DOWNSHIFTERS' DIARY: Best of the road

By their nature, "best of" lists are always limited and subjective. That said, I present our personal evaluations of the "best of" our hotel experiences in our recent and ongoing road trip.

BATHROBES: Spindrift Inn/Monterey, CA and Oxford Hotel/Bend, OR (tie)

TOWELS: Hiltons (the flagship brand, not other associated brands like Hilton Garden Inns)

MINIBAR: None. While many hotels still offer minibars, none was really outstanding. In addition, they are fading in popularity, as hotels can provide better selection and freshness (and have better control over access) at lobby bars or pantries.

BED: Spindrift Inn/Monterey, CA (sorry Westin; your Heavenly Beds are great, but the Spindrift Inn's bed edges you out!)

HAIRDRYERS: Spindrift Inn/Monterey, CA and Westins (tie) These hotels provide the powerful Andis 1850 watt blow dryers.)

VIEW:
Bay - Spindrift Inn/Monterey, CA
Mountains - Hilton/Ft. Collins
Ocean - Inn at Spanish Head/Lincoln City, OR


IN-ROOM COFFEE: Oxford Hotel/Bend, OR


AMENITIES: Ritz-Carlton/Lake Las Vegas, NV (now closed) Bulgari amenities provided a true touch of class.

BUSINESS CENTER: Hilton/Ft. Collins, CO This facility was spacious, provided all the usual business machines at modest per-use costs, and offered free internet access.

We'll be updating this post as we find new "bests" so stay tuned!

Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.



Comments