Lodging

Snowboarders jumping at Northstar Photo courtesy of Northstar

The Northstar Resort at Tahoe is offering a Stay and Ski Free package from $108 per person per night.

Skier upside down during jump Photo courtesy of t a k k @flickr

The package includes lodging in a studio condo and two free lift tickets. Staying at Northstar Resort always includes a list of amenities:

• Free high speed internet access
• Free local, domestic, and international calling
• Free shuttle to ski area
• Free ice or roller skating with complimentary skates
• Priority lift lines
• Free ski and board storage in The Village
• Rental shop express line

In room amenities include:

• Soft Egyptian towels and comfortable beds
• TV with DVD player, HBO and basic cable
• Hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Access to washer and dryer
• Units with kitchens are fully equipped
• Units with fireplaces have firewood provided
• Coffee maker with Starbucks coffee

If you book three nights, you get the fourth night free.

Northstar has 18 lifts serving 89 trails; 13% are for beginners, 60% intermediate, and 27% advanced.

The new Village at Northstar is featuring Baxter’s Bistro and Lounge with live music and fine cuisine. Their signature cocktails are made with fresh herbs and fruit. The Chocolate Bar in The Village serves savory small plates, desserts, wines, spirits, and their award-winning chocolate martini. Euro Gelato serves up gourmet gelato and specialty desserts, and after a long day on the slopes head to Balanced Holistic Health to get those sore muscles rubbed down, with a choice of massage techniques.

Stone massage after a day on the slopes Photo courtesy of Northstar

Northstar Resort has added new Village luxury condominiums to their list of accommodations. You can choose from the budget-friendly hotel rooms, to family-friendly condominiums, to five-bedroom mountain homes for larger groups.

Stay and Ski Free at Northstar Resort.
100 Northstar Drive
Truckee, CA 96161
1-800-GO-NORTH

Full disclaimer: I’ve never been to Telluride, Colorado. I’ve spent time in Ridgway, a few miles down the road, but I’ve not been to the mountain town’s famed summer bluegrass festival, nor have a skied Telluride’s powder.

Telluride's New Sheridan Hotel and the San Juan Mountains.

But if I were to escape on a romantic getaway with my husband sometime soon, I’d consider booking a room at the New Sheridan Hotel, which debuted its $7 million renovation last weekend. Originally built in 1895, the New Sheridan Hotel is now Telluride’s “newest oldest hotel.”

After an extensive, eight-month renovation, guests can soothe sore muscles and partake in apres-ski beverages in one of the hotel’s two new roof-top hot tubs with views of the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains.

New room amenities include 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, heated bathroom floors, walk-in closets, iPod docking stations, LCD flat-screen TVs and plush robes. Gone are the shared bathrooms that had been added to some floors in the 1970s; private bathrooms have been returned to all rooms (nice move).

The hotel’s New Sheridan Bar, I’m told, is Telluride’s social center. It’s one of the oldest watering holes in the U.S. West, with a hand-carved wood bar, original lead glass divider panels, mahogany wood paneling and filigree light fixtures.

I love that the hotel dates back 117 years – amazing history and a true Telluride landmark. It sounds as if the renovation only enhanced the offerings at the New Sheridan Hotel, while maintaining its historic integrity.

Rates start at $229/night.

Photos courtesy New Sheridan Hotel.

Lake Tahoe in winter.

The plan was to spend Christmas in Tahoe. But the 115 mph winds and 100 percent precipitation that dumped some two feet of powder on Christmas day put a stop to that.

Instead, we waited out the storm and packed up the kids, their new toys and a cooler full of juice boxes and sippy cups, and headed to South Lake Tahoe on Friday, under clear blue skies and sunshine that glittered off a blanket of pristine powder.

The roads were still iffy — the median along Emerald Bay Boulevard (89) was an impenetrable snowbank, but descending the grade into this wonderland felt like being sprinkled on top of a sugar-frosted confection, the sparkling blue lake surrounded by a generous layer of white icing.

We arrived at our rental in early afternoon, a cozy A-frame cabin a few blocks from the Tahoe Keys. Crystalline icicles clung heavily along the high-pitched roofline. I broke one off and handed it to my daughter Parker, who had never seen one. Delighted she chomped on it like a popsicle.

Our South Lake Tahoe cabin dripping with ice.

Cabin rentals are a popular, convenient and affordable way for families and groups to visit Lake Tahoe. Ours, a three-bedroom, two-bath, betrayed it’s ’70s vintage with wood paneling, an avocado-colored kitchen sink and glossy, framed posters of the lake. The spoon collection was a homey touch of Tahoe kitsch.

The large brick hearth dominated the living area and was instantly and often put to use. An upstairs closet was stocked with baby gear including a pack ‘n play, toys and a booster seat.

Our cabin was deceptively roomy and we shared it easily with husband’s parents without ever feeling like we were on top of one another.

The cost was a reasonable $150 per night.

Not exactly the White Christmas we’d imagined, but I’ll take the day after — drinking coffee in pjs in front of a crackling fire, kids romping in the snow outside.

Some cabin rental companies include Tahoe Cabin Rentals, Vacation Rentals by Owner, and First Accommodations.

Photos by Lisa Dion

Times Square by Countdown Entertainment LLC

There’s one New Year’s Eve celebration that surpasses all others in tradition and excitement. Watching the ball drop at One Times Square, New York, New York.

I’ve been watching the 60-second “ball drop” ever since I can remember–first as a child sitting in front of the TV at home with my parents, and still now, at New Year’s Eve parties the TV’s always on with a group of people standing around, watching the countdown.

Times Square many years ago photo courtesy of New York Times

The tradition is over one hundred years old. On December 31, 1907, the first seven-hundred-pound iron and wood ball glided down the flagpole on the tower of the New York Times headquarters at the intersection of Broadway, 42nd Street, and 7th Avenue. That’s nothing compared to the 11,875 pound crystal ball to be unveiled this year.

New York has plenty of options for places to stay, but below is a list of hotels that have a view of Times Square and the New Year’s Eve Ball:

Rennaissance New York Hotel Times Square
Two Times Square
714 Seventh Avenue at West 48th Street
(212) 765-7676

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square New York City
1568 Broadway
(212) 719-1600

New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway
(212) 398-1900

A couple weeks ago I wrote about the brilliant Timbers Hotel, where my family typically stays before we board an early morning flight at Denver International Airport. While the Comfort Inn Airport is not nearly as classy as the Timbers, it’s a valid contender for an ideal place to rest your head overnight and park your car for the duration of your vacation.

Decent rooms at the Comfort Inn Airport.

Because the Comfort Inn is next door to DIA Park, an off-airport parking facility, the hotel offers guests complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport 24 hours a day. During our mid-December stay, the front desk gave us a time that our large group of 9 was to board a van to the airport in the morning; the van could not accommodate all of us, since people were already on board, having parked their car at DIA Park.

A quick phone call brought another van to the Comfort Inn for us. Most airport-area properties only have one van servicing the hotel, whereas the Comfort Inn has access to an entire fleet of shuttles. This is a good thing when you need to get to or from the airport fast! On your return, you call a local number, and DIA Park will send a shuttle to pick you up from the airport or let you know if it’s already there (as it was on our return).

Otherwise, the hotel is a standard three-star property: clean beds, decently sized rooms, but nothing out of the ordinary. There is an on-site indoor pool, free wireless Internet (with Internet-capable community computer in lobby) and free copies of USA Today. The free breakfast in the morning includes make-yourself waffles, fruit, two kinds of cereal, hard-boiled eggs, toast, cold pastries and stale bagels.

But you can’t beat its location – 15 minutes from the airport – or the rock-star shuttle service. The price is pretty good, too, considering parking is included. We paid $110 (plus tax) for one night of park-and-fly rate for a standard room with two double beds. A three-double-bedded room was $130 (plus tax) for the night. Pets are allowed for a small fee.

Photo by Kara Williams, December 2008.

Front entrance to Camelback Inn

Christmas is over, the New Year is about to begin. Make a resolution to spoil yourself with a weekend away playing golf and getting spa treatments at the newly renovated Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.

There’s something special about the dry desert air. It’s an inspiration to get outside and have some fun.

Come to Scottsdale for swimming, golfing, tennis, shopping, hiking and indulge in the full-service destination spa.

Play Golf

Camelback Golf Club features:

• Two championship, 18-hole courses
• Driving range with chipping and putting greens
  

  Sunrise over Indian Bend Course

• 36,000 square-foot pueblo-style clubhouse
• 2,400 square-foot award-winning golf shop
• Southwestern, county club-style Golf Grill
• Luxurious lounge with outdoor fireside seating
• Strategic and challenging layout

Enjoy the Spa

The Spa at Camelback Inn has been recognized as one of the top 100 spas in the world by the premier spa guide, 100 Best Spas Of The World. Services are extensive, including:

• A full spectrum of different styles of massage

Sunset at the spa pool

• Facials specifically structured for your skin type
• Body wraps and purification treatments
• Private cabanas for all day use
• Full saloon for hair and nails
• Personal training services
• Sprouts–a sophisticated restaurant with healthful fare

Grab your favorite person and escape for some golf and spa at the newly renovated Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Rooms begin at $299 a night

Photos courtesy of Camelback Inn Resort and Spa

Bayfront One Condos on the waterfront

Experience a different side of California. The victorian seaport of Eureka isn’t like the California that most people envision. It’s not girls in bikinis roller-blading down the boardwalk, or crowded beaches that are too hot to walk on during the summer months.

The beaches of Northern California still have surfers; they still have kiteboarders. But they also have lots of room for flying kites, taking dogs and horses for long runs, even driving on the beach in certain areas. And the waterfront has long been a working waterfront for fishermen and longshoremen, during the years of the thriving lumber and fishing industries.

But Eureka has had to be imaginative lately. With the loss of the lumber industry, and the dimishing fishing industry, Eureka had to have a facelift–something it’s needed for a long time.

Carson Mansion in Eureka, California

 

Old Town

The grande dame of Eureka, standing proud overlooking the bay, is the Carson Mansion, an exquisite Victorian mansion built by lumbar baron William Carson. Now a private club, the Carson Mansion sets the bar for renovation and restoration of historical buildings. Eureka has many Victorian mansions lining her streets, some still family homes, some turned into apartment buildings, and some are bed and breakfasts.

Living room of Bayfront One Condo

But what’s new to Eureka is Bayfront One, thoroughly modern condominiums that sit on the water’s edge. This is the premier spot to be in Eureka, and they’re now available as vacation rentals. Just steps away from fine dining, specialty shopping, and art galleries the condominiums at Bayfront One have spectacular views right in the hub of the North Coast. Watch the activities of the bay from through huge plate glass windows.

View of Humboldt Bay from condo

Take a week’s vacation on the North Coast and settle into your home away from home at Bayfront One, waterfront condos in Victorian Old Town, Eureka, Calif.

One and two-bedroom units available from $1,500-1,800 a week. Available by the day also.

San Francisco loves a good party.

Hearkening back to the days of the Barbary Coast, San Francisco has always known how to throw a party. And it still does. Though some have scaled back, many of downtown’s poshest digs are still putting on sumptuous spreads and decadent dance parties to put 2008 to bed and welcome the promises of a new year. Here is a short-list of some of the action.

Top choice hotel among movie stars, musicians and wealthy entrepreneurs, the elegant Clift offers a one-night hotel package and “ultimate cocktail party”  that starts at $685 and includes accommodation and admission for two to the party with a hosted bar, hors d’oevres from Asia de Cuba and music by DJ Rockaton and DJ Marshall Barnes.

The New Year’s Eve dinner and dance gala at the Top of the Mark (with one of the city’s most stunning and legendary views) features a four-course dinner, complimentary bottle of Moet & Chandon White Star and live entertainment from Ben Marcato and the Mondo Combo for $319 per person. Or spend the night in a deluxe room and get tix to the gala plus New Year’s Day brunch, valet parking, late checkout and in-room strawberries and champagne for $1,350.

They are partying at the Ritz. At the Dining Room, chef Ron Siegel serves up a seven-course tasting meal to accompany dancing to live music for  $500 per person including wine pairing. On the Terrace, the three- or five-course menu includes a glass of champagne. Adults are $100 or $130 and children are welcome for $50 or $65 per child (5-12) depending on which menu is chosen.

At the Four Seasons Gala, is a seven-course dinner is being created by Executive Chef Mark Richardson. A live band and dancing will follow dinner with a champagne toast at midnight for $250. If you’re in the mood for New Year’s Eve cocktails – Seasons Bar with floor-to-ceiling city views, will be hosting an evening of cocktails, dancing to a live band and champagne toast at midnight.

Did someone say something about a recession?

Photo courtesy of Swotai at Flickr.com

Moonrise over Mount Lassen Photo by larryflo

Lassen Volcanic National Park just made Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2009. But where will you stay? If you enjoy camping, then you’ll have plenty of options. But if you prefer to “camp” in fine cotton linens, comfy beds, and be served a warm breakfast in the morning, you need to stay at Bridge House Bed and Breakfast in Redding, Calif.

Located on Riverside Drive, Bridge House is a short walk to some of Redding’s best dining establishments and many downtown shops. A short walk takes you to the Market Street Bridge and the river trail, leading to the world-famous Sundial Bridge and Caldwell Park.

Socializing on the patio at Bridge House

Bridge House has four guest rooms, each decorated in the style of the bridge for which it’s named: The Sundial Bridge, the Diestelhorst Bridge, the Dog Creek Bridge, and the Market Street Bridge. Breakfast features a buffet of homemade baked goods, fruit, granola, and a savory entree. Complimentary high speed internet is available for guests.

Redding is a perfect place to base out of while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen has hot springs, sulpher ponds, heat vents, and 150 miles of hiking trails. The park is open year-round, with beautiful lakes, streams, meadows and waterfalls during the spring, summer and fall, and turns into a winter playground with lots of winter ski activities.

Lassen is an easy 30 mile drive from Redding, the second sunniest city in the nation. And talk about quality of life! Whiskeytown Lake is just a few miles out of town, at the base of the Trinity Alps, where hiking, camping and fishing are everywhere. Shasta Lake is full of summertime fun and Mount Shasta is easily accessible for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

See Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the top destinations for 2009, while staying in the comfort of the Bridge House in Redding.

Bridge House Bed and Breakfast
1455 Riverside Drive
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 247-7177
info@reddingbridgehouse.com

Photo courtesy of Bridge House Bed and Breakfast

Scuba diving has been a hobby of mine for 12 years, and I never tire of seeing sea turtles. It’s an experience limited mostly to divers and snorkelers. And guests of the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Keauhou Resort

Every afternoon, turtles maneuver themselves onto the rocks along the resort’s coastline. They come to sun themselves and rest, safe from predation. From the Verandah Lounge (a great place to sip Mai Tais as the sun sets), guests can watch the turtles. Or for a closer view, walk on the rocks surrounding the tide pools. As long as you stay a good two feet or so from them, they continue to enact their best rock imitations. They don’t mind cameras. They may open their eyes to survey the situation, but upon eyeing your Tevas and floral-patterned shirt, they correctly assess you as nonthreatening and nod off again.

And starting in January, the Keauhou Resort will offer a “breakfast special.” Mention this when booking for a nightly rate of $140 for an ocean view room (so you can watch those turtles as much as you like). Included is breakfast at the Kamaaina Terrace. Pile your plate high with pineapple so fresh you’ll be tempted to write an ode to it. And you absolutely have to try the coconut sauce on your pancakes. It sounds like too sweet an indulgence, but it captures the essence of the coconut without being cloying. I’m craving it just thinking about it.

Should you decide you’d like to see those turtles, or honu, as the residents of our fiftieth state call them, in action, pad to the onsite dive center, Bottom Time Hawaii. Ask for Captain Jeff. Tell him you want to see turtles. It may seem like the turtles are the Shamus of Hawaii — trained to appear and do tricks to amuse the tourists — but this isn’t the case. The water surrounding the big island is thick with these shelled swimmers. You’d be hard pressed not to bump into them.

Questions? Ready to book and sample the syrup? Call 800-688-7444 and mention the breakfast special. It truly is the most important meal of the day.

Photo courtesy of Outrigger Resorts.