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, Ohio’s Jeremiah B. King Guest House

Hudson, Ohio is a charming community with historic homes, a tree-line main street with unique shops, and it is home to Western Reserve Academy, a private co-ed college prep school.  The J. B. King Guest House is the only option for those who want to stay in Hudson and it is a great option.  

The Guest House offers a unique bed and breakfast experience.  The house is on the Ohio State Historical Preservation and one of the Hudson homes designated as historical and cultural assets. The home was awarded the HH (Hudson Heritage) marker in 1980 authenticating its construction date and history.  

The innkeepers have created an environment that is charming, comfortable and convenient. Built in 1873 and named for its original owner the guest house features a pair of carved Italian marble fireplaces, original wood plank floors, wedding cake style plaster cornices, and 10-foot ceilings. The home has many distinction furnishings from Stickley chairs to Tiffany lamps.

Guest Rooms all have private modern bathrooms, a select comfort sleep system™ with premium bedding & linens, cable TV & VCR.  The Guest House features complimentary free wireless high speed internet access.  Guests may also enjoy the use of complimentary bathrobes, hair dryers, and English toiletries. The Jeremiah B. King Guest House is truly a wonderful place to stay, bursting with character & charm, and a most convenient location.


The innkeeper, Ms. Ren, and, her husband, Mr. Doug, retired from their original occupation to take up their new “hobby.” Both are natural story tellers and they have many stories to tell. Breakfast, often a multi-cultural affair, is an unforgettable experience as stories are shared and new friends made. For more information log on to http://kingguesthouse.com.

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.

Gotta’ Love the Cincinnati Hyatt

The three most important things when booking a hotel are location, location, location, and the Hyatt in Cincinnati has all three.  It is even a better option now that it has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Drive under the porte-cochère and staff with take care of your car while another will see that your luggage is taken to your room. Check-in relaxed and unencumbered. The hotel is just steps from major attractions including the Freedom Center and ball parks, plus a Connector stop is nearby. The Connector loops by all the important places. The hotel is connected to the Duke Energy Center.

The service and accommodations are all people come to expect from Hyatt hotels. The rooms all have plush beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, cozy chairs, desk, mini-fridge and more. Enjoy a meal at the Red Roost Tavern where farm-to-table is the order of the day. Or, shop in The Market conveniently located just off the lobby. They have sandwiches, salads, fruit, wine and more.  Next to it is the Library where the books are real.  Check one of them out while enjoying your sandwich from The Market.

Make time for a swim. For more information log on to cincinnati.regency.hyatt.com and remember it always pays to sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program. Tip: Greater's Ice Cream (yummy) is just a few steps away near the park.

Escape to the Inn at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill, Ohio

Nothing compares to the serenity of Dogwood Cabin at the Inn at Cedar Falls.  Located in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio, near Logan, Dogwood Cabin is just one of several 1840s log cabins the owners have saved and turned into luxurious accommodations while preserving the cabin’s rustic ambiance. 

There are several cabins and cottages to choose from but for two

people Dogwood Cabin is perfect. Enter to find a kitchen, dining area, a comfy living room and a full bathroom.  There is a Murphy Bed if needed. Sit on the deck and enjoy all nature has to offer.  

Descend the spiral stairs to the bedroom with a king-sized bed and a whirlpool hot tub. There is also a deck off the bedroom.  Relax on one of the two decks and wait quietly until a deer shows up. Priceless.

We don’t often return to the same place but this is one place I wished we lived closer to because I would visit again and again, especially when I needed refresh my mind and spirit. 


Even if you bring food to prepare in the cabin breakfast in their lovely log cabin restaurant.  Breakfast is included but their dinners are special. The meals include items prepared on-site along with locally sourced food. During the day,

check out their spa or hike to Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and/or Old Man Cave. The most beautiful part of Ohio. For more information check innatcedarfalls.com.

In Hudson, Ohio the Jeremiah B. King Guest House is place to stay

Make the Jeremiah B. King Guest House your home-away-from-home in Hudson, Ohio. Hudson is a lovely historic town south of Cleveland so it is only fitting that that place to stay is also historic. The lovely 1873 house earned a spot on the Ohio State Historical Preservation list of Hudson homes designated as historical and cultural assets. The home was awarded the HH (Hudson Heritage) marker in 1980 authenticating its construction date and history. 

The Jeremiah B. King Guest House is located in the heart of

Hudson’s Historic District within walking distance to historic shops and restaurants as well as the First & Main Shopping District.  Named for its original owner, the guest house boasts a pair of carved Italian marble fireplaces, original wood plank floors, wedding cake style plaster cornices, 10-foot ceilings, beautiful wood moldings, and plaster walls. The segmented arched windows throughout the Guest House are original and are complemented by the original restored wooden shutters. Everything for inside and out have been restored to perfection. The furniture and other furnishings are vintage including the Stickley chairs and Tiffany lamps; and, yet it is comfy and welcoming. 

All the accommodations are plush with a private modern bathroom, a Select Comfort Sleep System™, plus cable TV along with free high-speed wireless.  There are homemade cookies, coffee, and a variety of teas for the guests in the kitchen – just help yourself and feel at home. The J.B. King Guest House offers a unique bed and breakfast experience. The innkeepers, Ms. Ren and her husband, are not only wonderful hosts they are great raconteurs as are her interesting and worldly guests making for fascinating breakfast conversations. Breakfast is a meal to remember from fresh fruit to homemade pastries to eggs to order and more. For more information log on to www.kingguesthouse.com.

The Inn at Dresden is Unique

Nestled on the hilltop overlooking the village of Dresden, Ohio, The Inn at Dresden is rich with history. The 9,000 square foot Inn is the former home of Dave Longaberger, founder of The Longaberger Company which is known for its handmade baskets. The unique charm of the home as well as the 10 themed guest rooms is a direct reflection of the exquisite taste and craftsmanship of the former owner.

All of the rooms at The Inn at Dresden are plush and the perfect

place for relaxation. Sit in the garden or on your balcony, if your room has one, and take in the view that is rivaled by no other. Listen to the gentle trickle of the fountain, the peaceful sights and sounds of surrounding wildlife and enjoy the serenity of The Inn at Dresden. In the evening have a glass of wine in the dining area with a snack especially prepared by the host and watch the sun set. 

Enjoy the sitting room with a player piano and other interesting objects.  Ask to see the dining room with its historic mural. Each accommodation is unique and some have a Jacuzzi, some with a private deck, and others with a fireplace.  Many excellent choices. Take note that there is no elevator and most accommodations are accessed by stairs – some with more stairs than others. Enjoy an excellent breakfast, again while enjoy the expansive view of the valley.  Take note that it is no longer a member of Select Registry. for more information log on to theinnatdresden.com.

High Plains Homestead in Crawford, Nebraska is the way it was

Step into yesteryear with a stay at the High Plains Homestead near Crawford, Nebraska. Mike Kesselring and his family have rescued

homestead-era buildings creating a typical homestead village with a general store, tavern, accommodations, blacksmith shop, a jail, a one-room homestead house, and more are in the works.  Visitors can tie up their

horse for the night and/or just stop by for one of their “cowboy” cooked meals. Mike cooks up an awesome meal. You have to look for it but there is also a swimming pool surrounded by a high wooded fence so it doesn’t intrude on the ambiance of the place. There is even internet. 

Some of the quaint but rustic rooms are aptly named (and decorated) “Cowboy” and “Saloon Girl.” They were all occupied so we stayed in the cabin with two bedrooms, kitchen, washer and dryer, and more.  I would have liked to stay longer. We enjoyed the evening sunset, saying goodnight to the horses and buffalos,

and gazing at a zillion stars.  For more information log on to highplainshomestead.com. The local ranchers like the Kesselrings have formed nebraskahighcountry.com to promote the area, their accommodations, and provide a variety of experiences such as a trail ride, fossil hunting, and hiking.  

In Ogallala, Nebraska stay at the Stagecoach Inn

With easy on/off from Interstate 80 and Highway 26, the Stagecoach Inn is the place to stay when visiting Ogallala, the Cowboy Capital. The Colonial-style, brick motor inn is just

minutes from the Petrified Wood Gallery and the Cowboy Museum. There is an old-time stagecoach outside.

The attractive lobby is welcoming with a chandelier,a cowboy mural and stairs leading to the second floor. The accommodations are comfy with air-conditioning, mini fridges,

flat-screen TV and complimentary wireless. There is a tea/coffee maker in each room, along with a small table and chair. A full breakfast is included.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor/indoor pool, a fitness center, and a picnic area. For a great nearby place check out Mansion on the Hill. 

You will love Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River, WI.

When in Eagle River, Vilas County, Wisconsin stay at the Wild Eagle Lodge nestled on the shore of the Eagle River Chain of 28 Lakes. The lakeside resort is open year around. They have one, two, and three-bedroom luxury lodge accommodations with comfy Northwoods decor. Each accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, two full bathrooms with all the towels and amenities, stone fireplace, and a patio or balcony with a panoramic lake view.  Guests can avail themselves of the HD cable TV, WiFi, DVD player, and other niceties.

Guests will appreciate the complementary dock space and free use of canoes, kayaks and row boats along with pontoon boats, two fishing boats, a swim raft and beach furniture. There is a heated indoor swimming pool, a children’s wading pool, and a sauna. What more could anyone want? 

The resort has a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Paved walkways connect guests to more than 1900 feet of shoreline. Wild Eagle Lodge is the perfect destination for families, couples, honeymooners, or someone who just wants some peace and solitude. There is something to do in every season: snowshoeing, fishing, boating, hiking, shopping, biking, bird watching and much more.  Let the fun and relaxation begin. For more information log on to www.wildeaglelodge.com and make sure to check out their packages.

Check out Boulder Bear Motor Lodge in Vilas County, WI

Check out Boulder Bear Motor Lodge in Vilas County, WI - it is a great place to stay and so very convenient. There are Bears – not real - on the inside and deer outside - real.  Boulder Bear Motor lodge is the place to connect with nature and more. The motor lodge has 20 rooms with cable TV, min refrigerators, free WiFi, andcomplimentary breakfast. Some rooms have a private whirlpool. There is a hot tub for all guests to use.  

In the lobby be greeted by Buckus, a large black bear. There are other taxidermied critters around to compliment the Northwoods ambiance. Enjoy your complimentary breakfast sitting in front of the fireplace or out on the sunny patio – more bears there too.

One of the great things about Boulder Bear Motor lodge is the price and its location. There are many shops and eating places within walking distance. Boulder Junction is a wonderful small town with a lot to see and do nearby. Ask for a room facing the woods so you can enjoy watching the deer feeding in the morning. For more information log on to www.boulderbearmotorlodge.com.

Make the Residence Inn your home in Ann Arbor

One of the newest and best hotels in Ann Arbor, Michigan is Marriott’s Residence Inn, www.marriott.com.  The location in downtown Ann Arbor means that many of the attractions and most

of the fabulous restaurants are within walking distance. It is also in close proximity to the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor is not only home to the University of Michigan the vibrant city has many art galleries, unique shops, and a variety of events.

Arriving guests at the Residence Inn are greeted with a comfy

conversation area in front of a fireplace with the reception desk to the right and the breakfast room to the left. The complete breakfast can be enjoyed at a small table or in a multi-person banquette area. The all-suite hotel features a full kitchen, a free hot breakfast and free WiFi.  The accommodations cleverly designed for maximum use of space.  Walking in the room gives the impression of a roomy two-room suite.

After a busy day of work, sightseeing, or exploring get refreshed in

their pool and boost your energy level in the fitness center.  The hotel is smoke-free, pet friendly, with parking space, and meeting event space. Extended stays are welcomed. Everything you need is here. People who are not a member of the Marriott loyalty program should sign up… it is free. Accumulated points can be used for future stays.