I am often asked about what hotels to stay in by friends and family in case I have recently been to an area and know of a good hotel. After 14 years, I have actually seen enough to know that I will never just stay at a Marriott without first looking at other choices.
Holly asked about a hotel in the Seattle area and I immediately thought of this one...
the Best Western Pioneer Square. I had to warn her that the neighborhod was a little "rough" but it is historic and just a block from the Pugent Sound ferry where the locals come back and forth to work - it's just cool.
Most of the time, I am working on local, franchised hotels, like your typical Comfort Inn, Ramada or Holiday Inn Express - BORING.
But for the best value - franchised hotels, I like the Hampton Inn and the Ayres Suites the best. The Vega family can tell you about Ayres Suites - it's now one of their favorite hotel brands.
Here are a few of my other favs....hope you can visit one of them some day.
Favorite Island hotels...
El Cordova, Coronado - their first floor Miguel's restaurant is so great and they are right across the street from The Del. This hotel was formerly the home (mansion) of the dude who built The Del.
The Catalina Island Inn, Catalina - super sweet family-run business. Near everything in Catalina and great ocean views...but affordable (for Catalina) :)Favorite Surprise - 'cause it is out in the middle of NOwhereville
Riverlodge in Bordman, Oregon - awesome restaurant overlooking the Columbia River.
Favorite Experience Overall (Texas of all places)
Sheraton Gunter, San Antonio - if you are going to the Alamo and spending some time along the Riverwalk, this is a great place to stay. Off the lobby is this adorable bakery.Favorite Under-construction Hotel
Opening November 2009 - The Padre Hotel, Bakerfield
I love that Bakersfield is getting this trendy, funky, cool hotel. The developers are so innovative - I cannot wait to see how it turns out.
Favorite Romantic Get-away Hotel
The Cambria Pines Lodge, Cambria is just my speed and I love the lodge look. Lovely. Ask for the newly renovated rooms - they are amazing.
If you have a few extra dollars and want to find a different, but well-managed California hotel, bookmark this hotel company
Joie de Vivre
Their hotels have a unique feel and give a lodging "experience".
Oh, if I was to show pictures of the crummy hotels I have inspected and been required to stay in - eeeek...not always the fun part of the job!
1 comment:
what an interesting job! i always wonder about the hotels where i'm going to be staying. we had a favorite in hot springs arkansas, one of the oldest hotels there but i think they shut it down. we vacationed there about 3 or 4 years in a row. it had so much character and old fashioned elegance.
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