Hotel Patrol

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 and your dog want to have an incredible southwest adventure, this is the place. The Sunglow Ranch is rated in one list as one of the ten most pet friendly lodgings in the United States.

Who doesn’t love a breath of fresh air? Well, I found just the spot for you on the Baltic Sea in Northeast Germany. This area, Graal-Muritz, has a climate proven to benefit the skin, heart and respiratory system – they have even won awards!

Where can you go to leave the country but not really leave the country? San Juan, Puerto Rico of course where U.S. Citizens do not need a passport, because Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Is it just me or is there mystery and romance surrounding a lighthouse?  Every time I’m near one, I just have to go and explore and dream of what it would be like to live in one, even for a day or a week. Well, dream no more, I have found a working lighthouse where you can stay and actually be a keeper, which is a lot of hard work, but oh, what an adventure!

Whenever you travel to a large city, there are two main considerations when choosing a hotel – location and price. At least, that’s what I check out first – and the bigger the city, the more important those two items are! London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so when you can find a decent price in a great location, count me in!

So here's a spot you probably haven't thought to explore in Paris – the area known as Bercy. This is actually a great place to spend a few nights especially if you are traveling with your grandchildren. The Pullman Paris Bercy is one of the most reasonably priced hotels while visiting the City of Lights. Granted, you are not in the heart of Paris, but a mere 15 minute Metro ride into the center. The hotel has a very modern feel with amenities the kids will like – it is child and pet friendly. The beds are very comfortable and the food and service is quite good. The bathrooms are equipped with amenities and are quite large – all of which is hard to find in the center of Paris.

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 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.

There are surprises at every turn when it comes to travel and here's one I only recently stumbled upon. I don't even know where to begin because this property has so much to offer. Whether you are traveling alone, with the grand kids or with other family members, you are sure to find something that keeps you coming back.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I love to tell you about hidden little gems around the world and Mary's Boon is one of the pearls. Located in the Dutch West Indies in the town of St. Maarten, this is a family owned and operated establishment since 1970. And yes, the same family still owns and runs it today. There are 37 rooms that sit directly on the beach on Simpson Bay. Is it 5 minutes from the airport – yes. Can you almost feel the airplanes – yes. However, the airport is closed at night, so if you have enough cocktails during the day as you sit on the beach, you'll never know the difference! This beach is so pristine and private that you will gladly put up with the noise during the day. If that would be an issue, just be forewarned.

Located in the Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale, Arizona on 125 acres is the spectacular Camelback Inn surrounded by cacti and desert flowers with terrific views of the Camelback and Mummy Mountains.

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.

Vietnam evokes many thoughts and memories for the Baby Boomers. I remember watching the draft lottery with my college classmates knowing that a lot of my male friends would not make it home. I was so passionate about this war that I wanted to cover it as a news correspondent since I majored in Radio and Television, but it was the 60's and I was told, “no place for a woman to be.” This was a pivotal moment for our generation and somehow, time heals, seasons change and life perseveres. I never dreamed I would be writing a review of a tranquil Lodge 150 km northwest of Hanoi.

Mai Chau Lodge offers the peace and serenity we never thought was possible.

If you want a great Florida get-away for you and your dog at a reasonable price, check out the Low-Key Hideaway at Cedar Key, Florida. Cedar Key is an island off the west coast of the Florida peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico. Cedar Key is 57 miles southwest of Gainesville and 143 miles north of Clearwater and Tampa.

Susie has visited, heard from and covered a wide-range of pet friendly properties, restaurants and places. She has noted the places that are pet-friendly as well as the places that are pet-centric and human friendly, and she thought she had seen it all – until now.

Raise your hand if you love, wine, great food and truffles. Well, then this is the place for you. Le Moulin du Roc is a unique property overlooking the Dronne River in the Perigord region of southwest France. It is just northwest of Bordeaux between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees – go ahead and look it up on Google maps – we have a link to the maps at the bottom of the homepage. This area is well known for its truffles – in fact, there is even a Truffle Museum, so you really must check it out.

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. 

Susie was pleased to find an inn in the United Kingdom that really speaks to dogs and their human companions. On the web site of the Joiner’s Arms one of the main menu items is “Man’s Best Friend.”

I have always loved glamour, luxury and castles. I am a true romantic and do believe that all of us, if just once in our life should stay and dine at a castle. Even if you could just dine here that would make me happy for you! You can tell by the photos that this is a must while in Scotland.