City Hotels - Pitstops for Kids

Grown-up getaway: Ashland Hills Hotel

September 3, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Now that school has started, this is a great time to get away with your partner to toast another great summer. Autumn travel has the advantages of providing less crowded hotels and restaurants, and off-season hotel deals are the norm. Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a getaway to Ashland, Oregon for a romantic, yet still adventurous, stay at Ashland Hills Hotel.

For us, this getaway was a staycation: Ashland is our hometown. But this small Southern Oregon town is full of character–and more importantly, great entertainment venues and dining options–making it an ideal grown-up getaway for anyone within driving distance.

You won’t lack for quality lodging options in Ashland, ranging from quaint B&Bs to luxury escapes. For our most recent getaway, we tried Ashland Hills Hotel, which hits upon a perfect middle ground. This elegant property used to be nothing special until bought by the same folks who run several top-notch Rogue Valley hotels, including one of my favorites, the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Knowing this boosted my confidence that we’d be in good hands at Ashland Hills Hotel, and we certainly were!

The hotel is located on the south side of Ashland, placing it on the opposite side of downtown but adjacent to some of the area’s best hiking and outdoor recreation. From this location, it’s easy to get to Emigrant Lake, Mt. Ashland, and Crater Lake, and you’re still only about five minutes by car from downtown Ashland.

The renovated lobby is spacious, airy, and calming, and our king bed room overlooking the pool was also generously sized. We had the usual amenities, such as coffee and tea service, and a mini-fridge, plus there are additional on-site amenities that really up the value, such as tennis courts and free bikes to use. Free WiFi and parking was a nice touch as well, both of which I no longer assume will be granted at higher-end hotels. The entire feel of Ashland Hills Hotel is what I’d call ‘gently retro’. It’s not over-the-top, but the retro furnishings, colors, and woodwork are tasteful and appealing.

The continental breakfast set out on the Mezzzanine is standard…nothing amazing here, but a good value for a free breakfast and in a nice setting away from the lobby with plenty of seating.

What to do in Ashland:

Early fall is a great time to visit Ashland. The weather is still warm, which means couples can take full advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in and near the city limits, SUP or kayak on Emigrant Lake, or book a whitewater rafting trip. The downtown sector of Ashland is entirely pedestrian-friendly, with interesting shops and eateries lining Ashland Street and Main and the downtown square.

Walk through Lithia Park: this downtown park is vibrant in fall, and even in September, before the leaves change color, it’s a sanctuary of leafy green goodness. Walk among the ponds, and be sure to venture further up the park past the children’s playground to see the many acres beyond the lawns and formal gardens.

Hike or bike the White Rabbit: This network of trails and single track snake through the hills overlooking Ashland, and are accessible at the end of Ashland Loop Road or Park Street. Lots of signage within this hiking area ensures you won’t get lost (just stay on trails to avoid poison oak).

Take in an Oregon Shakespeare Festival production: Ashland is famous for its OSF, and tickets are often discounted after school starts. Take in a show (Shakespeare or otherwise) in the outdoor theater before the season is over. Note that many other smaller theaters churn out good productions in and around Ashland, too. Consider looking into what’s playing at the Caberet in Ashland or the Craterian in Medford.

Go wine tasting: The Rogue Valley boosts over 30 wineries, many of them award-winning. Venture north and drive along the Applegate Wine Trail or the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, or try some local Ashland area wineries like Weisinger, Bella Fiore, or Pebblestone.

Dine anywhere downtown: Seriously, you can’t go wrong. Our favorite dining options on the square or downtown include Amuse or Larks (fine dining), Standing Stone (brew pub), Liquid Assets (wine bar), Smithfields (locally sourced) or Brickroom (killer cocktails), and Sesame (Asian fusion). For brunch, look no further than Morning Glory.

Indulge at Waterstone Spa: Waterstone is part of the hotel group that runs several top-notch hotels in the area, including Ashland Hills Hotel, which means it’s easy to combine a stay with a treatment here. We opted for foot soaks for a quick but refreshing service following a short hike in the area as part of Ashland Hills Hotel’s Wild Pacific Crest Trail package.

Walk along part of the PCT: Speaking of which, the PCT runs right past Ashland near the Mt. Ashland recreation area and Pilot Rock. This is a great area to take a day hike, even if you won’t be trekking the trail from start to finish. We like to hike a few miles when we can, accessing the trail from the Mt. Ashland access road off I-5.

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Ashland Hills Hotel was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All dining and activities in Ashland were at our expense.

Where to stay in Santa Fe: Inn and Spa at Loretto review

April 25, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a fun town for parents, and can be surprisingly kid-friendly, too. Whether you’re planning a parents-getaway or a family vacation, the Inn and Spa at Loretto offers an authentic feel, proximity to just about everything, and an upscale but relaxed vibe.

This boutique AAA four-diamond hotel has made Travel + Leisure’s World Best list, and houses an award-winning spa, but what I appreciated most was the authentic feel to the property. Located less than two blocks from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza and steps from dining and shopping, the Loretto is a five-story pueblo building surrounded by local flora and fauna and local sculptures. In fact, it sits adjacent to the famous Chapel at Loretto, and was built on the grounds of the former Academy of our Lady of Light. It’s very serene, despite being close to Santa Fe attractions. Inside, the pueblo style includes long, tiled hallways, interior art shops, and plenty of patios, balconies, and stucco spaces.

As seemed true for Sante Fe in general, the average age of guests during my stay at the Loretto appeared to be about 65; I only saw a handful of families (but it was the off-season). There’s plenty to attract parents with kids, including the beautiful grounds, a lovely outdoor pool, and a spa that welcomes teens (with parents).

Amenities:

Rooms in Loretto are spacious, include complimentary wifi, and bathrooms with tubs. The small fridge in each room shares its space with mini-bar items, with is a negative for families hoping to store leftovers and breakfast items, but some space does remain (you need a key to open the fridge, but as long as you leave mini-bar items in place, you’ll be fine).

My deluxe category guest room featured a kiva fireplace (with candle) and spacious balcony with seating area. Standard rooms don’t include these features, but many Superior category rooms (less than Deluxe) do include private or shared balconies. Be sure to call the front desk and ask for details on your room.

Dining at Loretto:

The Loretto offers three meals a day in their Lumineria restaurant with indoor and patio seating and what locals told me is a variation on New Mexican cuisine. Breakfast in Lumineria was excellent (try the huge breakfast burrito). Room service is also available. Dinner at Luminaria was a decidedly upscale event, with mood lighting and a peaceful, elegant feel. I tried the chiles rellenos and loved my meal. Their signature cocktails are inventive and delicious (try the Sagebrush). For lunch or more casual fare, the Living Room features simpler fare from Lumineria in a lounge and patio setting. It opens at 2 pm daily, and includes pool service.

The Spa at Loretto:

If parents have time and childcare, a trip to the Spa at Loretto will greatly enhance any trip. This spa won the Reader’s Choice award from Conde Nast Traveler, and after spending almost two hours in treatments, I can see why. I opted for a luxurious pedicure at the spa, which included time in their ‘zero gravity’ chairs. These chairs rotate you onto your back, with feet parallel to the floor. Sounds uncomfortable? It’s the opposite! In fact, I nearly fell asleep, and was told dozing in the zero gravity chairs is very common. If only airlines would adopt them…

Room Rates:

When I checked, rates as low as $150/night could be found. Superior and Deluxe category rooms will be more, but for a family, a balcony may not be necessary; there are plenty of outdoor spaces in the hotel. The Loretto also offers a gorgeous penthouse suite located on their fifth floor: with almost as much outdoor space as indoor (in the form of balconies and decks), this suite is an amazing venue for a social event or large family getaway.

What’s nearby:

From the Loretto, families can walk two blocks to the Plaza, and less than five blocks to Canyon Road shopping, the Cross of the Martyrs and site of Fort Marcy, and the Georgia O’Keeffe museum.

Directions:

The Loretto is located at 211 Old Santa Fe Trail in downtown Santa Fe. It’s only a few minutes from I-25, an hour from the airport in Albuquerque and 20 minutes from the airport in Santa Fe.

As I disclose whenever applicable, the Inn and Spa at Loretto hosted my stay, for the purpose of review. Without their hospitality, I would be unable to inform my readers about lodging and dining picks.

Grown-Up Getaway: Salt Lake City weekend

February 5, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

A Grown-Up Getaway in Salt Lake City? Absolutely! If you haven’t visited Utah’s capital city in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The culinary scene here has exploded, with top chefs from all over the US planting their flags in the city. Craft cocktails are alive and well in watering holes all over Salt Lake City (yes, really) and visitors have a variety of downtown lodging to choose from.

Whether you come to Salt Lake City as a stopover (SLC is a hub airport, after all), or you’re planning to ski in the canyons or in Park City after a taste of urban life, this city in the heart of the Wasatch makes for the perfect Grown Up Getaway for a Salt Lake City weekend.

Where to stay: historic Peery Hotel

Book your reservation at the Peery Hotel, located directly downtown next to the best restaurants, the Salt Palace convention center and Temple Square. The Peery is a historic hotel that’s recently enjoyed a refreshing; walking into the well-appointed lobby felt like a breath of fresh air. The understated yellow tones merged perfectly with the crackling fireplace and cozy seating in the lobby; the adjacent bar and Carnegie’s Public House beckoned.

My room at the Peery overlooked the courtyard, which at first, I saw as a detriment. In fact, it made for a quiet night’s stay, with views that still overlooked the city. The bathroom was over-sized to the point of being opulent, with a jetted tub for two and lovely black-and-white tiled floor and pedestal sinks.

All the rooms at the Peery feature king beds, but ours included a pull-out couch, so could fit a family of four if needed. The bed was uber-comfy and I loved the plush robes.

Cocktails at the Carnegie’s Public House:

Right downstairs off the lobby, Carnegie’s offers pub-fare, but focus on the the cozy bar. I ordered a classic Manhattan here with High West whiskey (a must in Utah, in my opinion). The bar ambiance is warm and welcoming; order an appetizer at the bar if you’d like.

Dinner at Current Fish and Oyster:

You won’t be disappointed in an intimate dinner at one of Salt Lake City’s most up-and-coming restaurants. Current Fish an d Oyster headed up by chef Alan Brines, who has worked previously in Park City and across the Pacific Northwest. Inhabiting a historic building, Current Fish and Oyster has a distinctly urban ‘packing house’ flair, with high ceilings, lots of brick and exposed beams and a gorgeous outdoor patio with fire pits in the summer. During our winter visit, the interior was lively and abuzz with a Sundance Film Festival crowd. I highly recommend the oysters (an ever-changing selection flown directly to SLC daily) and the seafood stew. The wine list is deep, and the cocktail menu inventive.

As alternate dining option, should you have multiple days, we recommend From Scratch (self-explanatory) and Stanza (contemporary Italian), both in the immediate vicinity.

For a change of scene, especially if you won’t be venturing outside of SLC for the ski or mountain scene, consider booking a reservation at Log Haven. Located on Millcreek Canyon Road a world removed from downtown, Log Haven used to be that one tired restaurant every local family booked for anniversaries, celebrations and birthdays. Today, it shines, renowned for its seasonal cuisine and mountain vibe.

What to do:

Visit Temple Square, take in a Jazz game, or enjoy the shopping downtown and in the Sugar House neighborhood.

What is your favorite activity in Salt Lake City? Please share in the comments!

A stay at Seattle’s Hyatt at Olive 8

January 12, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

I love finding new kid-friendly gems in destination cities! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: families don’t have to settle for cheap hotels in the suburbs while city touring. Family-friendly, downtown hotels do exist. Our latest find: the Hyatt at Olive 8. Located in the heart of Seattle’s downtown, the Olive 8 is just steps from the impressive convention center. One would assume this would mean the hotel is overrun with business travelers, but this is not so! We visited mid-week, and were still in the company of numerous family groups. My kids think this is due to their large indoor pool and whirlpool hot tub and their restaurant, Urbane’s, ‘For Kids, By Kids’ farm-fresh menu.

As the sliding glass doors open to usher you into the Olive 8’s lobby, the first thing you notice is the minimalist, glass and steel decor. I loved the ultra-modern layout of Olive 8: the lobby looks out on downtown from expansive glass panes, and the common areas are all open, with wide hallways and high ceilings. This less-is-more mentality extends to energy consumption: that the Olive 8 is the first LEEDS certified Seattle hotel.

In-room amenities:

In our room, our key cards turned on and off lights (to ensure they automatically turn off upon exiting), linens and towels are replaced on request, and the heating and air units are eco-friendly. Even the toilets offer two flushing options to reduce water usage, which the kids found delightful (and hilarious). We stayed in adjoining rooms as a family of five (and had plenty of room) and all rooms come equipped with mini-fridges (a staple!) and iPod docking stations (a very nice perk). The in-room coffee service was not half-bad, and I liked that Tazo teas were offered as well. My kids loved the thick Hyatt bathrobes, and I liked how many outlets I had to charge electronics. Wifi is available in-room for a fee.

Pool and Fitness Center:

We visited the Olive 8 on a cold December night. The kids jumped right in the pool, which is open later than most (until 10:30, open at 5:30 am), and my husband and I appreciated that the Hyatt StayFit gym (a staple of all Hyatts) is located adjacent. We could tag team a workout while the kids swam. The Olive 8 does have a spa, though we sadly didn’t have time to check it out.

Dining:

The Olive 8 has both a marketplace where families can buy snacks and staples, and a full restaurant, Urbane. We ate breakfast at Urbane at the suggestion of both hotel staff and locals. Urbane adapts Hyatt’s For Kids, By Kids menu, developed by kids and a young chef. While Urbane is by no means an economical breakfast choice for families, it does promise locally sourced, healthy options. The dining room echoed the rest of Olive 8’s elegant design, and the service was friendly.

While staying at Olive 8, you’re within walking distance of the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center, and right on metro lines to Pike’s Place Market and the waterfront. You’ll pay for your comfort and prime location: rates start at $152 for a single king room. But why not end each of your busy touring days with a swim and a warm soak, healthy food, and comfortable, eco-friendly digs?

Date last visited: December 2012

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, standard, king bedrooms started at $153 on non-holiday nights. We opted for two adjoining rooms with queen beds, and were comfortable as a family of five.

Directions:

The Olive 8 is located at 1635 8th Street, Seattle. From I-5, take Pike Street. The hotel is easily accessed from I-90, too.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Hyatt at Olive 8 as guests of the hotel. While we appreciate this opportunity to share great hotel finds with our readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

What to do and where to stay in Knoxville Tennessee

November 29, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Knoxville Tennessee is a small city with a lot going on. Known affectionately as the ‘cradle of country music’ (after all Dolly Pardon got started here), Knoxville is now also gaining a reputation for its dining scene, urban wilderness and vibrant downtown. Whether you’ve come to Knoxville with the kids to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding countryside, or are enjoying a grown-up getaway, here’s what not to miss:

Knoxville with the kids:

Start by walking Knoxville’s pedestrian-friendly downtown, known as Market Square. This square plays host to dozens of restaurants and shops, all with a distinctive Knoxville flair, perfect for browsing and souvenir shopping. Any of our recommendations in our Knoxville dining post is great for kids, too, and for Mom and Dad, several urban breweries have local craft brews on tap. Stop at the Knoxville Visitor Center at 301 South Gay Street to take in the WDVX Blue Plate Special, a daily radio show from 12 pm to 1 pm, free to the public. New and emerging bands perform here each day, and you can bring in boxed lunches from nearby restaurants. Oh, and the red trolleys you see? Those are all free!

Next, explore Zoo Knoxville, a small but progressive zoo that’s known as one of the premiere zoological institutions in the Southeast. Known for their red panda breeding program and tigers, Zoo Knoxville focuses on education more than entertainment, which we appreciate.

Nearby, Knoxville’s 1000 acres of urban wilderness beckons, offering hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and playgrounds. A true gift for locals, tourists can take advantage too, exploring the park’s multiple, connected sections. All within a three mile drive of downtown, this urban park can keep families busy all day. Mountain bikers may want to start at the Baker Creek Preserve section, where a kids’ pump track and nature playground (structures all utilize natural elements like logs, stones, and slopes) sit adjacent to the park’s most technical and advanced mountain biking trail, a double black diamond created via a grant from Bell Helmets (only for the most advanced riders). Additional green and blue single track can be accessed in this area as well, all found by Taylor Road.

In the northern section of the urban park sits Ijams Nature Center, certainly the hub of the park, with discovery trails perfect for young kids, an indoor center, more advanced trails that span out to a beautiful reclaimed quarry, and Navitat Canopy Adventures, hands-down the most extensive treetop ropes course and zip line operation we’ve tried. For kids age 7 and up, Navitat is a 2.5 hour experience that’s still under $50 per person, and takes guests through a half-hour on-ground tutorial followed by two hours of exploring multiple ‘trails’ in the treetops, where you navigate rope bridges, nets, slack lines, swings and zip lines, while harnessed into a cable safety system.

Back in downtown, the Museum of East Tennessee History gives families a really good overview of the history of the area. Admission is low, and the museum takes about an hour to tour. Across the street, the Tennessee Theater was once a 1920’s movie palace, now a venue for Broadway productions, musical groups, and children’s programming; it’s well worth checking the event calendar to see if a show coordinates with your visit. On the National Register of Historic Places, the theatre is truly jaw-droppingly gorgeous inside.

Where to stay: The Tennessean

Recently opened as a luxury category hotel in Knoxville, The Tennessean truly delivers on elegance, service and beauty. It’s located within walking distance of Market Square, is upscale without being pretentious, (definitely bring the kids), and offers one of the only elevated lodging options in the area. While I’ve stayed in more luxurious hotels, the level of service and attention to detail at The Tennessean rivaled that of a Ritz or Fairmont.

After speaking with the owner of the hotel, I understand why: he values a service level in his team on par with such hotels as Blackberry Farms (in Tennessee) and my aforementioned examples. What did this service look like? From check in to check out, I was greeted (usually by name) every time I walked into the lobby, the valet staff was cheerful and quick to action, and the housekeeping staff offered turn down service nightly and even remembered what side of the bed I slept on.

The Tennessean offers value in small and large ways: nightly valet parking is not terribly expensive, illy coffee machines are in every room, which also has robes, luxury bathroom amenities and fridges, there’s a continental in-room breakfast offering (starting as low as $3) as well as a full breakfast buffet ($18 at the time of my visit), a very nice fitness room, and, perhaps the star of the show, the second floor Drawing Room provides an upscale lounge experience with great city views, a fantastic bar, and small plates. Every evening, this was the place to gather for a cocktail (they’re known for their Smoked Old Fashioned) and some down time.

There are multiple room configurations for families, from suites to a very rarely seen double king room with bathtub (most other rooms have very nice, large showers but not tubs) and each room, as well as the public spaces of the hotel, have touches of a river theme: The Tennessean is named after the river, not the state. Once alerted to this fact, you’ll see river touches everywhere, from the river nautical maps over the beds to the water-like carpeting. Each floor is even named after a tributary of the Tennessee River, and all furniture and artwork in the hotel are locally sourced.

For families, I learned of several convenient saving hacks: the Holiday Inn right next door has a small marketplace adjacent to the lobby, which has cheaper breakfast items and drinks, and Tennessean guests have use of their pool, as well. The Tennessean is not only within walking distance of downtown, but it’s right next door the convention center and just behind the University of Tennessee.

Rates vary, but families can expect to pay around $100 more to stay at the Tennessean versus the budget hotel chains adjacent. We feel it’s well worth the upgrade to elevate your stay in Knoxville.

Disclosure: I experienced Knoxville and the Tennessean as a guest of the city. All opinions remain my own.

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

November 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do):

Orange County without the kids:

Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four Orange County cities, including Anaheim.

Spend a day in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach:

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history and old-world beauty to your Southern California vacation. Start at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and try to time your visit to coincide with one of their tours. The powers that be currently at the mission are taking great care with preservation and history, and provide excellent tours for just a nominal fee over the entry fee.

From the mission, peruse the shops adjacent, then cross the railroad trips to the neighborhood of Los Rios. This oldest neighborhood in California is tucked away amid an almost garden-like network of quiet streets, and the cafes, boutiques, and clothing stores here are all run by owners who live on premises.

Head up the coastline through Dana Point to the artist haven of Laguna Beach. Take in the pretty streets and impressive art galleries, stroll through the Festival of the Arts or the fun and funky Sawdust Festival if you’re visiting during the summer season, then throw all your impressions of elegant art and refinement out the window during a counter-culture tour of Laguna with Doug from La Vida Laguna. This fascinating walking tour is a new offering from this company that also leads kayak, surf, and paddle board tours and rentals, and talks visitors through the (slightly) dark and completely fascinating underbelly of Laguna, from the time it served as a hotbed of the LSD craze of the 1960s and housed the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, championed by infamous Timothy Leary.

The two-hour tour isn’t all ‘60s drug culture; during the walk, I also learned a lot about the historic origins of iconic Laguna landmarks and the history of many of the famous shops and homeowners in the area. At the end of the tour, take your pick of Laguna eateries with views of the Pacific.

Enjoy at spa day in Huntington Beach:

Treat yourselves to a spa day a the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. There are many spas in Orange County, but I recommend this one because of the value proposition: with a spa treatment, you can stay at the property all day, enjoying not only the spa amenities but the pools. Valet parking is included, room service can be brought to the spa, and the Watertable, the Hyatt Regency’s on-site dining venue, is a perfect compliment. And if you crave some beach time, it’s right across the street via pedestrian bridge.

Experience world-class theater in Costa Mesa:

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, located in Costa Mesa, offers all full line-up of theater productions. Whereas I might have assumed I’d need to travel to Los Angeles for quality theater, the Segerstrom impressed. Begin your night with the fixed pris menu at Silver Trumpet, located directly across the street from the theater. Try one of their craft cocktails or ask for the impressive wine list.

Wine and dine:

Speaking of good food, if you explore only one Orange County dining and shopping mixed-use space, make it the Packing House, located in the Packing District of Anaheim. Just minutes from Disneyland, the Packing House is located on the site of an orange packing plant, now converted to two stories of fun, funky, and locally-sourced food, art, and handmade items.

Be sure to get to the Packing House with plenty of time to stroll, then endure the hard part: picking just one or two places to eat. Split up, and return to the central tables with bites to share. Cuisine is quick-serve, and ranges from Indian and Vietnamese fare to Southern comfort food and boba tea and smoothies. If you visit in the evening, be sure to visit The Blind Rabbit, an authentic speak-easy, with an unmarked door (ask for directions).

Outside the Packing House in the greater Packing District, take your pick between breweries with plenty of outdoor seating and live music, and a selection of wine bars.

Similar to the Packing House, OC Mix is located nearby in Costa Mesa, with more craft and handmade items, plus a smattering of unique home decor and design offerings. An outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and other seating is a good place to chill with a tea or coffee, and two wine bars, including LCA Wines, with unique offerings from around the world for excellent prices, offer tastings.

Eat at ARC if the weather is on the cooler side; this warm-hued venue makes meals entirely on open flame and in a wood-fired oven, in an open-concept kitchen. The casseroles and meat dishes are rich and comforting, and the craft cocktails are on point. If you’d rather eat outside, head to Taco Maria for some of the best upscale tacos in the OC (these are not street tacos, by any means). Take them to the courtyard to eat al fresco.

In nearby Irvine, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine is tucked away in a largely corporate-looking business district, but has a hopping happy hour, as well as truly spectacular cuisine. Start with one of the artisan cocktails, then pursue the extensive wine list (two days a week, Monday and Tuesday, there are no corkage fees if you want to bring bottle of your own). The best thing about Andrei’s: 100% of its profits goes toward retinal eye disease research, in honor of Andrei Olenicoff, the owners’ son and brother. Yes, 100%.

Where to stay:

Treat yourselves to a truly sleek, new hotel with a beautiful lounge and excellent fully-catered breakfast, right in the heart of Irvine. The Marriott AC Hotel Irvine is a business-leisure hybrid with a second-floor outdoor pool and lounge area, a full bar and lounge indoors, and an upscale breakfast buffet (not complimentary) that serves two additional made-to-order offerings per morning as well.

While the AC Hotel does charge for breakfast and parking, it makes up for these factors in its ambiance and convenient central location. The hardest thing to plan during an Orange County vacation is drive time with traffic, and by staying in Irvine, you’ll be within 15 minutes of Costa Mesa and Anaheim, and less than 30 minutes from Laguna and San Juan Capistrano. I enjoyed the ‘city’ vibe of the hotel, since so often, Orange County is equated with ‘beach’ or ‘Disney’.

Where to stay in St. Louis: Drury Inn-Forest Park

June 5, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

St. Louis, Missouri is known around the Midwest as a great family destination because of the many free attractions it offers. You’ll need a few days to do justice to all the city has to offer. Wondering where to stay in St. Louis? While you’re in town, make the Drury Inn-Forest Park your home away from home. With its its proximity to a number of major attractions, the Drury-Forest Park offers much more than a comfortable place to sleep.

Room amenities at Drury Inn-Forest Park:

Our family was given spacious and exceptionally comfortable adjoining rooms, one of which was designed for guests in wheelchairs. Both bathrooms had handlebars in the bathtubs, but the accessible room had three. Each bed had four pillows of varying firmness to choose from. The rooms feature St. Louis images rather than generic artwork, and all the table lamps include extra outlets for charging electronic devices. We also had a safe, a microwave and a refrigerator in the rooms.

The Drury’s contribution to environmental stewardship involves permanent refillable shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispensers in the showers, which replace the single-night-sized bottles you find many places.

The hotel offers a 24-hour business center off the lobby, conference rooms, and free (open) wifi. There’s also a laundry room in the basement, and a climate-controlled garage beneath the hotel.

During our stay, we had a chance to visit with a family that has spent quite a bit of time in St. Louis for medical appointments and procedures. They told us the Drury-Forest Park is far and away their favorite place to stay.

What to do on site:

On site, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center with new, quiet machines. The indoor-outdoor pool opens at 9 a.m. It ranges from 3 to 5 feet, with a rubber divider separating the indoor from the outdoor sections. The deepest part is here at the center; it gets shallow again outside. The indoor portion includes a spacious deck, a hot tub, and a pool lift.

Off-site, the Drury-Forest Park is just over a mile away from Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair, whose zoo, science center, and museums have free admission. In the winter, there’s also ice skating in the park. The hotel is also a mile from “the Hill,” the historic neighborhood known for its authentic Italian restaurants and grocery stores. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, one of the top three public gardens in the world, is also nearby, and the downtown attractions are only six miles by interstate.

Read a review of the Missouri Botanical Gardens and FREE zoo!

Dining:

Free hotel breakfasts are becoming more common, but the Drury’s was among the more extensive we’ve experienced, adding flour tortillas and biscuits and gravy to the standard offerings. The Drury also offers “5:30 Kickback” in the afternoons, with a rotating menu that includes soup and salad along with more substantial fare. And don’t forget the popcorn and free soft drinks available until 10 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for sit-down food, try Bartolino’s restaurant, housed inside the hotel. Bartolino’s offers appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pastas at under $15.

Rates:

Rooms start as low as $129 in the off season and around $179 at peak times, but rates vary depending on the Cardinals schedule and other major events or festivals.

Location:

The Drury Inn-Forest Park is located at 2111 Sulphur Avenue, in St. Louis, Missouri, close to Forest Park as well as St. Louis’ famous “Hill” area and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Our family stayed at the Drury Inn-Forest Park as guests of Explore St. Louis in return for an honest review.

Panama City hotel review: What to expect at the Bristol Panama

April 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Before we began our epic Uncruise adventure through Panama and Costa Rica, we arrived in Panama City exhausted after 24 hours of travel. The Bristol Panama provided for us a very soft landing. Primarily a business hotel located in the heart of the financial district, the Bristol has pros and cons for pre-cruise tourists. I’ll do my best to explain these in this Panama City hotel review.

What we loved about our overnight at the Bristol Panama:

The Bristol is a luxury hotel that will provide families with all the comforts appreciated after a long travel day (or days). The lobby is spacious and elegant, there is air-conditioning throughout, the water is potable, and the first desk staff all speak English, which certainly makes things easier when you’re tired or jet-lagged.

Our standard room (called ‘deluxe’) was spacious, comfortable, and on par with US hotels in a much more expensive category (the room rate at the Bristol during the time of our stay was a reasonable $150/night US). We enjoyed an oversized walk-in shower, luxury bathroom amenities, free WiFi, and a minibar.

When we arrived at about 4 pm, we were hot, tired, and sticky from the Panama City humidity, and quickly found our way to the outdoor rooftop lap pool and lounge area located on the 4th floor of the Bristol. While small, this pool was just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Adjacent is a well-equipped exercise room, and the outdoor lounge area provides chairs and couches to enjoy city views.

We had arrived too late in the day for much city exploration, so we opted to eat in the on-site restaurant, Salsipuedes. Since our son was ready for bed, we made a stop at the 5th floor lounge for cocktails for mom and dad and a burger for him, so he could go back to the room before we enjoyed a more leisurely meal. While our dinner at Salsipuedes was very nice, we ended up preferring the lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Panama City. The service was a bit slow, but we didn’t care; the drinks were refreshing and the staff made an extra effort to get our son the burger he wanted.

Note: the lounge also offers a breakfast buffet in the morning, which at the time of our visit was $10/pp and WELL worth it.

What was missing at the Bristol:

Due to its location in the financial district, the Bristol is not conducive to exploring Casco Viejo or other tourist areas of the city. This was a disappointment to us; in pre-trip research, it appeared we could simply take a taxi from the hotel to visit the old town, but in reality, traffic in downtown Panama City limited us severely. We were told it was virtually impossible to travel through the dense traffic in the time period we had free to explore the city (4 pm-7 pm), which grounded us at the hotel.

Since we were tired and happy to have a comfortable place to stay for our sole night before embarking on the Panama Canal, this wasn’t a huge deal, but if we were in Panama City to explore the options there for any length of time, we would have opted for a hotel away from the financial district.

Note: we did attempt a walk through the neighborhood near the Bristol, and had several restaurants recommended to us in walking distance, but found that with constant construction and traffic, it wasn’t an ideal pedestrian location.

While the Bristol does offer a concierge on-site, the desk was not manned during our stay, and the front desk attendant did not seem comfortable giving us specific tourism recommendations. It should be noted, however, that the taxi ride from the airport was only about 25 minutes.

Airport hotel tip: Red Roof PLUS+ review

January 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

While destination resorts and luxury properties may be fun to write about (and read about), it’s just as important to know about quality hotels for road trips and airport layovers. We have our go-to brands we trust, which now includes Red Roof PLUS+.

You’ve heard of Red Roof Inns…the Red Roof PLUS+ category is just that…a Red Roof Inn with more. They include amenities you won’t see at many economical hotels, like high end bedding and mattresses, enhanced lighting, spacious bathrooms, and extra seating…basically upgraded everything.

Even more important to me when I travel, the PLUS+ category always has min-fridges and microwaves in their premium rooms. Ditto for free WIFI. Basically, seeing the PLUS+ sign is an easy way to be sure of quality before you arrive at the hotel property.

Our reviewer checked out the Red Roof PLUS+ property at Boston Logan airport after an international flight. She found all the amenities listed to be as advertised, but the best part of her stay was the guest service. They came into the hotel lobby tired and travel-worn, and were grateful for a seamless check-in experience. It could be argued that every hotel brand should strive to have the best possible service in all their hotels, but for what it’s worth, Red Roof PLUS+ promises enhanced costumer service at their PLUS+ properties.

Right now, Red Roof has PLUS+ properties in 20 states, but they’re expanding quickly. If you decide to try a PLUS+ property during your next layover or road trip, check out the promotion below:

Red Roof has opened their 500th inn and 50th Red Roof PLUS+ location in the U.S.! To celebrate, they are offering travelers some great incentives including 500 RediCard bonus points. Here’s how it works: sign up for Red Roof’s loyalty program, RediCard, and register for the 500^th Property Promotion to get rewarded. Guests will earn 500 bonus points on their first stay when staying at any Red Roof location from January 15 to February 28, 2017.

Grown Up Getaway: Portland Alberta Arts District and Tiny House Hotel

January 11, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Whether you’re intrigued with the idea of building or buying your own tiny house one day, or simply want to sample the tiny house lifestyle for a few nights, a stay at the nation’s only tiny house hotel should definitely be on your radar. Caravan, a tiny house hotel, is located in Portland’s up-and-coming Alberta Arts District, making it an ideal overnight during a grown-up getaway.

Caravan Tiny House Hotel:

Caravan is comprised of six tiny houses circled around a covered, outdoor fire pit and outdoor seating area, within a gated lot in the heart of the Alberta district. Parents can certainly bring kids to Caravan, as several of the houses sleep four or five, but given its location on Alberta Street, lined with upscale eateries, bars, and boutiques, we think it serves best for a couples-only or solo getaway.

The tiny houses at this tiny house hotel range in size, but all are from 120-170 square feet. They’re built by local builders, and have their own personalities. Inside each are design elements that are fun, funky, and creative. Each has a flush toilet and hot shower, electric heat, a sitting area, sleeping areas, and a kitchen (with sink, hot plate or stove top, microwave, mini fridge, and cooking utensils). We stayed in Skyline, one of the larger tiny houses with a queen-sized bed, loft area with couch (that transforms to another bed), kitchen, and bathroom. Skyline was made of 100% recycled materials, which we loved. We had warm linens and quilts at our disposal, as well as an Italian coffee maker and coffee (bring your own creamer if you need it). In the bathroom, fair-trade shampoo and body wash was provided, as well as big, fluffy towels.

The tiny houses are insulated, but since Caravan is in the heart of a busy urban area, there is some noise pollution. Earplugs are provided, as well as a noise machine in each tiny house. We couldn’t get ours to work quite right, so I’ll definitely bring my own sound machine if I make it back! It really wasn’t a big deal…we were in the tiny house on a weeknight, and the street noise settled down early. Out in the communal outdoor space, Caravan’s owners have thoughtfully provided everything guests need to make a fire in the fire pit and roast s’mores (including gluten-free graham crackers and vegan marshmallows). During our stay, only one other tiny house was occupied, so the communal area remained pretty quiet.

The tiny houses at Caravan are popular, especially on weekends (when there’s a two night minimum) so be sure to book well in advance if you want to pick your favorite. Rates are around $150/night, which is a great value. I’d definitely stay here again in lieu of booking a similarly priced standard hotel room in the suburbs. At Caravan, you get a boutique hotel feel with an artistic, creative ambiance in an excellent location.

Alberta Arts District:

Caravan is located at 11th Avenue and Alberta Street, in the northeast section of Portland. This area is across the Willamette from downtown, so couples staying at the tiny house hotel will probably want to leave the car parked and explore Alberta Street rather than drive back downtown for nightlife. And there’s plenty to do within a five block radius. We opted to spend our evening in the Alberta Arts District creating our own ‘progressive dinner’. We started at the Devil’s Den wine bar, where we sampled local and European wines with the assistance of the owner, Tommy. Devil’s Den is perhaps the most unpretentious, low-key wine bar I’ve been in. After a glass of wine, we walked further down Alberta Street, window shopping as we went. Past the Alberta Co-Op are numerous food truck pods, all of which tempted us. But we set our sights on a cocktail and appetizer at Knock Back, near Alberta and 20th. With heated outdoor seating and a killer cocktail menu, we settled in nicely here. If you go, opt for a bowl of their signature popcorn for $3…it’s worth every penny.

After drinks and appetizers, we headed to Bollywood Theater for dinner. This casual Indian restaurant serves full meals or small plates, with a fun, upbeat ambiance and Bollywood movies playing on the walls. Bonsai Sushi is also in the neighborhood (also a contender for our progressive dinner), and many other small restaurants and the aforementioned food trucks. Next to Bollywood Theater was our last stop: Salt and Straw ice cream. Well known throughout Portland and internationally, Salt and Straw makes their homemade ice cream with inventive, artisan flavors like honey and lavender, pear and blue cheese, and strawberry and balsamic.

Needless to say, we practically had to roll ourselves ‘home’ to Caravan after our evening of food and drinks. We made a cedar plank fire in the fire pit and settled in under the protective canopy outside Skyline. In the morning, I slept through the yoga class down the street I’d planned to attend, and we ate our final meal in the Alberta Arts District at Pine State Biscuits, which serves homemade biscuits on breakfast sandwiches, with fried chicken, or smothered in mushroom or sausage gravy.

If you go:

Book Caravan in advance, though you might luck out with an open tiny house at the last minute.
Know that room service is available from the Radio Room, located across the street.
Feel secure with locked gate entry to Caravan’s pod of tiny houses, plus a code on each house.
Expect free street parking anywhere in the vicinity.
Plan on a 10 minute drive from the Alberta Arts District to downtown.
Look for local events and things to do on an outdoor sign by the fire pit.

We stayed at Caravan as guests of the owners, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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