Gallagher's Travels: Letter From the Editor: February 2006

Letter from the Editor

February 2006

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our redesigned website and I hope you enjoy it as much as we are. Even my family likes it!

Well you’ve read about my stays at lavish $12,000 Parisian suites and now let me tell you where the homeless from Katrina are, I stayed there too.

A special interview meant flying to Dallas for one or two days and finding a reasonably priced hotel close to downtown proved futile. It was gift market week with other events going on so anything inexpensive was full. Plus I didn’t want to rent a car.

I tried all the sites from Orbitz to Expedia to Hotwire to Hotels.com, individual hotels direct and the convention and visitors bureau for help, nothing. Finally I came up with a Super 8 Motel near Love Field but not as close to DFW my airport but they had rooms at $49 per night with breakfast and were seven or less miles from downtown. I could take a cab that far.

The SuperShuttle to the hotel was $17 and my room was fine, clean and everything worked. Basic motel on the first floor of a large two story complex that included coin operated washers and dryers, an out-door pool and sauna, free shuttle to and from the giant Dallas Market Trade Center. Breakfast was white on white…white bread, cereal, milk not the opulent selections at the Bellmoor in Rehoboth Beach. The only restaurants were at the Sterling Hotel across the way and trust me don’t even bother, a BBQ place I never tried and the snack mart at the gas pumps next door, ideal for those little packs of powder sugar donuts.

The Super 8 desk clerks were superior at helping me out with ideas on transportation and perhaps when someone visits Washington they have similar problems but no one I found that lived here seemed to have a clue on how to find or use any public transportation, not even the city dwellers.

The van driver suggested I take their free shuttle to the Trade Center and then get a cab to downtown. Actually the cab ride was only $8 a real bargain and the driver offered me one of his wife’s homemade samosa's.

In my short visit there were a few people around the motel and in the breakfast room that didn’t quite have the traveler look and on my last day I discovered this Budget 8 is home to a number of Katrina’s homeless. FEMA people were there interviewing to see the status of jobs and permanent housing for them.

Now we were close to the John Carpenter freeway but not one of the Katrina people had a car, you couldn’t cook in your room and there was nothing near by for jobs, entertainment or anything else. I asked one of the desk clerks what was the deal? He said they take a bus into the city to look for apartments, take a bus to buy food but basically are prisoners at this motel, waiting for something to happen.

Another brief discourse on this trip was the wretched and expensive experience of dealing with USAir which I hope to avoid in the future. I book most of my own flights and advise many other people on theirs, we use the internet all the time but some airlines have sites that make success an impossibility and like all things to do with computers there are no gray areas.

My brilliant idea to use 25,000 frequent flyer miles for my ticket hit a snag when I only had 23,800 and had to purchase another 2,000. Interestingly the fee to purchase was almost equal to the cost of the miles. Meanwhile I had the reservation locked on hold at their internet site. I calculated the bought miles would register in time and all would be well. It was and there was plenty of time but my reservation had disappeared. I called reservations and explained the entire scenario and with some airlines in the past they will assist and not charge you a "talking" fee. Not in this case but then dealing with a reservation office outside the US--she would not reveal where they were--may have been part of the issue. I was cut no slack and not only did they charge me $10 for doing the booking but another $50 for booking less than 14 days out. The fees have now exceeded or equaled the cost of the extra miles and creeping close to the cost of a regular ticket.

Launching into one of my better rants, how I wish it had been recorded, my parting words "This airline doesn't care about its customers and doesn't deserve to survive and you'd be wise not to plan on a pension". By the way, the flight was fine and the attendants did great.

Thinking of a Valentine's Getaway? Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

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Romance for Valentines Day or Anytime

Edited by Mary Gallagher

International House, New Orleans, LA

Lovers are invited to engage in a special ceremony celebrating the alliance of their souls, featuring the richly symbolic spells, charms, and candles associated with New Orleans' colorful local religion of voodoo! We call it "Sanctuary of Love."

International House, New Orleans' first truly boutique hotel, serves as gatekeeper between spirits of love and worldly ceremonies. Inspired by the legendary peristyles and colorful temples well known to Haitian voodoo priestesses, International House has created an intimate setting in which lovers are invited to perform their own special ceremony for the most personal occasion, the alliance between their two souls. On Valentine's Day - or any day one desires - the hotel offers the opportunity to discover the power of a romantic guest experience.

"Sanctuary of Love" features ritual objects and recipes to secure the everlasting commitment and enhance the evening courtship. One of voodoo's hallmarks for love and happiness is the orris root, a natural delicacy that is placed under the tongue while kissing so as to ensure the eternal joining of two souls. Other offerings, given to guests on arrival, include aromatic bath salts and cleansing oils that are presented in a Louisiana artisan's woven basket adorned with colorful ribbons. Calligraphic descriptions and instructions about each item are also included. To further enhance the experience, guests receive soothing oils, a candle, statuette, feather, and a "gris gris" or lucky charm. Each element plays a vital role in the lovers' private ceremony. The Sanctuary of Love experience is available for $249 per evening, based on a two-night stay and includes valet parking. The International House is at 221 Camp Street in New Orleans.

800.633.5770
www.ihhotel.com

Berlitz: Hide this Spanish Book for Lovers

If you have a friend lusting after one of the 200-million Spanish-speaking individuals throughout the world – or if you just wish to sound like an enticing Latin Lover yourself – now is the time.

In an entertaining, “hands-on” departure from its conventional language-learning books, Berlitz Publishing has just released Hide This Spanish Book for Lovers, a compact hardcover with a price tag of $6.95, perfect for gift-giving. With Valentine’s Day and the season of Spring Fever approaching, what better way to learn Spanish than to use it to engage the attention of one of the more than 41-million Spanish-speaking people in the U.S.?

Directed to teens and twenty-something’s, it covers all the bases from igniting a romance – to kissing – to sex. Providing everything you need to bat your proverbial eyelashes at your Spanish-speaking love target, the book includes pick-up lines, trendy phrases and lots of amusing illustrations. “Hot” words are labeled with a thermometer, indicating just how hot they are (and they are pretty darned hot.)

This tepid little tome has chapters on hooking up lines; sex; u+me 4 ever; sweet talk and breaking up.

Explains Sheryl Olinsky Borg, editorial director, Berlitz Publishing, "When young people learn languages, they want real words and uncensored conversation. This means pull out the stops and provide straightforward words. Words you might overhear during a pick-up. Words you might overhear in a hotel room. Since Berlitz Publishing is 'passionate about language,' we kept the real life passion in the language in this book.”

www.berlitzbooks.com

Love the One You’re With …On Feb. 14th

Cozy up with that special someone this Valentine’s Day amidst the perfect setting: snow-capped mountains, crisp alpine air and the sound of racing hearts. Whether snuggled under a blanket during a horse-drawn sleigh ride or skating together under the stars, this February, The Fairmont Banff Springs, Chateau Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge are turning up the heat in the Canadian Rockies. Or, take a romantic vacation in an urban oasis at Edmonton’s Fairmont Hotel MacDonald or at Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Calgary, which was recently ranked the number one Sheraton property world-wide for 2005.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or “just because,” commemorate the occasion like royalty at The Fairmont Banff Springs. The “Castle Celebration” package includes one night in a junior suite, champagne, dinner and breakfast for two, valet parking and gratuities, and a souvenir photo of you delivered in a beautiful wooden frame. The “Castle Celebration” package is available year-round starting at $307 per person, per night.

Show that special someone just how extraordinary they are with The Fairmont Banff Springs’ “Diamonds are Forever” package. This glittering diamond package includes limousine transportation to Banff, two night’s deluxe accommodation, breakfast for two and a gourmet dinner at the exclusive Banffshire Club, his and her spa treatments, a private ski day, and a half-carat Canadian diamond. The “Diamonds are Forever” package is available year round at a rate of $8,499 per couple.

The “Love and Hugs” romance package at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast, a “Silk and Bubbly” room delivery featuring huggable Fairmont bear, sparkling wine, decadent chocolates, a bath treat and the latest copy of “Pillow Talk.” This sweetheart romance package is available year-round starting at $270 per couple in winter and $579 in summer.

Say “I Do!” at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as romance and luxury mingle to create a lasting memory with that special someone. The “Winter Engagement” package includes two nights accommodation in a junior suite, gourmet dinner, breakfast, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, S’more kit (hot chocolate, mugs, graham wafers, marshmallows and chocolate), and complimentary skate rentals. The “Winter Engagement” package is available until March 30th starting at $459 per person.

With a soaring view of Edmonton’s river valley, couples can experience sentiment, scenery and solitude this Valentine’s Day with The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald “Romance” package. The package includes the room, chocolate delights, fresh flowers, your choice of Champagne or sparkling cider served with a pair of etched champagne flutes to take home, breakfast and valet parking. Deluxe view rooms start at $454.

Sparks will fly with the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire Calgary “Romance” package which includes a luxurious suite, fondue dinner for two, chocolate dipped strawberries and red, white or sparkling wine, breakfast, a 3 p.m. check out time, and valet parking. The “Romance” package is valid Thursday through Sunday until February 28th starting at $299 per night.

www.sheratonsuites.com

1-800-441-1414
www.fairmont.com

North Carolina, Historic Edenton

The Lords Proprietors' Inn

Throughout the year you will find that The Lords Proprietors' Inn in Historic Edenton is the ideal place to get away for the holidays, an anniversary, or a special Inn weekend. The holidays are now behind us, and a few more months of winter in front. What a wonderful time of the year to visit Edenton for a Romantic Getaway Weekend for Valentine's Day, or just because...

We look forward to seeing you in Edenton soon.

Valentine's Weekend Romantic Getaway

Friday and Saturday, February 11 and 12, 2006

This year we'll be celebrating the most romantic of holidays a few days early with a special package for you and your loved one. Arrive anytime after 1:00 p.m. on Friday and enjoy walking around Historic Edenton, or curling up in front of the fire. Fresh-cut flowers and chilled champagne await your arrival. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of our local restaurants on your own.

Wake up the next morning to a fantastic breakfast served in our dining room, and enjoy the day on your own. Take the Historic Edenton Walking Tour, Visit Somerset Plantation or Hope Plantation, or stop by one of our local art galleries - the day is up to you. A four-course gourmet dinner Saturday evening is included in your package rate, and the dining room will be decorated for the holiday. Return to your room to nibble on chocolate covered strawberries before retiring for the evening. A full breakfast buffet will be served Sunday morning in the dining room to finish off this wonderful weekend.

Your two night stay for two, including breakfast for two each morning, a four-course dinner for two one evening including wine and gratuity, and fresh-cut flowers, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries is included in the favorable rate of $440, plus tax for all 16 of our rooms, and $600, plus tax for one of our two luxurious Satterfield Suites. Make reservations today!

888-394-6622
www.edentoninn.com

New Hampshire, Littleton, White Mountains

Beal House Inn and Restaurant

Celebrate Romance and Valentine's at the Beal House Inn during the month of February. The Body and Soul Package includes bottle of wine or champagne, truffles, bath amenities kit awaiting your arrival, three days/two nights in a suite, full breakfast daily, 3 course gourmet dinner for two in their award winning restaurant. Rates start at $475.00 per/couple plus tax and gratuities. Add $50 per couple for the 4 Course Valentine's dinner on February 14. Located in the town which was named "2003 Great American Main Street," this Colonial Federal Inn has been renovated with luxurious amenities in its rooms and suites. The Inn's popular copper-topped bar features 252 martinis! 603-444-2661.

888-616-2325
www.bealhouseinn.com

New York, Westchester County

Romantic Weekends, The Westchester Way

Romantic February getaways are not just for Valentine’s Day weekend anymore! “Romantic Weekends, The Westchester Way” packages, sponsored by the Westchester County Office of Tourism, are being offered every weekend through the entire month of February in Westchester County, New York. Superior accommodations are available at attractive prices February 1 through 28, Fridays through Sundays, in addition to an impressive choice of cultural evenings. Five first class hotels will offer packages on double-occupancy accommodations and romantic “extras,” such as dinner by candlelight, champagne and chocolates, in-room breakfast, late check-out and more. Participating hotels include: Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown; Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook; Radisson Hotel in New Rochelle; Tarrytown House Estate in Tarrytown; and the Marriott Westchester in Tarrytown. In addition, several performing arts venues have scheduled evening shows by popular artists, including Michael Feinstein, Davy Jones, and These Three Tenors. Rates vary. Details online.

(800) 833-9282, 914-995-8500
www.westchestertourism.com

Colorado, Dolores

Dunton Hot Springs

Valentines Hideaway where you’ll discover the beauty, elegance and romance of an exquisite ghost town nestling deep in the San Juan’s. Hand-hewn log cabins with wood burning fires exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serving food of startling quality and sensuous hot springs beneath shimmering snow banks. Package includes champagne to greet you, two night’s accommodations, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited use of hot springs. Rates from $1000 per couple.

970-882-4800
www.duntonhotsprings.com
clare@duntonhotsprings.com

Telluride, Colorado

The San Sophia Inn & Condominiums

Enjoy a romantic family vacation in historic Telluride, Colorado, during the month of February and receive one night free. Stay at The San Sophia Condominiums 4 nights and receive the 5th night free and discounted lift tickets. You may ski with your sweetie on the groomed trails with views of the surrounding mountain peaks or duck into the trees to make your own line down the mountain. Either way you will find yourself exhilarated by the fresh air and small town friendliness of Telluride!

800-537-4781
www.SanSophia.com
info@sansophia.com

Valentine's at Tesoro Resorts lasts all of February

Mexico's newest all-inclusive resort chain, Tesoro Resorts, gets in the mood for love with special two-for-one rates the entire month of February. And not only that, Tesoro Resorts gives paramours a helping hand on the night of romance with a special turndown service of chocolates and flower petals that is previously requested through each hotel's concierge desk. (Valid only the night of February 14, 2006).

Rock-bottom romance rates for February are $140.00 USD at Tesoro Los Cabos; $126.00 USD at Tesoro Manzanillo: and $126.00 USD at Tesoro Ixtapa: Rates are per room, based on double occupancy, all-inclusive. Not only that, at Tesoro Resorts families come first. Kids 12 years and under eat, stay and play free when sharing a room with adults while youth 13 to 18 years pay 50 percent of adult rate. Reservations at Tesoro Resorts,t www.TesoroResorts.com or call1-866-99TESORO.

California, Oroville

The Riverside Bed and Breakfast

It is twice the romance with two Valentine’s Weekends this year. Pick either Valentines weekend and treat your sweetie to romantic luxuries. Book two nights and get 50% off the cost of the 2nd night. Use those savings on romantic extras from our La Dolce Vita list. The Riverside Bed and Breakfast provides a wonderfully serene, naturally romantic setting for your Valentines Day escape. Beautifully decorated rooms, panoramic river views, Jacuzzi tubs and woodstoves provide a cozy environment for sweethearts. Delicious gourmet breakfasts are served each morning.

530-533-1413
riversidebandb.com
riversidebnb@yahoo.com

Michigan, Shelbyville

Bay Pointe Inn & Restaurant

Treat your love to a romantic evening at Bay Pointe Inn & Restaurant on historic Gun Lake in Shelbyville, Michigan. Enjoy two nights in our elegant Lakeside Deluxe Whirlpool Suite, a chilled bottle of champagne, fresh rose petals scattered on your plush king size bed and a romantic dinner for two in our extraordinary restaurant ($50 voucher). $274 per night plus tax. Special Valentine’s menu includes sautéed shrimp & scallops in a heart shaped puff pastry, w/red-wine risotto ($20), Heart shaped ravioli stuffed w/chicken, mushrooms & herb ricotta in a wine cheese sauce ($18). Full menu also available.

888-GUN-LAKE
www.baypointeinn.com

New York, Mumford-Rochester

Genesee Country Inn

Invite your special someone for a Valentine’s Day Fling at the Genesee Country Inn. Our Old Mill is located in historic Mumford near the Genesee Country Village and Museum. 7 acres of woods and waterfalls set in a small hamlet provide a quiet oasis in a busy world. Package available February 10-11 or February 17-18. Includes: Private en suite accommodations for two, champagne and flowers in your room, homemade chocolates. Prices are $258-375 per room. Dinner packages also available.

585-538-2500; 800-697-8297
www.geneseecountryinn.com
room2escapeinn@geneseecountryinn.com

Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Brewster

Beechcroft Inn

Spend your Valentine's Day weekend on Cape Cod, the perfect time for simply holding hands and taking quiet walks on the nearby beach with only the seagulls for company. The Inn's Valentine special includes three days and two nights in a charming room of your choice (all with private baths), a dozen roses and a box of delicious chocolates waiting in your room, and all taxes and gratuities. Rates start at $250. Rates apply for the weekend preceding and following February 14. A bountiful breakfast is included. Spend time re-discovering each other while watching the tranquil waves of Cape Cod Bay, or the crashing breakers of the Atlantic. Nearby are many shops and fine restaurants. The Inn dates back to 1828, when it was established as a meeting house for a local congregation. The congregation multiplied and in 1852 moved to a larger church. The property was converted for use as an inn and has served that purpose ever since. Our rates are as gentle as our days.

(508) 896-9534
www.beechcroftinn.com
info@beechcroftinn.com

Maine, Bass Harbor

Ann's Point Inn & Spa

Take a break to tell that special someone - I love you. Throughout February take advantage of a romantic special at Ann's Point Inn and Spa in coastal Maine. Package includes complimentary bottle of champagne awaiting your arrival, hand made chocolates, silk rose petals adorning your bedchamber, heart shaped soaps in your private bathroom, fresh baked cookies with your nightly turndown service, candles and romantic music in your room, a special book for lovers, yours to keep. Plus all the amenities of Ann's Point Inn and Spa. Ask us about adding long stemmed roses, a massage or a romantic message with balloons. The rate is $150/night double occupancy, 2 night minimum. Choose from 4 spacious rooms all decorated in a way to bring the natural beauty of the landscaped gardens and rugged shore inside. All rooms in the house have sweeping views across Bass Harbor.

207-244-9595
www.annspointinn.com
info@annspointinn.com

Newark, Ohio

Hanover House Bed and Breakfast

Come spend your Victorian Valentine's Day getaway in a grand English Country House on 16 acres near the Longaberger Golf Club, featuring Victorian furnishings, 4-poster beds, fireplaces, whirlpool tub, swimming pool, stocked ponds, gardens, and stables. Enjoy our romantic Valentine package: 2 nights, champagne, flowers, and candy plus scrumptious full breakfasts. Call Christina toll-free for details. We also host murder mysteries, weddings, and receptions. Rates $140, $160, or $185 per night.

740-763-4952;800-377-6220
www.HanoverHouseBandB.com
info@hanoverhousebandb.com

Spring Lake, New Jersey

White Lilac Inn

Stay for Valentine’s Weekend and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the Inn. Sweets for your sweetheart, homemade chocolates from Third Ave Chocolate, and champagne chilling are awaiting your arrival. A delicious full breakfast served fireside at intimate tables for two. Unwind in your whirlpool tub for two. Stay cozy by your fireplace. Relax and drift softly into sleep in your quilted queen size bed. February 10th & 11th or 11th & 12th Rates: $179 to $329 based on a 2night stay. Nine inviting guest rooms offer various combinations of amenities, including fireplaces, private balcony, claw-foot soaking tub, whirlpool tub and doors to wrap-around porches.

732-449-0211
www.whitelilac.com
mari@whitelilac.com

Virginia, Luray

Allstar Lodging

Romantic Cabins for Valentine's Day with our selection of 40+ unique cabins, cottages, bed & breakfasts. Sleep from 2–20 guests with 1–6 bedrooms. Perfect for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, family vacation or retreat. Private bedrooms, full-king size beds, kitchens, fireplace, living room, media, decks, porches, hot tubs and Jacuzzi's in secluded wooded areas or along the legendary Shenandoah River. All near Luray, local attractions include Luray Caverns and garden maze, George Washington and Shenandoah national forests, skyline drive, Shenandoah River State Park, Lake Arrowhead. Activities include fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, canoeing, restaurants, summer swimming and winter skiing. Rates from $110 per night. Pets allowed.

540-843-0606; 866-780-7827
www.allstarlodging.com
allstarlodging@hotmail.com

Celebrate Valentine's in Tulum with Maya Spa's

Chocolate therapy romance packages

Take a break from the rat race and set the sensual mood this Valentine's day with romance-oriented holistic spa packages at EcoTulum's renowned wellness center along the white sand shores of the Maya Riviera.

EcoTulum Resorts & Spa, a collection of three rustic beachfront properties along Mexico's breezy Caribbean coastline, invites couples to indulge in sweet surrender the entire month of February. Slip away into total relaxation with a choice of two distinct packages are designed to elevate intimacy using traditional Mayan-inspired therapies that evoke inward growth and vanquish stress.

The Couples' Valentine's Package includes Maya Spa's most beloved treatments, including time in the floatation chamber (2 hrs), which evokes inner healing and meditation, a traditional shaman-led Mayan energy cleansings for two (1 hr), Reiki with aromatherapy (2 hrs), participation the indigenous temazcal sweat lodge ceremony (3 hrs.) and a three hour long "touch for two" session (3 hrs) that involves learning and observing massage techniques that can be used on your partner.

One of Maya Spa's newest chocolate therapies - the cacao bean exfoliation for two (2 hrs) - rounds out the deluxe couples package, valued at nearly $800 US for more than 13 hours of heavenly personalized spa services but available for $665 US the entire month of February.

A Valentine's spa sampler package is also available for $365 USD, with a total value of $428 USD, and includes the "touch for two" massage (3 hrs.), chocolate massage for two (2 hrs.) and two tickets to the group Temazcal (3 hrs.)

Registered guests or non-EcoTulum patrons staying at other properties in Tulum may book either package and other spa services directly via email at mayaspa@ecotulum.com. Additional information and detailed descriptions on all Maya Spa indigenous healing treatments can be found online at www.maya-spa.com.

Hotels.com

Special holiday deals in dozens of romantic destination cities

Travelers planning a romantic Valentine's getaway to Chicago can save 20 percent when they stay two nights or -- or 25 percent when they stay three nights -- at the Hotel 71. Soaring 39 stories above the Riverwalk at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, across from Magnificent Mile shopping in Chicago, Ill., the Hotel 71 stands one-half mile from Chicago's downtown business district and the Art Institute. Rates start at $199 per night.

Couples planning a Big Apple Valentine's getaway can save 15 percent when they stay two nights at the Radisson Lexington Hotel New York. On the fashionable East Side, the high-rise Radisson Lexington Hotel New York is just three blocks from the trendy shops of Fifth and Madison Avenues and minutes from Rockefeller Center. Rates start at $169 per night.

Sweethearts looking to spend their Valentine's Day in the mountains will save save 15 percent when they stay three nights; 20% if they stay three nights; or 25% if they stay four nights at the Evergreen Lodge in Vail, CO. Rates start at $325 per night.

Couples looking to find their hearts in San Francisco on Valentine's Day can save 10 percent at their choice of five Kimpton Hotels in the city. Participating boutique favorites include Hotel Triton, Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Monticello Inn and Villa Florence Hotel. Rates start at $107 per night.

www.hotels.com

We have new stories posted to our destinations page, cruise news and more. Be sure and check them out.

Happy Trails!

Mary E. Gallagher

mary@gallagherstravels.com

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Gallagher's Travels