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 hotel’s unique history on the site of a gynormous 71,000 square-foot marketplace called the Crystal Palace Market that opened in 1923. A few years before, the Hotel Whitcomb had served as a temporary City Hall from 1912 to 1915 after the 1906 earthquake.

Off the lobby are a few options for refreshments. There is a Starbucks, Florinda’s Market Street Grill, and  of The Tavern, a lovely Victorian piano bar that hosts a lively happy hour and is a popular meeting place for theater goers.

Still privately owned, Hotel Whitcomb is also affordable. A recent check of rates displayed a range from $79 for a “petite double” to $488 for a king parlor suite. Maybe it’s time the Whitcomb is allowed to bask the limelight seemingly reserved for the other San Francisco grand hotels.

Hotel Whitcomb
San Francisco, CA
1231 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: 415-626-8000

Photos by Lisa Dion

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 only will the prices of Hofsas House not break the bank, your kids will be happy here, too. There is a heated swimming pool and sauna on property. Rooms are adjoining for parents with children, and for the adventurous or romantics, Hofsas House offers enhanced packages like the s’mores kit; complete with firewood, a blanket and all  the fixings for s’mores on Carmel Beach.

Tail Wagging Package

Hofsas House has one of the most dog-friendly hotels around. Dogs, from large to small, receive their own Frisbee and a special treat to start their vacation.  In addition to the Frisbee, the welcome package includes a Hofsas House dog bed, a copy of Coastal Canine Magazine – offering the best four legged options for visiting Carmel and a special package from California Pup. There is a $25 fee per night for one dog and $40 per night for two dogs. Woof!

Hofsas House King Suite #45 comes with a fireplace and ocean view

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

Our king suite, #45, with an ocean view and fireplace was a bargain at $175, (low season pricing.) The spacious room included a continental breakfast with coffee, tea, juice, fruit, yogurt and fresh made pastries from Monterey-based Paris Bakery. It also featured a kitchenette and bathroom with shower.

Hofsas House includes:

• Queen and King beds
• Maid service
• Refrigerator
• Data port
• Kitchenette
• Copier
• Cable/satellite television
• Shower
• Hairdryer
• Iron and Ironing board
• Non-smoking rooms
• Telephone
• Alarm clock

• Cable television
• Microwave
• Hair dryer
• Complimentary Wireless internet access
• Balcony/lanai/terrace
• Fax machine
• Handicap room
• Coffee/tea maker
• Voicemail
• Fireplace
• Ocean view
• Connecting rooms

If You Go:

Hofsas House (831) 624-2745

4th Street and San Carlos, Carmel, CA 93921

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California.

I was a guest of Hofsas House.

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Spindrift Inn, Monterey

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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 the month of March 2012, Yotel New York City is offering an additional 20% off stays of 2 nights or longer. This deal can be booked online. Be sure to sign up for the company’s Stash hotel rewards program to earn additional benefits from your stay.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yotel Hotel
570 Tenth Avenue
New York City, NY 10036
Phone: 877-90YOTEL
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[Image courtesy Yotel Hotels]

A down home, family fun kind of place

When the notice appeared in my e-mail inbox that I had won two tickets to the Osmond Brothers concert at the Bearcreek Farms Country Resort in Bryant, Indiana, it was a no brainer. “Heck, yes, I’m going.”

Never mind that Donny wasn’t going to be there, or that my musical tastes have changed since the day when a frenzied friend pushed past me to get close to the stage in Columbia, South Carolina where Donny crooned “Puppy Love” to a packed arena of swarming girls. Seeing only Jay and his brothers, including Jimmy, this time around would do.

Besides, heading to the concert from Columbus, Ohio was road trip material. I corralled my husband, my then teen-aged daughter and 7 year-old son for the up and back excursion. To her credit, my daughter didn’t roll her eyes when I told her she was to be my concert date. Bearcreek Farms Country Resort became one of those surprise finds to tell folks about.

Bearcreek Farm's lake

Bryant, Indiana is smack dab in the middle of Indiana’s farm country that looks a lot like next door Ohio’s farm country–flat and fertile. After a few hours stop at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum (I highly recommend the place) in Wapokoneta, roughly halfway between Bryant and Columbus, we pulled into the parking lot of the Bearcreek Farms Country Resort in time to browse the resort’s country store before dinner and the concert. 

What started out more than 3o years ago as a small restaurant venue in a barn, complete with a petting zoo, is a rambling establishment that includes the Homestead Restaurant– big enough for 600 diners at one time, retail stores, a theater/concert hall, a chapel and several one room cottages and cabins with private bathrooms. Both cottages and cabins have two double beds. There’s also a 60 site RV park.

Where there's a buffet of country comfort food

The combination of live theater, concerts, heaps of food and lodging is a Midwestern people magnet.

As part of my two free ticket deal, we had to buy two buffet dinners. At $12.50 a pop, it was a screaming deal of comfort fare complete with country favorites like fried chicken, green beans with flecks of ham, and for dessert items like bread pudding, cakes, pies and ice-cream. The meal my daughter and I ate were part of the concert package.

The 2012 concert series begins on March 22 and the Osmonds are returning. Hmmm. Should I head to Bearcreek Resort on July 21? I just might. The 2009 concert was splendid.

The cottages are one lodging option

Bearcreek Farms Country Resort offers several activities reminiscent of simpler times. From the end of April through the summer, bikes, shuffle board, paddle boat rides on the lake and an outdoor pool are part of the entertainment menu.

Contact information:

Bearcreek Farms Country Resort
8339 North 400 East
Bryant, Indiana 47326

Reservations: 260-997-6822

Before you go, check out the website for package deals. The restaurant is also open to those who are just coming for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Photos courtesy of Bearcreek Farms Country Resort

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Fort Wilderness Cabin Exterior

Not every “resort” at Walt Disney World is a hotel format. The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is actually part cabins and part camping, for those who want to rough it while at Disney’s Orlando theme parks.

Located just east of the Magic Kingdom, this property opened in November 1971, only a month after the park did. It features 799 camping spaces ranging from basic tent space up to full RV hook-up slots. It also has 407 air-conditioned “cabins” for those that need a few more creature comforts, like air conditioning. Thirteen of these are set up to be disabled accessible.

Campground rates range from $48 for a basic tent site during value season, to $125 for a premium campsite during peak holiday season. The cabins, which sleep up to six, range from $285 during value season up to $450 during peak holiday season. There are discounts available for AAA/CAA members and Annual Passholders. Some of the campsite loops are also pet-friendly, but there is an additional $5 a day charge.

Fort Wilderness Resort - Pioneer Hall

There are several dining options, all centrally located at Pioneer Hall. This includes Trail’s End Restaurant, which has a basic but hearty breakfast buffet, and the popular Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue dinner show. There are also several “trading posts” throughout the resort to purchase groceries, but you’ll save more money if you buy them before you get to the resort.

One of the most popular questions I get asked is why would you camp at Disney with so many other resorts to choose from. Several reasons, actually.

A lot of people want to stay in their own RV’s or have pets with them. The cabins are the least expensive way to accommodate six people in one lodging. The resort is also great for people who want to combine the fun of the parks with a love for the outdoors and outdoorsy activities, with everything from bikes to kayaks available for rental. You can even horseback ride for a fee at the on-property Tri-Circle D Livery.

There’s even a nightly free campfire program that has sing-alongs, marshmallow roasting, and a free nightly Disney movie (this campfire event is open to all Disney guests).

Guests staying at this property have full access to the Disney bus system, and also have access to a water shuttle that goes directly to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is located at 4510 N. Ft. Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. To make reservations or for more information, call 407-W-Disney.

[Images courtesy Michelle Snow]

A classic hotel with Hollywood ties

A roadtrip from Phoenix, Arizona to Missoula, Montana and back led us through Kanab, Utah, a town touted as “Little Hollywood” by locals. Timing didn’t put us here for an overnight stay even though Parry Lodge caught my attention when mapping out our journey. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Parry Lodge opened in  1931 and became the place to stay during movie shoots. Its  guest list is a trip along memory lane of Hollywood’s golden age, although one famous guest–Clint Eastwood– is still very much a player in the Tinseltown scene. John Wayne, Anne Bancroft, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Lana Turner are just a few of the notables who slumbered here and rooms are named after the famous guests.

The Barn Theater has nightly movies for hotel guests

I was attracted to the Parry Lodge, partly because of its Hollywood history (going to movies is a passion of mine) and partly because of it’s classic feel of an upscale motor lodge with a kidney shaped pool. The option of a room with a kitchenette also had an appeal. Plus, the hotel’s restaurant serves up a full-breakfast buffet for only $5.99 for hotel guests. There’s also Wifi and rooms have been updated to reflect modern tastes while retaining the original charm.

For movie buffs, from mid-April through October, the Parry Lodge shows free movies to guests in its Barn Theater. The more than 100 year old barn was once a stable that provided overnight accomodations to the equine guests. Trigger, Scout and Silver are the most famous who have slept here.  And, there’s Kanab itself.

One of Parry Lodge's 89 guest rooms

Back when westerns were in their prime–when Roy Rogers, Tom Mix and Fess Parker were household names, the area around Kanab was a popular filming location.  The red rock hills and crisp blue sky are as stunning as ever. One of the last films to be filmed in the area was Tim Burton’s version of Planet of the Apes in 2001 . Along with its Hollywood history, Kanab is worth visiting for its location in the midst of must-see natural wonders.

The Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Glen Canyon (Lake Powell) National Recreations Area, Grand Staircase – Escalante and Pipe Springs National Monuments are within a 90 minute drive or less. If you’re looking for a hub from which to venture out each day, Parry Lodge could be the perfect, affordable fit.

Next time we’re going through Kanab, we’re pulling in at least for a night.

Parry Lodge
89 East Center St.
Kanab, Utah 84741
435/644-2601
888/289-1722

Pictures courtesy of: outside of hotel- Matt Howry; the barn and guest room, the Parry Hotel.

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Royal Suite - Four Seasons Beverly Hills

During Oscar week, Los Angeles’ celebrity count rises even more than normal. That means they all need hotel rooms to stay at. And not just any hotel will do, either.

With the awards being held at the former Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland, one would expect the Renaissance Hotel behind the theater to receive a bulk of reservations. It does, but sources tell me it’s for creative arts categories and the like.

The A-List celebrities still prefer the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills. Hotels like the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Hotel, Peninsula Beverly Hills, Montage Beverly Hills and Beverly Wilshire are all celebrity magnets during awards week.

Just outside of the famed 90210 zip code, some tried and true celeb hang-outs are also filled to capacity with A-Lister bookings come Oscar week. Try the Hotel Bel-Air, Sunset Tower, Chateau Marmont, and Sunset Marquis.

If your name isn’t on the nominees list, don’t expect to get a reservation at any of these hotels, even if you can afford the rates, which have been known to double during Academy Awards week. These hotels are in such high demand during Oscar week, some don’t even take bookings until the nominees list has been officially released.

[Image courtesy Four Seasons]

The Front of the Woodstock Inn

As women, I find that we often don’t take care of ourselves as much as we need to, because we are all so busy taking care of others.  But, it’s so important that we spend time on our own physical and mental well being.  The Woodstock Inn and Resort, located in scenic Woodstock, Vermont, has recognized that and is offering their first Women’s Wellness Weekend this April 27th-29th.

The Women’s Wellness Weekend starts at $645 per person based on double occupancy for two nights and includes the following:

• Two nights deluxe accommodations
• A welcome reception with wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres
• All meals on Saturday and brunch on Sunday
• Exercise classes and all scheduled seminars
• Unlimited use of the Woodstock Inn and Resort’s Racquet and Fitness Club
• A $75.00 credit to The Spa per person

Seminars include:

• Be Happy without Being Perfect, presented by mind/body expert Alice D. Domar, PhD
• Fabulous After Forty, presented by Barbara Close, Founder & CEO, Naturopathic Holistic Health
• Sleep through the Night! The Importance and Advantages of Sleep, presented by Dr. Nancy Redeker, PhD, Yale University School of Nursing
• More seminar topics are listed on the Woodstock Inn and Resort’s website

The Woodstock Inn and Resort
Fourteen The Green
Woodstock, Vermont 05091
888-338-2745

Photo credit: The Woodstock Inn and Resort

Yogatone Retreat

It’s inspiring for me to meet people who have made their dreams come true, taken a leap of faith, and held their vision in the face of skepticism. Les Benney of Yogatone is one of these ‘dream chasers’ who gave up a career as an asset manager for a major bank in the UK to become an Ashtanga yoga teacher. Since rearranging his life, Les has created a retreat in the south of Spain where he leads four-day yoga getaways for students of all levels. I was lucky enough to tag along on a recent retreat, where I met wonderful people, deepened my yoga practice, and got to know a sliver of Spain that I otherwise may have overlooked. I cannot recommend the Yogatone retreat enough!

Yogatone Retreat Oranges

Down a pebbled footpath, frogs ribbit in a compact pond fed by a natural spring while birds flit from olive tree, to avocado tree, to orange tree, limbs heavy with ripe fruit. At the end of the lane the Yogatone farmhouse sits overlooking the mountains and valleys north of Malaga, an hour away by car. The house has been lovingly renovated to sleep eight guests total, with three rooms inside the house and one small cottage outside which all share two ample bathrooms. Beside the farmhouse there’s an enormous patio which serves as a yoga practice area when the weather permits, or an ideal breakfast/lunch/sunbathing spot.

Yogatone Retreat Views from House

Below the patio sits the proper yoga studio, which has been built to include an immense boulder, the centerpiece of the space and a reminder of the rocky Andalusian soil. On chilly mornings the studio is warmed by a wood stove, and of course by the yogis present doing their Ashtanga practice. It’s a calming environment that aids the student in focusing the mind for the hour and a half practice.

Yogatone Retreat Studio

Yogatone - Studio

Les lives in the UK, but holds retreats in Spain once a month. Feeling that a whole week of yoga can be a bit much for beginners, Les has kept the experience to four days and three nights with yoga practice twice a day. The cost of the retreat is about $630, but this amount includes all meals, classes, excursions and accommodation, plus transfers from the airport if flights are booked around the same time as Les’s arrival. Food is not vegetarian unless the guest asks for this, and Les has no problem with guests bringing a robust bottle of red Spanish wine to the dinner table. The concept ‘everything in moderation’ seems to be Les’s motto rather than the strict dietary and exercise routines common in other yoga retreats. I appreciate this take on the experience because it puts the choice in the hands of the student.

Yogatone Retreat Upstairs Room

Dinners at the Yogatone retreat are made by a local Irish caterer who blessed us with goodies such as ginger-pear cake with greek yogurt, baked trout, roasted veggies, mango chutney, chicken tarragon, and delightfully creative salads. Food was abundant in the mornings as well, and while there were healthy choices such as granola and yogurt, there were also fresh baked biscuits, raisin cookies, lemon drizzle cake and bacon and eggs. Coffee, tea and fresh squeezed OJ from the neighbor’s trees were also offered.

Les Benney

In addition, Les can arrange massages with a local therapist for those who feel tight after so much power yoga. I had a massage and can attest that it was well worth the $55.00 for an hour and a half. During my massage, which was administered in a room made up of floor to ceiling windows, a couple of local goats roamed through the garden. Other than their visit, all was quiet and countryside sounds. Les also takes curious students to a typical Spanish market in Torre del Mar on Thursdays and to the hilltop village of Comares on Fridays. While these outings are fun, just chilling at the retreat reading from Les’s extensive yoga library is also a stellar way to pass the time.

Yogatone Retreat Chill Out

Yogatone Retreat Bedroom

As Les says often during the retreat, “Ashtanga yoga is boot camp for the soul.” I think he has a point. Yogatone yoga is not for wimps, through all ages and body types can do it. This is a getaway for a traveler who is looking to explore the road less traveled through Andalusia while also treading the inner path through asana, and in this sense it may not be for everyone. It’s also important to realize that while the Yogatone house is fabulous, it is not luxurious. It is welcoming, warm, cozy, peaceful and perhaps a tad bohemian, though very clean. It’s the sort of place where is is almost impossible to not have a good time and make friends.

Comares

MORE:

Whole retreat: $630, extra nights possible
Massage: $55
Flights to Malaga: Vueling or Iberia from Madrid or Barcelona.
Website for Yogatone:http://www.yogatone.co.uk/spain/

Post and Photos by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her tips on travel in Spain at: The Spain Scoop

**Regina was a guest at Yogatone.

On a hot day on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, hang out at the Palace Casino Resort Pool

Palace Casino Resort rises from the rubble

Originally opened in January 1997 as the riverboat Palace Casino, Hurricane Katrina roared through Biloxi, Mississippi on the afternoon of August 28, 2005 and threw caution to the wind, taking the four-diamond  Palace Casino Resort with it. On my recent visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I had the pleasure of staying at the newly renovated Palace Casino Resort. Owner Robert Low and his wife Lawana said, “our success has never been based on the bricks and mortar, but rather the hard work of our dedicated associates.”

Expanded gaming floor

The Palace Casino Resort has added hundred of new slots – 1,100 slots to be specific – as well as a new table games pit to the new gaming floor. If you are a gambler, be sure to look into the player perks program. Not a gambler; you’ll find the best hotel rates online.

Palace Casino Resort King, room #701, with water view.

King deluxe suite

My king deluxe suite, room #701, included a water view of Biloxi’s Back Bay and complimentary internet access.  During Mardi Gras weekend, my room rented for $199 plus tax. I liked that my room was on a corner, away from the elevator. My room safe wasn’t working the first night, but after a call to house keeping, a maintenance man and security guard were on the scene and had the incorrectly installed battery working soon.

Dining options for every budget

On site dining at Palace Casino Resort includes fine dining, the Palace Buffet, three casual dining options and the Contact Lounge & Sports Bar. Opened on April 18, 2011, the Palace Buffet seats 300 and offers live action cooking stations, while Stacked grill features burgers,  sandwiches and specialty shakes. For the meat lovers in the group, Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood serves dinner Wednesday – Sunday. This California girl was impressed with the restaurant’s selection of wines.

Pure Spa

Try the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Massage & Body Treatment, 80 minutes for $150.

Palace Casino Resort Lobby features two business computers and printer

Insider Tip: For those of us who don’t enjoy smoke-filled casinos, the Palace Casino Resort is the only smoke free casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Palace Casino Resort on Twitter and like them on Facebook.  For additional information follow Mississippi Gulf Coast on Twitter.

Golf Package Deals

Sunday – Thursday: Starting at $145 per person
Friday – Saturday: Starting at $168 per person

Includes one night hotel accommodations at Palace Casino Resort and one round of golf at The Preserve Golf Club. $10.00 food credit per person per package day $10.00 slot credit per person per stay Prices are based on double occupancy / two golfers per room. All prices are tax inclusive.

• Dining room
• Safe
• Meeting rooms
• Jacuzzi
• Boats
• Non-smoking rooms
• Casino on site
• Atm/cash machine
• Wheel chair access
• In-room high-speed internet
• Express check-out
• Casino
• Parking – free
• Interior corridors
• Air conditioning

• Outdoor pool
• Modem
• Lounge/bar
• Security
• Coffee shop
• Accessible facilities
• Coffee/tea maker
• Dry cleaning
• Golf
• Cable or satellite tv
• Iron
• Pool
• Restaurant
• Room service

If You Go:

Palace Casino Resort (228) 432-8888 or (800) 725-2239

154 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California.

I was a guest of Palace Casino Resort

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