InterContinental New York Barkley

The InterContinental New York Barkley has a prime location in the heart of New York City. Since opening in 1926 the hotel has offered high-end accommodations and service to guests from all over the world. Originally it was constructed as part of the Grand Central Terminal expansion, The Barclay became a notable railroad hotel built to service the men and women traveling to New York City. Today, after undergoing restoration, the Barclay continues to deliver its residential feel with modern comfort through its signature Federalist style decor.

Remember it is New York City so standard accommodations are

small but the IC has a luxurious feel with comfy bedding, 42” LED flat-screen TV, internet (complimentary for IHG members), and an expansive digital news library.  The rooms have interesting wall murals and pictures of the Big Apple. There is a friendly gin bar in the lobby but no restaurant; however, the bar does offer great tapas. Not to worry, it is NYC, so there are plenty of restaurants nearby and there is a wonderful deli just steps away with everything one could want. 

Not to miss is a tour of Grand Central Station which is nearby.  There is no longer a direct connection from the hotel to the Station. The InterContinental Barkley is excellent choice when in New York City for those who want to be in the heart of it all.  For more information check www.ihg.com/intercontinental.

Hudson Valley's Bear Mountain Inn

A little more than an hour north of New York City, Bear Mountain Inn has been a getaway for generations of city folks.  It is a place I have driven by many times and always wanted to stay there.  Finally, John and I did.  The inn is located at 3020 Seven Lakes Drive in Bear Mountain State Park and overlooks the shores of Hessian Lake.  It is listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places. It is also one of the Historic Hotels of America. When it opened in 1912 the “American Architect” magazine declared it to be one of the “finest examples of rustic Adirondack architecture in America.” 

The hotel has hosted many famous people. During the 1930s the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, and the New York Knickerbockers stayed at the inn and trained on the adjacent athletic fields. When Jackie Robinson stayed at the Inn he was not allowed to eat in the dining room.  Now, they permanently leave a table reserved for him in the middle of the

restaurant for all to see and remember. Throughout the 1930s and 40s, Bear Mountain Inn played host to such notable dignitaries as Eleanor Roosevelt, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, and presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

There are three choices for accommodations: the Inn, Overlook Lodge, and four Stone Cottages. Personally, I prefer the Inn with easy access to the dining room, shops, and spa. Within the park one can hike, boat, golf, swim, cross country ski, and visit several

historic places such as West Point or just relax and enjoy their spa. Tip:  The Park is very busy on holiday weekends and on hot summer days. For more information check http://visitbearmountain.com.

Hotel Utica Doubletree is Elegant

The iconic Hotel Utica, built in 1912, has been completely renovated and rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton.  During its hundred year-plus history the hotel welcomed Presidents Taft and Roosevelt along with other notable such as Judy Garland, Amelia Earhart, Lionel Hampton, Dinah Shore and many others. The hotel is part of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America.  Walking into the lobby will make visitors will feel the glory and think they are in a luxurious New York City hotel.  The two story lobby has several conversation areas and a coffered ceiling with sparkling chandeliers. There is easy access to the restaurant and bar,

Guests will enjoy their welcome chocolate chip cookie as well as their comfy, spacious room with a work station, coffeemaker, microwave, mini-fridge, wide screen TV, and complimentary WiFi. Suites add a sitting room and whirlpool tub.

The hotel has complimentary parking, a Chophouse by Chesterfields restaurant and lounge, with breakfast and dinner at Plate, a locally owned restaurant. The centrally located property is in walking distance of several restaurants, bars and unique shops. There is an on-site fitness center, business

center, and some accommodations are handicap accessible. It is the perfect place to stay when attending a production at the elegant Stanley Theater or enjoying ride the Adirondack Railroad.  If you haven’t been to Utica in a long while you will be pleased with all the wonderful improvements. For more information and/or reservations log on to http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-york/doubletree-by-hilton-utica.

Albergo Allegria: A Treasure in the Catskills

Albergo Allegria is a B&B that is in reality a boutique inn with all the modern amenities one comes to expect from a fine hotel.  Albergo Allegria is aptly named; it means “Inn of Happiness” in Italian.  The Inn is located in Greene County’s beautiful Catskill Mountains just south of Albany and less than three hours from New York City.

The Italianate house has several accommodations plus a community sitting room, and the breakfast room with other rooms located in the adjacent Carriage House. Each accommodation is unique but we preferred Chamomile Corners # 21 which is located in a building referred to as the

Carriage House.  The room has its own private entrance, king size bed, mini-refrigerator, and a whirlpool for two. There is a gas-log fireplace but we enjoyed sitting on our private porch sipping wine while watching the evening arrive. Should it rain or snow there are many CDs to borrow. When the weather is balmy enjoy s’more around the fire pit.

We did raid their guest pantry where there was always coffee, soda, and yummy homemade cookies.  Their breakfast is legendary with fresh-ground coffee, homemade muffins, bacon, eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit. Each morning features a breakfast special. There are bikes for guest to use, a deck overlooking the stream where one can go creek stomping, (or tubing when the water is high enough) along with a variety of activities nearby. It is open year round.  We wanted to stay longer. For more information log on to albergousa.com.

Blount Small Ship Adventure's Grande Caribe

New York State became the Empire State because of its waterways. The state is bounded by the St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean plus the Hudson River and the canals provide access to the entire state. From the Native Americans to the explorers to the military to the settlers, the waterways were essential to their livelihood. Not only was it a key to the development of New York State but to the interior of the United States. It was and it still is. Blount Small Ship Adventure offers a two-week trip from Montreal to New York City via the St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, Oswego and Erie Canals, and the Hudson was a dream come true on the Grande Caribe, a purpose-built vessel designed to make it through the narrow and shallow waters of canals. 

It is a value-laden the trip that includes two countries, three world-class cities, some of the world’s most important waterways, excursion to historic places, along with gourmet meals, informative talks, and musical presentations. Attire is casual. Accommodations are small but with plenty of storage space. The food is great and the staff helpful. A very unique opportunity to explore the waterways of the Northeast.  Besides excellent shore trips there are informational presentations along with movies and live music in the evening. 

Log onto www.blountsmallshipadventures.com for more

information or call toll-free 800-556-7450. “Legends, Locks, Legends, and Canals” is just one of their offerings.  With a maximum of 88 passengers, they advertise that they “Go Where the Big Ships Cannot” offering their passengers unique experiences. They also sail to The Bahamas, Lake Michigan, and along the Atlantic Coast.

The new Harbor Hotel is the best in the 1000 Islands

The new 1000 Island Harbor Hotel on the scenic St. Lawrence

River is a full-service hotel with drop-dead views of the area.  The beautifully landscaped hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a fine dining restaurant, trendy bar, an outdoor patio with fire pits, and a variety of function rooms. 

The luxurious accommodations are the best in the area with custom-made pillow top mattresses, high-definition flat panel TV,  high-speed internet,  desk, mini-frig, and other amenities one expects from a great hotel.  Guest services include concierge, room service, complimentary daily coffee/tea service in the hall on each floor, nightly turndown and a full-service business center.

The fine-dining Seaway Grill Restaurant offers locally-sourced

American fare from fresh fish to New York strip steaks plus an extensive wine list with selections from local vineyards.  The 1000 Island Bar along with the Riverside Patio overlooking the river are perfect for lighter fare and specialty drinks.

The Harbor Hotel is near all major attractions making it the ideal1000 Island place to stay and play. Check for special promotions. For more information log on to www.1000islandsharborhotel.com or call (315) 686-1100.

A super vacation rental near Cooperstown.

A super vacation rental near Cooperstown. Cider House vacation rental is located in historic Fly Creek just a few minutes from Cooperstown.  It is perfect for the family who has a child attending Cooperstown Dreams Park.  The house is pristine with new

appliances and wonderful amenities.  The charming Cider House was built in the 1880’s and has a covered porch with rocking chairs overlooking the Cider Mill plus a roomy deck  complete with gas grill and a picnic table.

The main living area has an open floor plan complete with a sitting area with 40” flat screen TV, and a spacious eat-in kitchen with contemporary stainless steel appliances. A sunroom off the living area overlooks the Cider Mill, the pond and the rolling hills beyond.  This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has a bedroom and bath on the first floor and two bedrooms and one bath on the second floor.   

Cider House is next to Fly Creek Cider Mill where there is a working cider mill, the Marketplace where specialty items

produced in New York State are for sale, a restaurant & bakery, an ice cream stand plus a lovely mill pond with ducks and geese. To make the place even better the owner has provided unlimited admission to the area’s most desired attractions, goodies from the Marketplace waiting upon arrival, and much more.  For more information check www.flycreekcidermill.com/newsDetails.asp?id=443 – We didn’t want to leave!

Holiday Inn in Binghamton, NY is a great choice

Heading to Binghamton?  If so you can’t go wrong by booking a stay at the Holiday Inn.  Located on the river in heart of downtown, the Holiday Inn is close to everything including the Broome County Arena, the Forum Theater, NYSEG Stadium – home of the AA

Binghamton Mets, plus terrific restaurants & shopping. The rooms are great with an excellent workspace, flat-screen TV, and other amenities one comes to expect from a fine hotel. There is an indoor swimming pool, free on-site downtown parking (that is important!), free internet and a great restaurant/bar with a river view. Consider one of the Executive Level Guest Rooms on the top three floors for a great view of Binghamton and/or the Chenango River plus the convenience of a mini-frig and microwave. 

Walk down the street and check out the Galaxy Brewery and then return to have dinner on the patio.  Awesome. Think of the Holiday Inn as a hotel with more.  On site, besides the workout room, business center, and banquet facilities, there is a hair salon, gift shop, and even a chapel.  If you are not an IHG loyalty member sign up for more benefits for future stays.  For more information check www.holidayinnbinghamton.com.

The Genesee Grande in Syracuse is luxurious

Without a doubt one of the most luxurious hotels in Syracuse, New York is the Genesee Grande located on Genesee Street in close proximity to Syracuse University, The Dome, Syracuse Stage and many other Syracuse attractions.  Enter the lobby and pause to take

in the unique features: the guardian lions at the entrance to the 1060 Restaurant, the koi fish pond, the antique inlaid table topped with fresh flowers, and the beautiful chandeliers made with Tiffany glass. The designers thought of everything blending old and new. The high back, hooded leather chairs are designed to offer privacy for those making cell phone calls. 

Accommodations have a crisp, neat look with all the amenities one

comes to expect from a high-end property: flat-screen TV, a work desk with complimentary Wi-Fi, comfy chairs, cloud-like beds, and marble-floored bathrooms. The suites have a home-away-from-home ambiance with plenty of room, comfy couches, and large windows to let in the sun.

The hotel has a business center and the hotel is pet friendly.  Washers and driers are available but the hotel can provide laundry and dry cleaning service. There is a large parking lot however many guests make use the hotel shuttle that will pick up guests at the airport, bus and/or train station.  They also provide service within the city. 

Even though Syracuse has some excellent dining options there is no need to leave the Genesee Grande in order to enjoy a great meal.  The 1060 Restaurant offers an extensive and excellent menu all day long.  Start your morning with Eggs Benedict or Baked Irish Oatmeal.  At lunch time try the Quiche of the day created by their excellent chef served with a choice of Caesar or Grande Green Salad. Dinner options are varied from a vegetarian option to Cherrywood Smoked St. Louis Ribs with

Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes with House Made Cinnamon-Apple Slaw accompanied by Kansas City BBQ Sauce.  Check out their specials especially the 1060 one which reflects the location and price.  It is definitely the best value.  There wine selection is vast and their cocktails unique. The comfy banquette seating on the front patio is a great choice when the weather permits or dine in the more formal dining room or in the lounge where there is a well-stocked bar. 

The hotel is perfect for those who are dropping their child off at SU, or attending a sports event, or for business functions, or for attending the theater or just for the fun of it. For more information check www.geneseegrande.com or call 1-800-365-HOME. 

Glen Iris Inn in NY's Letchworh State Park

The Glen Iris Inn in Castile, New York overlooks the beautiful Middle Falls on the Genesee River in scenic Letchworth State Park south of Rochester. The Inn has been welcoming guests since 1914. In 1858 when William P. Letchworth stepped off the train on the bridge high above the Genesee River he was so impressed by the natural beauty that he bought a house that today in Glen Iris Inn.  Since then visitors and guests continue to be impressed with the area’s beauty.

In 1906 Letchworth bequeath the land along with the Inn to the people of New York State. The multi-faceted, year-round park has a well maintain road and trails along the Genesee River gorge, dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the East.”  There are several observation points where people can view the three major falls. 

Behind the Glen Iris Inn is a museum that details the history of the

area including images of the Inn that depicts the changes over the years.  One unique display is the mammoth scull that was found nearby.  High on the hill above the Inn is the Council Grounds dedicated to the memory of Mary Jemison, “The White Woman of the Genesee.” As a teenager traveling West through Pennsylvania with her family she was captured by the Seneca Indians. She spent the rest of her life with them serving as a moderating influence between the Senecas and the encroaching white settlers.  Letchworth had Jemison’s remains interned on the Council Grounds where today there is a monument to her, Jemison’s house, and a council building. 

No visit the Letchworth State Park is complete without a stay at the Glen Iris Inn. The nicely decorated accommodations are well maintained, with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. The standard rooms are small but the four suites are roomy with one having a small private balcony with a great view of the Middle Falls. The staircase has beautiful woodwork that would be hard to reproduce today.  On the third floor is a library with games, reading materials and the only television. The view of the falls is great. There is no internet service and even cell phone connections can be difficult.  It is a place to get away and relax.  Besides the rooms in the Inn there are a couple cottages for rent which are perfect for a family or groups.

The dining room, The Caroline, is named in the memory of lady

who was Letchworth secretary and all around right-hand man.   The Caroline with relaxing garden views has an excellent menu selection with fine wines and great deserts.  They even offer gluten-free and vegan selections. The wide sweeping porch offers libations and is another great place for dining. For more information check www.glenirisinn.com or call 585-493-2622. 

Tailwater Lodge in Atlmar, New York is the perfect getaway

The Altmar Elementary School, now the high-end Tailwater Lodge, is an excellent example of old buildings that have found a new life. School-to-hotel is not a quantum leap. They have a lot in common: halls, rooms, and a kitchen making the adaption easier.  The Lodge is located in Altmar, a quiet, bucolic area of Oswego County, New York. 

Every aspect of the property has the stamp of quality. The first impression is one of the well landscaped lawns with the tree-lined tailwater as a backdrop.  Tail water refers to the water immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure such as a dam, bridge or culvert.  In this case it is down river from Bennetts Bridge Hydroplant. The place is a favorite of anglers from

all over.  For wannabe anglers the hotel rents everything needed for a day of fishing at a reasonable rate. A license is easily obtainable locally. New York State had a license-free weekend at the end of June. Anglers staying at Tailwater Lodge have private access to 2000 feet of the best stretch of the Salmon River and, to sweeten the deal, it is only a short walk from the accommodations, restaurant, and bar. The designers have thought of everything including a wader washing station. 

Tailwater Lodge has its own guide who can arrange everything and it doesn’t have to be fishing. Tailwater is a destination resort and while the area is a mecca for anglers during fishing season and a hotspot for snowmobilers during the winter months there is much more to experience.  Bird lovers and hikers have plenty of trails to explore. White water rafting is nearby.  Not to miss in the area is the beautiful Salmon River Falls and the Salmon River Hatchery.  The Lodge hosts interesting events including the recent Uncorked Canvas that paired wine and painters, and recently a musical group performed under a tent on the expansive lawn.

The restaurant draws people from near and far. Housed in the former gym it is beautiful with a great bar and the one-time stage that is now home to a unique, specially made pool table.  The meals, as one might expect, are excellent, which is only one

reason to visit.  The accommodations are comfy and luxuriously appointed with rustic touches creating a relaxing getaway for a night or more.  Imaging a beautiful fall evening, or maybe a wintery evening with gentle falling snow, sitting around their fire pit eating s’mores. Tailwater Lodge is a great destination anytime but it is especially lovely when included on a fall driving trip. For more information check Tailwater.com.