March 15, 2007

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March 1, 2007

Abigail's Hotel

Experience the charm and hospitality of this intimate and elegant full service bed and breakfast inn located in one of the finest travel destinations in the world, Victoria. Just three blocks from the Inner Harbour in a peaceful cul de sac, the Inn with its Heritage ambience and colorful English gardens evokes the true spirit and charm of this beautiful city. A haven for the romantic, Abigail’s Hotel combines the beauty of the old world with comforts of the new. The individual character of each room is emphasized through the use of luxurious furnishings, rich fabrics, linens, and warm colors.

Black Walnut Inn

In the heart of Oregon’s wine country, set against the Red Hills of Dundee, the Black Walnut Inn epitomizes this state’s eclectic culture. A Tuscan–styled villa with the Cascades as backdrop, the Inn is surrounded by acres of Pinot Noir vines and contrasting forest. Old world charm is juxtaposed with contemporary sophistication. The surrounding countryside offers rural splendor and wine country elegance with fine dining, antique shops and Oregon’s most noted wineries. Black Walnut Inn’s suites are complete with modern art and amenities, including beautiful antiques, works by local artisans, and spectacular views of the countryside.

Campbell House

Just two blocks from downtown Eugene rises the magnificent Campbell House, a Victorian estate built in 1892 and lovingly restored and expanded by Myra Plant. The Campbell House’s bucolic setting provides a retreat within this dynamic city. The gardens are an oasis with a gazebo for weddings or a romantic tryst. Distinguished not only by its setting but by the hospitality of its staff and the amenities they provide, the Inn offers beautifully furnished accommodations that are a retreat within a retreat. The public as well as the guest rooms overlook the grounds and provide nooks for curling up with a book or conversation.

Candlelight Inn

On the banks of Napa Creek, this 75-year-old Tudor mansion is refreshing with its white plaster accented by blackened oak timbers. Lush gardens and redwoods immediately distinguish this Napa Valley Inn from the wine country surrounding it. Innkeeper Wendy Tamiso has created a retreat within a retreat: Candlelight Inn embodies the essence of elegance in a verdant oasis graced by manicured gardens and a spacious swimming pool. Accommodations are superb, with all the amenities that discerning travelers have come to expect. The Innkeeper’s care for her guests is manifested by Candlelight’s elegant three-course breakfasts and impeccable concierge services.

Carter House

Mark and Christi Carter led the redevelopment of Eureka’s once-forgotten Old Town when they created their first Victorian Mansion. Today, the Carters provide outstanding hospitality in four gracious Victorians offering a wide variety of stylish, uncluttered rooms with luxurious amenities, original local art, and plush furnishings. Eureka’s Old Town has become a major destination. Surrounded by more than 1,600 historically significant Victorian structures, the Hotel provides the perfect gourmet getaway in the heart of the Redwood Coast. The Carter’s wine cellar is among the world’s finest, while their Restaurant 301 is one of Northern California’s best, providing garden-to-table cuisine.

Casa Laguna Inn

On a terraced hillside with tropical gardens and flower-splashed patios, the historic Casa Laguna exudes the ambiance reminiscent of a time when Laguna Beach was an artists' colony and a hideaway for film stars. The secluded patios enhance the sense that this classic mission-styled Inn may still hold Hollywood secrets. Today the patios, with their fountains and rare Catalina tiles provide retreats for travelers after a day exploring Laguna’s shops and beaches. Sunsets are spectacular and are best seen from the Casa’s classic bell towers.

Dunbar House, 1880

Surrounded by towering elms like those that line the streets of historic Murphys, the Dunbar House offers privacy, comfort and casual elegance. This restored Italianate home, built in 1880 by one of California’s early business magnates, provides one of the finest country inn experiences in California’s Gold Country. The innkeepers offer sumptuous afternoon appetizers with handcrafted local wine. Breakfasts, graced with edible flowers, are an experience themselves and can be enjoyed in the dining room by the fire, in the gardens, or in the privacy of guest rooms. The century-old gardens are beautiful, featuring heirloom roses and fountains.

Excelsior Inn

Just a block from the University of Oregon is Eugene’s Excelsior Inn. Overseen by owner Chef Maurizio Paparo, the Inn offers accommodations named after renowned classical composers. The rooms blend Old World charm with contemporary comforts and attentive service. The Inn is home to Eugene’s distinguished Ristorante Italiano, a local favorite for fine cuisine and regional dishes. After a wonderful dinner with fine wines and special desserts, guests are only a few steps away from the comfort of their rooms. In the morning, overnight guests are invited to a complimentary breakfast from Maurizio’s enticing menu.

Fairhaven Village Inn

The Fairhaven Village Inn is located in the heart of Fairhaven, an 1890’s historic district on Bellingham Bay. Guests are just footsteps to 24 dining establishments, waterfront trails, entertainment, an outdoor market and one-of-a-kind shops. The bay hosts a small working harbor with a summer stop for the Victoria BC ferry and the Alaska State Ferry. Hike, cycle, sail and whale watch out the Inn’s front door or on famous scenic Chuckanut Drive. Enjoy The Village Green across the street for its farmer’s market and outdoor movies. Innkeepers Gene and Connie insure their guests enjoy their village as they do – a wonderful small town with access to the natural resources of Puget Sound and Washington.

Groveland Hotel-Yosemite National Park

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Groveland Hotel, built in 1849, was known as “the best house on the hill” during the Gold Rush. Peggy and Grover Mosley painstakingly restored the adobe hotel and neighboring 1914 Queen Anne Victorian. Their dream was to recreate a true Old California hotel with today’s amenities. Accommodations feature featherbeds and luxurious linens. The Mosleys offer a bona fide saloon and Victorian Room Restaurant with garden courtyard dining. The town of Groveland boasts the charms of small town California amidst the spectacular Sierra Nevada and is the doorway to Yosemite National Park just 23 miles away.

Harbor House Inn

Standing vigil on a rocky cliff overlooking spectacular Greenwood Cove and its dramatic rock formations, this classic 1916 Arts and Crafts lodge has been beautifully restored. Guest rooms, most with stunning panoramic ocean views, feature classic and antique furnishings, and superb linens from the Inn’s Harbor House Collection. Pathways through gardens lead to secluded nooks above the Pacific Ocean and to a private beach below. Full breakfast and four-course dinner featuring distinctive California cuisine prepared with ingredients from surrounding farms and sea are included and served in the ocean-view dining room. The restaurant’s wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Honor Mansion

Located in the center of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander wine valleys, the Honor Mansion is a beautiful 1883 Victorian transformed into an intimate resort by Steve and Cathi Fowler. On four acres of landscaped grounds, the Inn offers tennis, bocce, croquet, PGA putting and an invigorating lap pool. A deck surrounding a koi pond provides serenity. This landmark’s pristine elegance is reflected by the Fowlers and their professional staff who provide personal attention to every detail. The Inn is surrounded by wineries, golf courses and is within walking distance of the town square’s outstanding restaurants.

Inn at Occidental

In the stunning valleys where Sonoma’s vineyards meet the Redwoods just an hour north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is Occidental, a quaint village famous originally for family-style Italian dining and, today, for the Inn at Occidental. The Inn’s Main House built in 1876 has been lovingly restored and furnished with antiques and an extensive folk art collection. Each accommodation is uniquely themed and the Innkeepers graciously attend to every detail. The Inn blends the tradition and spirit of the Sonoma countryside with the elegance of an outstanding wine country inn. Occidental is only 15 minutes from the Pacific Ocean.

Jacksonville Inn

This exceptional hotel and gourmet restaurant are at the very center of historic Jacksonville. Founded in 1861 during Oregon’s gold rush, the Inn is a short walk from the world-renowned Peter Britt Music Festival. This National Historic Landmark offers accommodations combining Victorian opulence with modern conveniences. Honeymoon cottages exhibit the character of the historic town and are especially luxurious. The restaurant features a full bar and outstanding wine cellar with over 2,000 wines. Wine Spectator has awarded the Inn’s wine selection the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence.

La Belle Epoque

For over a century this Queen Anne Victorian has reigned over Napa. Today, La Belle Epoque is a luxury retreat surrounded by lush gardens. Innkeepers Lynnette and Steve Sands have diligently assured that their Victorian Inn remains queen. Rooms are carefully appointed with antiques and amenities setting the standard for luxury in Napa. Guests are welcomed nightly to an elegant reception featuring Napa Valley’s premium wines from the Sands’ collection, hors d'oeuvres and fine imported cheeses. The Innkeepers design custom tours of the Valley’s wineries and according to their guests’ tastes, provide suggestions for fine dining, golf, and balloon rides.

Oceanwood Country Inn

On the waterfront in Canada's spectacularly beautiful Gulf Islands, Oceanwood is like a cozy and civilized English country house. Each room has its own character and features: an intimate bedroom or a suite with a sunken living room; perhaps a whirlpool tub with an ocean view; a private deck; an outdoor soaking tub. There is a comfortable living room, well-stocked library, plant-filled Garden Room, cozy Games Room, and a dining room known for serving outstanding Northwest cuisine. Island activities include ocean kayaking, cycling, tennis, country walks, beach-combing, and the infinite pleasure of peace and quiet.

Old Monterey Inn

The Old Monterey Inn in the heart of Monterey embodies the finest traditions of this timelessly gorgeous California destination. Rooms are luxurious and the attention to detail is impeccable. Set amidst an acre of spectacular gardens on a quiet, oak-studded hillside, this 1929 half-timbered English Tudor Inn exudes warmth and romance. Guests delight in the graceful and sophisticated surroundings, outstanding breakfasts, and exceptional hospitality. A wonderful experience is the romantic couples’ massage performed by firelight in the SpaRetreat Room. Innkeeper Patricia and her knowledgeable staff provide personalized itineraries, along with every amenity expected at the finest world-class hotels.

Pine Ridge Inn

In an area known for its natural beauty, Pine Ridge Inn is distinguished by its spectacular location above the scenic Deschutes River canyon. Cozy suites feature king posted or library beds, vaulted ceilings, and sitting areas. The Inn’s Spa Suites feature two-person spa tubs in the bathing area and living rooms with decks. Innkeepers Don & Judee Moilanen bring together the ambiance of a small country inn and the amenities found only in select luxury boutique hotels to assure their Pine Ridge Inn offers unequaled comfort. The Inn is in close proximity to nearby Mt. Bachelor recreation area for easily accessible exploration.

Portland's White House

Remarkably similar to the D.C. landmark, the magnificent 1911 Portland’s White House is reason enough to visit the city’s Northeast Historic Irvington District. The former summer home of lumber baron Robert Lytle has been exquisitely restored by innkeepers Lanning Blanks and Steve Holden. Sparkling European chandeliers, formal dining room, Grand Ballroom, grand staircase, leaded glass windows, gilt-gold ceilings, and trompe l’oeil are only the beginning: the White House features extensive collections of porcelains, 18th and 19th century oils, and a beautiful garden courtyard. A visit here is a visit to the elegance and high style of 100 years ago but with today’s relaxed conviviality.

Purcell Mountain Lodge

Featured in the BBC Book "Unforgettable Things To Do Before You Die", this lodge blends fine dining and exemplary accommodations with spectacular Rocky Mountain wilderness. Built by helicopter in 1989 and accessible only by air, this destination is the ultimate all-inclusive blend of soft adventure, wilderness, relaxation, comfort, and seclusion. Completely re-decorated in 2005, Canada’s finest remote mountain top lodge offers discerning guests an exclusive getaway, with miles of beautiful alpine meadows perfect for viewing nature. Guided walks or challenging ridge hikes, winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry powder ski touring are just out the door.

Sea Quest

Located above the beach on the central Oregon coastline, this rambling Inn sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. SeaQuest is a perfect combination of coastal retreat and elegance. Rooms are designed for privacy with their own entrances and sitting areas. Luxurious bathrooms with spa tubs offer expansive views from huge windows. Guests gather in the Great Room to enjoy the fire, read, or watch the sea. Sea Quest is surrounded by the brilliance of nature, forests, agate beaches, and tide pools. Nearby are Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Cape Perpetua Wilderness area, dunes, galleries, kite flying, and golf.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Nestled on a hillside, the exquisite Stanford Inn sits atop a meadow overlooking Mendocino Bay. Embodying the best of the rugged Mendocino Coast, the Inn is a haven. The rambling lobby, guest rooms, and suites are paneled in pine and redwood. Every detail is attended to, from wood-burning fireplaces set and ready to light to the sumptuous organic breakfasts. Inspired by the Stanford’s Certified Organic gardens, The Raven’s restaurant is outstanding and nationally acclaimed for its vegetarian cuisine. Guests are indulged at the Inn’s Massage in the Forest and private yoga sessions. Canoeing and kayaking on Big River, California’s new State Park.

Steamboat Inn

An absolutely exquisite inn along the crystalline North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest, the Steamboat Inn offers a wonderful variety of beautifully appointed streamside cabins, hideaway cottages, luxurious suites, and fully furnished homes. The evening dinner, an acclaimed tradition, features fresh local ingredients, artfully prepared, along with a selection of the finest Northwest wines. Steamboat Inn embodies the inland Oregon wilderness and the rivers that run through it. The Inn features fly fishing for steelhead, winemaker dinners, and perennial gardens. Many of the numerous hiking trails lead to waterfalls and swimming holes. Visiting nearby Crater Lake National Park, a natural wonder, is a must!

The B&B Inn at La Jolla

This elegant Inn began life in 1913 as a residence designed by master architect Irving Gill. The gardens were created by noted horticulturist Kate Sessions, who spared nothing in their design. Today, the Inn is a La Jolla landmark, epitomizing all that this beautiful seaside village is and was. The Inn’s rooms and suites are individually decorated possessing their own theme and personality. This internationally known destination is just steps away from the best beaches and snorkeling in California, as well as the finest shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums; and it is central to the main attractions of San Diego.

The Gaige House

Tucked into Sonoma Valley’s picturesque village of Glen Ellen, the restrained yet exquisite Gaige House provides a memorable lodging experience. The Innkeepers' attention to detail is impeccable; rooms are decorated with handsome furnishings, an abundance of orchids, and distinctive touches such as private in-room Japanese gardens. Breakfast is prepared with the creativity more often associated with the finest wine country restaurants. The Gaige House offers spa services, a murmuring creek, and a hammock in which to enjoy it all. Rated #1 Small Hotel in Wine Country Zagats 2006 Hotel & Resort Guide.

The Lodge at Suttle Lake

For ten thousand years people journeyed to Suttle Lake– some to live and others to visit and be inspired by its beauty and tranquility. With childhood memories of the lake and of a lodge long since gone, Gary and Ronda Sneva returned to this glacial valley inspired to build a beautiful new lodge reflecting Cascadian traditions, including Arcadian décor and hand-sculpted artwork. The Snevas provide a variety of accommodations from new suites and deluxe cabins to traditional, camp cabins. The Lodge combines rustic charm with modern amenities including meeting facilities for corporate retreats. A year-round destination, activities include nearby golf and skiing.

The Shelburne Inn

An award-winning classic, The Shelburne Inn has operated since 1896 and boasts antique-filled rooms with fine art work. A sanctuary for nature lovers, the Inn is located just a breath away from the longest beach in North America. Lighthouses, ocean vistas, and old-growth forests highlight the Long Beach Peninsula. Breakfast is as good as it gets. Fresh seafood and foraged delectables are magically incorporated into each dish. Nearby is the Innkeepers’ China Beach Retreat, an elegant beachfront refuge, with the new “Audubon Cottage.” The Shelburne is complemented by its Shoalwater Restaurant and Heron & Beaver Pub.

The Wine Country Inn

For over thirty years, three generations of the Smith family have been welcoming guests to their little slice of Heaven. Nestled amongst Napa Valley’s vineyards, the Inn is a tranquil oasis in the heart of California’s wine country. With antique-filled rooms, relaxing spa services, sun-drenched pool, and star-canopied hot tub, some guests never make it to the surrounding wineries. For those who do, the Smiths and their staff are eager to help arrange truly memorable days of sampling the finest in the area. In the afternoon, guests gather with the innkeepers to compare experiences over more great wine and tables laden with homemade appetizers.

Tu Tu' Tun Lodge

Built in tranquil woodlands, this gracious haven sits along the north bank of the majestic Rogue River (seven miles inland from Gold Beach). A massive river-rock fireplace dominates the contemporary cedar-planked main lodge, which houses a handsome timbered lounge, cozy bar, and dining room. Dinner is outstanding, enhanced by the excellent wine list. Many of the luxurious guest rooms offer king beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the fabled Rogue River. Owners Dirk and Laurie Van Zante advise guests on fishing, white water jet boat excursions, kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the solitude lounging by the river.

Turtleback Farm Inn

Honored as one of “1,000 Places To See Before You Die,” Turtleback Farm Inn is located on Orcas, the loveliest of the San Juan Islands. Set on 80 tranquil countryside acres with stately forests, shimmering ponds, grazing sheep and crowing roosters, the restored “folk national” Farmhouse and newer Orchard House offer comfortable accommodations and famous breakfasts. Turtleback is a haven for those anxious to experience a wide range of activities: whale watching, sea kayaking, salt and fresh water fishing, birding, and hiking. Innkeepers Bill and Susan Fletcher are as attentive to their guests as they are to their Inn and farm.

Vagabond's House

The “Tiffany Diamond” of Carmel, the Vagabond’s House is a block from galleries, boutiques, and outstanding restaurants. The handsome brick and semi-timbered Tudor inn is Carmel. Antique-laden rooms surround a magical stone courtyard with a great oak standing watch over trickling waterfalls and camellias. In the morning, guests receive breakfast in their rooms to enjoy in front of their fireplaces. Wine and cheese are provided during Innkeeper’s Afternoons in the courtyard when guests meet, share experiences, and take time to view Dennis LeVett’s collection of antique toys in the intimate lobby. Carmel’s white sand beach is within a few scenic blocks.

Villa Toscana

Overlooking the Martin & Weyrich vineyard, Villa Toscana is a Tuscan-style palazzo. Exquisitely detailed, the Inn features hand made imported tile, custom tables, high ceilings with rough-hewn beams and breathtaking views. David & Mary Weyrich’s love of beauty is obvious in their use of exquisite fabrics and hand-loomed linens, lending a romantic aura to this unique destination. Guest suites, each named after a Martin & Weyrich varietal, are located around a courtyard dominated by a California oak. The rooms are impressive – each a modern interpretation of Tuscan elegance, and provide a tranquil romantic setting for a honeymoon or simply to renew a relationship.

Washington Square Inn

In North Beach, the most romantic and fabled neighborhood of San Francisco is Maria and Daniel Levin’s Washington Square Inn. This small boutique hotel offers the intimacy of a bed and breakfast in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. The rooms are intimate and charming with the amenities expected at the finest hotels. The neighborhood is delightful. Once the infamous Barbary Coast, the area became known as Little Italy and eventually North Beach, home to the Beat Generation. Today some of the city’s finest restaurants and galleries are within a few minutes walk of the inn.

Willows Inn

Perched against a backdrop of evergreens, the Willows Inn features spectacular views of Georgia Strait and the San Juans. Innkeepers Riley Starks and Judy Olsen have enthusiastically breathed new life into the nearly century old Inn and revived the tradition of the farm–resort. Cozy rooms and peaceful, natural surroundings are just the beginning. The Inn expresses Riley and Judy’s philosophy of serving fresh, natural and seasonal foods to their guests. Their Nettles Farm provides produce, eggs, fruit, and salmon for their outstanding organic dining room. Days are filled with Island life – exploring beaches, whale watching, kayaking, winter storms, and sunsets.

Winchester Inn

On a quiet hillside with English tiered gardens graced with a picturesque gazebo, this vintage collection of Victorian dwellings are just up the street from the world- renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, shopping, and exciting art galleries. However, it is not its proximity to Ashland’s theatres that distinguishes this inn. Innkeepers Michael and Laurie Gibbs have created a destination in itself. The rooms are a wonderful assemblage of Victorian charm and contemporary amenities. Their critically acclaimed dining room boasts an elegant menu in a sophisticated atmosphere, with an intimate wine bar. Premiere among their special events is the Dickens’ Christmas Feast.

Youngberg Hill Vineyard and Inn

At the end of a steep, mile-long driveway that winds past rolling fields, vineyards and oak forests, the Youngberg Hill Inn sits atop a mountain with commanding views over the valleys below. Located on 50 acres and surrounded by 12 acres of award-winning Pinot Noir, the Inn provides guests the opportunity to explore the 18 year old vineyard and to begin tasting Oregon’s amazing wines. Accommodations are luxurious and guests discover well appointed common rooms including a library and an expansive veranda surrounding the house. The grounds feature a wrought iron gazebo and exceptional facilities for special events and weddings.