Hotel Patrol

Quick – when I say beach and lake resort, what's the first place that comes to mind? If you said Iowa, frankly, I'd be shocked, but for this review, you would be correct!

Well, I promised you a variety of accommodations and I certainly don't want to disappoint anyone, so here goes a good one! I know you travel to most destinations by airplane, but how many of you have actually stayed overnight in the fuselage of a 727? Hmmm – I didn't see too many hands go up. So, here's your chance to explore something new. Located on the edge of the National Park in the Costa Verde II area is a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe. It sits high on a 50 foot pedestal so you have the illusion of flying, but with all the comforts of a hotel room. There are 2 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV, kitchenette, dining area and high speed internet. A beautiful river rock spiral staircase leads up to your suite with teak wood interiors. There are gardens all around and you have a 360 degree view of them. There is also a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. So, do you have any neighbors? The answer is yes – they are frogs, toucans and monkeys that will provide you with songs and shows.

Wines from the United States are getting more and more recognition and they're not just from California. Case in point is the Wine Country Farm in Dayton, Oregon. They are located about one hour from the city of Portland in the beautiful Willamette Valley. This historic Bed and Breakfast is a 100 year old estate that sits at the top of a hill with gorgeous views of the Valley and the Cascade Mountains. You are right in the middle of their vineyard and within walking distance of several other wineries in the area.

Baby its cold outside – what a perfect time to pack up the grand kids or just yourself and head to Michigan and the Bavarian Inn. If traveling to Germany with the family is not an option this year, then have no fear, this will satisfy the thirst until then. The Inn is a family run business from the ground up, so great care is taken to make you feel welcome, comfortable and well fed. Here's what the President, Judy Zehnder Keller had to say, “Family is everything to us. My mother Dorothy, at nearly age 91, is still very active in the kitchen, my brother Bill and I along with our spouses oversee the restaurant and lodge. We both have two of our children in the business, nearly nine family members in senior management at this time. There are four in the fourth generation, four in the third generation and one in the second generation. It is a blessing and an honor to work with family.” I don't know about you, but this is the kind of place that I want to visit.

Nostradamus slept here! Bet you don't hear that very often when checking into a hotel. Well, in this case, not only Nostradamus, but Noblemen and Royalty have rested their heads at the Domaine Des Escaunes in the Provence region of France. Located in the small French village of Sernhac, you will find yourself surrounded by Vineyards and Olive trees. In fact, the 23 rooms here are each named for a different variety of grape. In addition, you are only 45 minutes from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the most famous of the Cotes du Rhone wines.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton in Beaumont, Texas is one of the best properties in the area, if not the best. We found it as a home away from home. The hotel was both handicapped and pet friendly and the staff made us feel very welcome.

Here's lookin' at all you boomers! We grew up being the kids whose parents shared their favorite love story movie, Casablanca, and it remains a classic today. If you come to New York, the Casablanca Hotel will become your favorite classic place to stay in the Big Apple.

Recently we had the unfortunate need to travel to Beaumont, Texas for a family funeral.  Since this amounted to a journey of 950 miles each way, it was imperative for us to stop for the night along our route.  We were looking for somewhere to divide up the trip into a two day drive, and Grenada, Mississippi was a little more than half-way.

Have I got a surprise for you! Who says you have to go overseas to stay in a charming bed and breakfast that also gives you cooking classes? Don't get me wrong, going to Italy, France, Spain, etc. is amazing, but if you don't want to break the bank, go to Cincinnati! Yes, I said Cincinnati, as in Ohio.

Twelve miles from the downtown area is the amiable village of Glendale, population 2,200. It dates back to the 1850's and was the first planned railroad commuter town in the United States and therefore designated a Historic Landmark in 1976 by the Department of the Interior.

Here's my question – do you think you can stay in a boutique hotel in mid-town Atlanta for under $200? The answer is a resounding YES! Now is it going to be 5 star – no, but how about 3 star in the best possible way? Check yourself into the Artmore Hotel built in 1924, sitting among the high rise buildings across from a MARTA station. Their address is 1302 W. Peachtree St., so you are close to the High Museum of Art, lots of great bars and restaurants and in the center of Atlanta's Cultural Arts District. It has an old Hollywood vibe with lots of black and white framed art of music and movie star icons.