Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Calistoga's Pink Mansion

Willliam Fisher, Founder of the Calistoga Beverage Company, would be rolling in his grave if he heard the news that his famed water company was closing their Calistoga location this week. Fisher, along with his good friend and Calistoga’s town founder, Sam Brannan, were well known in the Napa Valley back in the 1800’s. In fact, Fisher built his home, now called the Pink Mansion, on land given to him by Brannan back in 1875.  I recently had the pleasure of sleeping in the Pink Mansion Master Suite.

One of the benefits of living in the San Francisco bay area; I can drive an hour and be in the romance-filled Napa Valley. A wee bit further up Highway 29 and I find myself in Calistoga.

This particular trip had me staying at The Pink Mansion as a guest of owners Toppa and Leslie Epps for Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport Weekend. For $40, guests are entitled to special wine tasting events in the Napa Valley. Corkage will be waived at participating restaurants and discounts are offered on several Calistoga lodging properties.

I stopped by Twomey Cellars and picked up a $50 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and then drove down the road to Castello di Amorosa where I was able to have a $15 tasting for free thanks to my Passport.

Winter Wine Country Bargains

Mid-week in the winter is one of the best times to visit Napa Valley. The summer crowds have left and the local vintners and chefs have time to actually visit with guests. Wine country winter weather is often mild and some of the best lodging bargains can be found.

Pink Mansion Master Suite

At The Pink Mansion, “Tempting Tuesdays” means one night in a deluxe Master, Honeymoon or Carriage House suite in addition to dinner for two at the JoLe* Restaurant. Don’t forget that wine and hors d’oeuvres are included at the Pink Mansion, as is a gourmet breakfast. *A $70 value with taxes, gratuities and alcoholic beverages not included. $295 Winter Special Package Rate Tuesdays November 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010.

With all of the money you’ve saved on your room and dinner at JoLe, consider an in room massage from Special Occasion Massage.

The Pink Mansion is pet-friendly and charges $25 daily for rooms that have an outside entrance.

The Pink Mansion (707) 942-0558 or (800) 238-7465

1415 Foothill Blvd. Calistoga, CA 94515

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, Washington

Set in the lush beauty of the Olympic Peninsula, Forks, Washington is the setting for one of the ulitmate literary love stories – that of Bella and Edward from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series.

With this weekend’s release of the film version of book two, New Moon, fans will once again be wanting to make the pilgrimage to view the sites mentioned in the book. If that’s you and your family, then you might be interested in a special package put together by the Kalaloch Lodge.

Its “New Moon” package offers a one-night stay, a Forks-area map highlighting locations in the book, Twilight water bottles, a special Twilight dessert and more. Rates for this package start at $149 a night.

A Cabin at the Kalaloch Lodge

Need more time? Kalaloch Lodge is also bringing back its original “Twilight” package, which includes a two-night stay, the map, water bottles, a special Twilight dessert and more.  Rates for this package start at $199.

Kalaloch Lodge is situated on the outskirts of Forks, and offers beach front access. Accommodations are offered in three styles: the Main Lodge rooms, the more rustic cabins (which are pet-friendly with a $15 additional fee per pet) and the more remote and secluded Seacrest Building rooms. All rooms are non-smoking

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the Kalaloch Lodge website or call 866-297-7367 and use the promo code: Twilight to reserve either package.

You’ll have to bring your own vampire, though.

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Kalaloch Lodge
157151 Hwy. 101
Forks, WA 98331
866-297-7367
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[Photos courtesy Kalaloch Lodge/Aramark Parks & Destinations]

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Hotel Cheval in Paso Robles

Paso Robles is growing up. No longer the sleepy little town, Paso is known for its wine country and sophisticated dining. And while kids used to ride their horses into town, the only horse you’ll find cruising the streets of Paso Robles is Chester, a 2,000 pound Belgian draft horse.

Chester – The Horse of Course

Chester is the official mascot of Hotel Cheval. The former work horse from Big Prairie, Ohio has seen his last days of pulling plows and now carts guests of the Hotel Cheval to and from downtown Paso Robles in a handsome vintage vis a vis carriage.

With only 16 rooms, Hotel Cheval offers its guests luxury and privacy in this Central Coast location. From the outdoor stone wood-burning fireplaces to the horse shoe-shaped zinc Pony Club bar, visitors will enjoy a bit of the old ranching life, while keeping both boots firmly planted in the good life.

Chester Takes Guest from Hotel Cheval

Hotel rooms range from $225 weekdays to $325 on the weekends. Hotel Cheval is pet-friendly with a $30 charge per pet, each day.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Cheval

Hotel Cheval 1 (866) 522-6999

1021 Pine St.  Paso Robles, CA

The image that Motel 6 has is of basic lodgings at a value price, and that is a fair assessment of what I received during my stay at the chain’s property located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Standard 2 Double Bed Motel 6 Room

The motel is actually, technically, in the city of Lake Delton, but Delton and the Dells are twin cities separated only by an invisible barrier. For all intents and purposes, most everything in this twin city area is considered The Dells.

But I digress. The motel is located where I-90/94 and Hwy 12 intersect and it is a three-story lodging with very basic rooms offering 1 king or 2 double beds, a TV with cable, an indoor pool and hot tub, free morning coffee in the lobby and that’s about it.

There’s no on-site restaurant or fitness center, no indoor waterpark like the Great Wolf Lodge and Kahlahari just up the road, and no free toiletries, other than a bar of no-name soap. The walls are also thin enough to hear a loud conversation next door and even with a non-smoking room, there is still lingering smoke smells as soon as you step into the hallway.

But for $50 or less, on average (AAA discounts available), you do get free WiFi, free parking, indoor hallways for security and a clean, comfortable place to sleep. Restaurants are less than a mile away, next to the Tanger Outlet Mall, and it’s about a five minute drive from both the main tourist strip of Dells attractions and Ho Chunk Casino. This is also a pet-friendly lodging and does have rooms to accommodate those with disabilities.

This is definitely a place to pick if you’re more concerned with price over amenities, but sometimes, all you need is a cheap place to crash.

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Motel 6 Lake Delton
I-90/I-94 at US 12, Exit #92
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-355-0700

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[Photo by Michelle Snow]

Related Posts:

• Comfort Inn in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Mayflower Motel in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

More than ever, when the family goes traveling, it includes the kids of the four-legged kind. It can sometimes be difficult to find a hotel that accepts the furrier members of your clan in the room, but the Loews Hotel chain has been at the forefront of pet-acceptance with its “Lowes Loves Pets” program.

Loews Don Cesar in St. Petersburg, FL

For the upcoming holiday season, Loews has put together a great package at 17 of its hotels in the U.S. and Canada just for those that will be traveling with their cats or dogs.

The Houndly Holidays promotion includes:

• A one-night stay (double occupancy plus a pet)
• An in-room holiday pet meal from the Loews holiday pet menu
• A festive red “Bow Wowzer” ball
• A package of Loews Loves Pets amenities that includes a bowl, mat and tags

The package rates vary by hotel, but generally start around $119 a night and it can be booked from October 19, 2009 through January 1, 2010. There are some blackout nights at certain properties, as well.

To book the Houndly Holidays package, visit Loews online or call 866-563-9792.

“Lowes Loves Pets” is a great program that includes pet walking and sitting services, special pet food menus developed with a licensed veterinarian, and more. Each hotel also has lists of pet-friendly attractions, restaurants and other resources needed when traveling with your pet.

[Photo: Loews Hotels]

PS: If traveling sans furry friend out west, but feel the need for some “puppy love,” then check out the new program at the Quail Park Lodge in Utah.

When my husband first suggested that we go camping near Yellowstone Park I have to admit I cringed…a lot.  I couldn’t help it, I’m a city girl, I like my hotels to come with all the amenities, including a king size bed.  I love room service, and free Internet and cable. 

Camping is a hard sell.  But, as I looked at my little boys I realized that in this instance I was (again) out numbered, because camping, if we want to stick with generalizations, is a “guy thing”, and mine is a “guy dominated” home.  So I caved in to the idea.  But not without packing up extra sheets and pillows and insisting that we sleep on queen size air mattresses as opposed to flat, confining sleeping bags.

My husband did his research trying to find a compromise and what we found was KOA Kampgrounds, about 10 minutes outside of Yellowstone Park on the Montana border. And I guess they have several throughout the U.S.

The campsite has all the amenities for sure.  It has a 24 hour laundry room, which provides all the supplies you would need, including a change machine.  It has a store for those last minute purchases, such as milk, or toothpaste, or paper towels.  They have a coffee shop, though on the first morning, my city slicker husband asked for an Espresso and was quickly offered a no frills cup of coffee instead. They also offer hot breakfast in the morning, made to order, consisting of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon.  The eggs were a little strange tasting, but otherwise the food was ok and not expensive. They also have free wireless service which you can access every where on the  grounds (including from your campsite), a pool, a playground, bike rentals, and a game room. The bathrooms are clean and have private showers and toilet stalls, ample room to hook up hair dryers and spread out make up.

Then there were the campsites.  They have cottages as well as what they call “tent villages”.  I convinced my husband that since we were going to go “camping” we should go for the full camping experience.  So we settled on the tent village.  I am not exactly sure what size the section they provide for your tent is.  I guesstimate it is about 30×20.  It comes with a picnic table, a fire pit (bring your own wood), and ample space for a large tent, which we had, and your car, or RV.

And it was, for all intents and purposes, a perfect site for a city girl like me.  It had all the conveniences one could need, especially with little kids, and activities galore.

It was close to the West entrance of Yellowstone Park, and we had tons of fun there, so that was really great for us. But in the end, except for the part where we slept in a tent, it didn’t much feel like “camping” at all.  I had envisioned my camping experience to be a bit more rural, more isolate.  I psyched myself up to “rough it” and in the end, it wasn’t that at all.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

It is not KOA’s fault, they have set themselves up for providing traveling families with everything they could need and want.  But personally, I felt like I cheated my kids out of a true camping experience.  Maybe, for now, this option is the best.  The two youngest are pretty small still (2.5 and 4).  And though we enjoyed our stay, I felt at times I was in a trailer park and not really camping…and I think next time, when the boys are a little older, I will aim to really appreciate more of nature and without so many of the conveniences.

Photo credit: Carol Cain

Looking at the outside of the Paradise Motel is like being transported back to the 1950s, when the single story motel was king. Owner-owned and managed, this property is a clean, no-frills place to crash when in Wisconsin Dells.

Paradise Motel in Wisconsin Dells

The rooms are reasonably well-maintained, though the mattresses may seem old to those used to the lush pillowtops of most resorts. Rooms smell a bit musty and even a non-smoking room may smell slightly of smoke. Shower temperature varies depending on if others in neighboring rooms are bathing at the same time and if you do want to wash up, you’ll need to bring your own toiletries. You’ll also need to hike down to the office if you want any ice, but you’ll find the owner to be a friendly gentleman willing to help your stay be the best it can.

Paradise Motel is located in the heart of the tourist corridor, directly across the street from the behemoth Mt. Olympus Waterpark and Theme Park. As such, you may not care that the pool is small and only boasts a diving board and traditional plastic slide, or that said pool is completely packed in the heart of the summer heat.

They also offer charcoal grills and a picnic area for guests to use and have a playground with swing set for the kids. A variety of restaurants are within walking distance and each room comes with a mini-fridge and microwave. It should also be noted this motel is pet-friendly.

Rates for a standard room during the peak season summer months start at $99; the family suites at $159. These rates do include passes to Mt. Olympus for each person in your party, though, saving about $20-$30 per person. Expect to pay about half of that during the off-season, since the 49-room motel doesn’t have an indoor pool or any other fancy amenities.

Those who just want a basic place to sleep while vacationing on a budget in the Dells and don’t mind the older qualities of this property should consider this motel for their stay. Tbose used to more modern hotels might be more comfortable sleeping elsewhere.

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Paradise Motel and Suites
1700 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-254-7333

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[Photo courtesy of Paradise Motel]

Related Posts:

• Comfort Inn in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin
• Mayflower Motel in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
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Visitors to Disneyland in California now have a new lodging option, the Red Lion Hotel Anaheim.

Red Lion Anaheim - King Bed Room

Formerly a Radisson property, the hotel has undergone a $16-million renovation. Guest rooms now feature the Red Lion chain’s signature Stay Comfortable beds, triple sheeting, flat-screen plasma TVs, and iPod alarm clocks along with mini-refrigerators and microwaves (save a bit on dining costs!). The property also offers free wi-fi, an outdoor pool with fire pits, business center, and is both pet-friendly and 100% smoke-free.

The Anaheim location is one block from the main entrance to both Disneyland and next to the Anaheim Convention Center, so it is walkable. But if you do have your own car (rental or otherwise), be aware they do levy a $14 per night fee for parking.

Rates start around $110 for weeknight stays and $170 for weekends. They do offer additional discounts for AAA/CAA members.

Be sure to sign up for Red Lion’s frequent-stay R&R Club to get points for your stay (double points for stays through September 30, 2009) and other perks like no fee stays for pets (it’s $20 for non-members).

The Red Lion chain is also running a special 24/7 summer discount program on stays at all of the chain’s properties through September 15, 2009. Stay a minimum of two nights and get 24% off your rate, 24% off in the on-property restaurants and 24% off a future stay.

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Red Lion Hotel Anaheim
1850 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
1-714-750-2801

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[photo courtesy Red Lion Hotels]

The swanky, sweet Palomar Hotel in downtown Frisco.

My friend Tony is turning 40 next month and his wife Randi and I often take lunch walks on Tuesdays since we both work in downtown San Francisco. She got a good deal to on hotwire.com to stay at the Hotel Palomar, so she booked it for the night. But she really had no idea what to expect.

The hotel is a block from my office at the San Francisco Chronicle.

I was about to cancel our noontime rendezvous with her last week to take a tour of another property, when, in anticipation of her stay, she asked me to check out the Palomar instead.

Good call.

Not only is the Palomar, home to the world-class Fifth Floor restaurant, a stylish and beautiful venue, but as part of the Kimpton Group, the details, amenities, and service is exemplary.

Aaron Anderson, the front desk manager, greeted us and took ample time to give us a thorough tour.

The Palomar’s theme — Art in Motion — is prevalent throughout, beginning in the lobby. Currently through September 14, the show CHAGALL: Visions of a Storyteller, is being presented by the hotel in conjunction with the Linearis Institute. All of the artwork is available for purchase, and on select Fridays and Saturdays, docents are on tap for tours and to answer questions about Chagall and his work.

A hotel that doubles as an art gallery? Me likey!

The stylish lobby at the Palomar, San Francisco

Being a newspaper gal, I noticed the free copies of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal right away (I assume all the copies of the Chronicle had all been scooped up) in a corner of the first-floor lobby.

The fifth floor lobby is the locale of the daily wine hour between 5 and 6 p.m. If ice cream is more your flavor, you’re invited stop by for complimentary scoops daily, between 2 and 3 p.m.

Wall sconces in the hallways provide subdued lighting and delicate orchids greet visitors as they step out of elevators laid with parquet floors.

Of the 198 rooms configured around a square that lets in light from above, 11 are deluxe suites. Recently renovated, the rooms pop with spicy colored pillows, duvets, and upholstery as well as sculptured carpeting, and touches of animal prints (rugs, robes). There is free Wi-Fi throughout, a small fitness center (if you desire something bigger with a pool, passes to Club One a block away are available for $15), CD/DVD players and flat-screen tellies.

The Palomar Hotel is filled with art.

If you’re cold, cozy socks are available. If you’re lonely, dial up and ask for a pet goldfish. The staff at this hip yet warm hotel are there to make it all good.

Randi mentioned her imminent stay for the occasion of her hubby’s upcoming birthday. Aaron and his staff immediately put in for a room upgrade and a few other niceties including breakfast.

Now that’s hospitality.

Photos by Lisa Dion

Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Oregon Garden Resort Lobby

Unfortunately for me, I do not have a green thumb. I’ve killed more orchids and house plants than I care to admit.  Yet that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy beautiful gardens and exotic plants. If you enjoy gardening or simply like walking through beautiful gardens, add Oregon Garden Resort to your travel plans. The latest addition to the list of Moonstone Hotel properties, Oregon Garden Resort boasts a main lodge, the Garden View Restaurant (I enjoyed the local Buffalo Burger with turkey and wild rice soup for $9.00),  a lounge (with live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights) and a full-service Moonstone Day Spa.

Oregon Garden

I didn’t stay overnight at the pet-friendly property, but I did take a tour of the Oregon Garden, which is included in the lodging rate and open to the public for a small fee. The Children’s Garden is charming. A display of a couple, made entirely of pots, sitting on a bench, gives the term “pot head” new meaning.

Oregon Garden Resort Room 208

I did get a chance to peek into several of the resort rooms. There are 17 buildings on the property with six guest rooms in each garden-themed building. A standard king, such as room 207, rents for $99-$249 and includes a hot American Breakfast Buffet and entrance into the Oregon Garden. All rooms have a private deck or patio and fireplace. The Dogwood building is pet-friendly and charges a mere $15 per dog.

Oregon Garden Resort 1 (503) 874-2500

895 West Main Street, Silverton, Oregon 97381

Photos by Nancy D. Brown