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Feb 2008
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Seniors 4 Travel
Planning Your Trip...
When planning a trip, one of the first questions that come up is where to stay.
From funky motels to cozy wine country guesthouses and upscale hotels, at one time or another we’ve tried them all. This month, we share with you some of our favorites in relation to location, food, service, and comfort – without breaking the bank (well almost).
It should be noted that we’ve stayed in our share of Motel 6s, Super 8s and the like - usually only for a quick overnight followed by a hasty getaway the next morning as we continue on to our ultimate destination. We won’t bore you with the details.
Two years ago, in Scottsdale, Arizona for a Boyd clan get-together, the family all stayed at Marriott Camelback Inn and Spa on East Lincoln Drive. It’s conveniently located just outside the downtown area in what locals call the Sonora Desert. We found food and service to be excellent. Plus, there was an Olympic sized pool - a favorite hangout of the younger family members - and great hiking trails that we made use of. There are several golf courses in the area, and the climate, of course, is almost always sunny. Room rates are in the $300 range for a very sizeable, nicely furnished, Western-style double room. We found it to be a great place for sharing the good times with family. If you are considering a visit, for reservations call 1-800-922-2635.
When Robert attended the National Council on Aging Conference in Anaheim last year he stayed at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa. Since most meals and room rates were part of the conference package, Robert can only confirm that the facilities and service were in his opinion excellent. For reservations call 714-635-2300.
With Carolyn in the wine and beverage business, we always have an excuse for a quick get-away to the wine country. In Napa Valley, the popular tourist destination that it is, there are numerous country inns and spas from which to choose – although they’re often booked to capacity months ahead.
The Carneros Inn, situated within several acres of vineyards and apple orchards, has a number of comfortable rustic cottages scattered about the grounds - all within easy walking distance of the Inn’s restaurant, appropriately named The Farm. Cost is in the $350 range for an individual cottage. Call 709- 299-4900 for reservations.
San Francisco is an easy drive from Reno, weather permitting. Many times throughout the years we’ve used the King George Hotel for our sightseeing HQ since it is only a block from Union Square, a few blocks from Market Street, and on the cable car line to Fisherman’s Wharf. It is also only three blocks from the Powell Street BART station. We enjoy the ambiance and “intimacy” of this quaint boutique hotel, in business since 1912 (in other words, our room was small). Breakfast is offered every day and on the weekends afternoon tea is served from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The rates are reasonable – right now, the hotel is advertising winter rates starting at $109 per night. If you are driving, there is a parking garage just across the street. Call well ahead for reservations since it’s very popular for budget-conscious travelers (like us). King George Hotel; 334 Mason Street; San Francisco; 1-800-28-6005.
On our cross country motor trip, one destination was Nashville, the home of world-famous Grand Old Opry. We stayed for three days at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Where else when visiting the country music center of the world?
This is where one gets treated to the true meaning of the term Southern hospitality – and with gusto. Other than the Grand Old Opry itself (just down the street), with so much to do, there’s really no need to leave the resort. It’s a huge facility with several king-sized atriums all connected to one another, each with lush gardens, sparkling fountains, six restaurants, spa facilities, swimming pools, etc. One even has a small man-made river equipped with boats for touring and getting to the jungle-like island in the middle of that particular atrium. In total, there are over 2800 guestrooms each equipped with cordless phones and Internet connections. In addition, the facility offers several spacious convention areas and meeting rooms. The airport is only 10 minutes away. Call 615-889-1000 for reservations.
Tune in next month for our European accommodation recommendations.