Search results for 'don juan'

Located about one hour by car from Milan's Malpensa Airport, sits one of the most majestic hotel properties I've had the privilege to stay. Villa d'Este sits on Lake Como as the Grande Dame of hotels. With its 16th century history and all the grandeur that evokes, this hotel is a must for your Bucket List. It has been host to royalty, aristocrats and stars of stage and screen. The hotel roster lists notables such as Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcok and Clark Gable to Madonna and Ralph Lauren.

The top ten "don'ts" for hotels.

Generally, I write about hotels that stand still, however, this time, you get to take your hotel with you! If you can drive a car, you can captain a boat on a canal. After a short demonstration and briefing, you get the keys to your own floating Villa. You don’t ever have to worry about getting seasick, because these boats are so stable, you won’t spill your morning coffee. 

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.

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.

Situated facing the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, sits one of my favorite hotels stateside, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. I try to get there every chance I get and sadly, that's just not often enough!

Here's one for the train enthusiasts out there and I know a lot of Boomers who are in this category. This will be a nice place to share your passion for the rails with your grandchildren. Located just north of Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior, this 17 room rustic hotel's guest rooms are housed in real train boxcars. All rooms have TV and central air, the larger suites include a fireplace, mini-fridge and microwave. Rates include a continental breakfast which is served in the main building that looks like a Depot. This building is where you check in and also features a lending library of books and games.

When you pull up to the Moonrise Hotel, you have the feeling that you just arrived in Miami’s South Beach, well, except for the beach part. There’s an art deco/neon sign kind of vibe – very funky and cool and very George Jetson! This is such a find in St. Louis that it’s worth a trip to this city even if you have no reason to be there. Now, there’s plenty to see in St. Louis, so I’m sure you will want to visit 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.

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.

Hello Boomers! Remember when you went to Florida for Spring Break? Well, I was lucky enough to do that in college and just ran across a motel where I stayed back in the late sixties! It’s still there and owned by the same family! I was really excited to see the place and it brought back many fun memories. Oh no, I won’t be telling any stories - what happens in Cocoa Beach, stays in Cocoa Beach.

If you've stayed in enough hotels over the years, you pick up a few clues along the way. 

Come on, you're never too old to believe in Santa Claus and I think I found out that he lives here in Finland, not the North Pole! This amazing Igloo Village and Hotel is located in the vicinity of Urho Kekkonen National Park, just about 21 miles from the Ivalo Airport.

What’s green, near music and loves your pets? The answer is – the Hutton Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a charming boutique hotel located about 15 minutes from the airport in the West End/Midtown Area. They have a car that can transport you to downtown and you are about 15 minutes away from Music Row. You are also a quick and cheap cab ride away from just about anywhere. The Hutton has been named Nashville’s greenest hotel and I know we as Boomers have become very conscious of this. They have dual flush commodes, a recycling program and bamboo furnishings and flooring.

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.

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.

Did you ever get your kicks on Route 66? If you’re a Baby Boomer, you are bound to have traveled this iconic road at some point in your life. Taking summer vacations with your family in the car somewhere between Chicago and Los Angeles – this road, which first opened in 1926, started what we soon began to know as the summer road trip. Route 66 was one of the original highways in our U.S. system.

Rumi means “stones” and Punku means “door” which is exactly what you will see at the threshold to this hotel. This Inca doorway is considered a Historic Monument of the City of Cusco and it was once the entrance to a very sacred place. Feel the energy of this ancient civilization as you enter the building.

Located on the magnificent Adriatic Sea in the Bay of Lapad is the beautiful boutique Hotel More. 34 rooms and 3 suites with views of the sea on one side and Mediterranean gardens on the other – you can't miss!

It is about 10 miles from the airport and a 45 minute walk to Old Town or take the bus as an option. The rooms come equipped with air conditioning, TV, radio, trouser press, whirlpool tubs and free Wifi. The hotel is built onto the side of a hill, which allows for the beautiful views. You will also have views of the Adriatic from the heated swimming pool on the fifth floor. Free deck chairs, umbrellas and towels are provided for the guests at the pool and on the beach.

If you love to travel, chances are you have been to Amsterdam, the city of canals, windmills, museums and friendly people. I never tire of taking a Canal Boat sightseeing tour when I visit because it seems I spy something unique each time I go.

My kind of town – Chicago! And my kind of hotel – the Talbott! I don't know about you, but I love big cities, however, when I go to my room, I want to take the “big” out of the city and feel more cozy. The beauty of staying at this property is that the location is close to the Magnificent Mile, nightlife and museums, but it sits a few blocks away on a quiet tree lined street which gives you the best of both worlds.

Well, I finally found a hotel that truly caters to our demographic, the Baby Boomers, because they actually have a “Baby Boomer Rate!” I was so excited to see this and even more excited to get in on the fun of this retro property.

O.K. all you Boomers – here's your chance to leave a mark on the world. This is not exactly about a hotel, but it is about staying somewhere in the world that can use your help. There is a wonderful organization called Global Volunteers based in Minnesota and Boomers played a significant role in developing partnerships worldwide for this organization in its early days.

They engage short-term volunteers for long-term projects “to create, nurture and sustain the well-being of the world's children.” Have I struck a chord?

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.