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.

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.
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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.

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.