Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Swiss Cow by Nancy D. Brown

I first discovered the Hotel Falken during a European college trip the summer of my junior year. Our small group took a cog wheel train from Interlaken to the alpine village of Wengen, Switzerland. We arrived at night time, checked into our rooms and tucked into two single beds. Neither my room mate nor I could figure out the bedding, it looked like a giant white marshmallow was placed upon our bed. By the next morning, we had figured out the Swiss down duvet, now widely available in the United States. Back in the 1980’s, the down duvet was a new experience for us California kids. The closest we’d been to a summer/winter resort like Wengen was in Lake Tahoe.

As I crossed the room and opened the shutters, I was delighted to see the magnificent Jungfrau, snow capped and surrounded with a halo of puffy clouds. Cows grazed in the meadow above the hotel, their custom made cow bells clanging softly in the distance.  Flower boxes spilled over with red geraniums from the surrounding hotels. I would remember this hotel experience for the rest of my life.

I was able to come back to the Hotel Falken as a newlywed with my husband. We had both quit our jobs and were backpacking through Europe for two months. We had planned our “splurge” night in the car-free village of Wengen to celebrate our one year anniversary. My parents also visited Wengen and stayed at this Hotel when they were there for a jazz festival. 

Switzerland is one of my favorite vacation destinations. Picture postcard scenery, romantic hotels, plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities and the best chocolate in the world. What’s not to love about Switzerland? Well, I should mention that I don’t love the expense of traveling in Switzerland. Budget travelers might consider the “sleep in the straw” programs. I prefer to save up my money and stay at the Hotel Falken.

Have you been to Wengen, Switzerland? What are your favorite memories?

Hotel Falken
Feliciano Cova Susanna
Gruebi
3823 Wengen

Tel. 033 856 51 21

Photo courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Snow on Mount Diablo, California

Baby, it’s cold outside! Down right freezing in some places that haven’t seen snow in years. We’re talking snow on Mount Diablo in Northern California!

With temperatures reaching record lows in California, you might be thinking about a warm weather destination for the winter holidays.

Personally, I’ll be heading to Cancun, Mexico next week to stay at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, located off the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. I’ll be a guest of the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. I also hope to go horseback riding when I’m in Cancun.

If you like balmy weather, warm water for snorkeling, standup paddling, surfing and diving or simply snoozing on a lani while listening to the sound of the waves lapping sparkling sands, then Maui is calling you.

Sheraton Maui Resort photo by Nancy D. Brown

I stayed at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa last June. What’s new at the Sheraton? The Spa at Black Rock offers an indoor, outdoor type of experience, as the rooms are not completely closed in. What’s more relaxing than listening to the surf and birds twittering in the background while enjoying a massage?

Resorts on Twitter

Speaking of twitter; follow the Sheraton’s Twitter link for updates on the Sheraton, Maui. You can also find “What a Trip” on twitter. 

If you want to follow my tweets while I’m blogging in Cancun, Mexico, you can follow the #BlogParadise hash tag on Twitter or follow Marriott Resorts twitter feed next week.

Are you heading anywhere for the holidays?

Mount Diablo photo courtesy of Amber Wheable.

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa 1 (866) 716-8109

2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Alegria Oceanfront Inn and Cottages - Mendocino

Mendocino’s wild and rugged coast  is wonderful to visit any time of year, but the mid-winter special pricing offers the frugal traveler an added bonus. You might even spy a whale or two traveling by, at no additional charge!

While I’m a fan of Mendocino and Fort Bragg, I must allow myself a minimum of three days in this charming coastal community to justify the long, windy, yet scenic drive. If you travel by motorcycle or sports car, you will love the twists and turns of this awe-inspiring drive. Save time for a day in Fort Bragg and have lunch or a beer at Piaci Pub and Pizzeria.

Charming Mendocino Village

Once you have landed in the village, you will be rewarded with a stay at Alegria Oceanfront Inn. This unique property, located a stones throw from the village, is owned by former Bay area residents Elaine Wing and husband Eric Hillesland.  The friendly couple clearly love what they do and it shows in special welcome touches for birthday celebrations or romantic anniversary ocassions. And while there are plenty of dining options in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, make sure to stay for the breakfast that is included in the price.

Pacific Suite

Alegria Pacific Suite photo by Nancy D. Brown

I landeded in the Pacific Suite, one of only two rooms in the main house. My room looked out to Big River State Beach, but it was the bed that began my love affair.

My husband had ridden his motorcycle up to meet me for lunch at Cafe Beaujolais. He couldn’t stay the night, but came to the Alegria Inn to check out my room. He layed down on the bed and let out a sigh of happiness.

As a lodging editor, I review two properties a week and believe me, I’ve slept in my share of uncomfortable beds. I asked the owners about the mattress brand and they introduced me to the locally made Flobed.

It’s not often that I get this excited about a bed. I called the owner of the Fort Bragg store and scheduled an interview with Flobed owner and former Ft. Bragg Mayor Dave Turner. After a factory tour, I found myself writing a check for a 100% organic Flobed. They are not cheap, but it is one of the best purchases that my husband and I have made.

Mid-Winter Alegria Inn Specials

For a mid-week, three night stay, save $240 or, if you can manage a five night getaway, save $400. Check the website for weekend specials, too.

Alegria photo from website. Pacific Suite photo courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Alegria Oceanfront Inn and Cottages (707) 937-5150 or 1 (800) 780-7905

44781 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460

The Mountain Home Inn is relentlessly romantic.

Some things are worth repeating.

I’ve lost count how many times my husband Dan and I have retreated to the Mountain Home Inn, a magical place on the top of Mount Tamalpais, about a 30 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.

For our anniversary last month, we pawned the kids off with our friends in Bolinas, and headed up the hill to one of our favorite Northern California getaways.

Life is just better up there. The air is dewy and rarefied, perfumed with the scent of pine, redwood, and ocean.  On clear days the view is staggering — mountain slopes give way to the sparkling San Francisco Bay, 1,000 feet below. At night, sitting out on a private deck,  you feel like you can touch the stars in the inky black sky.

In rain or fog, the inn is cozy, comfortable, and blissfully romantic. Many rooms and common areas have fireplaces. Some are equipped with Jacuzzi tubs. The MHI, with its redwood decks and interior supports made from massive tree trunks, is the essence of rustic chic.

We’ve sampled many of the rooms here including the most luxurious, but this visit only one of the smallest rooms was available — Room Three with a queen bed, and no extras besides a small, private deck. We were also warned that we might not be able to use all of the common areas, due to a wedding that was taking place there that night. We went for it, anyway. Heck, when someone offers to take your four- and two-year-old overnight, you jump on it!

The room was indeed tiny, but it also intimate and cozy. The well-positioned deck that looked southeast down the mountain was the clincher. Since we weren’t sure of the dinner service situation, we decided to go DIY, and brought wine, champagne, Red Hawk cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, fruit, proscuitto, coppa, and a baguette. To be so far away yet on top of it all in this little private space was divine.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast of eggs and cheesy grits, we set out on the mountain trails — some of the best start right outside the door of the inn.

The Pelican Inn, a slice of Britain in Marin County.

After a rigorous hike, it was time for a bit of refreshment, so we headed down toward Muir Woods/Beach and stopped for a pint at the Pelican Inn, a sister property to the MHI. This is a little slice of Britain in Marin County. This English pub looks as though it was lifted straight from the Mother Country — dark and comfy with low ceilings, and a dartboard on the inside, and surrounded by lovely manicured gardens.

It always amazes me that there are places like these that are a mere half an hour from my home in San Francisco, yet that transport me somewhere else completely and rejuvenate my soul.

Photo credits: Dan Dion and Lisa Dion

Think you have to travel to the South Pacific to enjoy over-water digs? Three Caribbean resorts in Bermuda, Panama and Belize bring the rustic, romantic fantasty of sleeping seaside within reach—geographically, at least.

9 Beaches, Bermuda
Note that 9 Beaches calls the nine over-water rooms the “paradise pier” cabanas. Rates start at $390 per night in the low season (Sept 7 – Nov 30), and $490 per night during the high season.
Call 866-841-9009 for more details.

Over-water cabanas at 9 Beaches, Bermuda

Punta Caracol, Panama
This tucked-away resort on Colon island, Bocas del Toro, Panama, aims to reconnect guests with nature with their over-water bungalows. Choose from nine rooms set over water at Punta Caracol. Rates start at $316 per night during low season (May 16 – June 30 and September 1 – December 15), and $374 per night during high season (Dec 16 – May 15 and July 1 – August 31).
Call (00) (507) 6612-1088 for more details.

Punta Caracol over-water resot in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Cayo Espanto, Belize
This San Pedro resort redefines luxury, catering to every whim of their guests, who are asked to fill out a survey describing their dream meals and more so that the resort can have the specific vintage of Champagne, flavor of gelato and more. But, fulfilled wishes over water will put you back, specifically at rates starting at $1,195 per night.
Call 888-666-4282 for more details.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Special thanks to 9 Beaches for the charming shot of their over-water set-up, Punta Caracol for such a lovely sunset shot of their property and Cayo Espanto for the lovely aerial.

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

View from Ko'a Kea Ocean View Room

Grab your iPod because the hip Ko’a Kea boutique hotel has docking stations in all of their rooms, in addition to flat screen TVs and Espresso coffee makers. But it’s not the L’Occitane amenities that bring you to this luxury hotel, opened April 2009, it’s the fact that it sits on Poipu beach.

Resting on the footprint of  the old Poipu Beach Hotel, this small-scale property takes over where Hurricane Iniki left off in 1992. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the Ko’a Kea name, meaning “white coral” in Hawaiian, is a tribute to the life-giving power of the coral reefs.

Ko'a Kea Ocean View Room #236

Of the 121 hotel rooms, you could reserve one of six ocean-front suites or an ocean-view suite. My room, #236, was an ocean view room that would typically rent for $600. Right now, the Kauai property is not fully occupied and is therefore offering $299 special rates. If you absolutely insist on an ocean front room, add $100 to the cost. If it were my money, I’d suggest booking the ocean view room and investing your saved dollars in a spa treatment.

Whether you’re here on a honeymoon or in Kauai on business, you won’t want to leave the fabulous bed. Take it from me; I’ve slept on a lot of hard mattresses and besides my flow bed, the Ko’a Kea bed is one of my absolute favorites.

For the honeymooners out there, I have no idea what the Ko’a Kea Signature Adventure Lovers Massage entails, but it sounds romantic. With my fair Norwegian skin, I’ll probably need the Sunburn Rescue Treatment.  Speaking of sunburns, the snorkeling at the Ko’a Kea hotel was better than our catamaran tour on the Napali coast. All sorts of brilliantly colored fish were spotted in front of the hotel, as well as a sea turtle. Guests can bring their own snorkel equipment or rent by the hour or day at the Ko’a Kea.

The Ko’a Kea’s website features special packages and promotions. For example, if you make a reservation between December 25, 2009 and January 4, 2010 you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a stay in 2010 equal to your stay during the holiday season. Check the website for details.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. If you like free internet access, upgrades when available and late check out, be sure to sign up for the Iprefer Guest Benefit Program. This trip was hosted by the Kauai Visitors Bureau.

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort (808) 742-1344

2251 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756-9534

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Ocean View Room Sheraton Kauai

Aloha! I’m staying in Kauai for a week to celebrate the golden 50th Anniversary of South Pacific. I rented the DVD last night to refresh my memory of this beautiful “Garden Isle.” It’s been 23 years since I stepped foot on Kauai as a newlywed with my husband. While I’m here at the Sheraton Kauai Resort as a guest of the hotel and the Kauai Visitors Bureau, I’ll be visiting many of the locations that have been used as backdrops for over 60 major motion pictures and television productions.

Situated on the sunny southern coast of Kauai, the Sheraton has beachfront property for guests to relax, dig their toes in the white sand and watch a romantic sunset, preferably with mai tai in hand.

Sheraton Kauai Room #1412

Most guest rooms in the Beach and Ocean wings face the sea. My room, #1412, was an ocean view room on the fourth floor, with a rack rate of $765.  Thank goodness for forward thinking Kauai to limit the height of hotel rooms. No building can be taller than a mature palm tree, which is about four stories. The St. Regis Princeville Hotel is an exception to this rule because it is built into a bluff.

The property has a keiki program and also hosts the Surf to Sunset Luau, the only beachfront luau in Kauai. My favorite offering; the complimentary mai tais and live Hawaiian music, complete with hula dancer, from 5-6 p.m. on several evenings. Check the calendar available in your room for resort offerings.

The Sheraton Kauai  is a 20 to 30 minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic and self parking is complimentary. There is a swimmable beach in front of the hotel, however, conditions can be a bit rough in the summer months for keikis. Poipu Beach Park is a short walk from the Sheraton and offers an enclosed kiddy pool. The Poipu Shopping Village is within walking distance and Old Koloa Town is a five minute car ride.

Sheraton Kauai

For those of us who can’t leave our laptops behind, The Link at Sheraton offers five computer terminals with wifi internet access in the lobby. Check the website for internet specials including their “Discover Hawaii” Fall Special. The Sheraton Kauai has teamed up with The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas to offer three nights at each resort with the third night at each property offered for free! Call1 866-716-8140 and mention code DISCOVER until December 25, 2009.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Sheraton Kauai Resort 1 (800) 782-9488

2440  Ho’onani Road, Kola, Hawaii 96756

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

If you need an economic model of suppy and demand, look to the cost of a hotel room. When I walked into San Francisco’s Marriott Marquis on a recent Sunday afternoon, the jukebox was hopping. Locals call it the jukebox due to the unusual shape of the building. Located next to San Francisco’s convention center, just south of Market Street, the Marriott Marquis had a full house this afternoon, thanks to an international pharmaceutical convention taking place across the street.

Supply and Demand

If I’d wanted a room for tonight, a deluxe king would set me back $369. If I’d wait until closer to the holiday season, think Christmas shopping in Union Square, I might be able to snag the same room for $129. It’s all about supply and demand. Of course, savvy travelers know to check the Marriott’s website for the best on-line rates.

Built in 1989, the 1,500 room Marriott is the third hotel in the Marriott chain to earn the Marquis title, behind New York and Atlanta. When I asked the staff what it meant to carry the “Marquis” designation, no one knew how to respond to my question.  Perhaps I should ask Bill Marriott on his Marriott on the Move blog.

Marriott King Room

The 39-story, four star hotel offers the signature “Heavenly Bed” and is located in downtown San Francisco next to the Moscone Center. The property is steps from Yerba Buena Gardens and several blocks from Union Square, home to up-scale shopping heaven. The hotel appeals to business travelers, couples looking for a romantic escape or girl-friend getaways.

On site parking is a hefty $55.86 daily and only valet parking is available. I’d park across the street at the Fifth and Mission garage if it was my dime. The smoke-free Marriott Marquis is wired for WiFi and charges $12.95 daily for high speed internet and local and long distance calls within the country.

Marriott Marquis photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels. Photo of Deluxe King Room by Nancy D. Brown.

San Francisco Marriott Marquis (415) 896-1600

55 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94013-3199

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Holland America Line Ms Westerdam

“Hello everyone, this is Captain Henk Keijer,” the man with a Dutch accent delivered an important message over the Ms Westerdam’s PA system. “Due to the weather forecast of high winds and rough seas, we are unable to call in the port of Sitka. The Ms Westerdam instead will offer scenic cruising through the area of Tracy Arm.”

Indeed, Captain Keijer had made the proper call, as hurricane force winds were projected for our next port. In fact, the weather started turning as we docked in Juneau. This was September, after all, and summer had officially ended in Alaska.

Our Alaskan Explorer cruise on the Ms Westerdam began in Seattle, Washington. As a journalist, I was a guest of Holland America Line for a seven day cruise via Glacier Bay. After a quick flight from San Francisco, I experienced a smooth check-in process to board the ship. As was recommended to me by fellow cruise experts, my first stop on the ship was to the Greenhouse Spa to book a massage appointment for later in the week.

After a salmon lunch at the Lido Buffet, I was able to move into stateroom #4139. A mini-suite, my queen bedroom had a combination shower and tub in the bathroom, a desk for writing, with internet acess (for an extra fee) and a balcony. If you can swing the $1,349, the stateroom provided fabulous views of Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm, our unexpected, yet highly scenic diversion later on in the week.

Ms Westerdam State Room #4139

New to cruising, I was pleasantly surprised with the wide array of entertainment options, from nightly shows, to the Culinary Arts Center, guests can learn new cooking techniques, keep up with their yoga and cardio classes at the gym or relax in the hydro therapy pool. The same can be said for the variety of dining choices offered on board. Let’s just say that I’ve been eating and drinking my way through Alaska.

Grazers will appreciate the Lido Buffet, while three-squares a day diners may opt for the Vista Dining Room. As a solo diner, I selected the Vista Dining Room for its family-style table seating during breakfast and lunch. I was able to break bread with cruisers from all over the United States, many were repeat HAL cruisers. Evenings offerered early and late dining with a little singing, dancing and table-side entertainment thrown in as an added bonus toward the end of the cruise. Who knew our wait staff was so talented?

For the gourmets among us, the Pinnacle Grill offers an even higher caliber dining experience for $10 additional at lunch and $20 during dinner. As noted with the spa services, I’d recommend making advance dining reservations for this specialty restaurant. And for the food and wine aficionados, HAL has introduced the Westerdam’s Chef’s Table, a multi-course meal, paired with wines, hand selected from the sommelier. HAL is so confident in its culinary skills that it allowed several journalists a behind-the-scenes kitchen galley tour.

While I wasn’t able to land on the Mendenhall Glacier during a Juneau shore excursion, due to poor weather conditions, I was able to go whale watching on Auke bay as a guest of Dolphin Tours. And yes, we did see humpback whales. Magical! Juneau is a land of micro-climates and while it was nasty weather in downtown Juneau, Auke bay gave us light rain, smooth water and plenty of whale sightings, ($110 for a three hour tour, ship to shore.)

My take away tips on sailing Alaska’s Glacier Bay:

• Best weather for smooth sailing and slight seeing is May, June and July
• Cruisers wanting spacious ships with unobtrusive service and quality dining, Holland America Line
• Best value for dollar tour and lodging selections – book as far out as possible. The 2010 calendar is available now

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Holland America Line Ms Westerdam

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Alaska's Capital Inn - 1906 Historic B&B

We pulled up to the seven room Alaska’s Capital Inn as owner Linda Wendeborn was outside in the garden. It was a rainy September day and the Bed and Breakfast was warm and welcoming inside. Wendeborn and husband, Mark Thorson, purchased the property in 1999 and have since updated the 1906 arts and crafts style home, room by room, including local Alaskan art throughout the Inn.

Each room is named after the original owners and their children. In fact, Wendeborn was delighted to discover the school books of the children tucked away in the attic. Lila’s Suite includes a queen bed and sofa pull out for children. The room rents for $339 and includes a Jacuzzi tub. John’s room, named after the father, includes a handcrafted quartersawn oak king poster bed and lists at $309 during high season. The Governor’s Suite with a Jacuzzi tub is $339, while Viola’s room is large enough to accomodate a wheelchair.

John's Room Features a Four Poster Bed

Wendeborn, the self-titled “Commissioner of Love” is licensed to marry couples. The property has a full garden, with an occasional bear passing through and an outdoor hot tub. A full cooked breakfast is included, as well as wine and treats in the afternoon. The property is wired for WiFi and has a computer and printer downstairs for guests use. Every room has a TV/VCR and phone, some offer jacuzzi tubs and a fireplace. All rooms offer romance. Children eight and older are welcome. No pets are allowed.

Located conveniently in Juneau’s downtown historic neighborhood, the Inn is close to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and local restaurants for eating and drinking. The Bed and Breakfast is within walking distance to downtown. Your rate also includes passes to the Mt. Robert’s Tramway, a $54 value for two persons.

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Alaska’s Capital Inn (888) 588-6507 or (907) 586-6507

113 W. Fifth Street, Juneau, Alaska 99801