Butterfield & Robinson is offering a safari tour by bicycle (and hiking).
Forget the old-fashion and 'overly-done' traditional jeep tours for something so much more exciting and - yes, adventurous. Clients will explore the wildlife and great outdoors by bike and by foot. Specifically the tour will take you to the back country of the Namibian territory.
The lodges and meals are still high-end, but the mode of transportation is more authentic and intimate to the surroundings.
Have no doubt, the itinerary is ambitious, but rewarding. The farthest destinations are traveled by private plane. Making the overall experience 'hard-won' luxury.
www.butterfield.com
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
AdventureWoman.com Hotel Tips
Looking for some great hotel tips for the holidays? Check out this link to AdventureWoman.com's Hotel Tips.
http://www.adventurewoman.com/tips/page.php?IMG=tips_hotels.jpg
You will learn valuable tips on saving money and safe travel Now more than ever, with the holidays upon us and people traveling, these easy tips could make the difference between a hassle-filled vacation and a relaxing one.
While you're on the site, check out the other travel tips: everything from traveling with pets to airport tips. They're simple to access and straight-forward.
You can never be too prepared when traveling. Make being away from home what it should be - an exciting fun-filled adventure.
Do you have additional tips? Please send them in.
http://www.adventurewoman.com/tips/page.php?IMG=tips_hotels.jpg
You will learn valuable tips on saving money and safe travel Now more than ever, with the holidays upon us and people traveling, these easy tips could make the difference between a hassle-filled vacation and a relaxing one.
While you're on the site, check out the other travel tips: everything from traveling with pets to airport tips. They're simple to access and straight-forward.
You can never be too prepared when traveling. Make being away from home what it should be - an exciting fun-filled adventure.
Do you have additional tips? Please send them in.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Benson Hotel - Portland, Oregon
Adventure Woman says one of the best walking cities/areas in the USA is downtown Portland, Oregon, and the Benson Hotel is the Grand Dame of the locale.
You can walk from your hotel to great shopping, fabulous eats and wonderful entertainment. The Benson Hotel is a historic downtown landmark with a great restaurant and upscale bar area. During the holiday season they feature an enormous and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The foyer is decorated as well, and will get even 'scrooge' into the holiday spirit.
Take a leisurely stroll to Pioneer Square for some pre-holiday shopping or check out Nordstroms - an Oregon classic. Nike was founded in Oregon and so was Columbia. As a consequence, you'll find both stores within striking distance.
For a truly great time head to Powell's - arguably the best, if not the biggest bookstore. The floors of books will leave any bibliophile dumbfounded and utterly engrossed for hours. A book makes a timeless and thoughtful present for anyone at any age.
Want to know more about the Benson and Portland? Go to: travelportland.com
You can walk from your hotel to great shopping, fabulous eats and wonderful entertainment. The Benson Hotel is a historic downtown landmark with a great restaurant and upscale bar area. During the holiday season they feature an enormous and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The foyer is decorated as well, and will get even 'scrooge' into the holiday spirit.
Take a leisurely stroll to Pioneer Square for some pre-holiday shopping or check out Nordstroms - an Oregon classic. Nike was founded in Oregon and so was Columbia. As a consequence, you'll find both stores within striking distance.
For a truly great time head to Powell's - arguably the best, if not the biggest bookstore. The floors of books will leave any bibliophile dumbfounded and utterly engrossed for hours. A book makes a timeless and thoughtful present for anyone at any age.
Want to know more about the Benson and Portland? Go to: travelportland.com
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Best in the World
Conde Nast just came out with their annual "Best in the World" issue.
I recommend you pick it up and keep it as a reference. No, I don't agree with all of it (luxury and service is as subjective as beauty), but it is a great resource guide if you're looking for ideas on places to travel or rest your weary head.
This year the issue lists the top 75 mainland US Resorts and the top 20 Mainland US small resorts. I will give a small tasting of each just to whet your appetite.
Mainland Resorts
1. The Broadmoor, Clorado (#3)
2. The Stein Eriksen, Utah (#10)
3. The Breakers, Florida (#16)
4. The Phoenician, Arizona (#19)
5. The Renaissance Vinoy, Florida (#68)
Mainland Small Resorts
1. Charlotte Inn (Martha's Vineyard)(#5)
2. San Ysidro, Santa Barbara (#9)
3. Amangani, Jackson Hole (#10)
4. Inn at Langley, Washington(#13)
5. Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, AZ. (#20)
You can try anything on the lists and you won't be disappointed. If you have your favorite USA hotels let us know what you recommend.
We love to hear from you.
I recommend you pick it up and keep it as a reference. No, I don't agree with all of it (luxury and service is as subjective as beauty), but it is a great resource guide if you're looking for ideas on places to travel or rest your weary head.
This year the issue lists the top 75 mainland US Resorts and the top 20 Mainland US small resorts. I will give a small tasting of each just to whet your appetite.
Mainland Resorts
1. The Broadmoor, Clorado (#3)
2. The Stein Eriksen, Utah (#10)
3. The Breakers, Florida (#16)
4. The Phoenician, Arizona (#19)
5. The Renaissance Vinoy, Florida (#68)
Mainland Small Resorts
1. Charlotte Inn (Martha's Vineyard)(#5)
2. San Ysidro, Santa Barbara (#9)
3. Amangani, Jackson Hole (#10)
4. Inn at Langley, Washington(#13)
5. Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, AZ. (#20)
You can try anything on the lists and you won't be disappointed. If you have your favorite USA hotels let us know what you recommend.
We love to hear from you.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Ballard Inn - Ballard, California
Looking for some romance?
Try this darling white picket-fence inn. The Ballard Inn has been voted one of 'America's Top Ten Most Romantic Inns,' and for good reason. This charming and comfortable Inn has 15 rooms reflecting the individual character and history of a by-gone era. Many of these rooms have private fireplaces and all have beautifully appointed, cozy beds making it an ideal retreat or weekend getaway.
You can take a picnic lunch, and a bicycle to explore the wondrous wine country. When you return you will be greeted with afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvers. Homemade cookies and a full-breakfast complete a pleasure-filled stay. The Inn also has a restaurant featuring French-Asian cuisine in a romantic and intimate dining room with an elegant crackling fireplace.
The nearest airports to the Inn are Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Room rates vary between $225 and $325. For more information, go to; BallardInn.com
Tell them Adventure Woman sent you.
Try this darling white picket-fence inn. The Ballard Inn has been voted one of 'America's Top Ten Most Romantic Inns,' and for good reason. This charming and comfortable Inn has 15 rooms reflecting the individual character and history of a by-gone era. Many of these rooms have private fireplaces and all have beautifully appointed, cozy beds making it an ideal retreat or weekend getaway.
You can take a picnic lunch, and a bicycle to explore the wondrous wine country. When you return you will be greeted with afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvers. Homemade cookies and a full-breakfast complete a pleasure-filled stay. The Inn also has a restaurant featuring French-Asian cuisine in a romantic and intimate dining room with an elegant crackling fireplace.
The nearest airports to the Inn are Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Room rates vary between $225 and $325. For more information, go to; BallardInn.com
Tell them Adventure Woman sent you.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Spend the night in a bullring!
Looking for a new and exciting hotel experience?
Want a hotel to write home about?
If you're looking for something 'unusual' then check into the Quinta Real Hotel in Zacatecas, Mexico.
This hotel was a former bullring - actually, the oldest in the Americas. You can lookout the balconies of several of the rooms and imagine the pomp and circumstance of centuries ago.
You may actually hear a faint "Ole" echoing from the past of the 17th Century Plaza de toros. This is a place for all toreadors and senoritas.
Want a hotel to write home about?
If you're looking for something 'unusual' then check into the Quinta Real Hotel in Zacatecas, Mexico.
This hotel was a former bullring - actually, the oldest in the Americas. You can lookout the balconies of several of the rooms and imagine the pomp and circumstance of centuries ago.
You may actually hear a faint "Ole" echoing from the past of the 17th Century Plaza de toros. This is a place for all toreadors and senoritas.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Is your hotel eco-friendly?
A question to ask when you're searching for a hotel is whether the hotel is Eco-friendly?
What does this mean?
It means the hotel is conscious of the environment and the environmental hazards a hotel can create from excess waste. For example, does the hotel recycle used goods or for that matter does the hotel purchase recycled items to use within the hotel (such as recycled toilet paper)?
Is the detergent the hotels uses biodegradable? (A hotel washes thousands of towels, and bed lines per year making this a serious question). What is the hotel policy on towels? Do they ask hotel guests to reuse their towels and linens to save on water and detergent or do they blindly replace everything (even re-washing clean towels)?
Even consider whether the hotel uses energy efficient light bulbs. It may seem insignificant but a hotel business may use hundreds of thousands of light bulbs per year making energy efficiency a legitimate question.
Many local, regional and national organizations give hotels a Eco-friendly or 'Green' rating. Ask you next hotel how they rate.
If nothing else it may raise hotel awareness and encourage the hotel establishment to consider the environment and recycling.
In the end, hotel guests and their money determine what priorities are important to hotels. Make the environment a priority at your favorite hotels.
What does this mean?
It means the hotel is conscious of the environment and the environmental hazards a hotel can create from excess waste. For example, does the hotel recycle used goods or for that matter does the hotel purchase recycled items to use within the hotel (such as recycled toilet paper)?
Is the detergent the hotels uses biodegradable? (A hotel washes thousands of towels, and bed lines per year making this a serious question). What is the hotel policy on towels? Do they ask hotel guests to reuse their towels and linens to save on water and detergent or do they blindly replace everything (even re-washing clean towels)?
Even consider whether the hotel uses energy efficient light bulbs. It may seem insignificant but a hotel business may use hundreds of thousands of light bulbs per year making energy efficiency a legitimate question.
Many local, regional and national organizations give hotels a Eco-friendly or 'Green' rating. Ask you next hotel how they rate.
If nothing else it may raise hotel awareness and encourage the hotel establishment to consider the environment and recycling.
In the end, hotel guests and their money determine what priorities are important to hotels. Make the environment a priority at your favorite hotels.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Romantic Gondola's in the California Desert
One of the most exciting and unique hotels in the United States is the JW Marriot Palm Desert. It is an awe-inspiring oasis in the middle of the desert, and a tourist attraction in its own right. The hotel sits upon a slight hill and the entryway is lined with lush palm trees (this is where ‘champagne flows and palm trees grow’). Pink flamingos bath in sparkling ponds of azure blue water as you pull up to the impressive and welcoming entrance.
Once inside the hotel, it is as if you’ve been transported to inside Aladdin’s magic bottle. The marble lobby is enormous. There is a spectacular 60 foot bar backed by cascading waterfalls spilling into large reflecting pools, but that isn’t the best part. Look a little further and you will see a dock inside the hotel (yes, the lake comes inside the hotel) where gondolas will collect you, and drop you off at any one of the hotel’s five restaurants within the complex.
The gondola ride itself is a treat not to be missed.
Want to learn more...? Go to www.adventurewoman.com (Retreat to Relaxation!)
Once inside the hotel, it is as if you’ve been transported to inside Aladdin’s magic bottle. The marble lobby is enormous. There is a spectacular 60 foot bar backed by cascading waterfalls spilling into large reflecting pools, but that isn’t the best part. Look a little further and you will see a dock inside the hotel (yes, the lake comes inside the hotel) where gondolas will collect you, and drop you off at any one of the hotel’s five restaurants within the complex.
The gondola ride itself is a treat not to be missed.
Want to learn more...? Go to www.adventurewoman.com (Retreat to Relaxation!)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The new generation of 'Dog Friendly' Hotels.
Taking your dog on vacation is a great treat for both you and your best friend. The new generation of 'dog friendly' hotels is a fantastic addition to fun with your furry friend. Many hotels now actually encourage you to bring your dog.
Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Monaco in Portland, Oregon, where my pooch, "Pom Pom" and me received first class treatment. Upon arrival Pom Pom's name was on a welcome board. At check in I was given a list (and map) of dog-friendly restaurants and stores. I was also offered doggy baby-sitting services.
Once in the room, I found a water bowl, food bowl, doggies treats, doggy bags for our walks, and a large, fluffy dog bed. It was pet heaven! There was even a little squeak toy for Pom Pom.
At cocktail hour all of the guests bring their darling dogs to a very chic formal public room, with drink service, a live pianist and lots of fun activities. The dogs are impressively well mannered, and sit at the heels of their owners. It is a 'United Nations' of dogs; with a least twenty-five or more different breeds (or mix of breeds) represented. It's entertaining just to see it, even if you don't have your dog along.
Next time you're looking for an unusual hotel stay, investigate the new breed of "Dog Friendly" hotels. You'll ride the elevators and roam the lobbies with some of the best looking, and friendliest guests that you've met in a long time.
Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Monaco in Portland, Oregon, where my pooch, "Pom Pom" and me received first class treatment. Upon arrival Pom Pom's name was on a welcome board. At check in I was given a list (and map) of dog-friendly restaurants and stores. I was also offered doggy baby-sitting services.
Once in the room, I found a water bowl, food bowl, doggies treats, doggy bags for our walks, and a large, fluffy dog bed. It was pet heaven! There was even a little squeak toy for Pom Pom.
At cocktail hour all of the guests bring their darling dogs to a very chic formal public room, with drink service, a live pianist and lots of fun activities. The dogs are impressively well mannered, and sit at the heels of their owners. It is a 'United Nations' of dogs; with a least twenty-five or more different breeds (or mix of breeds) represented. It's entertaining just to see it, even if you don't have your dog along.
Next time you're looking for an unusual hotel stay, investigate the new breed of "Dog Friendly" hotels. You'll ride the elevators and roam the lobbies with some of the best looking, and friendliest guests that you've met in a long time.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
What makes a great hotel stay?
There is nothing like collapsing on a down comforter in a beautiful hotel room.
A wonderful hotel is a fantastic addition to any vacation or business trip. You feel like a queen. Pick up the phone and have fabulous and delicious food delivered to your door. Or have your laundry done for you on request. Get your shoes shined and dresses pressed and then have them magically appear in your closet. Your beds are made for you in the morning and the towels replaced - even your toiletries organized. Really, does this exist? Yes!
However, not all hotels are created equally and you generally get what you pay for. Hotels are priced by the services, amenities and location of the hotel. You need to find the correct fit between you and the hotel. Are you looking for something within walking distance of city sights or are you looking for something isolated in the country. Is your trip romantic or family friendly? Are you wanting to have a dressy or casual atmosphere? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you make a reservation.
Other questions you might consider asking is whether the hotel accepts pets (if so, what is the fee). Some hotels only accept small pets so make sure you specify you are showing up with your Great Pyrenees before you walk through the door. Ask if the hotel has babysitting services if you are traveling with kids and if their room service menu has a children's section.
Always ask if there is an additional charge for parking. Some hotels, especially in the bigger cities (like San Francisco)will charge up to $50 a night to park your car. Also inquire about resort fees and other add-ons that appear on the bill, but are not explained up front. Always challenge any charges before you leave the hotel. Review the bill carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions or dispute a charge.
A great hotel is a destination in itself, and when the budget allows, try to spend the evening in one of the 'grand dame' hotels of the world. Even if it is for a single night the experience is a real treat and tres' memorable. Don't forget a great outfit and your camera.
Do you have any hotel recommendations? We want to hear.
A wonderful hotel is a fantastic addition to any vacation or business trip. You feel like a queen. Pick up the phone and have fabulous and delicious food delivered to your door. Or have your laundry done for you on request. Get your shoes shined and dresses pressed and then have them magically appear in your closet. Your beds are made for you in the morning and the towels replaced - even your toiletries organized. Really, does this exist? Yes!
However, not all hotels are created equally and you generally get what you pay for. Hotels are priced by the services, amenities and location of the hotel. You need to find the correct fit between you and the hotel. Are you looking for something within walking distance of city sights or are you looking for something isolated in the country. Is your trip romantic or family friendly? Are you wanting to have a dressy or casual atmosphere? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before you make a reservation.
Other questions you might consider asking is whether the hotel accepts pets (if so, what is the fee). Some hotels only accept small pets so make sure you specify you are showing up with your Great Pyrenees before you walk through the door. Ask if the hotel has babysitting services if you are traveling with kids and if their room service menu has a children's section.
Always ask if there is an additional charge for parking. Some hotels, especially in the bigger cities (like San Francisco)will charge up to $50 a night to park your car. Also inquire about resort fees and other add-ons that appear on the bill, but are not explained up front. Always challenge any charges before you leave the hotel. Review the bill carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions or dispute a charge.
A great hotel is a destination in itself, and when the budget allows, try to spend the evening in one of the 'grand dame' hotels of the world. Even if it is for a single night the experience is a real treat and tres' memorable. Don't forget a great outfit and your camera.
Do you have any hotel recommendations? We want to hear.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Hotelology Class - The study of hotels
Welcome to Hotelology
We will be studying the wonderful world of hotels. If you're a hotel junkie like me you'll love this class. There are few things more exciting than going to a great hotel. But what exactly makes a hotel fabulous? Is it the service? the ambiance? the location? the decor? the thread count on the bed linens? We will discuss all of the above and more. Whether you love the Grand Dame Hotels or the cozy inns and bed & breakfasts this will be a fantastic class for you. Join in with suggestions, comments and questions? We love class participation.
Classes will meet Sundays, starting Sunday, September 6, 2009.
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