Lodging

The elegant Victorian buildings that make up Inn 1890 in San Francisco.

They don’t advertise. There isn’t even a sign.

I must have walked by the elegant Queen Anne Victorian on the corner of Page and Shrader streets hundreds of times on my way to the Haight.

It stood out to me only because of the gynormous geranium bush, easily the largest I’ve ever seen, that completely enveloped the steps to the side entrance.

It wasn’t until a friend who lives in the ‘hood told me that his family stays at Inn 1890 when they visit from Ireland.

Turns out the stately white building is an unassuming Bed & Breakfast inn that blends seamlessly into the residential Panhandle neighborhood of Edwardian and Victorian homes, just a block from Golden Gate Park.

Innkeeper Steve gave me a tour of some of the 17 rooms, the 24-hour kitchen and the peaceful garden. Many of the guests are short-term lodgers, relatives of patients at nearby UCSF. Others have heard of the Inn from locals and through word-of-mouth.

Inn 1890 has a homey vibe, with cheerful yellow walls and lots of windows. All but two of the unique rooms have private baths, two are suites, and almost all have refrigerators and microwaves. Many have kitchenettes. Period details abound, and some rooms have working fireplaces.

I was a little put off by a old, musty smell in a couple of the rooms, but I guess that goes with the territory in a house that was built in 1890…

A relaxing garden.

Classical music played in the sunny, well-stocked kitchen where guests are invited to make meals or tea any time of day.

The owners live in an adjacent property on Shrader St. that houses a few more rooms including the “cottage” as well as a one-bedroom apartment that rents out by the month.

Prices are exceptionally reasonable — $99 to $179 per night. Parking is an additonal $10 (and worth it).

Amenities include, free Wi-Fi, computer and printer, free in-room phone service, robes and slippers, queen-sized beds and down comforters.

Steve and the staff put out a large spread of breakfast items and goodies — fresh fruit, quiche, assorted cheeses, breads, muffins, cakes, and “always pie” — throughout the day.

It really feels like coming home. If your idea of home is a beautiful Victorian in San Francisco.

When it comes to setting the stage for romance, a secluded beach has the advantage. Watercolor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, makes it easy to feel the sparks this Valentine’s Day. It’s located on a long stretch of white sand, the kind of beach that Florida is synonymous with. Plus, it’s a resort that has already thought of the intimate details that make a perfect couple’s weekend. This Valentine’s Day, they’re offering an irresistible deal for you and a loved one.

Beach at the Watercolor Inn

With the Four Diamond Valentine special, you and your partner will enjoy Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, two 50-minute Swedish massages (one per person), one $100 credit for dinner at the Fish Out of Water restaurant, breakfast daily and nightly town service.

During the day, work on a tan while playing tennis or golf, paddling a kayak or pedaling a bicycle around town. If all you feel inspired to do is walk the beach and enjoy the ocean view, that’s fine, too. It’s your weekend.

Prices vary. For a room with a dune view for two nights (February 14 and 15),the package starts at $856. For more details, call 850-534-5000.

Photo courtesy of Watercolor Inn and Resort.

My mom spends six months of the year living in the Palm Springs area of California, and my family has taken to visiting her at least every two years — the dry desert heat is welcoming especially in March, when we’re tired of snow at our Colorado home.

Palm trees in Palm Springs.

We’ve found that Palm Springs isn’t just for snowbird retirees. There’s a ton to do with kids in the Palm Springs area, from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, to the Living Desert zoo. There are also a myriad of hiking trails to explore the surrounding hills.

While we always crash at Grammie’s house, and don’t need to rent accommodations, I thought Uptake’s readers might like to know about a new Palm Springs property opening in February. It’s the Ace Hotel and Swim Club with 180 rooms and a hip, bohemian vibe (just check out the style of the website – it’s really cool).

What’s especially nifty about this place is its nod to Mother Nature. The restaurant will serve organic menu items, along with juices made fresh daily from the on-site garden. The green Ace Hotel runs on solar power and fuel cells, and offers complimentary use of vintage bicycles to guests for getting around town. Other amenities include two pools, poolside bar, spa and stargazing platform – love it!

Photo by Arthur Coleman Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

Related Post:
Family Friendly Beach at Carlsbad, California

Golden Gate Bridge

For over-the-top spa indulgence there’s nothing like The Ritz.

Get a Green Coffee Slenderizing Body Treatment or an Anti-Aging Papaya, Pineapple, and Pomegranate Body Treatment. This is obviously not an ordinary experience, especially when you’re sitting on top of prestigious Nob Hill which is known for its skyline views.

Choose a romance package that includes champagne and strawberries upon arrival, a pre-dinner half-bottle of wine at the Ritz-Carlton bar, breakfast in bed or Sunday Brunch for two at the lovely Terrace Restaurant. And to top it off, a late check-out to allow for true romantic indulgence for your romantic escape.

Each guest room is decorated with multi-cultural influence and original art by local artists featuring local scenes and city landmarks. Sunday brunch on The Terrace is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is a local favorite. The Lobby Lounge has breath-taking views of the city skyline.

Alcatraz

And the location couldn’t be better for a couple in love to experience the wonders of San Francisco. Hop on a cable car to get to Union Square on one end, or Fisherman’s Wharf on the other. Chinatown is just steps away. And for those who enjoy walking, San Francisco is one of the world’s most walkable cities, as long as you don’t mind a few hills.

For the ultimate romantic escape head to the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.

Photos courtesy of Mike G.K. (Flickr Break)

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
600 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-296-7465

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Wine Country Inn

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year so you’d better book your reservations now.  For a romantic escape to the Napa Valley, look to Wine Country Inn, located up-valley in St. Helena, a quarter-mile off Route 29. This family-owned inn has a friendly staff waiting to offer recommendations, wonderful breakfast food and oozes romance.

You may not want to leave your room if you book the Vintners Cottage.  The suite looks over the family vineyard, has a fireplace and beautiful stained glass windows in the reading nook and over the bathtub.  Did I mention the surround sound speakers that pipe into the spacious bathroom?

Stained Glass Window

To pump up the romance factor, consider an in-room couples massage. There’s even a link on the Inn’s website for men who need a little guidance in the thoughtful husband or boyfriend category.

When you finally venture out for dinner, I recommend the lamb chops at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen on Railroad Avenue. This is a local favorite where you are apt to rub shoulders with Napa Valley vintners.

With 20 guest rooms, four suites and five luxury cottages, the Northern California bed and breakfast offers rooms for every price range.  Prices start at $215 to $660 for the cottages.

Wine Country Inn 1 (888) 465-4608

1152 Lodi Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574

Mobile 4 Star, AAA 3 Diamond, Member of Unique Inns

Vineyard photo courtesy Wine Country Inn, stained glass photo by Nancy D. Brown

Ah, the joys of plane travel! Last week I was traveling home from California, I missed my flight from Denver to Vail. I was given a voucher (well, I had to flight for it, since UA claimed an earlier flight delay was not their fault – ha!) for a night’s stay at a local hotel, plus $15 for dinner at the nearby truck-stop diner.

Sitting area in King Suite at Crystal Inn.

My voucher was for the budget-friendly Crystal Inn DIA, and it certainly served the purpose for a less-than-12-hour stay.

The Crystal Inn offers on-demand shuttle service from the airport — pick up the phone in baggage claim, punch in #17 and you’ll dial directly to the hotel. It’s about a 20-minute shuttle ride. My king-bed “suite” had a half-wall dividing the sleeping area from the living area with sofa, coffee table and desk. Amenities were Bath and Body Works and the shower was hot and water pressure was firm.

My TV didn’t work, and when I called the front desk, a maintenance man arrived at my door within a few minutes. He said he needed it swap out the ancient television for a brand-new one. I told him to forget about it — I really didn’t need to watch anything, but that I certainly did appreciate his promptness and attention to the matter.

Highlights: Free wireless and complimentary breakfast with fresh waffles and omelets, fruit, cereal and yogurt.

Sort of annoying: No on-site restaurant and no restaurants serving alcohol within walking distance (after botched travel plans, a glass of wine is a nice salve). I walked five minutes in frigid evening temperatures to the Country Market buffet and diner-like restaurant to use my $15 UA food voucher. My Florentine omelet with hashbrowns and toast (breakfast served all day), coffee and apple pie with ice cream rang up to $11.50. Can’t beat the prices and the food was filling.

Boats sail by right outside your window

At the Inn Above Tide every room has a panoramic view of the San Francisco city skyline. At night time, with the lights reflecting off the bay, you will enjoy the beauty of San Francisco from a private, quieter place.

The skyline of San Francisco

Sausalito is a charming bayside neighborhood lined with boutiques, galleries, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Even the houseboats have a romantic aura about them. Imagine floating through life–everything is done to the rhythm of a gentle swell. Flower boxes establish property lines, and patio furniture becomes the focal point of social gatherings.

You’ll find yourself happily wandering the streets of Sausalito, hand-in-hand, stopping for a cup of coffee here, or an ice cream cone there, and being tempted by the many beautiful souveniers that you can choose from. But save time to return to your room early enough for a couples massage, right in your room, followed by a luscious glass of wine as you watch the light fade over Alcatraz and Angel Island.

Enjoy a glass of wine in front of your fireplace

If you can drag yourself out of your room, you will enjoy the complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. And if you still have some energy left, the hosts of the Inn Above Tide will direct you to a number of fine restaurants within easy walking distance. Or if that just seems like too much trouble, order food to be brought to your room through Room Service of Marin, where you can choose from a long list of favorite Marin restaurants.

Room with a view, fireplace, and private balcony

Let the Inn Above Tide fulfill your needs for a Romantic Escape.

Photos courtesy of Inn Above Tide

Inn Above Tide
30 El Portal
Sausalito, CA 94965
800-893-8433

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

North Umpqua River

If you like fly fishing and fine food in a beautiful setting, have I got a place for you.  The Steamboat Inn is located in the middle of 31 miles of “fly-fishing only” water on the North Umpqua River. Known for some of the most challenging steelhead fishing in the world, the current is strong and the scenery spectacular.

Steamboat Inn, 38 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon, offers riverside cabins, family-friendly cottages, rustic Camp Water houses and a sweet little restaurant on property.  Owners Sharon and Jim Van Loan, along with Patricia Lee, offer fresh, local cuisine paired with first-class, regional wines.  For those traveling to Crater Lake, the Steamboat Inn is a nice stop on this scenic drive.

Romantic River Suites or Family-friendly Houses

Maple Ridge Suite

Cabins, limited to two adults, start at $170. The River Suites start at $295 per night. I stayed in the Maple Ridge Suite and was lulled asleep to the sounds of the mighty Umpqua. The Camp Water Houses, up the road 3/4 of a mile and located on the other side of the river, are three bedroom, fully furnished one or one 1/2 bath houses with a complete kitchen, washer and dryer and can accomodate six adults or a small family.  These houses would make a great base camp for water fall day hikes or venturing to Crater Lake.  If you’ve brought the kids, check out Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.

Steamboat Inn 1 (800) 840-8825

42705 North Umpqua Highway

Idleyld Park, Oregon 97447

Steamboat Inn is a member of Unique Inns and does not accept pets.

The Old Monterey Inn in Monterey, CA.

We’re smack in the middle of the slow season for many hotels — winter — which means now is a good time to shop around for deals on getaway packages. Sorry, none to be had in ski country, but coastal California is slashing prices.

If you’ve been jonsing for a trip to Big Sur, Carmel or the Monterey peninsula, the Old Monterey Inn, a  B&B with adjoining spa, is a sweet spot to base yourself and take advantage of the winter doldrums pricing.

Elegant and charming, the historic Tudor-style inn was built in 1929 and was the residence of Monterey’s first mayor. Luxury and romance abounds. With fireplaces and featherbeds in the rooms, you won’t want to leave except to sip sherry in the acre of lush gardens that envelop the grounds.

Full disclosure — I visited the OMI with my husband a few years ago BC (before children) and I have some words of advice — leave the kids at home.

This is a place for both young romantics and more mature travelers looking to enjoy each others’ company  in a plush, restful ambiance. Think honeymoons and anniversaries.

While I didn’t indulge in the spa during my visit, the menu offers the usual suspects — Swedish, deep tissue, sports and aromatherapy as well as stone massage and exfoliating wraps.

Right now you can take advantage of OMI’s mid-week winter promotions offering their lowest rates ever. They also guarantee a room upgrade when available. Check the website for detailed descriptions and to read their charming blog.

Winter Promos include:

• Winter Pampering — $640 – $1,100 (save $200)
• Romantic Sunset Bonfire at Carmel Beach — $250 (this is truly fabulous!)
• Basque in Romance Dining Package — $250-$440
• Romance on the Menu — $260-$440
• It Happened…In Monterey — $269-$440
• The Ultimate Luxury Getaway Package — $2,356-$2,531

Photo by AlliRose

Guest rooms at Ventana Inn

The spectacular coast of California is romantic by itself, but Big Sur has a wildness in its beauty that stirs passion. And anyone who is familiar with Big Sur knows about the Ventana Inn. It’s an icon there.

The Ventana Inn and Spa is the ideal spot for a romantic escape. The elegantly rustic suites and guest rooms are decorated to embrace you in comfort. Relax by a pool, soak in a Japanese hot bath, sit and gaze over the rocky coastline of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, or read your favorite book while laying in your own private hammock. 

A day at the Spa

Save a day for the ultimate spa experience. Allegria Spa embraces the “Essence of Big Sur” through the use of nature’s healing gifts. An Ocean Salt Exfoliation leaves your body baby smooth and ready to absorb the nutrients of the lotions used during the Essence of Big Sur Herbal Massage.

The Gentlemen’s Destresser Facial uses aromatic organic products specially selected for masculine sensibilities. Hot steamy towels smelling of citrus and lavender will melt you into the table.

The El Sur Grande Sacred Stone Facial combines hot basalt, cold marble stones, and chakra gemstones for increased relaxation, circulation, and energy flow.

You can have a private yoga and meditation session, or a private or couples astrology reading. Find your Spirit Guide, Angel, Animal Spirit and Soul Mate through an essence portrait.

The energy around the Ventana Inn and Spa is open-minded and experiencial. This is where you can let your guard down and try something new.

Villas are available to rent also

Re-energize your lovelife with a romantic escape to the Ventana Inn and Spa.

Photos courtesy of Ventana Inn and Spa

Ventana Inn and Spa
48123 Highway One
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2331