California’s Highway 1 along the dramatic coast line between San Francisco and Los Angeles is one of my favorite road trips in the world and I have done it at least 10 times. I usually stop at least one time to break up the drive, often in Monterey or Santa Barbara, but for this trip we wanted to try out … Continue reading
I love to take road trips – a nice car, good weather, beautiful scenery all make for a special experience. And one of the best road trips is California’s Highway 1 along the rugged coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. During my almost 20 years in San Francisco, I’ve driven that road at least 15 times – and still … Continue reading
As part of my “Battle of the Budget Hotels” tour of America, I booked a stay at the Super 8 Monterey hotel during a getaway along California’s Highway 1. It was better than some of my other budget hotel experiences – but at an upscale price of $221/night in expensive Northern California during a peak season weekend, expectations are higher, … Continue reading
One of my favorite getaways from San Francisco is Monterey – from the beautiful drive on Highway 1 to the fantastic Aquarium, there is a lot to take your mind off after your crazy work week. It’s also a great stop on my favorite road-trip along California’s Highway 1, so I have stayed here numerous times – and it’s a … Continue reading
For my second stay in a Summer Getaway to Lake Tahoe, I had picked the Rodeway Inn South Lake Tahoe, a Choice Hotel, as part of my research into the Battle of the Budget Chains. After the bad experience at the nearby Howard Johnson South Lake Tahoe by Wyndham, I braced myself for another bad night at this bargain basement budget … Continue reading
As part of my tour to research US budget hotel chains, I picked the Howard Johnson South Lake Tahoe for a summer getaway from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. It’s in a good location, just steps from Lake Tahoe’s beach, but that’s were the good news ends. The rest of the Howard Johnson reminds me of why many people avoid … Continue reading
Lake Tahoe, the beautiful blue lake surrounded by mountains, is one of my favorite getaways in Northern California, ever since I fell in love with San Francisco. And while it is very popular in winter with plenty of ski resorts to enjoy the snow, it’s also a fun summer getaway. You can enjoy the beaches along the lakeshore or go hiking … Continue reading
On a recent trip through California, I needed a hotel in Woodland, near the capital Sacramento. As part of my “Battle of the Budget Hotels” research, I picked the Quality Inn & Suites. At a much lower price than the local Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn, I had low expectations. Yet, it turned out to be one of the … Continue reading
Calfiornia’s Highway 1 is one of my favorite road trips in the world, running along the beautiful coastline with stunning cliffs and I have taking it many times. And usually, Santa Monica is one of my stops in Southern California with a great beach and lots of restaurants, entertainment and shopping on nearby Third Street Promenade. But where to stay … Continue reading
You are visiting Reno, but don’t like Casino’s or can’t stand the smoking? You want something a little more upscale for your trip? You are in luck – there now is an upscale boutique hotel that is completely non-smoking and doesn’t have a casino that’ll you have to go through to your room: The Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown Reno, … Continue reading