GAYOT's Blog

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A Historic and Storied Gem in the Gaslamp Quarter

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The US Grant hotel has been a San Diego icon since its debut in 1910. While the handsome hotel itself is a sight to see, its history is what makes this property so fascinating. The land (which was once owned by the Kumeyaay tribe) was the home of San Diego’s first major hotel, Horton House Hotel, until it was bought and demolished by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of the eighteenth U.S. president. In its place, he built The US Grant (named after his father), an eleven-story, luxury hotel in what is now the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego.

Continue reading “The US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego – Review” »

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by Patricia Mack

Cruise lines routinely “reposition” ships to take advantage of the season or the market for one popular locale over another. Liners move from Alaska to Hawaii, Mexico to Canada or make Trans-Atlantic sailings from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean (or vice versa). This particular Trans-Atlantic voyage, from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, was seventeen days long and took place on board the MS Nieuw Amsterdam — an eleven-deck, Signature class cruise ship and the second largest ship in the Holland America Line.

Continue reading “Trans-Atlantic Crossing on the Nieuw Amsterdam – Cruise Review” »

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Around Newfoundland by Cruise Ship – The German Way

 

By John and Sandra Nowlan

We were eagerly awaiting the announcement. When it finally came, it was, as usual, in two languages:

“Eisberg auf der Backbordseite!”
“Iceberg on the port side!”

We were approaching Iceberg Alley, the area of the Atlantic Ocean off northern Newfoundland where the frigid Labrador Current flows slowly south, bringing with it huge sculpted chunks of glacier ice from Greenland.

Continue reading “Cruise in Luxury Between Icebergs” »

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A Caribbean Gem for Families

By John and Sandra Nowlan

As we approached our resort, our friendly driver boasted that the Turks and Caicos offer the best of all worlds — British passports for its 30,000 citizens, the American dollar as its currency and a Canadian banking and health care system. Located where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic just southeast of the Bahamas, this tranquil and tropical archipelago of 40 islands and cays (eight of which are inhabited) also offers the clearest and brightest turquoise water we’ve ever seen, fantastic white sand beaches and several resorts that rate among the best in the world.

Continue reading “Beaches Turks and Caicos – Hotel Review” »

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Old School is the New Cool

Park City hasn’t always been the winter and summer sports mecca it is today. The city’s fame originally developed through the discovery of gold, silver and lead and the establishment of silver mines in the 1860s. To provide for the influx of migrating miners and their families, three schools were built — Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson (Washington School House is the only remaining today). After a series of tragic events — World War I, the Great Depression, a fire that almost destroyed the city and an explosion that killed 34 miners — the local mining industry collapsed. Luckily, the city was able to capitalize on something that would prove to be more profitable and long-term: ski tourism. Its first ski resort opened in 1963, and today, Park City houses more tourists than residents. That explains the metamorphosis undergone by the Washington School House in its 120-year history, from school to bed-and-breakfast and now ultra-luxe boutique hotel.

Continue reading “Washington School House Hotel, Park City – Review” »

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by Patricia Mack

Happy Birthday To You.
Happy Birthday To You.
Happy Birthday, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Happy Birthday To You.

This nation of islands celebrated its 40th birthday this month, but it wants visitors to get the presents!

Continue reading “The Bahamas Celebrates Its 40th Birthday – Travel Special” »

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Located in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling financial district, this posh property is more than just a high-end business hotel. Occupying the top eleven floors of the city’s third-tallest building, the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco provides incomparable sweeping views that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. The hotel caters to a sophisticated traveler clientele, whether it’s those who like to call it home while on business, or visitors who prefer a luxurious and comfortable resting place while touring “The City by the Bay.”

Continue reading “Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco – Hotel Feature” »

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As the flagship of Red Lion Hotels’ chain makeover, Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Seattle is undergoing a major overhaul. Starting with the common areas, they’ve upped the ante in terms of décor, with vibrant, contemporary colors, new furniture and modern art in what was once a Red Lion Inn. The new restaurant, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, sports a gorgeous interior and inviting outdoor patio (weather permitting, that is). There is a fitness room, as well as plans to add a spa.

Continue reading “Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue, Seattle” »

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Power Nap in a Pod in Abu Dhabi

During your next layover at Abu Dhabi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, chill out in one of their brand new sleep capsules designed by Uni in Finland. Abu Dhabi International Airport is now offering its transit passengers individual GoSleep pods right in the terminal, which transform from a chair into a bed, complete with sliding shade for privacy and noise reduction.

Continue reading “Abu Dhabi International Airport Debuts Sleeping Pods in Terminals – Travel News” »

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by Becky Sue Epstein

In the lobby of this stylish hotel, everything is oversized, from ceiling height to furniture. Peering through the sheer white curtains to the left, guests will see a sprinkling of cool-looking people around the pool table at any hour of the day or night. Behind another set of white sheers on the right is the restaurant Tempt, with a menu that claims to be an “updated takes on Southern and New Orleans cooking.” In-room dining, handled by the same kitchen, is offered from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. As an antidote, the gym is complimentary.

Continue reading “The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection – Review” »

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