I was in Las Vegas last week, and if you haven’t been recently, well. . . you haven’t been at all.  The landscaped has changed so much over the last several years.  With the demise of many Las Vegas institutions, and the building of new ones, the skyline along the strip doesn’t bear many of the original founding names.
Today’s Matchbook Monday is a little trip down Las Vegas memory lane, back to the glory years of the desert, and the once infamous Desert Inn.  The Desert Inn was once the home to reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, who rented a …read more

Hotels and resorts are trying to drum up a little business anyway that they can.  From special promotions to free nights, from fruit baskets in the room to dinner credits, from room upgrades to concierge activities.  They want you to have a good time, of course, but they also want you to spend a little money.
I’m generally a fan of these approaches, being of the mind that travel can offer something for everyone.  I’m just a little concerned with what time of day some of these offers are made.
On a recent trip, I found myself awake rather early.  Since …read more

If you’re looking for a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, the newly re-opened Riviera Resort & Spa offers several options that are worthy of your consideration.
The Palm Springs resort covers 24 acres, and was once the playground for the famous and infamous.  Elvis Pressley and the Rat Pack spent time here, and back in the 60’s this was the largest and most famous of the Palm Springs resorts.
Newly reopened, the resort has a vibe reminiscent of its former glamour days.  Sleek line, bold graphics, abstract details and vivid colors combine with retro furnishings and mirrored walls to make this …read more

The Phoenician Resort is located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, ad is considered one of the luxury resorts in the area. 
Decor is American Southwest, and that theme continues into dining as well, where Southwestern dishes co-exist with French classics.
Guests head to the Phoenician for golf, tennis, and relaxation at one of the nine pools, or at the spa – The Centre for Well-Being.   A visit to the resort is a respite for the entire family, with the “Funician,” a kid’s club full of age-appropriate activities for the younger set.
This classic in the desert is …read more

I love interesting or unusual places to stay. 
Don’t get me wrong, I need a certain level of creature comforts, but once those are met, I’m fairly adventurous.
Treebones Resort has caught my eye for some time now, and it’s moving up my to-visit list.  There are spectacular views, and it just seems like something a little bit different to try out.
Located on Highway 1 in Big Sur, Treebones features 16 yurts that overlook the Pacific Ocean, providing relaxing and majestic views of the Pacific Coast (see photo above).  Treebones also offers campsites for personal camping, a heated ocean view …read more

I’m please to have another guest posts today, this one from fellow b5media blogger, Claudine.  You may know her from her great travel blogging at The Atlanta Traveler.  This post is about a recent visit that she made of Los Cabos, Mexico.
 
Everyone needs a happy place, a place where they can close their eyes and see nothing but beauty, peace, and a little perfection. My happy place is Casa Dorada in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Casa Dorada is a new luxury resort in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. I flew into Los Cabos from Atlanta this February during a …read more

Here’s a Guest Post from Jon Rochetti who writes The DC Traveler and recently visited Costa Rica.
Nestled in the rainforest of Costa Rica, a few hours from the capital, San Jose, The Lost Iguana Resort offers spectacular views of Arenal Volcano in a lush and tropical setting.
The beautiful 100-acre property, in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, overlooks the world’s most active volcano, Arenal Volcano. And every room offers a great view of the mountain. At night, you can watch the fire-red glowing lava tumble down the side of the mountain. During my two-night stay, I witnessed lava flows …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday features The Riverhouse, a hotel, conference center, and restaurant in Bend, Oregon.
I stayed at The Riverhouse a number of years ago while I was attending and speaking at a conference.  The hotel is located on the Deschutes River, and while it has a rustic feel, the accommodations are anything but rustic.  These are nicely appointed rooms in a rustic setting.
The resort also features meeting rooms, Crossing Restaurant (a steakhouse), the River Rock Grill & Spirit (bar offering live music), and an 18 hole golf course. 
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Welcome to the February 7th, 2008 edition of the Carnival of Travelers!
A very big thank you to all of the wonderful bloggers who submitted posts for inclusion.  This month’s theme was “Lodging” and I think these bloggers covered nearly every angle of the theme.  Read on for the many options that you have when it’s time to lay your head down.
Hotels:

Let’s start with a little humor from Madeleine Begun Kane, and A Traveler’s Net Woes posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.  It’s a good laugh about hotel internet connections and business travel with your spouse.
Susan presents The Innovative Traveler: …read more