. It was my own mini-tour, I may not have had a real actress for a guide, but it was fun!

http://www.screentours.com/tour.php/manhattan/ 

The next time I'm in Chicago

I'll need a few dance lessons before I go.
Turn up the volume and click the link below.
www.rumba351.com 

All-Inclusive? or not....

I always overeat when I stay at an all-inclusive resort. Probably because the food is TOO convenient - kind of like a cruise ship.  Some people love it, some people hate it.  Here's the skinny on the all-inclusive resort.  First, you'll usually pay $75-$150 more each day of your vacation for the all-inclusive option.  It usually means just food and drink. Spa visits and other activities often cost extra.If you're like me, trying to keep a mental tally of how much you're putting on your room tab can be daunting. It's quite freeing not to have to deal with money or tipping all day every day.  It's a God-send for those of us vacationing with kids. Take mine for example. They're never hungry at the same time and everyone usually wants something different.  It's so easy to send them to get a slice of pizza or visit the taco bar on their own...maybe TOO easy. Probably the biggest negative is that you're locked into the resort food. Sure, they might have 3 or 4 restaurants on their property, but by day 3 you've gotten the general idea and it's all starting to taste the same.  

I'm not a fan of the buffet line so getting up every day to face that giant mound of scrambled eggs being warmed over a Bunson burner is enough to ruin my morning.  At the bar, the drinks can be small and watery and you might be asked to pay an up-charge for a top shelf brand of liquor.  A big part of my vacation is enjoying good food.  I also like to leave the resort to poke around town and find a restaurant that I think is interesting.  You can leave the resort if you'd like, but since you've already paid for food for the day - it's like paying for dinner twice.  I guess you can tell which side of the debate I land on.  It all depends on what's important to you and how you chose to enjoy your vacation.  Before you go - check tripadvisor.com and see what people are saying about the food at your resort. 

www.tripadvisor.com

I heart Italy

Positano, Italy

Rick Steves is my idol.  He travels all over the world and writes travel guidebooks for a living.  Nice work if you can get it.  I saw one of his shows on PBS.  It featured the Almafi coast in southern Italy.  It caught my attention because it mentioned Positano - which is at the number one position on my bucket list. I knew nothing, however, of the neighboring Sorrento & the Island of Capri.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is known for it's world-famous....lemons?  Yes, lemons.  This quaint little town is set back in the mountains among a multitude of lemon groves -bet it smells terrific.  Sorrento as well as Positano and Capri offer breathtaking views.  Take a boat tour, explore the shopping and fine dining on your own - you can even take a cooking class.  (see tripadvisor link below for things to do).  In the morning, hop a ferry ride over to the Island of Capri where tours of the famous Blue Grotto are the most popular destination.

The Blue Grotto

Capri is teeming with the rich and famous so spend the day roaming around & rubbing elbows or rent a boat and tour the island by water.  Or visit the same shop Jackie O used to frequent for handmade sandals. That's my kind of souvenir.

Amedeo Canfora

 Plenty of historical sites, ruins and fabulous villas to tour as well.  Also, if you need a plan to see more of Italy, see Rick's tour ideas below.  

http://tours.ricksteves.com/tours10/its/dsp-itinerary.cfm?pa=215
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187782-Activities-Sorrento_Campania.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1783025-Activities-Island_of_Capri_Campania.html
http://www.canfora.com/customer/pages.php?pageid=1

Must Love Dogs

I adore Doris Day.  Someone once told me I looked a bit like her and I almost married him. She is still very much alive but sadly she lives in seclusion in Carmel, California.  I had heard somewhere that she co-owned an inn in Carmel so I was so excited when we were invited to attend a wedding in nearby Monterey and I could finally see it for myself.  I did have a secret wish that we'd have a Doris-sighting but I knew the chances were slim.  That aside, the inn itself was exactly like I'd hoped.  Quaint, cute, full of old movie posters, and plenty of dogs.  Doris loves dogs and it seems like everyone in Carmel does too.  Seriously, they bring them everywhere; grocery stores, restaurants, everywhere. 

The Cypress Inn is on a cute little street centrally located in a boutique shoppers paradise.  If you're a person who doesn't appreciate the wonder and fabulous-ness that is shopping, this is pretty much a nightmare for you. Head over to Pebble Beach and hit a few rounds. When you meet up at the inn later you can hear live music in the "living room", have a cocktail outside in the courtyard and feel like you're in an old movie.

 

The service is personal and attentive.  The rooms are spacious and clean.  And even though your sharing a hotel with dogs, there isn't any "evidence" to be seen...anywhere.  Get a room away from the courtyard if you can.  It can be a bit noisy or just go downstairs and enjoy it with everyone else....and their dog.

 http://www.cypress-inn.com/

Stalking George Clooney

George Clooney's home in Lake Como, Italy

Sometimes the best vacations happen while you're busy doing something else. I came across an article awhile ago on girlgetaway. com. Picture this: a group of four friends were each going through what could be characterized as, well, a rotten time in their lives.  The cure?  a girl getaway.  But where should they go?  They toss around perfectly good ideas but then suddenly someone blurts out, "let's go to Lake Como and find George Clooney!"  They're off!   Tracking George takes them from one fabulous place to another, meeting wonderful people who help them stay hot on the trail, and the food!  oh my, the food - (apparently George enjoys a good meal now and again)  things they never would have found if they had spent even a minute trying to plan it.  

Think of a goal - silly, fun, important to no one but you - be open to where it takes you. You might just find George Clooney....and what a vacation that would be.  Sigh. 

http://www.girlgetaways.com/articles/2008spring/we_stalked_george_clooney.html
www.girlgetaways.com 

Your Own Private Detectives

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

Everyone at one time or another has checked into a hotel and thought "this looks nothing like the pictures on the website".  Enter oyster.com, a fantastic hotel website that is now at the top of my fave list. Oyster.com handpicks professional writer/travelers who make undercover visits to hotels.  They take pictures of everything; the lobby, the street, the room, the bar - everything.  You get to take a look at the hotel as it really is...before you go.  Also, you get a clear, concise, no-nonsense review from a well traveled person.  They give you the pros and cons in one quick glance.  Want to find the most romantic hotel in Boston? Best party hotel in Vegas? How about best kid-friendly hotels in San Francisco? They offer lists of the top 10 categorized according to what is important to you. They feature hotel reviews for 8 major cities and 6 tropical island spots.  Check out the page with the side by side comparison photos and see how hotels can easily fool unsuspecting travelers.  The photos make me want to seriously upgrade my camera.  Right now. 



http://www.oyster.com/

You'll Always Have Paris

Ooooo I love it when I don't even have to go looking and things just come to me.  This little gem arrived in a tripadvisor.com update.  I haven't even begun snooping around in the South of France yet but this is a good start.  I love, love, love hotels with character and the Hotel De Vigniamont is a perfect example.  Luxury is appreciated but often times I'd rather stay somewhere with a story to tell.  This place is brimming with romance.  It looks like it's clinging to a different time and has no desire to ever leave it.  Nor should it. It's perfect the way it is.

It's situated in the enchanting little town of Pezenas, France. Owner "Babette" who lives in the building also cooks your breakfast. Among other little treats included in your room rate they offer a "raid the pantry" aperitif hour at dusk on the terrace.  Wines from local vineyards are poured and Babette makes another appearance to serve tasty hors d' oeuvres.  Seems like a marvelous way to spend a long weekend; munching crusty bread, savoring delicious cheese, and making stops at every single wine bar in this quaint little town. Plus, I'd really like to meet Babette. 

By the way, the reviews are excellent.  See the third link below.

http://www.hoteldevigniamont.com/
http://www.ot-pezenas-valdherault.com/index.php?lang=en
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g616105-d557123-Reviews-Hotel_De_Vigniamont-Pezenas_Languedoc_Roussillon.html

The Pearl NYC

The Empire Hotel New York

The Empire Hotel in New York has a new little sister.  The Empire Hotel Group announced the opening of The Pearl New York, a sleek looking luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Times Square on West 49th.  Boasting sound proof windows and walls (yay!) and 14 different styles of 4 star rooms, it offers yet another option for people who favor smaller hotels that are big on style. It doesn't open it's doors until October so there are no pictures available yet, but I'll keep my eye on this one.
www.pearlhotelnyc.com
www.empirehotelnyc.com

You Lost My What?!!!

If you're one of those people who can pack everything they need for a 5 day beach vacation in one little carry-on then I bow to you and you may move on to the next article.  For the rest of us who require checking a huge bag because we can't leave home without crucial hair products and handbags, stay right here.  Do you feel a tightness in your chest and a pang of anxiety when you watch that big ol' bag of yours slowing chugging it's way down the conveyor belt? do you whisper a silent prayer: please, please Mr. Airport-Man, please don't loose it?  While there are no guarantees that your bag will end up where you do, you can always ease the suffering by planning ahead a little.  Picture yourself with no bag having just arrived at your hotel in the Bahamas.  Do you want to be sitting in the lobby in the clothes you wore on the flight flipping through magazines all afternoon?  or maybe you'll just pick up a swimsuit in the hotel gift shop, right ? Good luck.  There are five to choose from and they're all a size 2. Instead, picture yourself lounging by the pool working on your second fruity-coconuty-rum-thingy and not really caring any more what time your luggage will arrive.  Have a back-up plan: pack an extra swimsuit & some sunscreen in your handbag, tote, or whatever will be by your side for the entire flight. If the worst happens at least you'll be dressed for it.