tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post5326260595208395209..comments2024-03-29T06:40:17.919-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: TRAVEL TRAMPJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-34162618626784540402012-03-15T00:02:58.887-04:002012-03-15T00:02:58.887-04:00I have never stayed in a 4star hotel, so not sure ...I have never stayed in a 4star hotel, so not sure if I'd like it, prob not, I like to unpack my own things and repack them!<br /><br />Our trips over 33 years have consisted 99% of traveling to see my parents or his parents. Dog(s) in tow, so whatever place I found via AAA highest rating that allowed dogs (my dogs are neater and quieter than some kids I've run across in hotels)<br /><br />We had one trip to colorado to see D's brother, A christmas north of Calgary in '89 to see his Uncle and Gma (our xmas gift was the plane tickets from his Mom - she wanted us to go with her, our budget said not, so she gave us a nice Christmas gift) <br /><br />We spent 2 weeks at Uncle Pete's. We drew the pullout couch for sleeping,I think we had the best bed in the house, we woke up every morning staring out a picture window at the Canadian Rockies covered in snow - that I could wake up to every day!<br /><br />Before we were married we spent 4 months traveling with his parents and a pop up camper, Lord what was I thinking! <br /><br />I have to admit I saw a lot of places in USA I probably would never have seen and spent 2 weeks camping in the canadian rockies with his Uncle and family. While his parents were staying at his grandparents; DH & I spent 6 weeks in a tent on a 28 square mile lake in Saskatchewan -2 small campgrounds - 1 large indian reservation - that was heaven on earth - would I do that Now - NO WAY - I want clean linens, a bathroom that has a sink, toilet shower, jacuzzi would be nice, and plenty of hot water, and I dont want to walk across a campground to get to those necessities !<br /><br />Last time we camped in '89 with his brother and family, I must admit was an amazing 5 days -we camped in some mountains an hour or two from Pueblo, state land, the only thing I disliked was sharing a bathroom with the bears, that was my last "roughing it" camping trip, but the scenery and the peacefulness was awesome, though the coyotes howling all night were a tad creepy.<br /><br />I've never flown to England, but I can't imagine that many hours on a plane in coach, they'd probably have to make an emergency landing on an aircraft carrier to take one ballistic passenger off the plane (that would be me)! <br />That is one time first class would not annoy me, blankies, pillows, good food, and lots of space YUP, only way to go, so I probably will never see EnglandRosie123https://www.blogger.com/profile/11528374618939863598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-62761225411160787312012-03-14T23:54:49.893-04:002012-03-14T23:54:49.893-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rosie123https://www.blogger.com/profile/11528374618939863598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-17310169627875233022012-03-14T22:42:02.099-04:002012-03-14T22:42:02.099-04:00Deb Romano, thats a great idea. Thinking about tha...Deb Romano, thats a great idea. Thinking about that, right now. Hmmm. xoxoHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-70183368005195994602012-03-14T22:22:13.023-04:002012-03-14T22:22:13.023-04:00Reine, as much as I love the Valley Ho, I think it...Reine, as much as I love the Valley Ho, I think it is so cool that you did your service dog boot camp there!Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-39574140301849058002012-03-14T19:54:34.360-04:002012-03-14T19:54:34.360-04:00Oops oops oops! 2008 for Power Paws' boot camp...Oops oops oops! 2008 for Power Paws' boot camp! I wasn't even in Arizona in '05! And Kendall could not possibly be 7 years old!Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38017118509903085372012-03-14T19:22:05.105-04:002012-03-14T19:22:05.105-04:00Deb-- oh yes! It was 2005 for Power Paws of Scotts...Deb-- oh yes! It was 2005 for Power Paws of Scottsdale boot camp... oh nightmares still. Really wonderful getting a service dog, but tortured work not to mention written exams? That I cannot do? What? Having a great place like the Valley Ho to go "home" to at night made it comfortable and pleasant, at least for a few hours.<br /><br />We had the opportunity to buy a truly accessible house here in Tucson. It had a roll-in tub and even had a raised wheel-up-to baby's crib that the owners had built (not that I needed it, but I would have used it for visiting grandchildren one day)? Then we looked at the bedroom. The bathtub was in the middle of the bedroom as was - the toilet - aaaaaaaargh!<br /><br />There are still middle of the room tubs in some special rooms at the Valley Ho. I forget what they're called. I suggest asking when reserving.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-91306036472079163452012-03-14T19:19:12.873-04:002012-03-14T19:19:12.873-04:00I wouldn't mind a luxury hotel for a weekend, ...I wouldn't mind a luxury hotel for a weekend, just to see what it's like. Otherwise,<br />Shizuka describes I want: clean, comfortable, quiet, and private. That means NO camping. I tried it once for one night. Uh-uh. Not again. I was visiting a friend who was an executive with the Girl Scouts. Instead of working in the office during the summer,she ran their sleepaway camp. She invited me to visit with her and some of the youngsters for part of the weekend,Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. My favorite part was when we went into town for pizza Saturday night. (I think this was an unscheduled trip.)<br /><br />I do not believe in sharing my living quarters with creatures that are not house pets. That includes harmless creatures like crickets. I prefer not to share the same PLANET with spiders! <br /><br />B&Bs are okay if I have a private bathroom. I grew up sharing one bathroom with four younger siblings. it was not easy,and I sure don't want to pay to share a bathroom with strangers!<br /><br />Last April I stayed at a really nice chain hotel in a small town in NC. We were there for a family wedding. It was the closest I have ever come to luxury. Mainly it was just really well-run by staff who treated us like we were guests in their home...it was spotlessly clean...the buffet breakfast was constantly replenished so that the food was never luke-warm. My stay there felt more like a vacation than a weekend away. THATwas the kind of experience I prefer when I am away from home!<br /><br />Hank,can you use your NO lights experience in a mystery!?<br /><br />Pinny,I was afraid you were going to say that you cracked a rib!<br /><br />And Deb,I don't know what to say about being lcked out of the main house overnight! Chamber pot? Ugh!Deb Romanonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7925750115758526102012-03-14T19:06:38.092-04:002012-03-14T19:06:38.092-04:00When I was younger with 4 children and a hubby I l...When I was younger with 4 children and a hubby I loved to camp. Especially by the ocean. But I appreciate a nice hotel now that age has caught up with me. Indoor plumbing is a must now! Plus I do like the hotels that offer a breakfast in the morning. Then too and lovely B&B is always nice too.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07795844154957351394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36513605631704788662012-03-14T17:43:43.702-04:002012-03-14T17:43:43.702-04:00Tammy, you reminded me of the period of time we we...Tammy, you reminded me of the period of time we were into renting rooms in people's homes. We did this in San Francisco, but it meant the couple moved out of their bedroom and the man was forced to sleep in--I swear--a closet. It was a little too weird and we gave that up shortly after...<br /><br />We did stay at the Greenbriar one long weekend, which was lovely. My favorite part was the sign they put up in the halls after 10 pm: Shhh, it's sleepytime down south...Lucy Burdettehttp://www.lucyburdette.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15694553095108706702012-03-14T16:04:58.862-04:002012-03-14T16:04:58.862-04:00Definitely 4-star. But my budget often runs to 3-s...Definitely 4-star. But my budget often runs to 3-star or no stars. If it's clean, comfortable, quiet, and private I'm happy. Which rules out camping, RVs, B&Bs that are a little too friendly, and many motels. <br /><br />I camped a few times as a kid and once as an adult, but a strong aversion to bugs made that very unfun. <br /><br />Small hotels can be amazing if the owners and staff strike the right balance between attentive and intrusive. I stayed in a tiny hotel in Bath with amazing local food and lovely rooms. Mine had a plaid carpet and walls, which was very cool for a few days.<br /><br />My favorite hotel of all time was the Skt Petri in Copenhagen. Designer furniture is soft neutral tones, an acrylic end table that lit up, and a balcony that looked over the old city. There's a pretty hip bar on the first floor, but the rooms are super quiet.Shizukanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-86718166802414689722012-03-14T15:56:17.542-04:002012-03-14T15:56:17.542-04:00Leslie, you have just made me officially give myse...Leslie, you have just made me officially give myself the WIMP award...<br /><br />Pinny, LOL, but you poor thing. Made me think of a trip to England once with my parents and my ex, staying in a B&B--happily I have completely forgotten the location--when my ex and I got the guest room that was in an outbuilding across a yard (in the British sense) from the main house. And the bathroom. Oh, and they locked the doors to the main house at night, so even if I'd wanted to down the steep stairs and across the courtyard in the middle of the night, out of luck. They gave us a chamber pot. Really.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66927116226148010482012-03-14T15:18:06.949-04:002012-03-14T15:18:06.949-04:00We went to England in September. We were traveling...We went to England in September. We were traveling with friends and booked a night at a cozy B and B. My friend has a bad hip. She and her husband got the ground floor room with the king size bed. My 6'3husband Alex, and I got the top floor, under the attic eaves room,which had a double bed and a single bed. Okay, he'd sleep crosswise in the double bed and I'd take the single,which happened to be the tallest bed I had ever seen. That baby must have stood at least three feet high from floor to the matress. About 3:00am I had to make my nightly trip to the loo.It was okay getting out of bed but upon returning...oh dear. I couldn't quite get my knee up on the mattress. I jumped up, attempting to throw myself onto the bed, but alas, slipped back and landed on the floor. For a second I considered just pulling down the blankets and sleeping under the bed but I decided to give it one more try. I backed up to the door and took a running start. At the last instant, nightie streaming behind me, I took a flying leap,and landed on the bed. <br /> No more cozy B and B's for me. give me the Ritz anyday...Pinnynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-60054689304158168022012-03-14T14:41:30.146-04:002012-03-14T14:41:30.146-04:00Hmm. I think I'll compromise: a tent valet. Li...Hmm. I think I'll compromise: a tent valet. Like when my husband brought me hot tea and I drank it from my sleeping bag while watching the sunrise and morning mist on Upper Holland Lake in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. (Of course, that was the last morning of a 9 day, 60 mile trek, on foot, across the Continental Divide, and I was the only one in the group who still had an intact Thermarest. No wonder the guys got up early.)Leslie Budewitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942314846112875042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-19311873759979081962012-03-14T14:25:35.070-04:002012-03-14T14:25:35.070-04:00I should also mention that lately I've gotten ...I should also mention that lately I've gotten into either house swapping or renting a full condo or house.<br /><br />I've done this in Aix-en-Provence, Rincon Puerto Rico, and Queechee Vermont. <br /><br />No room service - sorry Hank - but you get SUCH a greater feel for wherever you are going AND there is no one to tipJan Broganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11323983086318138814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-14551090784984287052012-03-14T13:10:34.489-04:002012-03-14T13:10:34.489-04:00Rhys, the Valley Ho has big, lovely soaking tubs n...Rhys, the Valley Ho has big, lovely soaking tubs now that are enclosed in the bathrooms. Maybe the weird tub was pre-update? Or in the midst of update? Great service, wonderful food. My friend Diane and I have made friends with the chef, Sean Currid, who is fab.<br /><br />A note, however, to prospective visitors--make sure you get a room on the front of the hotel or that faces the pool. You do not want to be overlooking the parking lot in the back of the hotel. A serious lack of atmosphere there:-)<br /><br />And for authors signing at The Poisoned Pen, it's a block from the bookstore, and they give PP authors a special rate.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-15796301089404469172012-03-14T12:51:29.954-04:002012-03-14T12:51:29.954-04:00I've definitely roughed it in my life. (Hitchi...I've definitely roughed it in my life. (Hitching up a hammock while camping in the Amazon is the best story.) But these days, no way. I'm such a wuss for sleep. I'm not too, too picky about hotels, but that said, I've loved the few chances I've had to stay at primo-luxury hotels. Wow. I felt glamorous and special, and I like that feeling. I could live that lifestyle, for sure. (Which reminds me that my mom and sisters used to call me "the princess" when I was a teenager. :-))Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9223205112268314822012-03-14T12:13:23.346-04:002012-03-14T12:13:23.346-04:00Rhys, friends of ours recently remodeled their mas...Rhys, friends of ours recently remodeled their master suite, and the bathtub is now smack in the middle of the room, with access to it via large double French doors leading to the hallway, and big doors leading to the bedroom. From my standpoint it's the most horrifying thing I've ever seen in a private home. ~shudder~<br /><br />Love to travel, and have been to 49 of the states (just Alaska to go), and four continents, so far. My husband and I have talked about taking a two-monthlong car trip around the US, but the bedbug thing is a stopper. Even nice hotels have been known to have them. That also makes me shudder. <br /><br />He likes to economize; I'm unwilling to settle for nothing more than a bed. We compromise. Mostly. Our trips to France and Australia together, though, he pretty much let me lead, and we had lovely experiences, except for one night in Newcastle. The best was on an organic farm in the Hunter Valley, which was also a vineyard. They had six guest houses, but no other guests, so we had a darling little cabin alongside the vineyards, with perfect privacy. The proprietors delivered our fresh-laid eggs and other produce every morning before we were even awake. It was idyllic.Karen in Ohionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36860717474819610872012-03-14T10:48:22.726-04:002012-03-14T10:48:22.726-04:00Yes Deb, it was the Zaza! And I've stayed at t...Yes Deb, it was the Zaza! And I've stayed at the Valley Ho several times...also weird with a bathtub in the middle of the room. A single, ordinary bathtub. How unsexy would that be if one was there with a date and he had to watch you climbing in and out of an old fashioned bathtub with no room for him to join you?Rhys Bowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06663634889908752121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-72425506737145405652012-03-14T10:45:06.585-04:002012-03-14T10:45:06.585-04:00Reine, was your boot camp stay at the Valley Ho AF...Reine, was your boot camp stay at the Valley Ho AFTER they renovated it? I certainly hope so!Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-82545477595962828572012-03-14T10:35:51.123-04:002012-03-14T10:35:51.123-04:00I can and have done both but anymore as long as th...I can and have done both but anymore as long as the place is clean and the area is interesting I can adapt to almost anything. For me it's all destination.Patricia Eimerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14224629115674437978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-49210521256117557092012-03-14T09:34:43.520-04:002012-03-14T09:34:43.520-04:00My parents took me camping all the time when I was...My parents took me camping all the time when I was little, and that was enough for me. I say camping is Motel 6. My problem is I'm always cold and I always have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Campgrounds just aren't fun.<br /><br />I'm most comfortable with the Hyatts and Marriotts, and haven't ever tasted life at the truly posh places (but suspect I could get used to them, except for the room valet). <br /><br />Whereas I usually prefer the anonymity of a big hotel, my husband has gotten into B&Bs with all the book travel last year. Those are usually lovely, but sometimes there's the hazard of my husband chatting endlessly with the owner, which can put us behind schedule.Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01033264133869966636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-51493932645148067992012-03-14T09:05:08.264-04:002012-03-14T09:05:08.264-04:00OH, Debs, you know I thought about that when I was...OH, Debs, you know I thought about that when I was in Dallas! A person looking up from outside could DEFINITELY see into my room. Absolutely. I closed the curtains, but it was downright strange. (I suppose there might have been some reflecty thing to prevent it, but it sure didn't seem so..)<br /><br />And oh, the room service tip? So frustrating..because there's already service included, but they insist they don't get it all. SO I always add 3 more dollars. But when I get egg whites and toast and coffee and its FORTY DOLLARS it kind of stops me in my tracks.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23432270987398301602012-03-14T08:52:52.004-04:002012-03-14T08:52:52.004-04:00I'm a sucker for Grand Old Hotels--the ones wi...I'm a sucker for Grand Old Hotels--the ones with lots of real wood and marble and polished brass. I even like the antique bathroom fixtures (as long as they work).<br /><br />But I'll admit having someone serving me makes me uneasy. I never know how much to tip. I'm with Lucy: just include it all in the humongous bill. (And write about it all, so it's tax-deductible!)Sheila Connollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05165644581595919711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21811899986527275562012-03-14T03:42:35.204-04:002012-03-14T03:42:35.204-04:00Debs, you'd probably like the Montecito Inn in...Debs, you'd probably like the Montecito Inn in Santa Barbara, too. Very atmospherie-erie-ish... built by Fatty Arbuckle. I love that place, but it isn't for wheelies, so haven't stayed there in years.<br /><br />I stayed at the Valley Ho when I was in servy-dog boot camp. After the first week, Kendall stayed with me, and I learned service dogs know how to get you out of bed in the morning.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11550634724275934472012-03-14T03:32:57.582-04:002012-03-14T03:32:57.582-04:00My last camping event was at a truck stop on the a...My last camping event was at a truck stop on the autobahn. Never do that. Never. Never, never, never.<br /><br />I used to backpack the Sierra and do the beach thing back home in New England, especially on some of those teensy island-like thingies you could walk to at low tide in Marblehead.<br /><br />Now I much prefer cushy and interesting but very nice. Chateaux are good, but they have to be warm in the winter. I also don't want to smell the stable at dinner time.<br /><br />Really though, luxury is what I want now. Call me boring, but give me good wine, okay?Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.com