Hotel Patrol

No trip to Germany would be complete without visiting the romantic city of Heidelberg. You should take 2-3 days and enjoy the sights. The nearest airport is Frankfurt which is about 45 miles away and well worth the side trip. Stop by the Rail Station or Tourist Information Office and purchase a Heidelberg Card. You can get a 2 day Pass for around 10 Euros which will include the Castle, 12 museums, public transportation, a walking tour of Old  Town, a City guide and additional discounts.

The “Violino d'Oro”, which translates to “The Golden Violin”, is that gem in Venice that you just wish someone would share with you. That's how I found out about it. Friends of mine who own a time share in Venice and travel there every year told me to be sure and check it out for my clients.

I feel like I need to whisper about this property, because it's a secret that I'm about to reveal. Assuming you have traveled to Rome in the past and have stayed in the center of it all, here’s a real jewel about 30 minutes away from the action. The Villa Urbani is nestled on a residential street about 15 minutes from the Trastevere area. It is a Villa that dates from the 1900's and is still a family residence that has been partially converted into a Bed and Breakfast.

Accommodations come in all varieties and I promised to cover as many options as I can – Yurts in Turkey were on the list, so let's go!

Huzur Vadisi is a Yoga Retreat situated on the coast of Turkey referred to as the Turquoise coast. By definition, “a yurt is a portable tent dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.”

Here at Huzur Vadisi, the yurts come equipped with either twin or double beds, electricity, wooden floors and bedside lights for reading. The roof is open to the sky and referred to as the “eye of heaven” so as you fall asleep, you are gazing at the stars.

Crooked streets, giant hills, great bridges and cable cars – where else but San Francisco, where many have lost their hearts. The City by the Bay offers such a variety of sights, sounds and flavors that you must make multiple trips.

Ah yes, it says Motel, not Hotel – remember those? This is one of the reasons I love visiting Cape Cod. I feel like that little girl in the back of the car with my pillow while Mom and Dad drove someplace wonderful for vacation. That's the feel throughout the Cape – be prepared to be transported back to the 60's – in a good way!

First of all, please be sure to rent a car. This is a must for Los Angeles no matter where you stay, because everything is so spread out. Having stayed in Santa Monica, downtown Los Angeles, the heart of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, I keep finding myself drawn back to the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel. This property is located between Westwood and Century City and is about a 5 minute drive into Beverly Hills. The area is residential, so you actually feel like you live here. Also, because it is residential, you can find free parking on the street after business hours and can avoid paying for valet parking, which is available if you choose. Let's face it, you will probably be out exploring all day anyway.

If you believe in fairy tale locales, then you won't be disappointed in Bermuda. Everything here is so pristine and lovely, it will take your breath away. I stayed at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which is close to the airport and St. George – I really loved the location. Because the entire island is only 21 square miles, you are never really far from anything.

So you think you've been there, done that? Well, let me test it right now – have you been to the Adventure Suites in New Hampshire? I didn't think so!

So I'm guessing you've been to New York on numerous occasions and have stayed in various hotels around the City, and you know there are many surprises here. In case you haven't had the pleasure, let me tell you about a BandB in the City. The owners refer to it as an “Urban BandB.” As you traipse around the concrete jungle, wouldn't it be nice to come “home” to a library stocked with wonderful books, great art and a piano, not to mention a house cat? If not, stop reading. If so, this is a great find with lots of charm and character. The rooms are themed and some can feel kitschy, but it will be an experience like no other you've had with a stay in New York, unless you are lucky enough to have a friend with an apartment and lots of extra room.