The Silent "I"

Country Inns & Suites: Home Suite Home

Ever hear of Country Inns & Suites?  I hadn't until about a year ago, when they generously offered us a voucher to stay in one of their fine establishments.  We were not able to take them up on the offer until our Christmas roadtrip to Austin, and I was pleasantly surprised by the accomodations they offer at reasonable prices.  We enjoyed a complimentary overnight stay  at the downtown location in Tucson, Arizona, during our long journey through the desert.

Like many of the better highway hotel chains, they offer free Wifi in the rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a pool.  What sets Country Inns and Suites apart are the little things, like complimentary cookies and bottled water on arrival, a full hot breakfast (not just microwaved sandwiches and cold cereal, but bacon, eggs, the whole works), and a homey, charming decor.  We found the staff to be friendly and efficient, as well as knowledgeable about the area.

On our December roadtrip, we left the Salton Sea Recreation Area and headed east on I-8 through the dusty California border towns toward Tucson. We were hoping to be in Saguaro National Park before sundown.  Unfortunately, we arrived too late for the park.  I dubbed this our "Too Late Tour," since it seemed like we always arrived at our destinations just after the sunset so we couldn't see anything.  Frank said that he planned a perfect itinerary for summer, or anytime the sun stays up a little past 5:00 pm.

Anyway, we arrived in Tucson after dark and couldn't get to the Saguaro National Park on time, so we went straight to the Country Inns & Suites.  We were welcomed with freshly baked sugar cookies in the lobby, a homey fireplace, and some bottles of water, which were great after a long, dry drive through the desert. The front desk staff was extremely friendly and answered all of our questions.  There were some kids running around the lobby, and the hotel seemed to be extremely family-friendly.

Our room was nicely furnished and large enough for the three of us. The furnishings and decor were nicer and more traditional than some that we encountered later on our trip at similar hotels. It seems that the latest trend in hotel decor is blinding florescent lighting and migraine-inducing neon green bedding with fuschia accents and large black and white photos of doorknobs and exposed pipes in the hallway.  I was happy to find the room to be comfortable and not over-done, with more muted colors and soft lighting.  During our trip, we used Marriott and Hilton loyalty program points to stay at Fairfield Inn and Hampton Inn in different locations along the way.  We liked Country Inns the best for food quality, service, and general ambience, although the three were pretty similar in locations, space, and pricing.

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa: A Desert Oasis

If you're looking for a true oasis in the desert, with luxury spa, swimming pool complex that includes a mini-beach for the kids, and an excellent restaurant, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California is the place for you.  Thanks to Klout Perks, we were fortunate enough to spend the night in this luxury resort, and enjoyed every minute of our brief stay here.  We booked a special rate that included a "Kids Eat Free" promotion. We enjoyed two meals at the Cava Restaurant, with their fresh, well-prepared menu items and well-stocked buffets.

After driving all day into the wilds of Southern California and Los Angeles, we finally made it to Palm Springs on our Holiday Road Trip 2011. We passed through the glittering lights of swanky downtown Palm Springs, home of movie stars, golf courses, and Sonny Bono, and ventured a bit further to Indian Wells and the Renaissance Esmeralda.  The lobby decor was tastefully simple, and I liked the display of candles in the entryway. The Renaissance Esmeralda was the exact counterpoint to the glitzy, over-the-top Madonna Inn we stayed in the night before.

Our room overlooked the massive swimming pool, with a view of the mountains in the distance.  The room was decorated with clean simple lines in muted desert tones. The beds were comfortable, with plenty of soft, cushy pillows. We had a small balcony overlooking the pool area, and in the morning, could see the mountains off in the distance.

The hotel did not seem terribly busy, so the pool was empty most of the time we were there.  It is heated year round, but the chilly air probably kept most of the guests at bay.  Our son, who must have been raised by dolphins in a past life, is never deterred by a little cold when it comes to swimming.  He insisted on trying it out the night we arrived.  He was particularly fond of the little sand beach, a great place to build a sandcastle.

Renaissance Hotels are part of the Marriott chain, but on of the higher-end of the spectrum.  Even so, the price for a night was only $129, including free meals for kids with the purchase of an adult entree.  There is a separate resort fee of $25 that covers parking, internet access and other amenities. The prices vary from $99 to $329/night depending on the season and check-in dates.

Alex was so enchanted with the place he asked,"Can we come back here and stay for a week?"

I was inclined to agree with him, and would love to go back and check out the Spa and other restaurants, and see more of what the Palm Springs area has to offer.

Disclosure: Thanks to Klout for sharing a $200 gift card with us from Renaissance Hotels as a Klout Perk. I received no other compensation or incentive to write this post.  All opinions expressed herein are my own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Klout, Renaissance Hotels, or Marriott.

Funky, Cool Madonna (Inn)

Driving on Highway 101 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, there is an unmistakable midway-point that every frequent traveler knows: The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.  The glowing neon sign, complete with animated horse-drawn stage coach, beckons weary travelers into a giant themepark of a hotel, where each of the 109 rooms is unique. If you love Americana, kitsch and funky decor, this place is a must-see.

We're on the road again, this time on a holiday road trip to visit family in Texas. When plotting our course, Frank asked me what stops along the way would be on my wishlist, and the first thing that came to mind was the Madonna Inn.  I have seen the neon sign and the sprawling property from the highway on a number of trips, and heard that some of the rooms featured showers shaped like rock waterfalls. I knew I had to stay there someday.

The Madonna Inn has been a mainstay of California hospitality since the late 1950's, when Alex and Phyllis Madonna opened a 12-room inn. Alex was an architect and Phyllis was an interior designer and the two of them had a vision of a new kind of hotel that featured a different decor in every room, on a larger scale than a traditional bed and breakfast.  The Inn expanded over the years as it became a popular venue for weddings, parties, and honeymooners, and became an attraction unto itself.  I have wanted to go there for years, and finally had my chance.

When my trusty travel agent (aka my husband Frank) tried to book a waterfall room, he was informed that these rooms only have single king beds. Since we're traveling with a child, we had to choose a double room due to their "no rollaway policy."  We opted instead for the España Room, having no idea what we were getting into. It sounded vaguely European, and being adventurous sorts, we went for it.  Frank read a bunch of bad reports on a certain travel website that I can't stand, but I convinced him that one night would not kill us.  Frank told our 11 year old son Alex that the place was allegedly haunted. Alex was expecting a Ghost Hunters type of adventure, and was ready to film it, should anything go bump in the night.

Upon arrival, the first thing Alex asked the desk clerk was, "Is this place haunted?" 

She seemed a little startled by this question, and abruptly answered, "No." 

Alex was crestfallen. I told her he was looking forward to seeing a ghost or two, and she said, "Well, I haven't seen any, but who knows? Maybe Mr. Madonna is hanging around somewhere." 

Encouraged by the possibility, Alex perked up and set out to find a bathroom while we checked in. There were a number of loud Christmas parties and a quicenera going on in the restaurants, and when he returned, he was elated and told us, "There is a bathroom AND a dance party going on down there!" He didn't see any ghosts, but teenagers doing the Dougie was way more fun.

The España Room was everything I imagined it to be, and more. If the name "España" evokes bullfighters, flamenco dancers, and Spanish style furniture from the 1950s, then this room is for you. The room features two very spacious bedrooms, and a bathroom with a large outer dressing room. While the bathroom did not have a rock waterfall, it was adorned with black, white, and teal tile that looked like something used for infant brain stimulation, and a gilded sink that looked like it was stolen from Elvis' boudoir.  The toilet was the only non-Spanish themed piece in the rooms; instead, it a was a fancy Japanese Toto toilet with a heated seat and bidet.  I almost expected it to play flamenco music when I sat on it, but it was remarkably silent.  I was overcome by the urge to do the Paso Doble on the faux-parquet linoleum.

All of the furniture was ornately carved, and the window shutters featured a stained glass that made the room glow pink in the morning light. The walls were painted to look like stucco, with trompe l'oeil exposed brick in parts, to give it that "old world" feel, I suppose. I particularly liked the bullfighter painting in the bedroom, and the big resin bull statue by the bed.

Alex and Frank ventured out into the chilly night to the pool, which is heated year-round and has an adjacent jacuzzi.  They returned and Frank, the skeptic in all this, declared it "delightful."  We were sold.

Alex did not see any ghosts at the Madonna Inn, so he settle for a marathon of Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. My only complaint about the room was that the bed was not terribly comfortable, so I tossed and turned a great deal and could not get comfortable. He complained the next day that I was grinding my teeth like a chainsaw and was moaning and groaning all night... 

Or was I?

We enjoyed our stay at the Madonna Inn, but I will warn you that a night in one of their themed rooms is not cheap, ranging in price from $179 to over $500.  It's a fun place to stopover on a family trip, and if you have time, there are several restaurants and spa services available.  The grounds overlook the mountains and a large fenced-in farm next door.  It is definately worth the price, for a little bit of fun California history in a lovely setting.

The Madonna Inn is located at 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, California, just off Highway 101. For reservations call (800) 543-9666.

 

 

Aulani Resort & Spa: The Disney is in the Details

I had the opportunity to visit Disney's new Hawaiian Resort & Spa, Aulani last week.  It is a gorgeous resort that was much more Hawaiian than Disney, but a little Disney magic thrown in for good measure.  The decor and ambience pays homage to the Hawaiian culture, without being over-the-top or kistchy. There isn't a tiki bar in sight (which is not authentically Hawaiian anyway), nor is there an anthropomorphized animal wearing a grass skirt and doing the hula at every turn.  Instead, it's a restful, rejuvenating place where familes can relax and have fun, while learning a little about Hawaiian culture along the way.

 

The standard room with two queen-sized beds is big enough for a family of three or four to enjoy without tripping over themselves. There was a folding crib in the closet and an empty mini-fridge that you could fill up with your own snacks and drinks. Each room comes equipped with a DVD player, so you can bring along your favorite Disney movies to enjoy when you need a little down-time. It's those little touches that make this family-friendly resort even more friendly to families traveling with small kids.

The decor is fairly simple, with accents of koa wood, batik-style prints, and Hawaiian quilt patterns.  The only noticeable Disney reference was a cute Mickey Mouse lamp, carved out of wood and distressed to blend in with the rest of the room's Hawaii-centric theme.  It reminded me more of upscale version of the Volcano National Park Lodge than the Disneyland Hotel.

My room had a balcony with a "partial ocean view", meaning the ocean was right behind the parking lot.  Luckily, the room was on a higher floor, so the view of mountains and ocean were not obstructed when I sat out on the balcony.

As if Hawaii itself were not enough, the main attraction of the resort is the incredible pool/waterpark within the resort itself. Fashioned to look like lava tube structures, the xxx square foot pool features a giant slide through the rock structures, a climbing structure and a "lazy river" where you can float around in a large innertube.

Hotel Review: Rockhouse, Negril, Jamaica

If you're looking for a peaceful, serene place to contemplate life, swim in a crystal clear blue cove, and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit, I can think of no better place than Rockhouse in Negril, Jamaica.  During my recent visit to Jamaica, we were given a tour of the property, and treated to dinner at the delicious Pushcart Restaurant.  While we didn't have a chance to stay there, many of the bloggers in our group expressed a desire to return.

Rockhouse gets it name from its place in the 1970's music scene, when music legends like Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones used to frequent the hotel, to escape from the spotlight and relax.  Nestled among the sea cliffs overlooking Pristine Cove (yes, that is what it is called), Rockhouse blends seamlessly into the environment, and offers guests a peaceful, restful oasis from everyday life.

The members of our tour group had a debate over whether we would characterize Rockhouse as "rustic" or "artsy" and I'd have to say a little bit of both.  With the stone exteriors that mirror the rocky cliffs and wooden Adirondack chairs on the deck, I think "rustic." With the colorful interior walls, simple furnishings reminiscent of a yoga retreat, I'd go with "artsy". It reminded me of a lovely inn we once stayed in on a trip to the Galapagos--simultaneously at one with the environment and inviting to humanity.

The hotel features a full-service spa, with all kinds of luxurious treatments in a tranquil setting.  Couples can get side-by-side massages together, either inside or outdoors overlooking the ocean. It's the perfect place to be pampered.

The hotel boutique features locally-made and imported artwork, clothing, and bath products to make your stay more comfortable, or to take home and remind yourself of your time at Rockhouse. I bought a few things to bring home, and I'm torn as to whether to keep them or give them out as gifts. I'm selfish like that sometimes.

The Rockhouse has a swimming pool overlooking the ocean, with cliff-side chairs where visitors can relax and enjoy gorgeous sunsets and ocean views.  For more adventurous spirits, there is a small footbridge that you can dive off, or just take a series of stone staircases down to the water to snorkel under a cave in the amazingly clear waters of the Caribbean.

Hotel Review: Cambria Suites

Ever hear of Cambria Suites Hotels?  No? Neither had I until a representative from their PR company contacted me a few months ago to offer me a free visit to one of about a dozen locations nationwide.  I looked up the hotels, and although they looked fabulous, there were none close enough to drive to in California so I passed.  When we decided to drive across the country from California to Ohio, I contacted them again.  They generously offered us a free night in their Oklahoma City property, one of the stops on our Christmas Roadtrip.

The Oklahoma City Cambria Suites is conveniently located right off I-40, near the Oklahoma City airport.  It's on a row of hotels, motels, and restaurants, and is set back from the main drag, so it was easy to miss it.  We were a little lost in the dark, but found it without much problem.

On entering the hotel, I was immediately wowed by the lobby decor, which had a tasteful, modern appeal, like many posh urban boutique hotels. It reminded me of the W Hotels, but without the annoying hipsters in the lobby.  I checked the prices  online for this particular Cambria Suites, and rooms start at around $89, which makes it both luxurious and affordable.

The desk clerk told us that there are meeting facilities in the hotel, and showed us the boardroom conference room, and a meeting room large enough to hold about fifty people.  Just off the lobby area is a small indoor pool and jacuzzi, and a well-equipped fitness center that is open 24-hours.

Christmas Across America Tour: A Very Merry Roadtrip

We're on a two week roadtrip across America this week, checking out how Christmas is celebrated from California to Ohio and back again. 

This year, my mother insisted that we come home to Ohio for Christmas.  After checking flight prices for the three of us, and hearing about the virtual strip-searching going on at airports across the US, Frank suggested that we drive from Palo Alto to Ohio.  I was worried about the weather in the Rockies and the plains states, but Frank had another idea: a trip south and across historic Route 66.  Alex and I both have two weeks off, so we said, "Why not?" and started planning our reverse-Joads-across-America tour, with stops in Barstow, Kingman, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Branson, and St. Louis, en route to Indiana and Ohio to see the family.

After a frantic last day at work yesterday, we loaded up the car with presents, snacks and clothing for all kinds of weather and headed out.  The most difficult part seemed to be getting out of the driveway, after running back in time and again to get some other essential item we had forgotten. 

Finally, I said, "We've got our wallets and our kid.  We have everything we need. We're in America. Whatever we forgot, we'll buy." 

That is, after all, the American way.

For me, no southbound trip can begin without a stop at the Casa de Fruta in Hollister, about an hour from hour house.  It's a legendary roadside complex that started as a farm fruitstand and has grown over the years to include a restaurant (Casa de Restaurant), candy store (Casa de Sweets), wine story (Casa de Wine) and a mini-train ride for the kiddies (Casa de Choo Choo).  For some reason, I love this place. Maybe because it has been the launching point for some really fun roadtrips to Los Angeles and Disneyland in the past. Maybe I just like dried fruit. Who knows?

Stopping at Casa de Fruta is like a talismanic ritual for me; in my mind, I have associated purchasing over-priced dried fruit with sunny skies, no traffic, and no grumps in the car.  I was devastated to find that by the time we arrived at 8:30 pm, the fruit stand was closed. We had to settle for the Casa de Restaurant, and got some hearty, down-home grub to sustain us on the long drive ahead.

The forecast for the Bay Area called for rain, but Frank assured me that we would be heading away from the storm, so we were good.  He was obsessively checking the Weather Underground app on his phone to see when we would get out of the drizzle.  The annoying drizzle didn't stop until we reached Colinga, unfortunately.  Couple that with spells of the infamous tule fog on I-5, and you have less than ideal conditions.  If only that fruit stand had been open...

It was actually not a bad drive, and we crept into Barstow at 2:30 am.  We didn't have a hotel reservation, so we pulled in to a well-lit Quality Inn, crossed our fingers, and lucked into a room at a super-cheap midnight walk-in rate of $59.  The price included a full breakfast (not the usual coffee and stale donuts affair) and free Wifi (hey Marriott Hilton, take note of that). 

So, we're off, on what I am calling our "Christmas Across America Tour," where our intrepid little family will be seeing some natural landmarks, historic sites, goofy roadside attractions, and lots and lots of highway for the next two weeks.  We plan to wind up at my parents' house in time for Christmas Eve.

Check back here and follow me on Twitter (@glennia) for updates and photos.

Road Trip Tip of the Day:  Don't reserve rooms for every night of your trip. Many fine motels have cheaper rates for walk-ins to fill unused space. 

 

San Francisco: 5 Best Educational and (and Fun!) Places for Kids

Driving across expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge on my first trip to San Francisco in 1993, I wondered where on earth the people who live there would ever go on vacation--or why. It seemed to me then, as now, that if you lived in a city so beautiful and charming, you'd never want to leave.

On sunny days, the view of the gleaming city by the bay is unparalleled.  The tall spires of commerce offer the perfect counterpoint to sailboats skimming across the cool grey-blue waters of the San Francisco Bay. Even through dense fog, the iconic red ladders of the Golden Gate bridge invite visitors from all over the world to experience the city's mystery and history.

Whether you're visiting San Francisco for the first time or the fortieth, there's always something new to discover.  San Francisco is known primarily for activities and attractions for adults--from gourmet food to sports to theatre and music.  Lesser known are the fantastic opportunities for kids.   These are my Top 5 Educational Attractions for Kids:

1.    Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park in the museum complex that boasts the DeYoung Museum and Japanese Tea Garden, The California Academy of Sciences is dedicated to making science fun for both kids and adults.  Inside, you'll find a multi-story bubble that houses numerous species of butterflies flitting about, and displays featuring insects and animals of the rainforest.  it's like taking a walk inside a giant terrarium.  If you're really still, a butterfly or two might take a liking to you and hitch a ride on your finger.  Down below, you can learn about hundreds of species of fish and water animals at the Steinhart Aquarium.  Our favorite? Claude the Albino Alligator.

2.    Ever want to swim with sharks without getting wet?  Try the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 for a unique underwater view. The Aquarium at Pier 39 is a hidden gem of an attraction buried in a sea of themed chain restaurants and t-shirts shops. Walk through a tunnel and find yourself surrounded by sharks and colorful fish.  It has all the benefits of deep-sea diving without all the gear and discomfort.  As you're looking around at the fish, they seem to be looking back at you. I sort of wonder if they think they're looking at a people display (humanarium?) instead of the other way around.

3. Further  west along the coastline, take the kids to visit a real Civil War fort. Located right under the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point offers a glimpse back in time.  Build in the mid-19th century, Fort Point has been used as a look-out and a point of defense for the San Francisco Bay in both the Civil War and World War II.  As museums go, there is not a whole lot here, but the fact that a brick building of such a large scale is still standing in earthquake-prone San Francisco is a marvel in and of itself.  Park Rangers offer some very entertaining stories about the fort and its uses.  Our son loved running around the halls of the barracks, doing his own version of a Civil War reinactment using imaginary weapons. The Fort is only open 3 days a week, from Friday through Sunday from 10-5, so plan your visit accordingly.

4.    Also in the Fisherman's Wharf area, be sure to visit the Maritime National Historical Park at Hyde Pier, where four historic ships are open to the public for tours.  We particularly liked the cargo ship Balclutha, with its tall masts and cramped sleeping quarters for the deck hands.  Our son loved exploring all the nooks and crannies of the ship, and was particularly pleased to be allowed to ring the ship's bell.

Yahoo! Mother Board Summit: The Mother of All Conferences

Recently, sixty-five moms from all over the US and Canada descended on Palo Alto and Sunnyvale to attend the invitation-only Yahoo! Mother Board Summit.  The moms are a high-powered group of bloggers who are plugged in to all the latest trends in marketing and social media, and were invited to participate in a one-day conference at Yahoo! Headquarters in Sunnyvale. I was fortunate enough to be invited, and had a wonderful time connecting with old friends, and meeting some great new friends.  I was happy, for once, to not have to travel to a meeting.

I have been on the Mother Board for three years, from its inception.  At the beginning, we answered surveys and tested out new Yahoo! products and gave the marketing team feedback.  In the past year, it has grown into a community of 80 bloggers who support and advise each other through a Yahoo! group and on the pages of the Yodeling Mamas blog. 

The Mother Board Summit was a mix of practical advice for bloggers, marketing focus group for Yahoo! products and services, and socializing over great food and drinks.  The women on the Yahoo! marketing team and Voce Communications did a fabulous job of organizing the content, and shepherding the attendees from place to place.

Hotel Review: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

 

While I was attending the Disney World of Color event last week, I had the opportunity to stay at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.  Disney paid for my accommodations, and I was thrilled to have a chance to check out the hotel.  I was assigned to a small suite with a park view.  The desk clerk warned me that it might seem kind of odd for a single guest to have a set of bunkbeds in her room, but this was considered an upgrade, so I didn't object.

The hotel reminded me of the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone, a kind of throwback to the 1940's lodge experience.  I loved the details in the decor, from the Arts & Crafts style lantern lamps to the wood silhouettes in the headboard.  With a fastidious attention to detail, the Grand Californian seems to be a little slice of a bygone era, with all the conveniences of the 21st Century.