Search results for 'san francisco'

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.

Remember the 60’s? Well, of course you do – you’re a Baby Boomer! Do you recall going on vacation with your parents to Florida and staying in a motel? I know I have fond memories of those trips and that’s why I was happy to stumble across this hidden gem in Clearwater Beach. Say ooh la la to Frenchy’s Oasis Motel. This is a trip back in time in the nicest way possible. “Frenchy,” a Quebec native moved to Clearwater a few years out of high school and worked many jobs. Over the years, he created four restaurants, all of which, 30 years later, are still going strong. That shows me he must be doing something right, so in 2010 when he purchased and remodeled a motel, you knew it was going to be special.

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.

In the past year, I’ve written many articles and hotel reviews and thought I’d share my top 10 choices for summer fun. In case you’ve missed reading some, here is your chance to find that special spot before summer makes it’s exit.

If you like visiting the Mediterranean, you will LOVE coming to Catalina Island. Only 26 miles from the Long Beach pier, you arrive within one hour in the magical town of Avalon. If you have never been here, you must do yourself a favor and put it on your Bucket List. I'm always surprised to find that many people are unfamiliar with this destination. I attended a Film Festival there last year and had the opportunity to spend some time with Stan Lee (yes, THAT Stan Lee!) and learned that this was his first visit to the Island. He said he was coming back with his wife because he was so enamored with this place. He lives in L.A. and never took the time to come the 26 miles.

Susie is always looking for great places for pets to stay and one of her friends told her about this great bed and breakfast in West Central Massachusetts. Restful Paws really got her attention because it might be classified as people-friendly because it is geared to pets first. Susie said what with “Great Name!”

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.

When most of us visit California, we are likely heading to Los Angeles, San Diego or up north to San Francisco, but if you would like to experience something a bit more unique, how about Morro Bay?

The Pet Patrol rolled into Erie around 6:00 pm on Friday, May 31 after the long drive from Louisville ready for a good night’s rest before proceeding on their journey to Camp Gone to the Dogs.  For those travelling to this hotel, be aware that the street address is misleading, so a typical GPS will not know that the actual hotels in this area are behind the shopping center on the main road which has the address. The TownePlace Suites is located behind the other hotels in the corner of the property.

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.

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.

Want to combine luxury for both you and your pet? Bardessono in Yountville, California is the place for you and your best friend. In fact for the one-time pet cleaning fee of $150 you can have up to two pets stay with you in your room.

The top ten "don'ts" for hotels.

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.

It's always great fun to tell you about these hidden treasures that I find in various locations. This one happens to be in sunny Florida – Ft. Myers to be exact. I find the gulf side to be more serene and I am partial to white sand.

I am also partial to great hospitality and that's exactly what you'll find at the Mango Street Inn. Here you arrive as a guest, but leave as a friend and let's face it, as Boomers, these types of experiences sometimes mean more than fancy amenities.

So why am I telling you about a place in Florida that's not on the beach? Because it's really cool and is located in the “best walking town” in America according to “Walking Magazine.” Dunedin sounds like it should be in Scotland, but it is about 45 minutes from the Tampa Airport and believe me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what this area has to offer.

Susie wants to let everyone know about an amazing boutique hotel in Glen Ellen, California – the Olea Hotel, which only has twelve rooms, three of which are pet friendly.

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!

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.

Located just 2 hours south of San Francisco is a magnificent property surrounded by vineyards and mountains and fantastic food. Welcome to the Bernardus Lodge. Nestled about 20 minutes from the city of Carmel, you are greeted upon your arrival with a generous glass of wine from their vineyard – what could be a better start to your stay? Perhaps entering your room and seeing fresh flowers, a basket of goodies with fruit, cheese, chips and crackers along with 3 half bottles of wine and opening the door to your fridge and seeing cheese to accompany your crackers along with soft drinks.

Central America has much to offer and one of the beautiful countries to visit there is Guatemala. It is rich in Mayan culture and history, so there is plenty to explore and experience. Let’s start our journey to this country around Lake Atitlan. This 1,000 foot deep lake is surrounded by three volcanoes, Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Located about 90 miles from Guatemala City, you will find a boutique hotel suited to Boomer couples called Hotel Casa Palapo. There are only about 7 rooms plus a private villa, so if you plan on visiting, think well in advance.

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

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.

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.