Monday, January 3, 2011

Chateau Les Roches in Mont Saint Jean Burgundy France


Château Les Roches offers guests the experience of staying in a private country residence set in the hilltop medieval village (Mont-Saint-Jean) with unobstructed views of the countryside. The setting is picturesque and tranquil where one can unwind and feel completely relaxed.

Les Roches is situated in the heart of Burgundy (Côte d’Or) and is within an easy reach of the famous Burgundy wine areas (including Chablis, Côte-de-Beaune, Côte-de-Chalonnais and Côte-de-Nuits), historical sites and popular places of interest.

Six spacious bedrooms, each with private en-suites, were completely renovated in 2005 and are decorated with both antique and contemporary furnishings.

Guests can enjoy Burgundy wines from the Les Roches wine cellar in the salon, library, terrace or any of the seating areas in the Les Roches park.

Different dining experiences are offered every evening of the week and our home-cooked dinners have been very popular with our guests for our take on the French classics and the use of fresh seasonal ingredients. Four-course candle-lit dinners are offered on Thursdays and Saturdays and a Brasserie-style dinner with a choice of starters, main courses and desserts is offered on Mondays. On other evenings, a generous portion of cold-cuts­, cheeses, salads and freshly baked bread is offered.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Winter Destinations - Stowe Vermont















So the winter months are upon us and I thought it would be a good time to take a look at bed and breakfasts around the world offering winter entertainments. First up is Northern Vermont’s, city of Stowe.


Stowe is a year-round resort town located in Northern Vermont. Visitors from all over the world come to Stowe to enjoy the New England charm, stunning scenery, and endless activities. This area is famous for its world-class ski areas on Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Stowe hosts numerous festivals to highlight the sport including Spring Summit Celebration and the 61st Annual Sugar Slalom - one of the oldest and most esteemed races in the U.S. Visitors looking for milder winter activities can enjoy skating on frozen ponds or simply strolling along the Stowe Recreation Path.


Two bed and breakfasts worth a look if you are making your way to this area are: Fitch Hill Inn located in Hyde Park and Moose Meadow Lodge located in Waturbury. Fitch Hill inn is a Federal style home, c.1797, with a Victorian front porch on a hill overlooking the Green Mountains. It is 1/4 mile from scenic Vermont Hwys 15 & 100, providing a quiet location that is still close to all the activities in Northern Vermont. Moose Meadow is nestled on 86 secluded acres in the Green Mountains, the Adirondack style Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury, Vermont invites you to enjoy a truly unique B&B experience. The Lodge features four luxury guest rooms with private baths, hot tub, hiking trails, a pond, and the Sky Loft - a glass-enclosed gazebo at the highest point of the property.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

New England Bed and Breakfasts














Fall Getaways


So we are a few days into Fall. I love this season; everything starts to slow down, we all start to cook a little differently, and watch the season change from the greens of summer to the spectacular colors of fall. I have to admit, when I think of fall color, New England comes to mind first. What better way to celebrate the season than to visit a New England inn or bed and breakfast. Get ready to relax in the season and take in some spectacular color.


Six Chimneys & and Dream Bed and Breakfast


Six Chimneys and A Dream is located in the Lakes area on New Hampshire. From this well situated bed and breakfast, you can tour the White Mountains. and the rest of the Lakes Region. The welcoming and comfortable 1791 colonial stagecoach inn offers six spacious guest rooms and four common rooms, savory breakfasts, and personalized service.


Country Life Bed and Breakfast


Moving on to upstate New York, Country Life Bed and Breakfast in Saratoga Springs in the Adirondacks is set on a hill top in the middle of 118 acres of woodlands, meadows,pastures, with a swimming hole and waterfalls.


Hill Farm Inn


Finally, Hill Farm Inn in Manchester, located in the White Mountains of Vermont provides spectacular mountain and valley views in all directions Visitors can walk the 2 ½ miles of grassy trails, fish along the mile of river frontage, visit the farm animals, take a canoe down the river, or just sit on the porch and relax.



Friday, September 24, 2010

Woodside Belgium Bed and Breakfast Bruges

Woodside Belgium Bed and Breakfast Bruges

This Flemish/English couple offers you a beautiful bed and breakfast in the countryside near Bruges, the Belgian coast and 'Flanders Fields'. The bed and breakfast offers three modern bedrooms, all with private bathrooms, cable TV, DVD and WiFi Internet connection. From 1st April through to 30th September free use of the beautiful outdoor heated swimming pool with its terrace !


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Washington House Inn in Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Cedarburg is a small historic city located 20 minutes north of Milwaukee. The town is boasts a bustling downtown area with over 100 antique stores, restaurants, boutiques, and other businesses residing in historic buildings. 100 more historic homes surround downtown, providing visitors with an authentic historic Midwest feel. The town is ranked as on of Midwest Living's readers Favorite Small Town getaways and one of the best places too antiquing.

Elegant Lodging at the Washington House Inn

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the heart of Cedarburg's Historic District, Washington House Inn offers elegant lodging within walking distance of Cedarburg Festivals, unique shops, antiquing, galleries, restaurants, our local winery, brew pub and Cedarburg Cultural Center.



Washington House Inn successfully blends the charm and romance of days past with the amenities and conveniences expected by today's discriminating travelers. Whether you travel for business, a romantic getaway, celebration of a special occasion, or a visit to the world class city of Milwaukee (20 minutes to the south), The Washington House Inn and the quaint city of Cedarburg will exceed your every expectation.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pension Bounty - In Avatoru, Rangiroa

Pension Bounty - A Diver's Paradise

O.K. I admit I had to drag out my atlas for our newest member, Pension Bounty, a family run hotel located on a coconut plantation in the village of Avatoru on Rangiroa. Rangiroa is an atoll or group of coral islands located in French Polynesia. It is considered one of the world’s best dive destinations.


Innkeepers, Muriel and Alain, a level 3 diver, will welcome you and be your guide to this charming hotel in Tahiti. Divided into four comfortable studio apartments with all modern comforts and complying with European standards, this family hotel is all about its client’s independence. Each studio apartment is equipped with a kitchenette, a bathroom with hot water, a safe, a fan, a large deck, an extra bed (if requested) a free Wi-Fi connection and very important in this tropical area- mosquito nets in doors and windows. The lodge also offers you the possibility to rent a bike, which will allow you to go easily to the village of Avartoru or to other sites where beautiful sun sets will enchant you.



Monday, August 30, 2010

Historic Village of East Hampton


East Hampton is a historic village offering visitors a glimpse to the past - majestic old elms, green expanses, windmills - of the English, not Dutch variety - and the famous Town Pond with its picturesque swans and a 300-year-old cemetery. Close by are many charming boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants and gourmet food shops. For the sports enthusiast there is world-class saltwater fishing, sailing, surfing, golf, tennis, hiking and horseback riding. And, of course, there are the beaches; the ocean beaches in the Hamptons are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, with mile after mile of pristine sand, dunes and pounding surf.

The Mill House Inn has been named in the Zagat US Hotel Guide’s “Top 50 Small Hotels,” New York Magazine’s “Top 10 Inns in the Hamptons” and Travel & Leisure’s Magazine “Inn of the Month.” Conveniently located in the heart of historic East Hampton Village, just steps from world-class shops, galleries, restaurants & theatres, walking distance to the ocean beach & a short drive to fishing, boating, hiking, biking & wine tasting. Retreat to comfortable Adirondack chairs in the Inn’s lush gardens. Awaken in beautifully appointed rooms & spectacular dog-friendly suites to enjoy a leisurely breakfast our guests have proclaimed "the best ever," cookies-around-the-clock, attentive concierge, our old fashioned hospitality & relaxed atmosphere. We guarantee to make you feel welcome every time you come home to The Mill House Inn!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Touring San Gimignano Italy


After touring Florence, we took a day trip to the medieval city, San Gimignano located in the Sienna provence. It is about an hour south of Florence. The quaint town is known for its well preserved 14 medieval towers. I thought the town was worth a stop for the architecture, shopping, as well as a visit to the Etruscan Museum and the Romanesque-gothic church of Sant'Agostino. If you hike to the top of the city, you can get a spectacular view of the Tuscan countryside. If you are a shopper, there are numerous stores containing pottery, wines, and other hand made items. If you are looking for a bed and breakfast from which to base your Sienna travels, see Casa Portagioia.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Moving onto Florence Italy


After touring Venice, we traveled to the Tuscany Region with the intent to stay in Florence. I think the best lodging locations are close to the city center if you want to be able to really experience the city. Check out San Lorenzo Bed and Breakfast for a convenient city center location. However, if you would rather be located in the countryside, Al Podere Le Cave is a wonderful choice.

The city of Florence was of course the birth place of the renaissance and it and the surrounding area are packed with art, churches, and history from this period. The city center is dominated by the Santa Maria del Fiore and I have to admit it took my breath away. It lived up to all of my expectations. I was also amazed by how much art is packed into Florence. It is really an open air museum. You can see many great works of art just by walking the city.

If you are only in the city a few days, this is what I would suggest. Tour the Santa Maria del Fiore and climb to the top of the Dome. The views of the city and surrounding countryside are amazing. While in this location, take an hour to tour the Museum of the Cathedral to see Michelangelo's "Pieta." If you only have time to visit two major museums, make Galleria dell'Accademia (home to
Michelangelo's "David") and The "Uffizi Gallery" home to numerous renaissance masters your top stops. I would suggest purchasing tickets ahead of time so that you can just walk into both museums rather than standing in line. If you like science, the Museo Galileo should also be on your list.

If you are a shopper, Florence is known for its leather. You can purchase a really well made leather coat, satchel, or shoes at the many stores located through out the city. Just make sure that you are buying Florentine leather, not a Chinese knock off.

Dining in Florence varies depending what you are looking for. There are numerous cafes located throughout the city where you can grab a slice pizza or sample some gelato. If you want a sit down dinner, you could pick just about and sidewalk cafe and do well. I had wonderful meals with extremely fresh vegetables, wonderfully seasoned meats, and delicious pasta all paired with a very simple house wine.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Day 2 in Venice


We started our second day in Venice by taking a water taxi over from Lido. Once in Venice, we started the day by going to Campanile di San Marco and taking the elevator to the bell tower to enjoy an amazing view of the surrounding area. We also took advantage of small lines, and decided to tour Saint Mark's Basilica. The entrance is free, but we paid to get access to the museum. It was worth it. The church is really spectacular and is full of well preserved mosaics and we were treated to an amazing pipe organ concert while we were there. We had a quick lunch and then continued touring. We made our way to the The Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The museum holds pieces of art from the 20th century and was really worth a look. Our final stop of the day was the San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16th Century church. We had to take a water taxi to the island on which the church resides.




Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Travels in Venice

I am back from a Summer of travels and have much to blog about. I spent the summer touring Italy and Montana. Both of these destinations offer travelers beautiful country, friendly locals, and culture all of its own. I started in Italy, so that is where I will start this blog.


Day 1 - Venice




I started my trip, with my family along for the ride, in Venice, Italy. We flew into the Venice airport, collected our luggage, and took a water taxi to Lido, Italy. I chose Lido because it has easy access to Venice and offers more of a relaxed seaside setting for the family to come back to after a day of touring in Venice. For accommodations, our guide offers two Lido bed and breakfasts, Casa Mari Bed & Breakfast and Oasis Bed and Breakfast.

Once situated, we purchased tickets on the waterbus and in 10 minutes we were in St. Marks Square. We took a guided tour through the Doges' Palace and then spent the remainder of our time wandering through canals, stopping at vendors for a cup of fruit or a slice of pizza. For travelers who want to be on the island of Venice, we also offer three bed and breakfasts Sandra Bed and Breakfast, BBvenezia, and Al Campaniel Guest House. All of these B&Bs are in locations perfect for experiencing Venice's waterways.

After a day of touring Venice, we came back to Lido had a leisurely dinner, walked to the end of our street and took a stroll on the beach leading to the Adriatic Sea.



Thursday, July 8, 2010

North Platte Bed and Breakfast


The small town of North Platte is located in the southwestern part of Nebraska and is notably home to the world's largest rail yard, Bailey Yard, which can be seen best from the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. You can also tour the home of Col. William F. Buffalo Bill Cody. You will find the rich history of the early days of Lincoln County at the North Platte Historical Museum, including a large display of Native American artifacts, and a western heritage village. You can fill your days with visits to many other attractions, including America's 20th Century Veterans Memorial, the Stones and Bones Emporium and Gallery, the Cody Park Railroad Museum, Cody Go-Karts and the Dancing Leaf Cultural Learning Center, among many more.

Located in the town that Buffalo Bill was proud to call his home, the Comfort Inn North Platte is a unique Nebraska hotel that raises the bar on lodging as well as raises guests’ awareness of incredible parks, breathtaking recreational areas and magnificent local history.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Own This Magnificent, Historic Bed and Breakfast in Burnet, Texas - US $550,000

The Verandas

The owners/innkeepers have spent the past 5 years meticulously restoring this magnificent, historic home. Their attention to detail makes this a delightful destination for that special getaway.

The original limestone structure was built in 1856 as a stagecoach stop when Burnet, Texas was in its infancy. It later became the Calvert House, a hotel, and the home of the Galloway family. We are proud to have come "full circle" and, once again, offer travelers a welcome respite as
The Verandas Guest House.

A bit of history ... A restored, hand-dug well on the veranda quenched the thirst of horses and travelers of long ago. Today, the well us used to supply water for the water garden and Koi pond.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Herr Tavern and Publick House


Gettysburg is a town steeped in history; it is the location of the turning point of the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, Picket's Charge, General Robert E. Lee's Headquarters, Little Round Top, and the Devil's Den. While visiting the town, make sure to visit the National Military Park, a battlefield shrine to the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought there. A historic downtown area is host to shopping, galleries, restaurants, and more.

Enjoy romance and comfort in this 1815 country inn: The Herr Tavern and Publick House. Used as the first Confederate hospital during the "Battle of Gettysburg." Herr Tavern & Publick House is where history meets hospitality. All rooms have private baths, A/C, Cable TV, a Fireplace, and a variety of welcoming dècor. Most of the rooms include jacuzzi tubs.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Bed and Breakfast Alberti


The historic city of Maastricht is located in the South of the Netherlands, near the Belgium and German border. It is the oldest city in the Netherlands, known for its cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and stately patrician houses made for aimless strolling or cycling. The Stokstraat and Jeker districts are the most picturesque. Bed and breakfast travelers interested in cultural attractions will enjoy the well-known Bonnefanten Art Museum, the Natural History Museum and one of the world’s leading art fairs, the annual European Fine Art Fair. Other tourist activities include visits to the amazing Maastricht Caves, the German city of Aachen and the country of Belgium.

Bed and breakfast Alberti is a beautiful art deco house is located just outside the old city center of Maastricht (a ten minute walk, but you get a bike too) in a nice residential neighborhood at the foot of Holland's only 'mountain' the Pietersberg and close to the river. Free parking space is available. This bed and breakfasts offers two quiet and spacious rooms with comfortable boxspring beds, private bathrooms (bath/shower, wash basin, toilet) television, wireless broadband access to the internet, coffee and tea making facilities, a shared refrigerator and microwave oven to cater to your needs, a lovely breakfast café, bakery and supermarket for breakfast and snack supplies one block away... and a bike free of charge for each guest to explore the city of Maastricht and the beautiful countryside.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Become a Bed and Breakfast Owner


The Florence Rose

Located on the edge of Florence, the antique capital of southern Colorado, the Florence Rose is an established Bed & Breakfast offering excellence in service with the comforts of home. Centrally located to many of south-central Colorado's prime tourist attractions, "The Rose" is a natural for day trips to the renowned Royal Gorge Bride and Scenic Railway, white water rafting and world class fly fishing experiences of the Arkansas River and horseback riding and hiking the many trails winding through the area's scenic Wet Mountains.

Built in 1886, the Florence Rose has been beautifully restored while maintaining the B&B's architectural integrity complete with period antique furnishings and "his" and "hers" parlors that front the entry on either side of the grand hallway. Guests are encouraged to enjoy use of the common areas including the landscaped terrace and hot tub gazebo. Each of the five guest rooms are unique in theme and decor, and can comfortably accommodate as many as 10 overnight guests.

Purchase of the 1 acre property includes garage(carriage house) and historical cabin at $399,900. An additional $74,600 includes antique furnishings and turn key bed & breakfast operation; Total: $474,500.00

An excellent opportunity for very little investment!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Siena Tuscany Bed and Breakfast


The Angeli Bed and Breakfast is a villa close to the center of Siena, Italy located in a quiet area, easy to reach from the exit (1 km) of the highway to Grosseto, Florence and Arezzo. The center of Siena is just 2 km away and can be reached in 5 minutes, with frequent minibus service or by car.

The B&B's location, along the ancient road "Cassia" offers an ideal departure point for visits to South province (Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, le Crete, la Val d'Orcia, Pienza...) Guests have their own parking space, sunny rooms, designed with care and are greeted with enthusiasm and discretion. Each room has its own private bathroom, TV, mini bar and ceiling fan. From the windows you can admire the lovely view of the Sienese countryside or parts of the city.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Venice Bed and Breakfast












Floating between the sea and the lagoon is the very beautiful island of the Lido where Venice Oasis Bed and Breakfast and Residence is located. Thanks to the continual water taxi connections, this accommodation is easy to get to. Miles of golden sands offer something for everyone, including beach huts, a deckchair under an umbrella, or the dunes and the Mediterranean flora of the natural beaches. Oasis offers delightful hospitality at the right price.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Forest Park House in Northwest Ireland














The town of Boyle is situated at the foot of the Curlieu Mountains, on the main Dublin/Sligo N4 route. Boyle has many historical buildings and archaeological sites that have long been of national importance. The wonderful lakes of the area, Lough Key, Lough Gara and Lough Arrow attract fisherman from all over Europe, making this region very popular for angling.

Forest Park House is a purpose built, wheelchair friendly guesthouse nestling among the trees at the entrance to the beautiful Lough Key Forest Park. This accommodation is just minutes from Boyle and is located on the N4 route between Dublin and Sligo. Guests return time and time again.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Rooms To Let in Manhattan, New York


Rooms to Let is a Greek Revival residence, circa 1840, which retains much of its original feeling. Standing on the front stoop you can watch the sun setting over the Hudson, and, if you are lucky, the QE2 may be passing. At street level you will see an ally way entrance, once a "horsewalk" that led to a two-story building at the rear. The stable disappeared many years ago, and what is left is a large garden which all guests are encouraged to enjoy. Sitting there in the evening, you can see the lights of The Empire State Building, a beacon to the north. Inside, the parlor floor is filled with antiques and paintings.

A curved staircase leads to the second floor where three rooms are available for guests. There are two large double rooms, one with a queen size bed and the other with twin beds. Both rooms have air conditioning, light, views and comfortable furnishings. The large modern bathroom is shared by the guests on that floor. I am a painter and the 3rd floor is my own pied-a-terre and studio. There is also a single room on that floor that shares a bathroom with me.
Rooms To Let is in historic Greenwich Village, moments away from the trendy Meatpacking District with its designer shops and fashionable clubs. Yet when you turn onto Horatio Street you are in a tranquil oasis. Near the magnificent new Hudson River Park, this part of the West Village is where you want to be in Manhattan. Although the location is central, it is a calm, quiet retreat from the action found all around.