Lodging

Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a treehouse? If you feel like reliving the fun of youth, here are a few lodging choices in the US where you can combine a love of the outdoors with a bird’s eye view of your surroundings:

Cedar Creek Treehouse Has Amazing Views

1] Out’n'About Treehouse Treesort – Oregon

This bed & breakfast resort offers several treehouse accommodations to choose from, with prices ranging from $120 for the 2 person “Serendipitree” to $250 for the 4 person “Schoolhouse” treehouse. All prices include breakfast.

[300 Page Creek Rd, Cave Junction, OR 97523; 541-592-2208]

2] Alaska’s Treehouse B&B – Alaska

This bed & breakfast resort offers several rooms in the treehouse, which is located two hours south of Anchorage. Off-season (Oct 1-April 30) rates are $80 to $125. In-season (May 1-September 30), rates range from $125 to $145. All prices include breakfast.

[14593 Rain Forest Cir, Seward, AK; 907-224-3867]

3] Cedar Creek Treehouse – Washington

This treehouse lodging is located about ten miles from Mt Rainier National Park, on the border of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It sits about 50 feet above ground in a 200-year old red cedar tree. Rates are $300 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.

[PO Box 204, Ashford, WA 98304; 360-569-2991]

4] Hana Lani – Hawaii

These treehouses are bare bones. No electricity, no running water, partially open roof areas. So why would anyone want to rent them? Because they sit in the middle of a Hawaiian jungle on the island of Maui, with views of the ocean, that’s why. Rates run $250 to $400, depending on the size of the treehouse.

[PO Box 389, Hana, Maui HI 96713; 808-248-7241]

5] Lothlorien Woods Treehouse – Washington

Located about an hour from Portland, OR, just across the border, this treehouse lodging sits in the middle of the Lothlorien Woods at the base of Mt. Adams. This sounds like it would make a great romantic getaway – it even has a hot tub on the deck. Rent it for $149 per night.

[222 Staats Rd, Snowden, WA‎; 509-281-9888]

Keep in mind that while some of these may have electricity and indoor plumbing, it’s still a very rustic form of lodging. However, for seclusion and incredible views, these should appeal to most nature lovers as they all have amazing views and locations.

[Photo: Cedar Creek Treehouse]

The Renaissance Stanford Court in San Francisco.

Last week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that two prominent luxury hotels in San Francisco defaulted on loans last month, painting a bleak picture for the city’s hotel economy.

Owners of the elegant, 97-year-old Renaissance Stanford Court on the top of Nob Hill defaulted on an $89 million loan. Later in July, the Four Seasons-San Francisco on Market Street withheld payment on a $20 debt.

Analysts such as PKF Consulting, that track trends in the hotel industry saw that the average room rate drop to $134 in June, the lowest it has been since 2005, according to the Chronicle.  This is signicantly lower than the $162 peak in June, 2008.

The hotel occupancy rate dropped to 73 percent from 85 percent at the some time last year.

The article goes on to report that many hotel owners in the city and throughout California “financed purchases or refinanced loans between 2005 and 2007 — when the hotel values were at their peak. Since then, hotels statewide have lost 50 to 80 percent of their value.”

Like so many homeowners who overextended themselves with housing loans, now we’re seeing hotel owners with debt that is far higher than their assets are worth.

Customers aren’t willing to fork over as much cash as they did in recent years due to unemployment, wage cuts and job instability.

So how does that affect the average family booking a vacation? While cheaper rooms might be available for a while, cuts in staff and service are happening resulting in a less comfortable experience. And with smaller, independent hotels looking at foreclosures, there will be fewer choices for consumers.

Photo courtesy of the Renaissance Stanford Court Hotel

Looking for a cheap last minute Labor Day getaway? While perusing my tweets today I spied that Omni Hotels is running a special deal for the holiday weekend.

Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

The Tweet the Summer Away deal is a room only promotion that offers deluxe accommodations for a minimum two-night stay, with late check-out (where available), at 25% off the normal rates.

Some sample rates with the discount:

• Omni Parker House Boston – $120/night
• Hotel Omni Mont-Royal Montreal – $165/night
• Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza – $142/night
• Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate - $75/night
• Omni San Francisco Hotel – $165/night

The promotion must be booked between now and September 6, 2009 and is good for stays September 4 through 7, 2009. To book, visit the Omni Hotel website and use the promotional code TWTHOL when checking availability.

If you can’t get away for Labor Day, another great package being offered by Omni Hotels is the Flip Out Package, which offers a deluxe room, breakfast for four for one morning of the stay, concierge services to help plan your stay and use of a Flip video camera, for rates as low as $144 a night, depending on the resort.

This package is only valid on weekends through December 31, 2009, with certain black-out dates determined by the particular hotel. Visit the website to book this package.

No matter which package you choose, make sure you also sign up for free membership in the chain’s Select Guest customer loyalty program, which offers guests perks like free wifi, room preferences and more.

[Photo credit: Omni Hotels]

Chicago is, after new York City of course, one of my favorite urban towns.  I love the Midwestern feel to it, the lakes, the people, and the non-Winter weather when it comes around.  I also love that it is more compact than New York City, but yet till offers tons to do including great eating, shopping, and entertainment.

And like New York City, it offers its visitors many options for a wonderful hotel experience.  I recently had one such experience while staying at the Embassy Suites Lakefront in Downtown Chicago.

When it comes to hotel experiences, for me, it all starts in the lobby.  I am one who believes that whatever my first impression is when I walk into a hotel lobby space, will carry itself over to the rest of the place, in and out of it. 

After the immediate, lower level entrance to the Embassy, which consists of a waiting area for guests luggage and car service, you are taken, via elevator to the main lobby floor which is absolutely wonderful.  I loved this space because of its brightness and serenity. The sound of the water falling from the stone wall in the middle of this massive room, the sound of soft music in the air; all was inviting.  And the Reception staff made sure to follow suit.  Incredibly professional, friendly, and welcoming, they help make the first impression one I talked about for days.

I was immediately taken impressed with the size of their Suites when I first entered. Huge for me, and perfect for my family had they joined me.  With a comfortable pull out couch, television, as well as a nice size area to eat and work, I probably would have been fine with that space alone.  But as I made my way further in, I was welcomed into a nice size bedroom, with it’s own private sink, a flat screen television, and a king size bed, with pillows arranged in such a way that it took everything I had to not jump in and fall asleep right then and there. I could have easily shared my bed with my husband and our two little ones, and had they been with me, I’m sure I would’ve. Though my view consisted of the parking lot, they do offer rooms with a view of the lake nearby. At the time of booking the average price for this one bedroom, king size suite was a little over $200 a night.

During the day, the room is nice, bright and warm.  And this ambiance extended itself again out to the hallway and the lobby as I made my way to the complimentary breakfast buffet, which included tasty breakfast staples such as eggs, meat, breads, fruits, yogurts, coffee, etc., but also had the wonderful option of cook to order omelets.

One of my absolute favorite places in the Embassy Suites Lakefront (aside from my bed and the suite itself), is the gym area.  It isn’t often that I have the opportunity to work out in my travels, but when I do, rarely do I find fitness areas as well equipped and designed as this one.  The bright red wall is a wonderful compliment to this sunlit room, which also includes state of the art equipment, all well taken care of and clean.  The pool area was the perfect size for a few lap workouts before a meeting, or just to hang out with the kids during some down time. 

The Embassy Suites also has a small Business Center, located on the Meeting Room level of the hotel. equipped with computers and other necessities for the working traveler, and a full service Conference/Events area, perfect for company gatherings, corporate meetings, and even weddings. Though there is an almost $15.00 a day charge for Internet service in the guest rooms, the Business Center offers free internet access (as well as free printing).

The hotel is centrally located, with popular Chicago destinations such as Navy Piers two blocks away in one direction and popular shopping areas, such as Magnificent Mile a couple of blocks in the other, among other sites. And it has the convenience of being across the street from a small market called Dominick’s where you can pick up some coffee, have access to ATMs and basic banking service (Chase) and pick up some shopping for basics, such as milk or diapers.

Great dining is also nearby.  While there I tried some of the best sushi I have ever had at Niu Japanese Fusion located next to theAMC movie theatre right around the corner. Two blocks from the hotel, on Ohio St., I enjoyed some tapas and sangrias with friends at Emilio’s Tapas Restaurant.

Overall, my experience at the Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown/Lakefront was a very good one.  I would definitely come here again with my family.  It was a lovely stay and the hotel has everything you would need and want, on premise and nearby, especially when traveling to the Windy City with kids in tow.

Photo credit: Carol Cain

If you’re visiting Orlando, Florida, on a work trip, odds are you’ll need Wi-Fi to check email. Here in the City Beautiful, why not spend as much time working on your tan as working on that proposal? At these pools, multi-task with sun, snacks and maybe even a daiquiri.

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando – Free WiFi
Bonus: Special pool speakers keep the mood rocking—even underwater.
Rates start at $274 ($184 for Florida residents.)

5800 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-503-7625

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center – WiFi fee included in the daily resort fee of $15
Bonus: A spot between the two pools has Wired access.
Rates start at $139

6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
407-586-2000

Gaylord Palms Resort

The Peabody – WiFi fee included in the daily resort fee of $15
Bonus: Enjoy the march of the Peabody ducks at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. as they parade through the lobby.
Rates start at $95

9801 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
407-352-4000

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort – WiFi costs $9.99 for a 24-hour period
Bonus: The pool boasts 12 waterfalls, two water slides and a swim-through cave connecting the two pools.
Rates start are $119.20

One Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32836
407-239-1234

Special thanks to mrkathika for the lively shot of the Gaylord Palms Resort.

Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

Our pod of travelers disembarked Royal Caribbean Cruisetour’s Radiance of the Seas in Juneau during a torrential downpour. We boarded a plane bound for Fairbanks and were greeted with sunshine. Not the liquid sunshine that Alaskans refer to, but honest to goodness warm weather for August. Minutes from the airport, our motorcoach pulled up to Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, which sits beside the Chena River. The lodge is a large 208 room property that is clean, dog-friendly and affordable for man and man’s best friend.

SOLAR ENERGY GREEN STAR AWARD

The folks at the lodge are not only friendly, they are eco-conscious and social media savvy. The lodge recently received Alaska’s Solar Energy Green Star Award with the help of  its eco-friendly solar panels, commitment to environmentally-friendly chemicals, recycled carpet and such. It’s also home to one of the largest private art collections featuring Alaska locations and created by Alaska artists.  Techies will appreciate that Pikes Landing offers free wireless internet access. By the way, you can follow Pikes Landing on Twitter and become a Facebook Fan. Don’t forget to check their website for specials. In fact, if you live in Alaska, they’ll give you a wooden nickel for a free scoop of tasty ice cream served at the lodge. (They import their ice cream from Oregon.)

Deluxe Two Queens in Room 305

I didn’t get a chance to walk next door to sit on the deck and sip a cold one, but I did have a nice slab of salmon at the Pumphouse Restaurant, also located on the Chena River. By the time I returned to my hotel room, a deluxe with two queen beds, I was ready to hit the sack. No writing on the laptop, visiting the sauna or steam room or meandering through the grounds. I needed to be up and out the door at 7 a.m. to climb aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Motorcoach which would take us to the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler.  Once on the Sternwheeler, we would pass by Dave Monson’s Trail Breaker Kennels to learn about famed Iditarod Champion Susan Butcher (now deceased) and the dogs they raise, as well as a visit to the Chena Village to learn the ways of the Athabascan Indian people.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Pikes Waterfront Lodge 1 (877) 774-2400

1850 Hoselton Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

On a visit to Fargo, North Dakota, I had the pleasure of visiting the Hampton Inn.

Exterior View of the Hampton Inn, Fargo, North Dakota

This location featured average-sized rooms, with bedding either 1 king or 2 doubles, and it had the normal amenities like an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. They also had three things that made me happy: free Wi-Fi (with a free computer for guest use in the lobby), free hot continental breakfast and a late afternoon manager’s reception with free beverages and food.

But what really set the property apart was the high level of customer service. From general manager Jim Koepp to the regular staff I encountered, everyone was friendly and attentive. I was also impressed with small touches like handing out free bottles of water to guests and the overall cleanliness of the property.

The hotel is located just off Highway 29 about 10 minutes south of the Fargo airport, and centrally located to many area attractions and businesses. It is a two-story interior corridor building. Unfortunately it does not have elevators, so if stairs are an issue, book a ground floor room.

Of the many Hampton Inns I’ve visited over the years, this is one of the better ones and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting North Dakota’s biggest city.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hampton Inn Fargo
3431 14th Ave., SW
Fargo, North Dakota, USA 58103
701-235-5566

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[Photo credit: Hampton Inn]

Public Beach at Gilbert Lake State Park

By Molly G. @ The Bumbles Blog

When we were looking for a cheap way to see Cooperstown recently we looked into campsites. It was baseball’s Hall of Fame induction weekend so the hotel rates in and around the area were high priced with limited availability. Returning to our camping roots seemed like a good way to go. In general, state parks tend to provide cleaner, safer, more comfortable campgrounds with better amenities. And Gilbert Lake State Park in nearby Laurens did not disappoint. Spending less than $30 a night didn’t hurt either. Read More »

Recently, my family and I traveled to Missoula, MT.  I had never been to Montana. During the drive there, I was incredibly impressed with the beauty of the landscape and mountain views.  We stayed at the Holiday Day Inn in Downtown Missoula.

Now, prior to arriving to Missoula we had stayed at a Holiday Inn in Downtown Sioux Falls, SD.  I was not at all impressed with this hotel.  Though the staff in the Sioux Falls location seemed friendly enough, my first impression while walking to my room was not a good one.  As my family and I made it down the hall there were bags of garbage left out by the cleaning staff.  In the room, though it seemed big enough, the lounge chair was dirty and the carpet needed to be replaced, as it was coming undone at the entrance. The indoor pool area was also lacking attention and the water was freezing.

Based on this experience at our first Holiday Inn stop, I was a bit weary about this next location.  However, upon entering the area I knew right away this was going the different.  You just got the sense that you were staying somewhere that took pride in itself in every way. Best of all, they have a coffee shop located in the lobby area, across from the concierge!

We had a double bed size room, though our family of 5 could’ve probably gone for a larger suite. It was very clean, very fresh looking, had all the amenities, including complimentary Internet, and a wonderful view of Sentinel Mountain.  The average price for this room was $125.00 at the time of booking.

The pool area, which my kids enjoyed without me, was bright and well maintained.  The workout area was average, with the essential equipment and space. 

They have a lower lobby area, where most of their conference/event rooms are located, so this can be a bit noisy during events. It is also where the hotel restaurant, Riverbend, is located.  The size of the restaurant was a good one, and it was a nice area.  We thought the food was very good, the service very friendly, and the prices reasonable (kids under 12 eat free). There is a bar located further into the restaurant when walking in from inside the hotel.

What we enjoyed the most about eating here was the outdoor seating. The views of the park and mountains were a wonderful way to start our days.  And the kids loved running around in the grassy area while we waited for our food.  

This Holiday Inn is centrally located in Downtown Missoula, and we were but steps away from restaurants, shops, galleries, and local activities.  We were even able to take part in the local Farmer’ Market there.

Go to Holiday Inn Downtown in the Park, Missoula, MT for further information or to make reservations or call 1-406-721-8550.

Photo credit: Carol Cain

An historic, Art Deco gem by Ocean Beach.

Art Deco architecture is one of my passions. I’ve taken walking tours, gone to weird but fun Art Deco Society parties where everyone dresses in period clothes, and marveled at such Deco masterpieces as the Paramount Theatre in Oakland and the Golden Gate Bridge.

So, I was completely jazzed to stumble upon an Art Deco motel near the San Francisco Zoo last weekend.

Little did I know that this gem, built in 1936, was San Francisco’s first motel — I’d hit the history jackpot, too!

According to owner Vicki Duffett, when the Ocean Park Motel was built it was actually on the ocean. You could run right out the doors into the sandy dunes of Ocean Beach. Since then, highways, houses, and buildings have gone up obstructing the views.

The courtyard motel was built in the streamline moderne style, with lots of nautical touches like porthole windows, ships’ wheels, and curved railings.

The beautifully manicured courtyard separates the buildings and a little garden has a children’s play structure. An inviting hot tub is the perfect antidote to chilly fog-swept days and evenings in this often shrouded part of the city.

Take the chill off in the hot tub.

Several different floor plans offer the correct level of desired privacy. Many rooms are quite small but the motel also has larger two-bedroom family suites with either two or three queen sized beds. Eight of the suites have cozy, fully-equipped kitchens. A number of the rooms have the original deco tile in the bathrooms.

Rates are adjusted seasonally and range from $90 to $135 for one queen; $100 to $145 for a queen and twin; and $125 to $195 for two to three queen bed units. Kitchen units cost up to $20 extra per day and require a four-day minimum stay, but do ask — they can be rented on a space-available basis.

The Ocean Park is family owned (the Duffetts live on the property) and also dog friendly.

The San Francisco Zoo is a block away and several restaurants and cafes are within easy walking distance.

A trip down the Great Highway to the Beach Chalet is a must for hungry history/architecture buffs like myself. The views are magnificent and the WPA murals are exquisite National landmarks. If it’s crowded, as it often is (especially for brunch), check the Park Chalet in back of the same building for relaxing views of Golden Gate Park and live music.

Ocean Park Motel
2690 46th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 566-7020

Top photos by Lisa Dion, lower right courtesy of Ocean Park Motel.