All of the lodgings featured in this section are some of Brandon's favorite places that he has personally stayed. Only the best of the best, the most comfortable, and those accommodations that are rather quite unique are featured here. Each listing provides you with some of Brandon's thoughts, feelings, and experiences from each, along with an image and the basic details for more information.
I hope that if there's ever a point in time that you find yourself traveling to a place that I've been before, that you will look up one of these great establishments! =)
*Please note: I feature most of my accommodations on this list, and while every experience has its ups and its downs, I always focus on the positives, as I do within my own life. However, do know that if I ever had a moderately bad experience at one of these lodgings, I have either stated so below in my description, or I have decided to withdrawal the property from the E&P Accommodations section.
I hope that if there's ever a point in time that you find yourself traveling to a place that I've been before, that you will look up one of these great establishments! =)
*Please note: I feature most of my accommodations on this list, and while every experience has its ups and its downs, I always focus on the positives, as I do within my own life. However, do know that if I ever had a moderately bad experience at one of these lodgings, I have either stated so below in my description, or I have decided to withdrawal the property from the E&P Accommodations section.
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Ensku Húsin Guesthouse by Langá (River) 6km from Borgarnes, Iceland www.enskuhusin.is |
The Ensku Húsin Guesthouse (AKA the Old English Lodge) near the seaside town of Borgarnes is a nice and authentic, family owned guesthouse that was once an old fishing lodge. The owners are a young couple with children, who are some of the nicest people I met in Iceland, and that's definitely saying something, as I would dub Iceland as the nicest country that I've visited so far on my travels – Ireland and midwest USA are also vying for the title, actually.
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Smyrlabjörg Country Hotel Suðursveit 781, Höfn í Hornafirði, Iceland (354) 478-1074 www.smyrlabjorg.is |
The geographic jewel of the southern region of Iceland, from Höfn to Vík is the famous floating glacier bay, that is known to Icelanders as the Jökulsárlón (Lagoon). Some of the most unique attractions along the southern coast of Iceland is of course visiting the aforementioned Jökulsárlón glacier bay, but also hiking around the massive 3,000 square mile Vatnajökull glacier is a must do, and the Smyrlabjörg Country Hotel is the perfect home base.
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Árból Guesthouse Ásgarðsvegur 2 640, Húsavík, Iceland (354) 464-2220 www.arbol.is |
I arrived in Húsavík on a grey, snowy day during October, and the town seemed to be deserted. There were no tourists, no locals, and no vehicles on the streets. There were no boats moving in the harbor, and seeing as how Húsavík is known for its whale watching tours, I was a little disappointed with my timing. But not all was lost, because the Árból Guesthouse became my private sanctuary, away from the weather, and a very comfortable one at that!
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Frost & Fire Hotel Hverhamar 810, Hveragerdi, Iceland (354) 483-4959 www.frostogfuni.is |
Luxury is the name of the game at the amazing Frost & Fire Hotel in Hveragerdi, Iceland. The hotel is set up right along the famous trout river Varmá, which incidentally has a lot of geothermal activity as well. The hotel offers guests a unique experience with their geothermal-heated jacuzzis. The staff is lovely and accommodating, and the entire area is breathtaking, no matter what season you visit. Another plus is just how comfortable their modern-style rooms are!
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Reyðarfjörður Hostel - Hjá Marlín Vallargerði 9 730, Reyðarfjörður, Iceland (354) 892-0336 www.hostel.is |
The Hjá Marlín Guesthouse / Reyðarfjörður Hostel is a small town hot spot that is definitely a cool place to stay. Besides the fact that the entire region around Reyðarfjörður is absolutely gorgeous, because it's surrounded by high mountain fjords, the accommodation is well worth a stop as well, especially in the summer. They're typically full with travelers and nomads alike, as well as groups of campers. The town offers a nice relaxed experience for the weary traveler.
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Bus Hostel Skógarhlíð 10 105, Reykjavík, Iceland (354) 535-0350 www.bushostelreykjavik.com |
The Bus Hostel in Reykjavík, Iceland is one of the cooler hostels that I've ever stayed in. It's setup like a modern age, hipster paradise, with its Ikea-esque feel, mixed with the various quirky finishes and dive bar-like additions. The hostel dorm rooms are as barebones as I've ever seen, so upgrading to a private room is definitely recommended here – I stayed in both types of rooms, a private and a dorm, so just trust me that the privates are where it's at!
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Reykir Reykjastrond Guesthouse Reykir 551, Sauðárkrókur, Iceland (354) 821-0090 www.drangey.net |
Driving to the Reykir Reykjastrond Guesthouse is a bit of an off-roading experience, or at least it was when I was there in October 2013 – the gravel road from Skagafjörður is extremely pothole ridden. But once you arrive, you're in a sort of private oasis, far away from everything. October in Iceland is considered to be the Winter, so when visiting during the Summer peak season, it may be a bit busier, but for me, it was a lovely time of just me and Mother Nature.
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Guesthouse Görðum Garðar 871, Vík, Iceland (354) 487-1260 www.reynisfjara-guesthouses.com |
One of the coolest accommodations that I had stayed while I was in Iceland was the Guesthouse Görðum in Vík. Basically, the Guesthouse Görðum is a set of two really great private cabins, set about 100-feet from the coast, with some of the most amazing views available on the island. A short few minute hike will take you to the black beach, which is home to some of the world's most amazing basalt-lava rock formations.
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Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast 35 Old Golf Course Road Tullaghcullion, Donegal Co. Donegal, Ireland 74 9723827 www.oceanbreezedonegal.com |
The Ocean Breeze Bed and Breakfast in Donegal Town, Ireland is the ideal modern European B&B – it's clean, bright, comfortable and posh, sort of like a private and semi-exclusive Hampton Inn. Breakfast at the Ocean Breeze is intimate, as conversation comes forth without effort or hesitation. Last, but not least, I have to mention the brilliant views from which the Ocean Breeze – as it sits atop a hill overlooking the bay – offers its guests.
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Aille River Hostel Doolin Co. Claire, Ireland 65 7074260 www.ailleriverhosteldoolin.ie |
Aille River Hostel in Doolin, Ireland is a damn cool place to stay, because... Look at it – it's a beautiful, traditional Irish cottage, set along a river, in one of the coolest musical towns on the Emerald Isle. Doolin is the perfect place to experience some of Ireland's best cultural flares – the pubs in Doolin thrive with a lively bump in the night, where locals and visitors enjoy regional and visiting artists from all over Europe.
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Avalon House Hostel Aungier Street, Dublin 2 Co. Dublin, Ireland 1 4750001 www.avalon-house.ie |
One of the bigger hostels in Dublin is the Avalon House. It's close to all of the Temple Bar District hoopla, with every need within walking distance. The Avalon House is unique for its in-house cafe and ample amount of activities – the basement has a projection movie theater and there are other rooms with games too. One downfall is that the Avalon resembles a boarding house – impersonal and lacking character on all of its floors (excluding the main common areas).
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Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse Clifden, Connemara Co. Galway, Ireland 95 21951 www.buttermilklodge.com |
I spent some extended time in and around Cork in September of 2013, but once my WorkAway accommodation time was up, I took off to the small Connemara town of Clifden, which was my jumping off point for several days of hiking in and around the famous Connemara National Park. My first day in Connemara was moody, windy, and stunningly beautiful, and I couldn't have picked a better place to stay than the Buttermilk Lodge – big fan!
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Caitins Bar and Hostel Kells, Cahersiveen Co. Kerry, Ireland 66 9477614 www.caitins.com |
I was driving the Ring of Kerry in Ireland, winding around the cliffside bends with a newfound fluidity, as it was my first day of driving on the left side of the road – but no worry, the sun was about to set, and by now, I've had plenty of practice hours. I came to a fresh opening, apart from the wandering cliffs, and there stood the local gem of Caitins Bar and Hostel. Stop by in the early season and experience how all Ireland experiences should be – privately!
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Dingle Harbour Lodge The Wood, Dingle Co. Kerry, Ireland 66 91 51577 www.dingleharbourlodge.com |
The Dingle Peninsula is one of my favorite places to tour in Ireland, and I've been blessed to return several times, but there is no finer or larger jumping off point than Dingle Town, itself. Dingle is a sublime little fishing village, set on the alluring and aptly named Dingle Bay – it offers visitors a unique glimpse into historic Ireland. The Dingle Harbour Lodge is a nice modern hotel with several styles of rooms, from privates to shared dorms.
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Castle Leslie Estate Glaslough Co. Monaghan, Ireland 47 88100 www.castleleslie.com |
The most righteous place I've stayed the night at was Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Ireland. The grounds are immaculately maintained, which provide guests with lovely landscapes and gardens to enjoy – offering plenty of entertaining and lavish activities, with nearly private walking, boating, and equestrian opportunities. Plus, Castle Leslie has plenty of dining areas, bars, and restaurants. I felt that my room was fit for the royalty of the Medieval era time period.
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An Cruiscin Lan Bed & Breakfast Connolly Street, Sligo Co. Sligo, Ireland 87 2331573 www.bandbsligo.ie |
The village of Sligo is a, perhaps, lesser visited region of Ireland, but since the escalation of foreign ancestry hunts, Sligo has seen a bit of a boom in tourism. Even though Sligo is visited more and more every year, it still offers an authentic cultural experience. The An Cruiscin Lan B&B is a nice little place, set in the middle of the town, which offers patrons a comfortable and tidy stay, with a short 5-minute walk to the bustling areas of town.
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City Backpacker
53-55 Malone Avenue Belfast, BT9 6EP Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 28 9066 0030 www.ibackpacker.co.uk |
When I visited Belfast for my second time in September of 2013, I stayed at the new and improved City Backpacker Hostel. What was unique about the time of my visit is that the inn keepers were actually brand new owners, taking over earlier in the summer. While they were still getting the hang of running their first accommodation, they were also very dedicated to improving every detail that they possibly could.
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Downhill Beach House
12 Mussenden Road Downhill, BT51 4RP Co. Derry, Northern Ireland 28 7084 9077 www.downhillbeachhouse.com |
On a short list of my absolute favorite places to stay, you would find this gorgeous little cottage, hidden at the bottom of a hill, below the Mussenden Temple in Downhill, Northern Ireland. This area is known for its dynamic cliffs and beautiful beaches, yet just recently, it's claim to fame can be credited to the phenomenal television show, the Game of Thrones. It's not difficult to find some of the exact rock formations and cliffs that were used in the TV show!
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Derry City Independent Hostel
44 Great James Street Derry City, BT48 7DB Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland 28 7128 0542 www.derry-hostel.co.uk |
The Derry City Independent Hostel is a fun loving place to stay in Northern Ireland. There are certain hostels that create the right mood, with the right room design and layout to promote social activity. When a hostel gets the right look and feel, and layout, while also promoting a safe and comfortable place to stay, they've nailed it. While the Derry City Independent Hostel isn't all of those things, it's a good place to stay and to meet fellow wanderers.
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Dolce Vita Derry
12 Princes Street Derry City, BT48 7EY Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland 28 7121 9920 www.dolcevitaderry.com |
The Dolce Vita Derry is the sister accommodation of Derry City Independent Hostel, and fondly enough, they're right around the corner from each other. The inside of Dolce Vita Derry is quite a bit nicer, with a better looking decor, and a lovely basement common area. The basement offers fair use of the kitchen, along with a comfortable TV area, an outdoor patio, laundry facilities, and additional bathrooms.
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Portrush Townhouse
6 Bath Street Portrush, BT56 8AW Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 28 7082 5699 www.portrushtownhouseaccommodation.com |
Some of the nicest inn keepers can be found at the Portrush Townhouse in Portrush, Northern Ireland. I had the pleasure to stay at the townhouse and have dinner with the family who runs the accommodation in September of 2013. The inside of the house is bright and modern and extremely comfortable, and the common areas are inviting, and relaxing to hang out in, as the other traveling tenants make themselves at home as well.
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Cunucu Arubiano Santa Lucia Santa Cruz, Aruba www.cunucuarubiano.com |
In February 2014, I flew to Aruba to escape the frigid cold of Ohio's winter, and I lucked out with my accommodation. The Cunucu Arubiano is a seriously great place to stay on the island, as it's far away from the main strip of high-rise hotels and the typical tourist areas, and it's as authentic as can be! The buildings were designed in the traditional Aruban style, and built with actual resources from other historic and dilapidated properties from right around Aruba.
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City Marque Services Apartments Victoria District London, England 3333 11 3333 www.citymarque.com |
City Marque offers services apartments in and around the greater London area, and they have some of the nicest properties available. I had the chance to stay in their Victoria location in October of 2013. It was spacious, comfortable, and provided me with every convenience – and who wouldn't love the location, being so close to everything in London? Serviced apartments are nice because when you walk in, it's like your own personal home, setup and ready to go.
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Balmer’s Herberge Hauptstrasse 23–33 CH 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland 33 822 1961 www.balmers.com |
Balmer's Herberge in Interlaken, Switzerland is a cool youthful spot with several options that guarantee a fun time. While Balmer's offers more availability as a hostel, it has some dressier rooms, privates, and of course, the dorms. The main campus of buildings offer patrons with a restaurant, mess hall, outdoor bar, and an underground dance club. But that's not all, they also have another location just down the road that offers an outdoor tent village.
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Bay View Bed & Breakfast
3 Bayview Apartments Stonehaven, AB39 2BD Aberdeenshire, Scotland 7791 224227 www.bayviewbandb.co.uk |
Bay View B&B in Stonehaven, Scotland is a unique gem. While the word 'gem' is typically scorned in modern travel writing, the truth is that the Bay View is a clean and tidy, modern and private jewel, stuck at ocean's edge in a really cool little traditional Scottish town. You have the attractions of the town, as well as the beach and ocean, of course, what else do you need? Well, there's always a pretty wicked cool castle within walking distance.
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Dunheanish Guest House
Ardconnel Road Oban, PA34 5DW Argyll, Scotland 1631 566556 www.dunheanish.com |
Dunheanish will forever go down in my memory has one of the ABSOLUTE coolest places to stay in Europe. It's perched high up on one of the hills that sandwiches the historic town of Oban between hills and sea. The Dunheanish Guest House is of traditional Scottish decoration, yet is detailed in such a luxurious and sophisticated way. It's comfortable, AND it's like a museum. Breakfast at the Dunheanish will also change your life – try the salmon!
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Ryeford Guest House
21 Ardconnel Terrace Inverness, IV2 3AE Inverness, Scotland 1463 242871 www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/ryeford/ |
The Ryeford Guest House on 21 Ardconnel Terrace in Inverness, Scotland is a nice bed and breakfast, which is family owned and operated, and has been done this way for over a decade. The owners are passionate and proud people, who personally manage the property as best as anyone can. The common areas and the rooms have a sort of Grandmother's House look and feel to it – it's homey and as comfortable as can be!
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Old Church House B&B
Road A87 Scullamus Breakish, IV42 8QB Isle of Skye, Scotland 1471 822567 www.oldchurchhouseskye.co.uk |
The folks who own the Old Church House Bed and Breakfast are some of the loveliest I had the pleasure of meeting while I traveling aimlessly around Scotland in September of 2013. The B&B is located along the main route of A87 in Isle of Skye, which provides you with a beautiful view and a rich experience away from the B&B-overran town of Portree. At the Old Church House, you will find repose, privacy, and a warm place to lay your head.
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No 9 The Guest House
9 Pitcullen Crescent Perth, PH2 7HT Perth, Scotland 1738 636893 www.no9theguesthouseperth.co.uk |
In 2013, I found myself overnighting in Perth, Scotland, and so I had the chance to stay at the quiet and comfortable No. 9 The Guest House on Pitcullen Crescent. Even though Pitcullen Crescent is littered with bed and breakfasts' and various guest houses, I believe the No. 9 is a special place to stay, for its wonderful owners and the relaxing refuge it offers its patrons. Plus, their food is spectacular – one of the owners is a professional chef... That's a WIN!
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Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast 994 County Road 4230 Crane Hill, AL 35053 256 747 6057 www.smithlakebandb.com |
Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast is a hot spot of activity. Well, not really, but it is a pretty awesome place to go. Besides being really comfortable, it's a wonderfully peaceful area, which gives you a nearly private water sports experience. The owners are a lovely retired armed forces couple, who has managed the B&B for nearly 10 years. Smith Lake is a nice summer getaway, and very much worth the visit to Alabama's more country areas, just north of Birmingham.
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Cozy Cactus B&B 80 Canyon Circle Drive Sedona, AZ 86351 (928) 284-0082 www.cozycactus.com |
If I had to pick one of the best accommodation experiences of all time, the Cozy Cactus in Sedona, Arizona will have topped the list. Carrie and Mark are two of the most wholehearted, passionate people I've had the pleasure of getting to know – even if it was (sadly) for a short time. It's a true rarity to see two people to thoroughly in love, and loving life as these two. The Cozy Cactus is a fantastic place to stay, with great eats, beautiful views, and spacious stays!
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Spur Cross B&B 38555 North Schoolhouse Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (480) 473-1038 www.spurcrossbnb.com |
The Spur Cross Bed and Breakfast in Arizona (north of Phoenix) is a gem, hidden off the main tourist drag of Cave Creek. It's both authentic and homey, spiced up with some rich Southern flavor – my room, the Saguaro room was by far, one of the more interesting, and comfy rooms that I've had the pleasure of staying in. It offers all of the necessary and additive amenities, with wide windows and lovely views – even the sunset's were unreal!
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Gold Mountain Manor 1117 Anita Avenue Big Bear, CA 92314 (909) 585-6997 www.goldmountainmanor.com |
Big Bear, California has always been a place that I've been interested to experience, and on my 2014 USA road trip, that experience happened for me, and it was brilliant. My lodgings were the Gold Mountain Manor, which is owned and managed by one of the loveliest women I've known. Cathy is equally vibrant and kindhearted, with an unceasing positive attitude. The GMM provides its patrons with a comfortable, yet private (and relaxing) cabin experience.
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Blackberry Inn B&B – Yosemite 7567 Hamilton Station Loop Road Groveland, CA 95321 (209) 962-4663 www.blackberry-inn.com |
Yosemite is one of the most visited National Parks in America, and while most tourists bunk up near Modesto, there are many better options of where to stay, like the Blackberry Inn in Groveland. The Blackberry Inn is close to the west entrance of the park, and it offers a quality bed and breakfast experience in two beautiful lovely guesthouses. The morning breakfast social is a key highlight, however they do offer private options as well.
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Strawberry Creek Inn 26370 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 (951) 659-3202 www.strawberrycreekinn.com |
The Strawberry Creek Inn is located on one of the few highways that venture high up into the San Jacinto mountains. Unlike Big Bear, the most that Idyllwild has to offer is it's small town charm, and its abundance of brilliant hiking trails. Strawberry Creek Inn is located perfectly along 243, which sets up as a great home base in Idyllwild. All of the rooms are custom decorated with fun outdoorsy themes, and it's complete with all of the character one could ask for.
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Malibu Country Inn 6506 Westward Beach Road Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 457-9622 www.malibucountryinn.com |
When visiting Los Angeles for the third time, I thought it would be nice to get out of the city a bit and stay in the nearby ocean town of Malibu. My two nights at the Malibu Country Inn offered the perfect mix of relaxation in a great location – the beach was within a few minutes by foot, and right off of the PCH. I found the inn to be a quintessential and modern small hotel, complete with a pool, and a neighboring dining experience. Plus, some rooms have hot tubs!
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The Elsbree House: Beach B&B 5054 Narragansett Avenue San Diego, CA 92107 (800) 607-4133 www.bbinnob.com |
San Diego offers a ton of great options for tourists, from high end high-rise hotel stays to urban hostels – where you stay is somewhat dependent on what part of town you're looking to setup base in. For me, personally, I love the homey, quaint, and comfortable bed and breakfasts, so when I knew that I wanted to stay near Ocean Beach, The Elsbree House was my first choice on my 2014 USA road trip – and it surely was a great experience!
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Queen Anne Hotel 1590 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 441-2828 www.queenanne.com |
The Queen Anne Hotel is a true gem in the heart of San Francisco. The inside decor of the Queen Anne is Victorian based – the common areas offer comfortable sitting rooms, complete with flickering fireplaces which helped make my first trip to San Francisco unforgettable! The gorgeous Victorian style bed and breakfast is located prominently in the middle of all of the best districts of the city – it's a great jumping off point.
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Petit Soleil: European B&B 1473 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 549-0321 www.petitsoleilslo.com |
Perhaps one of the finest experiences of my 2014 USA trip was my first visit to San Luis Obispo, and my stay at the French-Euro style bed and breakfast. It's centrally located to one of the coolest small town downtown areas that I've been to – I had the chance to check out the Thursday night Farmer's Market, where the entire town comes out to have a good time. The Petit Soleil was both charming and comfortable – I will definitely stay again!
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Silver City Mountain Resort Mineral King Road Sequoia National Park, CA 93271 (559) 561-3223 www.silvercityresort.com |
The Silver City Mountain Resort isn't your normal luxury resort, but that's the beauty of this collection of beautiful, remote cabins in the middle of Sequoia National Forest. To be blunt, the drive to SCMR is a bit of an... adventure – as you must wind along a thin gravel road hugging several steep mountain cliff-sides, for around 90 minutes. Once you arrive, however, pure relaxation takes hold – nothing is better than relaxing in front of a fire under the stars!
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The Cottage Inn 1690 West Lake Boulevard Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 581-4073 www.thecottageinn.com Boulder Inn by Best Western Plus 770 28th Street Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 449-3800 www.boulderinn.com Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast 1572 Race Street Denver, CO 80206 (303) 331-0621 www.castlemarne.com The Curtis Hotel by Hilton 1405 Curtis Street Denver, CO 80202 (303) 571-0300 www.thecurtis.com Warwick Hotel Denver 1776 Grant Street Denver, CO 80203 (303) 861-2000 www.warwickhotels.com |
I've stayed in many B&B's throughout my travels, as I feel most at home there, and it helps me recharge, and to continue on my way for a long period of time – but when my travels slow, and my age ascends, I believe having a B&B would be the perfect fit for me. And if I were to have to choose one that I've experienced, I would love to model the lovely Cottage Inn in Lake Tahoe, as the cabin layout is gorgeous, and it's the perfect atmosphere for travelers of all origins.
Although the Boulder Inn is a Best Western Plus hotel, it has a dynamic that few hotels have. Perhaps it's the beautiful pool area with fantastic mountain views (as you can see to the left), or perhaps it's the people running the hotel. Either way, there was certainly a vibe that I enjoyed while staying at the Boulder Inn in May 2015. All of the expected amenities were provided, including breakfast, pool, hot tub, and convenience store.
Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast is a really neat place to stay near Capital Hill and east of Downtown Denver. Besides being decorated with countless priceless memories and unique oddities showcasing the time period of the house, 1890's, the inn keepers are possibly the best part of all. My, oh my, do they have stories galore, and endless information about the history of the house and the area – and if you get a chance to speak with Jim, stay in for a while, it's worth it!
The Curtis Hotel is a DoubleTree hotel by Hilton, but it has an energy that a lot of the Hilton hotels do not. The entire Curtis Hotel in Denver is themed around pop-culture favorites, with such themed floors as One Hit Wonders, Sci-Fi Floor, Fun and Games, Chick Flick, and more. The Hilton qualities are evident once you enter your room. Each room is modern, and decorated with various flare that matches your floor theme – some rooms even have classic arcade games!
I had the pleasure of staying at the lovely Warwick Hotel in 2015. My room was a corner suite with a beautiful view of downtown and the mountains from the balcony. I found my stay to be very comfortable – the bed was fluffy and soft and I slept like a baby, the bathroom was roomy and the common area was classy, and I think my favorite part of the suite was the balcony. The area around the hotel offers just about everything you could want for a night on the town.
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Inverness Hotel 200 Inverness Drive West Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 799-5800 www.invernesshotel.com Bears Inn 27425 Spruce Lane Evergreen, CO 80437 (303) 670-1205 www.bearsinn.com Fernweh Hostel 616 Mulberry Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 219-9493 www.fortcollinshostel.com Moose Run Cabin 1364 CR5002, Moose Run Lane Fraser, CO 80442 (303) 929-2242 www.moosepads.com |
While the Inverness Hotel, Conference Center, and Golf Resort is more focused toward accommodating the medium-to-high end golfer, it's actually a nice, quiet and relaxing place to setup a home base for touring Denver. It offers traditional and modern 4-star accommodations, which cater most of the expected amenities, which is a good fit for for any short visit, business trip, or the aspiring golfer – and even an accomplished golfer would have a swell time here.
The Bears Inn in Evergreen is a great place to stay. I've had the lovely experience of touring the world and staying at a lot of interesting and diverse accommodations, but when it all comes down to it, the most important aspects of a good place to stay are good people, comfortable surroundings, and the simple things. Vicki and the Bears Inn staff are wonderful to get to know, and a night's stay at the inn is simply not enough. I can't wait to visit again!
In the United States, there are very few hostels, compared to that of Europe, and other parts of the world, and while there are few to choose from in any given place, if any at all, there are a few that surprise you. Fernweh Hostel in the beautiful town of Fort Collins was just that, a surprise from start to finish. Kelsey, the owner, spared no expense or creative idea when furnishing and designing the hostel, and it is perfect! A wonderful place to experience in a wonderful town.
Escaping from Denver, up the mountains a ways, and you may find yourself in a winter wonder-playland like that of Winter Park, Colorado. Typically loaded with tourists when the snow has fallen, as skiing and other snow sports begin to flourish for the season, but if it's summertime, a grand escape to the Moose Run Cabin is in order. The views are spectacular, the cabin is loaded and oh so comfortable, and any hiking, adventuring, or animal watching is easily available.
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Blue Lake Ranch 16919 Highway 140 Hesperus, CO 81326 (970) 385-4537 www.bluelakeranch.com The Edgewood Inn 10975 Loy Creet Road Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-0845 www.edgewoodwp.com |
The Blue Lake Ranch is both a known and celebrated oasis near the Four Corners region, in Colorado, as well as an up-and-coming star in the accommodations world. The original owners of Blue Lake Ranch were an inspirational wellness-conscious couple that brought BLR up to what it is today, which is a relaxing, and wonderful retreat away from the desert. But the new owners are stars in the making, who are as nice as can be, and who have huge dreams to accomplish!
Oh, the Edgewood Inn... If you're considering a venture into the accommodation business, you have to experience Edgewood, as Dean and Kathy spared no expense when building their mansion-style B&B near the peak of a mountain. With perfect, and I mean perfect views, and all of the conveniences and almost over-the-top amenities (ex. beautiful fireplace lounge, cool movie theater, and all you could want in a mountain wedding getaway), they've made it feel like home.
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Mount Dora Historic Inn & Cottages 221 East 4th Avenue Mount Dora, FL 32757 (800) 927-6344 www.mountdorahistoricinn.com |
Like that of the Cottage in Decatur, Georgia, the Mount Dora Historic Inn is a retreat away from the busy city – of Orlando, Florida. I visited the famous Disney World and Orlando Studios amusement parks while staying in Mount Dora, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about my experience. My rooms were like small apartments, complete with most of the basic amenities you would hope for, like a full-kitchen and a comfortable bedroom and respectable bath.
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Sunny Daze Getaway 8783 Charles East Limpus Road Orlando, FL 32836 (407) 504-7003 www.sunnydazegetaway.com |
Amy's Sunny Daze Getaway is a great place to stay in Orlando, FL. Since Orlando is jam-packed with attractions and amusement parks, it's easy to get caught up in the major brand hotel racket, but if a private, quiet getaway, away from all of the hoopla sounds right up your alley, then the Sunny Daze Getaway is ideal for you. My stay was very comfortable, and I'm sad that I couldn't have stayed longer at Sunny Daze.
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Palm Beach Historic Inn 365 South County Road Palm Beach, FL 33480 (800) 918-9773 www.palmbeachhistoricinn.com |
On a short list of some of the coolest historic places to stay in the United States, you will likely find the Palm Beach Historic Inn listed. It's actually located just outside of downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, on the nearby island strip that's similarly dubbed the Palm Beach Island. The inside of the Palm Beach Historic Inn is bright and decorated with class, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. I enjoyed my stay – you really can't ask for much more!
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House of Sea and Sun 2 B Street St. Augustine, FL 32080 (904) 461-1716 www.houseofseaandsun.com |
The House of Sea and Sun accommodation in St. Augustine is a comfortable establishment, which provides its guests with a brilliant view of the Atlantic Ocean. My favorite thing about the House of Sea and Sun is that it takes less than 5-minutes to walk down to the beach – the beach is pretty quiet overall, or at least from my limited experience. The next best part is that it's a quiet beach getaway, that's only about 10-minutes from downtown St. Augustine.
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The Cottage Bed & Breakfast 1103 Walker Drive Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 354-4334 www.thecottageindecaturga.com |
The Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Decatur, Georgia is a lovely refuge from all of the busy hustle and bustle of the city of Atlanta. It's situated only 15-minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, in a nice neighborhood that's just off of the beaten and busy path of everyday life in the city. The Cottage is a family-owned B&B that offers visitors a comfortable stay in a relatively large house with a sizable bedroom, two bathrooms, and a few additional recreational rooms.
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Presidents’ Quarters Inn 225 East President Street Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 233-1600 www.presidentsquarters.com |
Presidents' Quarters Inn is a really great place to setup your home base while in the lovely town of Savannah, Georgia. It was my first time in the area, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about my lodging choice for Savannah, because the Presidents' Quarters Inn is as comfortable as can be, while also achieving the look and feel of an upscale inn, because of their fine guest treatment, high end furnishings, and their historic and precious decor pieces.
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The Solon Langworthy House 264 Alpine Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 495-2111 www.langworthybnb.com Serenity Hill Bed & Breakfast 3600 Mammoth Cave Road Brownsville, KY 42210 (270) 597-9647 www.serenityhillbedandbreakfast.com |
The Solon Langworthy House is a newer establishment in upper Dubuque, but the owners have remodeled an old home and have made it a true home for travelers. The bottom floor room is the best, offering a large bed, tv, leisure room and jacuzzi tub. All amenities are provided, which sets off the whole experience. I found my stay to be very comfortable and homey, and I didn't want to leave. Breakfast, tea and a wall of DVDs are provided for all guests. Great place to stay.
I stayed at the Serenity Hill B&B after visiting the amazing Mammoth Cave, along my 2014 USA road trip. Serenity Hill is unique, due to its location – it sits just outside of the Mammoth Cave National Park lines, and is perched atop a mighty fine hill, offering you beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The rooms are spacious, luxurious, and packed with almost every amenity you could want. Plus, the owners are some of the nicest people I've ever met!
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Bayou Teche Guest Cottage 100 Teche Street New Iberia, LA 70560 (337) 364-1933 www.bayoutechecottage.com |
An off the beaten path spot in Louisiana is the Bayou Teche Guest Cottage in New Iberia, LA. It's a great little escape in a small town. It's cute and quaint, private and quiet, with wonderful river bayou walks and views just off the property. Along my 2014 USA road trip, I stayed at Bayou Teche for a couple of nights, which provided me with some much needed respite, and time to catch up on some of my work here on Eye & Pen.
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Fairchild House Bed & Breakfast 1518 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 524-0154 www.fairchildhouse.com Northern Outdoors Old Canada Rd, Scenic 1771, US 201 The Forks, ME 04985 (207) 663-4466 www.northernoutdoors.com 1802 House Bed and Breakfast 15 Locke Street Kennebunkport, ME 04046 (207) 967-5632 www.1802house.com Maynard's In Maine 131 Maynards Road Rockwood, ME 04478 (207) 534-7703 www.maynardsinmaine.com The Birches B&B 46 Fernald Point Road Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 (207) 244-5182 www.thebirchesbnb.com |
New Orleans is a city that knows how to have a good time, and while partying your face off is an option, simply enjoying the history and architecture is enough for anyone – and even though the streets can be a madhouse of activity, late into the wee hours of the morning, it's important to setup your home base at a relaxing refuge, away from the mayhem, yet close enough to make it interesting... This is what makes the Fairchild House the perfect accommodation.
Northern Outdoors is among the most versatile of basecamps for a myriad of adventure spots, and vacation fun, because they offer just about everything your heart might desire; and then some. Northern Outdoors is outfitted with a restaurant, bar, brewery, game room, gear store, hot tub and pool, as well as on-grounds kayaking, private cabins, and white water rafting opportunities. Northern Outdoors offers an entire vacation that's loaded with fun and is all in one location.
The lovely 1802 House is within walking minutes of charming Kennebunkport. The 1802 House offers a home away from home feel, with some of the nicest innkeepers I’ve met along my travels. This historic Colonial inn is near the sea, which offers a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere that I found to be perfect for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Portland. There are beautiful gardens on the grounds and the breakfast experience is truly delectable.
Open all year, Maynard’s in Maine has become a staple of inland Maine by providing wonderful cabin rentals along with a fantastic family style restaurant. Nestled in Rockwood, Maynard’s is in the perfect area to experience Moosehead Lake, the mountains, and the wilderness, or simply look for moose. While Maine is ravaged by tough winters, Maynard’s remains open, with hunting, boating, hiking, and other outdoor opportunities right there or conveniently close by.
The Birches Bed and Breakfast is a seven-generation owned accommodation that is perches high on a hill with lovely, sweeping views of the coast, islands and the ocean beyond. The grounds consist of seven acres of waterfront property, with natural areas, stunning gardens, and a dock on the coast for boaters. The Birches is a peaceful spot, where you’re instantly relieved of any stress and anxiety that might have been plaguing you.
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Southmoreland: An Urban Inn 116 East 46th Street Kansas City, MO 64112 (816) 531-7979 www.southmoreland.com Whistle Stop B&B 107 E Nowell St NY Mills, MN 56567 (800) 328-6315 www.whistlestopbedandbreakfast.com Bear Creek Guest Ranch 15750 US-2 Essex, MT 59916 (406) 226-4489 www.bearcreekguestranch.com Whispering Pines B&B 2018 6th Avenue Nebraska City, NE 68410 (402) 873-5850 www.bbwhisperingpines.com |
The Southmoreland bed and breakfast style inn in Kansas City, Missouri is a truly great place to stay. The owners are some of the loveliest folks I've had the pleasure to meet, and their staff are always willing to do what they can for all of their customers. The house dates back to the early 1900's, and it's apparent that the interior of the Southmoreland has been kept very good care of over the years. Also, it's in a great location!
The Whistle Stop B&B is one of the most unique and fun places I’ve stayed, because our room was an entire period-themed train car from 1909. The Palace Car is beautiful with stunning memorabilia and decor that brought to life what it was like to travel across the country in the early 1900s. There are 1800s dining menus, coal bed heater, time period posters, and so much more. The mood sets you back over 100 years and is totally unlike anything I’ve seen outside of a museum.
South of Glacier National Park entrance by 40 minutes sits a rustic horse ranch paradise with private cabins, bed and breakfast, horse rides, cattle drives, and more. This private retreat center is a comfortable spot to land if you want to have a variety of experiences like mountain adventuring and horseback riding. The views are stunning and everything is picturesque, and when you can see it by horse, you can have a unique view like the first pioneers.
Jeanna, the Inn Keeper and owner of the Whispering Pines bed and breakfast in Nebraska City is a fantastic and caring host. While offering comfortable rooms with all of the lovely perks and amenities you could ask for, she has made this place like home for all who stay. Whether you're experiencing Whispering Pines for your own wedding, or simply as a place to lay your head down at night after a long day of traveling, you will feel at peace here, as I did.
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LVH | Las Vegas Hotel & Casino 3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 732-5111 www.thelvh.com |
The Las Vegas Hotel (or LVH) was once the Las Vegas Hilton International, and even with the name change, the LVH is still one of the premiere hotels in Las Vegas – even though it's not directly on the main strip. The LVH offers most of the same amenities as the more renowned establishments, with a lot of the best history. The site of the LVH is where Elvis Presley performed for 58 straight sold out shows, which broke all of the Las Vegas attendance records.
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Eldorado Resort & Casino 345 North Virginia Street Reno, NV 89501 (775) 786-5700 www.eldoradoreno.com |
Like many of the renowned hotels in Las Vegas, Reno's Eldorado Resort & Casino offers its patrons traditional hotel rooms with options for fine dining, and nearby entertainment, with seemingly endless gambling options and games. The fountains and overall look and feel of the Eldorado is both lavish and an experience all in its own right. Mostly, I enjoyed walking around the common areas and casino floors, simply taking in all of the sights and sounds.
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Elaine's Bed and Breakfast 72 Snowline Road Cedar Crest, NM 87008 (505) 281-2467 www.elainesbnb.com |
Elaine's Bed and Breakfast (also referred to as the Cedar Crest B&B) is your home away from home – even many business men and couples venture only 15-20 minutes around the Sandia Mountains from Albuquerque to stay at Elaine's beautiful cabin. The cabin is spacious and accommodating, and packed with common areas fit for any book and board game lover. Elaine is the loveliest host, going above and beyond for each of her guests!
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The Laughing Lizard Inn 17526 New Mexico 4 Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (575) 829-3410 www.thelaughinglizard.com |
The Laughing Lizard Inn in Jemez Springs, New Mexico is your traditional Western inn, providing the basic necessities and a comfortable bed to sleep in. This is because the area around Jemez Springs are absolutely gorgeous, with high mountain ridges, steep sloping hills, and winding valleys. The entire Jemez area has it all – from gorgeous parks and preserves, to public hiking, outlooks, picnic, and camping areas – what's more to ask for?!
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Adobe Garden at Los Ranchos
641 Chavez NW Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505) 345-1954 www.adobegarden.com |
Gorgeous, authentic, and lovely are three terms that comes to mind when I think about my experience at the Adobe Garden at Los Ranchos in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's just rural enough that it offers a wonderful sort of private escape from the city, while also providing its guests with a truly genuine Spanish adobe experience! The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and supply you with everything you could ask for.
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Apache Village Cabins 311 Mechem Drive Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 257-2435 www.apachevillagecabins.com |
Ruidoso, New Mexico can be a happening place in the Winter, as well as the Summer – due to its beautiful locale, surrounding mountains, peaks, and hills. It's a popular spot for vacation-goers and skiers alike, as summers provide rural, sunny getaways and the winters offer ample snowy adventure sports opportunities. The Apache Village Cabins are affordable, and offer patrons a relaxing, close-to-all-the-fun stay, great for the Summer months.
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The Mabel Dodge Luhan House 240 Morada Lane Taos, NM 87571 (575) 751-9686 www.mabeldodgeluhan.com Burnap's Bed & Breakfast & Beyond 7094 Lake Road Sodus, NY 14551 (315) 566-1024 www.burnapsbedandbreakfast.com |
As historically authentic and culturally rich as any New Mexican home, The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is the cream of the crop. It's a sort of museum, historical landmark, and bed and breakfast mixture of amazing! The grounds provide the perfect getaway for any holidayer, and the house itself is steeped with such historic wonder and significance that it's known for bringing in the free thinkers, the artists, and the somewhat eccentric creatives.
There are times on my travels that a place surprises you, and I had that pleasurable experience at Burnap’s Bed & Breakfast and Beyond. This family-owned B&B is the definition of a hidden gem, and is within a few miles of Lake Ontario. This grand Victorian mansion was built in 1876 and has been restored to much of its original glory by the Burnap family, who now run it as a versatile accommodation and events center. Beautiful gardens, stunning house, and amazing food!
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1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House 235 Pearson Drive Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 251-0789 www.wrightinn.com The German Village Guest House 748 Jaeger Street Columbus, OH 43206 (866) 587-2738 www.gvguesthouse.com Gingerbread Haus Co Hwy 22 New Plymouth, OH 45654 (740) 707-9738 www.hockinghills.com/gingerbread/ Kimpton Hotel Monaco 620 William Penn Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 471-1170 www.monaco-pittsburgh.com |
The 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House is one of the coolest places I've ever stayed. There are few historic American houses that look as enchanting; the Wright Inn looks like a tiny, gorgeous doll house, built with incredible passion and with an impeccable attention to detail. The inside of the house brings you the reminiscence of regal living in the 1800's, with its beautiful wood panel walls, royal-esque finishings, and their collection of precious antique furniture.
The GV Guesthouse in German Village is a great place to stay, especially in their Whittier Suite One, because it offers comfort and privacy in the middle of Columbus, which allows for access to some of the city's best night life, food, theater and creative arts. The bedroom has a lovely king bed, the living room is artsy and setup for business travelers, the kitchen is stocked with fruit and snacks, and the bathroom is fitted with a large shower with overhead shower head.
A stunning and romantic house near Ohio's famous Hocking Hills region is that of the Gingerbread Haus in New Plymouth, a short drive from the lesser known but equally as beautiful Lake Hope State Park. For my wedding, we were graciously hosted at the Gingerbread Haus for the weekend. The house is an 8-11 bed, versatile and beautiful spot nestled in the woods, with its own natural pond, hot tub, fire ring, and full kitchen. It's the perfect place for a family getaway!
The Hotel Monaco is a nice hotel in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh which offers a restaurant in a lower level and a beer garden on the roof. The rooms are nice, artsy, and provide the typical amenities that most hotels offer. My room offered views over the bustling streets below, a sizable king bed, and a deep luxury bath tub. The breakfast at the restaurant was delectable, but the beer garden was closed.
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Mansfield Plantation 1776 Mansfield Road Georgetown, SC 29440 (866) 717-1776 www.mansfieldplantation.com The Victorian Bed & Breakfast 117 North Duluth Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 310-7482 www.thevictorianbedandbreakfast.com |
One of my more unique experiences in my life was when I stayed at the Mansfield Plantation Bed and Breakfast in Georgetown, South Carolina. It's one of the most renowned B&B establishments in the nation, and to get to it, you must drive down a long dirt road... But be warned, if you're arriving beneath the dark of night, it can appear to be quite spooky! From my experience, authenticity and history is something that the Mansfield Plantation lacks none of.
When visiting the Victorian B&B in Sioux Falls, Nicole will make you feel welcome and at home. Every detail and amenity was thought of and provided. The Victorian is a beautifully-finished house from 1888 with a wrap-around porch, patio with fireplace, children's play set, and more. I found my room to be spacious and very comfortable – I didn't want to leave. Breakfast was spot on and delicious, and the staff was lovely and fun with good cheer. Put simply: The Victorian does it right.
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Peabody Memphis 149 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 529-4000 www.peabodymemphis.com |
The Peabody Memphis is said to be one of the grandest hotels in Tennessee, and for good reason. The lobby is as luxurious as one could imagine, with its every detail being immaculate. The rooms are nice and comfortable, however, I felt that the major amenities were the star attraction. Because, while my room was satisfactory, I thought the pool, gym, bar, and restaurants were top notch – oh, and who could forget to mention the legendary ducks!
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Armour's Hotel / Bed & Breakfast 321 East Main Street Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150 (615) 699-2180 www.armourshotel.com |
Before arriving to Armour's, I was driving in the dark of night, through the countryside of Tennessee. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the amazing people who run it blew my mind. The owners are among the nicest I've met on my entire 2014 USA tour – they were brilliant to get to know; they spoiled me, extravagantly. Each room is custom decorated with various themes, and the entire contents of the hotel is like that of an awesome museum!
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Great Cabins in the Smokies 3278 Wears Valley Road Sevierville, TN 37862 (866) 409-7066 www.greatcabinsinthesmokies.com |
Among the thousands of cabins available for rent in the Smokies, I found that the higher you get, the better your views are – but that's pretty obvious, right? My cabin was the Cinnamon Sky property in Seviersville, operated by Great Cabins in the Smokies. Our cabin was as high as you could get, at least in that part of the mountains, and it was loaded with every amenity you could wish for. It had a hot tub, jacuzzi, two large bedrooms, and a very nice kitchen.
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Lake Austin Spa Resort 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road Austin, TX 78732 (800) 847-5637 www.lakeaustin.com |
After about five weeks of traveling abroad on my 2014 USA road trip, I had the chance to stay at the amazing Lake Austin Spa Resort. The resort is located just outside of the main city areas, which provides you with a tranquil and relaxing experience. They specialize in being an organic health resort, a relaxation spa, as well as a meditation and discovery vacation spot. Additionally, you will find various activities and classes – like yoga, cycling, zumba, pilates, and more.
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La Maison in Midtown 2800 Brazos Houston, TX 77006 (713) 529-3600 www.lamaisonmidtown.com |
When visiting Houston along my 2014 USA road trip, I had the chance to stay at La Maison in Midtown in Houston, Texas, and I have to say that it was a very enjoyable experience. The decor or the entire building is grand; it's modern, yet it screams class. The bedrooms were luxurious, quiet, and rather opulent – I liked having a secondary common room with a couch and television. It's the optimal setup for business travelers, and romantic vacations.
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Eva's Escape at the Gardenia Inn 307 Beauregard Street San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 223-5875 www.evasescape.com |
One of the most uniquely special places to stay in San Antonio is Eva's Escape at the Gardenia Inn. It's a Greek revival style bed and breakfast that's run by a passionate and detail-oriented host. All necessary and most luxury amenities are offered here, similarly to how it's been run for decades. The location of the B&B couldn't be better, as it's smack dab in the middle of San Antonio, offering a beautiful neighborhood walk to the famous River Walk.
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O'Caseys Bed & Breakfast 225 West Craig Place San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 738-1378 www.ocaseybnb.com |
O'Caseys Bed and Breakfast in San Antonio, Texas is a transitioning beauty, for the ownership has changed in the past few years. The new owners of O'Caseys are a family group of wonderful and passionate folks. While O'Caseys used to be very Irish themed, with leprechauns and stuffed animals strewn throughout the property, it's taken a drastic shove into the creative, yet slightly quirky style that it has now. It's both interesting and creative – great place to stay!
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The Westin Riverwalk 420 West Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 224-6500 www.westin.com |
The Westin Riverwalk hotel is situated in downtown San Antonio, overlooking the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. The hotel offers the usual amenities, from room service to an in-house critically-acclaimed restaurant, as well as a spa and gym, with an indoor heated pool too. The Westin may not be the best bargain in the area, but it's a quality traditionally-American hotel, with all of the perks, and of course, it's located right in the center of town.
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Oak Tree Manor Bed & Breakfast 5310 Spring Stuebner Road Spring, TX 77389 (281) 704-9639 www.oaktreemanor.net |
One of the most beautiful cottages that I had the pleasure to spend a couple of nights at was the Oak Tree Manor Bed and Breakfast in Spring, Texas, which is just north of Houston. Typically, the Oak Tree Manor has its grounds set for an upcoming wedding procession, but it opens its doors during certain seasons for weary travelers who wish to have the traditional, yet homey feel of Grandmother's house all to themselves.
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Tear Drop Arch B&B West Medical Drive Oljato-Monument Valley, UT 84536 (435) 727-3303 www.teardroparchbb.us |
Set in the renowned (and heavily filmed) Monument Valley, the Tear Drop Arch B&B is an authentic Navajo owned and operated stay. The photo to the left was photographed from the backyard of Ilene's home (the Innkeeper). I have to say one thing, however – most of my accommodations range from 3-stars and up, but the Tear Drop Arch B&B nowhere meets this standard, but if you're looking for an authentic and intimate experience, perhaps give it a try.
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Haxton Manor 943 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84102 (801) 363-4646 www.haxtonmanor.com |
The Haxton Manor in Salt Lake City, Utah is a nice establishment near the campus end of town. It operates as a medium-to-high end bed and breakfast, complimented by its antique and (somewhat) English motif. The rooms are cozy, and fully decorated – and while the Haxton has various room size options available, some are more spacious than others – mine was The Brighton, and it was a very comfortable stay for me.
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Bryce Canyon Inn 21 North Main Street Tropic, UT 84776 (435) 679-8502 www.brycecanyoninn.com |
The town of Tropic, Utah is a rather remote area in the middle of the famous and highly-visited Bryce Canyon region. Tropic is the perfect spot to setup home base, as it provides travelers with close drives to many of the USA's most renowned parks and natural areas. Bryce Canyon Inn is a nice bunch of small cabins which gives its patrons everything they need to regroup and refresh before another big adventure in the surrounding beautiful landscape.
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Stone Canyon Inn 1380 West Stone Canyon Lane Tropic, UT 84776 (435) 679-8611 www.stonecanyoninn.com Ira Allen House 6311 Route 7A Sunderland, VT 05250 (802) 362-2284 www.iraallenhouse.com Devil's Tower Lodge 37 W Rd Devils Tower, WY 82714 (307) 467-5267 www.devilstowerlodge.com The Bentwood Inn 4250 Raven Haven Road Wilson, WY 83014 (307) 739-1411 www.bentwoodinn.com Jackson Hole Hideout 6175 Heck of a Hill Road Wilson, WY 83014 (307) 733-3233 www.jacksonholehideout.com |
Tropic is a great place to setup home base when traveling out west, because Utah has so many unbelievably cool natural areas, full of unique formations, interesting canyons, and world-renowned experiences. I found that the Stone Canyon Inn was one of the best places to stay in the south-central region of Utah. If you can, make sure to get the private guesthouse, as it's spacious, comfortable, and has every amenity one might require!
There is an art to running a bed and breakfast, and Michael and Kevin, the owners of Ira Allen House, have certainly figured it out and have wielded their creative powers to create a one of a kind experience in Vermont. Nestled beside Green Mountain National Forest, the Ira Allen House is full of surprises, from an expanse of beautiful and natural grounds worth exploring to a whole lot of history and stories that are sure to interest just about anybody. Big fan!
Devil's Tower in Wyoming is a very unique place, with a jutting tower of rock that marks the sky for all to see from miles away. Devil's Tower Lodge is among the best accommodations in the area, and it's within a very short walk from the tower itself. The owner Frank is a fantastic person to talk to, share stories, and to find out more about climbing the tower. His staff is kind and lovely to work with as well. The Grand room is the best, with amazing and unrivaled views of the tower.
The Bentwood Inn is a cozy cabin paradise, minutes from Grand Tetons park, which offers visitors a home away from home in perhaps one of the most architecturally beautiful accommodations I've stayed at. Classy, but homey, the Bentwood Inn has it all, from cocktail hour to breakfast and dinner options, to music and a library, among other amenities. We stayed in the Polo room, which had 2 beds, a spacious living space, a comfortable bathroom and access to a kitchenette. Nestled in the stunning Grand Teton mountain range, the Jackson Hole Hideout is a cozy home away from home. Every amenity was thought of, and every comfort was provided. They have a lovely location hillside in the forest with a multi-layered architectural beauty of a lodge that offers the perfect stay for any vacation. The Gunslinger Suite offers a king bed, 2 twinXL beds, a private living room, luxury shower, book nook with corner window bed, and has a private balcony. Breakfast was fantastic, and the owners are very nice people.
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If any of the presented information is incorrect or has gone out of date, please contact Brandon here – thank you.
*Eye & Pen does not take responsibility or copyright or ownership over the images used in this reference guide, where unless Brandon had created the images, then normal E&P copyrights remain in place.
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