Hotel Whitcomb is an elegant, affordable historic San Francisco hotel. San Francisco has it’s share of grand, splashy, historic hotels the Fairmont, the St. Francis, and the Palace to name a few but there is one that’s often overlooked. Perhaps it’s the location on mid-Market close to Civic Center and the Tenderloin, not atop glamorous Nob Hill or in bustling Union Square, but despite its history and grandeur, Hotel Whitcomb doesn’t have the same cachet as the other century-old landmarks. And that’s too bad, it should. The lobby sparkles with Austrian crystal, marble, and polished brass. An opulent lobby resplendent with Austrian crystal chandeliers, Tiffany glass, Italian marble columns and floors, and Janesero wood paneling opens onto Market Street across from the Orpheum Theater. Above, 460 airy rooms have high ceilings and are appointed with beautiful furnishings. On the mezzanine floor, the Crystal Gallery showcases vintage photos of the hote...[more »]

Take in a Carmel-by-the-sea sunset at Hofsas House Located in the quaint town of Carmel by the Sea, Hofsas House is a rare gem in this ocean-side village. The Bavarian-themed Hofsas House is family-owned and operated with 37 uniquely decorated rooms, some with ocean views. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and all have dutch doors to take in the fresh sea air. Hofsas House Crafting Package It was a a gorgeous 70 degree day on my early March visit to the Hofsas House in Carmel. While I was out walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-sea and dining on calamari at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, women from all over the world were sitting contentedly at the poolside meeting room sewing with local Carmel business woman, Loes Hinse. Several times a year Hinse offers specialty four-day sewing seminars. The Hofsas House offers the perfect European ambiance for sewing, quilting or knitting retreats. Enjoy the swimming pool at Hofsas House, Carmel-by-the-sea Family-friendly Hofsas House Not on...[more »]

Premium Cabin at Yotel New York City It’s no secret that New York City hotel rooms are among the priciest in the country. So when a hotel comes along with low rates, there’s got to be a reason for it. In the case of the Yotel Hotel, it’s because it specializes in tiny compact rooms that they call cabins. But just because the rooms are tiny, doesn’t mean they scrimp on features. All rooms come with convertible beds, TVs, plenty of storage space and bathrooms with showers. Amenities also include complimentary wifi (almost unheard of in a NYC hotel). What they don’t have is room service, mini bars or even in-room coffee bars. They don’t have a lot of space to lounge around in either. But let’s face it, if you’re in New York City, you’re probably not going to be in your room much anyways. Especially when the hotel is located two blocks from Times Square. The trade-off of room space for low rates is one worth making, especially when, for...[more »]