product-reviews

A Night at the Peery Hotel

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:38:57 +0100

My room was small and the bathroom even smaller. It was so small, actually, that the sink and vanity were actually in the bedroom with me at the foot of my bed. But, for as tight as things were in my room at Salt Lake City's Peery Hotel, it was what was offered which affected me so much more than what wasn't.

After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I headed out to explore Salt Lake City on my Utah Office of Tourism-sponsored trip. So much was within walking distance from the Peery Hotel that it was easy to get around and see the sites. Our first stop was to the new City Creek Center shopping mall. It is set to open this spring, but we were allowed in for a behind-the-scenes tour of the work.

The City Creek Center sits on the edge of Temple Square, which I neglected to visit in 2002 when my father and I headed to Utah for the Olympics. I took the time on this trip to walk around the square and look inside the chambers for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was spectacular and worth the stop; I can only imagine the experience of seeing a performance.

One place I did visit during my Olympic trip was to the Gateway area. In 2002 I purchased a legacy brick to commemorate the trip I was taking to Utah with my father. It took a bit of hunting to find it, but it was worth it to relive that special time nearly ten years ago now.

A Squatters Pub, a Salt Lake city hot spot for good brews and food, sits across the street from the Peery Hotel. And it was there that I spent the bulk of the night, dispelling so many misconceptions I previously held about Utah and drinking; I didn't need a sponsor to order a beer and I didn't receive some low-alcohol content draft. I simply had a great meal paid for by Visit Salt Lake and enjoyed some of the nightlife I never knew existed anywhere in the state.

While the view from my room was nothing special, just an empty parking lot, and my room was quite small, I thoroughly enjoyed my night at the Peery Hotel; the staff was friendly - even willing to tell me about ghostly occurrences - the lobby beautifully decorated, and it was located so close to so much to see in Salt Lake City. Sure, I saw more of the inside of my eyelids than I did the hotel, but that is how it should be; the most important thing about a hotel for me is always the location. And the Peery Hotel had just that - accessibility to so many great locations and sites in downtown Salt Lake City.

The NH Dresden Altmarkt

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:01:41 +0100

I never left my hotel room the last time I was in Dresden, Germany. I had come down with a fever after spending my morning at Buchenwald Concentration Camp on my way out of Weimar. It was horrible, since I physically could not leave my room; spaghetti bolognaise was the only thing I understood on the room service menu. I vowed it would be different this time, staying at the NH Altmarkt, and that I would see more of the city than what was visible from my hotel room window.

Two days after checking in, I left Dresden pleased with seeing more of the city while balancing my time spent in the NH Altmarkt during my RIAS Berlin Kommission trip. The hotel, located across the street from the Kreuzkirche (left) on Kreuzstrasse, is right on the edge of everything - it is a quick walk to all of Dresden's best churches and museums. And as is always the case with hotels, the location is the most important consideration.

I had a positive first impression of my room at Dresden's NH Altmarkt. The rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable. My only complaint, which is standard throughout hotels in Germany and much of Europe, is that, once again, my bed was two singles pushed together. And the bedding, while comfortable, is always just a little too small in either direction; the covers always come off in the night whenever I rollover and my feet always stick out the end.

Unlike my small cell of a shower that I could barely turn around in at my hotel in Berlin, the bathrooms at the NH Altmarkt were near palatial. I loved having the extra room to move about, the modern decor, and the overhead speaker linked to the television so I could listen to the morning news while I got ready for a day of meetings. My one issues with the bathroom was that only a single bar of soap was left for guests, and that barely got me through a single shower.

With so many nearby dining options, I did not have the opportunity to eat lunch or dinner in the NH Altmarkt's restaurant. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, though; bacon, fruit, waffles, and so many other tasty options were offered each morning. I took as much advantage of it as possible, too, filling up in the morning so I could skip lunch and last straight on through to dinner with only a small snack.

I have no serious complaint about Dresden's NH Altmarkt; it is a fantastic property and I loved my time there. And without a doubt, if I ever have the opportunity to return to such a beautiful city, I will make it a point to stay again at the property. From the lobby to the rooms and the restaurant, it is a great and friendly choice for guests visiting from out of the country.

A Night at Wendover's Montego Bay

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:39:36 +0100

Wendover and West Wendover - straddling the border of Utah and Nevada, respectively - have never been on my radar as tourism hotspots. I passed through the area earlier in the year, but I just shrugged it off as a trucker stop and weekend getaway spot for Utahans interested in exercising a few of the several vices that may be unavailable to them at home. But, when I stopped to spend the night at the Montego Bay Casino Resort, I was saucer-eyed at what I found.

Montego Bay was a brief overnight stop for our group on a Utah Office of Tourism-sponsored trip to see a few of the many highlights on the northwestern side of the state. It was much closer to them than any locations east of there, since, quite frankly, there isn't a lot between Wendover and Salt Lake City except the Bonneville Salt Flats Recreation Area. And that was exactly where we were headed the next morning.

We arrived, checked into our delightfully tacky rooms - outfitted with retro-Vegas carpet and decorations - and headed down to the buffet for a quick bite. And that, the buffet dinner, was just slightly more pleasant than what you would expect from a hotel in West Wendover, Nevada. Yet, it did the job and satisfied in the process, thanks to a large selection that can be compared to many present hotel buffets in Las Vegas hotels and casinos.

Unexpectedly finding myself in Nevada, I was itchy to sit at the tables and play some cards. The limits were right, too, since they are so much more affordable than their southern competitor. And for that simple reason, as well as other tourist opportunities in the area - the historic Wendover Airfield and the salt flats, to name two we visited - makes the area an excellent starting off point for the approximately 60,000 people who travel through the airport each year; it is the second-busiest airport in all of Utah.

I woke a little too early the next morning - the sun had not yet reappeared on the horizon - but at least I did so with an extra $20 in my pocket. I had enjoyed a nice night at the tables having some fun, playing some cards, and enjoying a few complimentary drinks, all the while pleasantly surprised to have found myself in West Wendover for the start of my trip to Utah. Nonetheless, it was a good surprise and one that made me regret not having stopped there on my road trip through the area this past March, especially with so many great things to see and do in the area.

In terms of hotels the world over, the Montego Bay Casino Resort is nothing overly special. But, for what it is and where it is located, the hotel is a fine option and one that I would certainly use again when I'm in the area. And for all I know, that can come sooner than expected; I would have never thought at the beginning of the year that I would have found myself in West Wendover, Nevada twice in my life, let alone in a single year. But, it was a nice place to stay and close to many of the great things to do and see on the western side of Utah.

Berlin's Relexa Hotel Stuttgarter Hof

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:53:20 +0100

When it comes to a hotel, location is what matters most. And the Relexa Hotel Stuttgarter Hof of Berlin unquestionably has that, located right on what I like to call Berlin's Grand Circle - an easily traversed ring within the central part of the city which includes stops at Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, Potzdamer Platz, and so many more. But, for all that was good about the Relexa Hotel, there were also more than a few issues.

I walked into the hotel's lobby and instantly was pleased with what I saw. It looked like a nice place to spend a week in Berlin. Little did we know, though, that it was where we would spend a lot of time, since the lobby was the only place where a complimentary wireless signal could be accessed; it was not available in the rooms. This confused me, since the Relexa seemed to cater tot he business crowd, but I did not mind, either, since it also offered a social spot to meet others in my RIAS Berlin Kommission group.

The first impression of my room can be summed ujp in one word: small. I did not mind, since I was not planning on spending a lot of time there. I had business meetings scheduled, sightseeing to enjoy, and beers to drink at night. It was just as well, too, since my room was directly above the hotel's entrance, and thus all of the smoke from people standing outside having a cigarette. Normally this would not be a problem, but since the Relexa does not have air conditioning I had issues because I had to keep my windows open to keep the room cool.

As seems to be so common throughout Germany, the beds were small - two singles actually pushed together. They were comfortable enough, but from them I could count the bugs - some of which have never been scraped off the ceiling. The poor souls had snuck in through the open windows and were mercilessly squished on the ceiling for the trouble; if a few more were decide upon the same fate, the room's ceiling might begin to take the shape of a Jackson Pollack painting.

The Relexa Hotel is in an exceptional location when it comes to sightseeing. It is located only blocks from a large Berlin Wall exhibit, a few more to either Checkpoint Charlie or the bustling Potzdamer Platz, and then just a few more from there to many other locations. It is also a short walk to the Anhalter Banhof, a nearby subway station, which thus opens up a slew of other possibilities across all of Berlin. For this reason, as well as an included full-breakfast buffet, I loved the Relexa Hotel.

I also appreciated the dining options available in the area, as well as at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are both offered at a reasonable price, and much better than most any other hotel meal I've suffered through in the past. A full bar also stays open late - discount coupons to entice me to stay and drink were even left on my pillow upon arrival. But, sadly I never used them; with several restaurants located in the area - or only a short train ride away - I did my best to get out instead of always staying in.

In the end, I ran out of time to completely explore the hotel and the surrounding area; a week just wasn't enough. I wanted to use the gym and the sauna located in the Relexa's lower level, but it wasn't until my last night that I actually had the opportunity to even locate them. And it is really too bad, since it looked like a lovely complimentary facility for guests needing to spend more time unwinding during a busy business trip.

A Stay at Hawaii's Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:16:58 +0100

On my final day in Hawaii, I awoke refreshed and ready for the day. There were a couple of items left on my itinerary to see, but nothing where reservations were made or I was required to meet someone; there were only a couple suggestions to complete my trip. I took a great big stretch on my balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, my final hotel for the trip, and decided I'd rather end my stay on the Big Island right there.

I had arrived at the Waikoloa a few days before, badly in need of a shower and absolutely ravenous. I had spent the morning hiking at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, driving from there to the resort - which is about 30 minutes north of Kona - and making a handful of stops that didn't offer any dining options. So after making a quick stop in the shower, I headed down to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott's restaurant and bar area for a big bite and a few drinks.

I was tired from a long day of driving, so I had to rub my eyes; what I was seeing didn't seem possible. Could it really be? Could I have arrived at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the night where they offer two-for-one meals in the bar at the exact time I was heading down there? It didn't seem possible that such good fortune could continue to smile upon me.

But it was.

The bartender seemed not to believe my appetite, so he suggested I wait before ordering the second meal; he foolishly thought I'd want it to take back to my room. I did as he suggested, though, and devoured it upon its arrival just the same as the first; they were big meals, but I had gone so long without eating I was still hungry. After letting things settle, though, and with a few drinks in me, I began to relax and have a good time talking with the bartender and other guests at the bar.

It was another beautiful Hawaiian night and I honestly could not have asked for anything more. The same was true for the rest of my time at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, which is why, I suppose, that I didn't want to leave it on my final day. And as a matter of fact, despite all of the amazing things to see and do in the area, I could have easily spent my remaining time at the resort and not have been disappointed.

My room was nicely decorated, spacious, and - most importantly - overlooking the hotel's pool area, semi-private beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Despite having become accustomed to such luxuries by this point in my Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau-sponsored trip, I was still in a state of awe when I saw it. The view was absolutely stunning. I could not have asked for anything better, since better would have been the same thing:

I spent the next day out seeing the sites on the Kona-side of the Big Island, but the final day was going to be just for me - relaxing at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. I wanted to see the beach, swim in the Pacific Ocean one last time - holy crap it was cold at 8am! - and lounge on my balcony and admire the view.

Thanks to the extended check-out time I was offered, I was able to do all of this and more: games were on in the bar with nachos on the menu, a nap was calling my name, and I still hadn't touched the complimentary eats that were provided for me upon check-in. I was loving life and hesitant to ever leave. And without a doubt, I was not disappointed in my decision to stay in and skip the final stops on my itinerary - they can wait for my return journey.

Although, I may just stay in and relax at the hotel, since my return journey will likely include another stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.

A Night at the Rio in Las Vegas

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:35:06 +0100

On any trip I've taken to Las Vegas, I have always stayed on the Strip. Not once have I spent the night downtown or anywhere else off the Strip. But, as I passed through on my way back to Colorado from my road trip through California, I knew I had the prefect opportunity to finally stay somewhere else, particularly since I was only going to be there for a night. So, without hesitation, I booked a night at the Rio in Las Vegas.

It had been years since I stepped foot in Rio's hotel and casino. The once-amazing buffet had disappointed me too many times on consecutive stops, so I decided to skip the place altogether for restaurants I knew, without a doubt, were sure to impress. But, on this visit, I wanted to spend it solely exploring the various options the Rio offered.

I checked in asking for a room with a view, but was instead given one generally with parking lots; only a sliver of the mountains showed to the west. Disappointment instantly set in, since I was hoping to see the bright lights of the Strip and be able to take a great panoramic photo of all of the hotels. This feeling of disappointment stayed with me throughout my stay with the exception of my time spent at different hotel restaurants.

I didn't eat anywhere lavish, nor did I make a return trip to the buffet, instead I visited a sports bar and the food court. They both offered several excellent options that left me all-around impressed; I was once again sold on returning to the Rio for at least lunch or dinner. The rest of it was less than satisfactory.

I wandered through the casino several times, cutting my own pattern in the floor's carpet, that ended up attracting the attention of more than one bored sercurity guard. Looking at them over my shoulder, it dawned on my that they probably thought I was hunting for a hooker; so, hoping I'd be fresh meat, they followed me throughout the casino. I laughed at this later when I saw an older man exchanging phone numbers with a woman who was obviously a working girl - neither of them would get busted.

The tables weren't kind to me, and The Show in the Sky was horrendous, so I left to return to my room, since I wanted an early start the next day as I continued my drive back to Denver. Unfortunately, though, upon returning to my room I could not find a light switch. Night had fallen and the room was similarly dark, but no where near the door was there a light switch that I could find. Finally, after pawing my way through the bathroom, I found one to partially light my way so I could flip on lamp after lamp throughout the room.

This perpetuated my disappointment with the hotel as a whole. Nevermind my losing in the casino or sitting through a horrible show, I was simply annoyed with the general design of the room. It wasn't uncomfortable, just stale and poorly laid out. And with no view to speak of, despite my request, I felt it best to flip off the lights and close my eyes. At least then I could dream of a return to that would crown me the World Series of Poker champion.

In truth, though, I would stay somewhere else while playing in the event. The Rio just isn't worth its reputation or what I paid for it. I could have easily stayed somewhere else for less and had a much better experience.

A Night at the Kilauea Lodge

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:34:59 +0100

I spent a full afternoon hiking at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, traipsing through volcanic craters and into lava tubes. But, I hadn't eaten much since I left the Shipman House Bed and Breakfast in the morning; I was ravenous and just wanted a hot shower and a good meal. Thankfully the Kilauea Lodge was only a short drive away.

I rolled into the Kilauea Lodge's driveway shortly before dinner and checked in. I was greeted warmly and shown to my room in the Hale Maluna Building. It was part of a beautifully decorated and renovated bungalow - the lodge long ago being a YMCA camp. Now it is a premier guest house for those looking to explore the nearby national park.

I made my way back to the lodge's main building for dinner at their restaurant, sitting right next to their historic fireplace, before heading back to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the crater glowing at night. The service was excellent - very personable and friendly - and the food was fantastic; the menu changes nightly. I don't know if I was as impressed with my dinner, though, as Mr. Meatloaf the Cat was with my nice, warm rental car.

Apparently a tomcat claims the Kilauea Lodge as his turf and resides on the property until he passes on; he is then replaced by another vagabond who shows up unexpectedly. I felt guilty having to shoo him from my car, but Goddess Pele and her volcano would only wait so long. Thankfully, upon sensing me, Mr. Meatloaf got up on his own accord, stretched, and bounded off after a couple of back rubs.

The snug room was a welcome sight after a cold and blustery time, albeit quite enjoyable, back at the volcano. Seeing my room's fireplace - and the thought of spending the remainder of my evening reading my book by it - warmed me like my car did Mr. Meatloaf. And before I knew it, I was nodding off and in bed, waking to a complimentary full breakfast.

I left the Kilauea Lodge after breakfast, saddened like I was with many of my stops on my Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau-sponsored trip, that I did not have more time. It is such a fantastic property and I wish I would have been able to spend more time enjoying it and the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. They are both truly special locations.

A Night at the Historic Brown Palace

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:35:11 +0100

I'm normally not a hotel snob, happy to stay wherever there is a roof over my head and a comfortable bed beneath me. I love to splurg a little here and there, but that generally means that I stayed at a place where breakfast was included in the price. But the complimentary night I spent at the Brown Palace, an historic luxury hotel and spa in downtown Denver, changed much of that and set the bar quite a bit higher.

For the better part of the last seven years, I have driven past the Brown Palace during my daily commute. From conversations with friends and coworkers, I knew it was regarded as the place to stay for those visiting Denver or just looking to get away for a weekend in town. And knowing this, I wanted to stay there, more than anywhere else, for its fantastic history, its elegance, and for the simple desire of being able to say I did so.

I arrived early in the afternoon, doubtful my room would yet be available. But, much to my surprise, it was ready and they were happy to have me; I was greeted with a chorus of sirs and pleases and thank yous. I felt like I was instantly transported to a different income bracket and regarded in a totally different manner. And that didn't fade the whole time I was there, regardless of my shorts and Star Wars t-shirt attire. Instead, I was regarded as a very valuable and much appreciated guest by all of the Brown's employees, none of who knew I'd be writing about my experience.

During a special Twitter event I won a coupon for a free dinner for two at the Brown's Ship Tavern, one of several amazing restaurants at the property.. So, no sooner after dropping my bags off in my room, did I head back down to the lobby to meet a friend for lunch. And it was quite simply fantastic; the service was a little slow, likely because the waiter knew I was using the coupon that included gratuity, but the quality and flavors of the food more than made up for it.

My friend and I departed our separate ways with uncomfortably, albeit happily, full bellies. And so it was with pleasureful discomfort that I crawled on top of my bed and caught a quick nap before partaking in an historical tour of the Brown Palace; the tours are complimentary for all hotel guests. My eyes fluttered while I curled up in bed, waiting for my tour, listening to the gentle sounds of a harpist's strumming emanating from the lobby during the afternoon tea; in the early hours of the evening a pianist entertains guests.

The tour ended in the Eisenhower Presidential Suite, one of three presidential suites at the Brown Palace, with the question being asked to our tour guide about whether or not the hotel is haunted. She made reference earlier in the tour of strange occurrences happening on occasion throughout the Brown Palace, so the curiosity was gnawing at many of the tour guests by this point.

"Oh yes," Debra answered. "There are certainly things that happen throughout the hotel that can't be explained, but it's all over the hotel - the ghosts don't necessarily haunt specific rooms."

And then, as if on cue, the large framed picture hanging above the bed in the suite fell with a loud bang and a thud. Everyone in the Eisenhower's sitting room jumped and turned their heads toward the bedroom door. Some even ran in to see what happened; somehow - whether it be due to a nail coming out of the wall, a wire snapping, or the paranormal - the picture fell straight down behind the bed's headboard at an oddly opportune moment.

Prior to my arrival, I had read local author Dick Kreck's Murder at the Brown Palace: A True Story of Seduction and Betrayal, so I had anticipated something ghostly to occur. After all, such an horrific act generally leaves a mark. And I expected to notice something at the Brown Palace as I have at other places. Yet, I experienced no such thing, not even a reference to the murder during the tour, while I was at the hotel with the exception of the falling picture - which could be explained in any number of ways based on your level of belief.

I played the role of tour guide myself at the end of the tour, mentioning the murder on the way back down to the lobby with a small group of guests crowded around me to get the details. And where it ended, still without a reference to the murder, was in the small lounge area that was once the bar where the incident occurred. I reclined on the sofa at the base of the escalators later that evening, imagining the events Kreck recounts, with not even a glimmer of goosebumps running up my arms.

The alcohol I had consumed during dinner and the football game in the Ship Tavern was making me increasingly drowsy, so I finally adjourned to my room. I bypassed the complimentary turn down service by placing the Do Not Disturb sign on my door before crawling into bed, flicking on the television and tuning in the end of the game in the process.

The bed was just right, and albeit a little small, the room comfortable with a ceiling fan blowing above my bed. I could not sleep - it was early in the evening and noise from the lobby was still bouncing up the giant atrium to my room. I could sleep until check out the next day, so it did not bother me. Instead, I enjoyed the muffled sounds of people enjoying a Saturday night at one of the best properties in all of Colorado.

Comfortably rested, I awoke the next morning ready for the day. It began in fine fashion, too, with the option of a drop-down shower head in the bathroom. So rarely do I see the option - a normal shower head is also available - to have the water fall straight down on me, that I was almost giddy with anticipation to get up and into the shower. I suppose it is a good thing, too, since I had to take a second shower in the morning; instead of lotion, I accidentally grabbed the conditioner bottle after my morning shave.

Spending a Spooky Night at the Stanley Hotel

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:35:25 +0100

I tossed and turned all night, but it was no use - I was not going to get a good night's rest at the Stanley Hotel. As someone later put it to me, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve all full of anticipation. I wanted to have a ghostly experience in my room during my first night staying at the Stanley so badly that I couldn't actually fall asleep for it to happen.

Earlier in the day, after lounging for an hour on the stunning veranda, I had joined another historical ghost tour of the hotel. Our group had no interesting experiences of which to speak like my past ghost tour, but we were able to go into the infamous room 217. And without a doubt, that was a treat worth enjoying!
After the tour and dinner in the hotel's restaurant, I returned to the hallways to do a ghost hunt of my own. I was not the only one, either, as the halls were full of people talking to themselves or sharing their experiences with others. Some claimed they were grabbed or pushed, that their hair stood up when they walked by a particular room, or that they simply weren't experiencing anything at all and believed it to all be a farce.

I walked to the various corners of the hallways where I was aware things occurred, including the end of the hallway to room 217 where a small child held my hand on my previous tour. Various words came up on my phone's Ghost Radar application, but nothing of significance. This did not disappoint me, since I was able to get a nice ghostly orb photo (below) on the tour earlier in the day. Instead, I felt more energized over the experiences I have had in the past, now understanding how special they are and that it's not as common of an occurrence as I may have thought by watching various ghost shows on television.

I returned to my room after several hours spent touring the hallways, content and looking for a good night's rest. That never came, but at no fault to the room or hotel itself. While coworkers had warned me every noise would be heard at night throughout the hotel, comparing it to a barn, I found it to be quite comfortable. Sure, there were gaps on the unevenly cut door, but I heard no more noise in the hallway at the Stanley Hotel than I have at any other hotel previously.
I thought the room was quite spacious with a large bathroom and walk-in closet and, overall, tastefully decorated. The view from my window of the surrounding mountains and other outbuildings on the Stanley Hotel's property was also quite pleasing, presenting an excellent panorama to wake up to in the morning. My only disappointment came in not being able to sleep.

The ghostly experience for which I so strongly hoped never happened - maybe because the front desk didn't tell me 217 was available if I wanted to upgrade! Nonetheless, I was not disappointed in my stay at the Stanley Hotel. I had an amazing time throughout my stay thanks to the friendly staff, beautiful rooms, and fun times exploring the hallways with other ghost dorks like me.

A Night at the Shipman House

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:35:39 +0100

I'm normally not one who likes to stay at a bed and breakfast, since I feel like I'm imposing in someone's home. Although I look for certain things in hotels that bed and breakfast lodgings are known for, I like the impersonality of a hotel - I'm not bothered by making a mess, since I'm not actually in someone's home. But, I left the historic Shipman House Bed and Breakfast feeling good about my stay and wishing I had a couple of more nights to spend with them.

It was almost insisted upon that I stay at the Shipman House when my itinerary was put together for my Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau-sponsored trip. I resisted a little because of my dislike of bed and breakfasts after my 2003 trip to Ireland, but gave in and accepted a night's stay at the house. After all, it would only be one night. And if I still was uncomfortable with the bed and breakfast experience in the morning, I could just move on to the next hotel.

Surprisingly enough, though, I was not uncomfortable and I felt very welcomed at the Shipman House Bed and Breakfast. Well, that is after I got through the usual introductory tour of the family's house - which author Jack London stayed at on his 1907 trip to Hawaii - and presentation of ground rules by owner Barbara Ann. From there I felt like a welcomed guest staying in an old friend's home for the night.

I was shown to my room, Auntie Clara's Shell Room, aptly named for her shell collection, by Barabara upon my mid-afternoon arrival. She lead my to the top of the beautiful wooden staircase and into my room, which had a gorgeous view out over the surrounding trees and to the Pacific Ocean. It was there that I would quitely spend the night after a relaxing hosted-dinner in downtown Hilo at Cafe Pesto.

I sprawled on a daybed tucked into the corner of the room, near the window looking out on the beautiful view. It was dark by this time, though, and the view was replaced by the peaceful chirpping of a mob of frogs. Ear plugs were placed on the bed's nightstands, but I found their music to be relaxing and soon found myself nodding off on the daybed, only crawling into bed at the last possible moment.

I sat down to a large breakfast after a refreshing night's sleep. Normally I'll only eat something small for breakfast, if anything at all, so I was totally unprepared for the massive harvest of fruits, jams, and breads presented to me - all handmade or grown right there at the Shipman House. It was all so delicious-looking, thus making it impossible for me not to have a little breakfast before heading out.

After breakfast, just as I was feeling content and sleepy - like Barbara's grandchild in the arms of a couple visiting from Australia - happy to skip the rest of my day's itinerary in favor of snoozing on the lanai, a gecko darted up my chair, startling me out of it in the process. I jumped so high that my head almost poked through the ceiling and back into Auntie Clara's room. The geckos, though, like so many other things about the house, are all part of the atmosphere - and just eager helpers in cleaning up after guests who have finished their breakfast.

My intent for the day was to have been awake, breakfasted, and out the door no later than 9 a.m. My goal was delayed by a couple of hours and I would not have minded one bit had it been postponed by a few days. I loved everything about the Shipman House Bed and Breakfast - from the comfortable rooms to the friendly hospitality to the tasty eats - that I would have been more than happy to spend the rest of my time on the Big Island staying at the Shipman House. It truly has brought me back around to giving bed and breakfasts a second chance.