Beach Hotels in Connecticut

Every day at the beach comes to an end at some point. After the sun has dipped below the horizon, the air gets a little chillier, and everyone seems a little tired, it's time to settle in for the night. An interesting array of beach hotels in Connecticut extend hospitality to beachcombers and beach bums ready for a good night's sleep, whether they've spent the day along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, or one of smaller bodies of water. With a mix of familiar names and family-run establishments, these Connecticut hotels and more offer something for everyone.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison is one of the largest stretches of uninterrupted beach in the whole state. Several beach hotels in Connecticut offer park visitors a comfortable place to spend the night after a day at the beach and a strategic location for an early start for the next day.

Providing oceanfront lodging in Connecticut since the 1800s, the Madison Beach Hotel is located at the widest point of Long Island Sound, where the sea seems to stretch on forever. Most of the rooms feature balconies overlooking the beach, and all have contemporary furnishings and linens complementing the Victorian architecture. As at other Connecticut beach hotels, guests can take a short walk and spend time along the shore. Remember to make reservations for a clambake while they're spending time along the shore.

Another choice for beach hotels in Connecticut, the Guilford Suites Hotel is easy to access from Hammonasset Beach and Interstate 95. The room rate includes a complimentary breakfast each morning, and the rooms feature king beds, wireless Internet access, and kitchens. Guests will have plenty of room to stretch out, because of of the suites features a separate living room with a sleeper sofa. The lovely grounds are a fantastic place for a stroll, especially in the spring and fall when nature is the most colorful.

Ocean Beach Park in New London is another popular shoreline getaway, complete with sugar-sand beaches, a boardwalk, and plenty family-friendly activities. Nearby Connecticut beach hotels include the Millennium Inn, a boutique hotel with friendly service, a variety of guestrooms, and complementary Internet access. Vacationers also can make reservations with familiar names that provide oceanfront lodging in Connecticut. Also in New London, the Radisson hotel (pictured) specializes in comfortable rooms and friendly hospitality.

Other choices for oceanfront lodging in Connecticut are located in the surrounding communities of Mystic and Groton. These hotels are close to the beach and other local attractions like Mystic Seaport, the Mystic Aquarium, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Like many Connecticut beach hotels, a lot of hotel features a restaurant serving fresh seafood. Connecticut seafood cuisine is know for its variety, with specialties such as crab cakes, fried clams, and lobster.

Many shoreline vacations bring travelers to Fairfield. Visitors can spend the day along Long Island Sound at Penfield Beach and other city-managed beaches. Lake Mohegan also is a popular place for swimming. Several Connecticut beach hotels close to the shore are eager to welcome out-of-town guests.

The Inn at Fairfield Beach features rooms fitting different themes, such as the Safari Room and Greek Studio. Even though all of the rooms are different, each one features soft linens, beautiful artwork, plenty of places to relax, and evening room service. The rooms feature wireless Internet access, kitchenettes, and guests are treated to complimentary coffee and tea every morning. Guests of the inn also can stop in for a meal at the Seagrape Café, sign up spa services, and make a quick walk down to the shore.

Travelers also will find oceanfront lodging in Connecticut with the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic. Overlooking the marina district and the shore, the hotel feels like a classic New England retreat, right down to the wrap-around porch with the Adirondack chairs. Room rates include a buffet breakfast, vacation planning courtesy of the innkeepers, and a complimentary boat ride during the warmer months of the year.

No matter which hotel vacationers choose, they'll find a comfortable and memorable place to reflect on their day at the beach.

read more...

Hotels in Connecticut

If you are planning a trip to the New England region of the United States, then you might consider starting your journey in the Constitution State. Connecticut is a pleasant state to visit, offering just as much high culture as it does quaint charm. Surrounded by Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island, Connecticut is an easy drive from its neighbor states. Whether you are just passing through, or are planning to spend a good amount of time in Connecticut, there are plenty of places to explore along the way. With Connecticut hotels always on the horizon, you can rest assured that finding a place to stay is the least of your worries. Connecticut has hotels to fit any budget, making a Connecticut vacation a possibility for anyone who is curious to see what the state has to offer.

Connecticut is the 48th largest state in the Union, meaning that you can hit all the spots you want to without wasting a ton of precious time on the road or sitting in an airport. For the sake of choosing a starting point in the state, the central capital of Hartford seems to be a good candidate. Hartford has been experiencing significant improvements in recent years, and part of the construction boom here has seen the addition of a some new downtown Hartford hotels. Among your choices for Hartford hotels will be full service, multi-star accommodations and a good amount of choices for discount hotels in Connecticut. If you are in town to see the Greek revival Wadsworth Atheneum, or to take a tour of the gold-domed state capitol, the Hartford hotels will provide you with a place to rest after a full day on the town. Literary buffs and history buffs as well, won't want to miss a chance to visit the nearby neighboring Victorian homes once inhabited by Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Hartford is found in the Connecticut River Valley, and leisurely drives through the area reward photographers with the open-air barns that dot the historic tobacco fields. Among your choices for Connecticut hotels in the area are charming inns and bed and breakfasts.

There are many points of interest in the Connecticut River Valley, such as the Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House, both of which are found in East Haddam. The lodgings in this region vary as much as the terrain does, with full-service Connecticut hotels in the larger towns, and the discount hotels in Connecticut found at various highway exits. Outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for quaint towns for a weekend getaway might consider heading to the northwest part of the state to explore the rolling hillsides and state parks. Where the Housatonic River runs along Route 7, the Appalachian Trail is a joy for hikers in the warmer months, and in the western highlands, skiers will find some nice trails in the winter. The Housatonic River is a popular destination for trout fishing, and in the fall, scenic drives through the area reward visitors with views of the colorful fall foliage. The comfortable inns and bed and breakfasts here might be your first choice for Connecticut hotels, but again, if you are traveling on a tight budget, the chain hotels found along the major routes will be a good bet for discount hotels in Connecticut.

A good amount of Connecticut tourism is centered along the southern coastline, and for good reason. In the southwestern city of Stamford, you are just a short train ride from New York City and all that Manhattan and Times Square have to offer. From coastal cities such as Bridgeport and New London, you can take a ferry across the Long Island Sound to Long Island, should you want to spend a day or more there. Stamford has plenty of the chain budget Connecticut hotels, and there are more upscale hotels available, often at a much better price than you would find further down into New York City. If you head northeast on I-95 from Stamford, about 40 miles down the road, you'll hit New Haven, home to Yale University. Along the way, freshly revived after your night at one of the Stamford hotels, you might stop at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, or the Beardsley Zoo. Once in New Haven, your first stop might be at one of the New Haven CT hotels. As you might assume, being home to such a prestigious university, the New Haven CT hotels offer up some nice, upscale accommodations. But, there are also some great options for discount New Haven CT hotels where you won't have to sacrifice comfort for price. A joy for art lovers, architectural buffs and shoppers alike, New Haven has plenty of dining and entertainment choices. The Yale University Art Gallery houses works by such names as van Gogh and Picasso, and another museum of lofty repute is the Yale Center for British Art. As for the performing arts, the Shubert Center offers up some lively theater. East of New Haven, Hammonasset Beach State Park is where you can find miles of beaches, and the Thimble Islands are a fun to tour.

Following east along the Connecticut shoreline, the small towns provide inns and bed and breakfasts along the way that are ideal for a relaxing or romantic getaway. In and around New London, you will find plenty of discount hotels in Connecticut, and an overall greater hotel selection. In New London, you can enjoy many places of historical interest, and take in its refurbished waterfront. If you want to gamble a bit or take in an exciting event, north of New London, the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Foxwoods Resort and Casino have a comfortable room waiting for you, not to mention some high-energy gaming excitement. As you near the Rhode Island border, the town of Mystic begs a visit. The Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport are both a joy to explore, and when you get hungry, the variety of choices for Mystic dining have every taste satisfied. Mystic has a full range of Connecticut accommodations, from motels and inns, to resorts and bed and breakfasts. There are plenty of Connecticut hotels at all the places you'll want to visit, and with a full variety of choices, there's no excuse to not plan your Connecticut vacation. Maybe you are only passing through from New York City to Boston, but if you stop for a while to see all that Connecticut has to offer, you may just find yourself staying longer than you expected.

read more...

Vail Hotels, Colorado

By now, most people have heard that Vail Resorts has decided to purchase wind power from a Boulder company called Renewable Energy. This "green" energy " will cover power use at the company's five ski resorts as well as Vail lodging properties. It is speculated that this decision will make Vail an even more popular ski area than it already is. As such, Vail Colorado hotels will need to be booked well in advance.

A few factors need to be taken into consideration when booking Vail hotels. During the winter season, many Vail hotels have minimum stay requirements. If you are planning to visit during Spring Break or during the holiday seasons, it may be challenging to find a hotel in Vail if you do not book well in advance. Also, while it may be less expensive to stay in the town or in a neighboring town, parking in Vail is very expensive. Weigh the options between the rates for off-mountain lodging in Vail against the price of parking.

If you choose to stay on the mountain, the Lodge at Vail may be a good choice. This Vail hotel is located at the base of Vail Mountain, ten yards away from the village's main ski lift. Amenities include a concierge, valet laundry, currency exchange, business center, babysitting, ski storage and rental, heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room, parking, and meeting space. Summertime golf and hiking are also available. Most rooms have private balconies, mini-refrigerators hairdryers, and heated towel racks.

Many companies enjoy the perks of booking meetings and conferences at Vail Colorado hotels. Fortunately, there are a number of Vail hotels that are designed specifically for that purpose. For example, the Manor Vail Resort and Conference Center is located at the base of Golden Peak. In the summer, you can explore Ford Park and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. or enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available. Manor Vail is adjacent to the superb Vail ski schools and lifts. Free shuttle and equipment rentals are available for winter guest. You can also enjoy the outdoor heated pool, sauna, hot tubs, steam room, fitness center and Spa all year.

If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Vail, consider the Vail Cascade. The Vail Cascade Resort and Spa is Vail's premier AAA Four-Diamond ski-in, ski-out resort. This is one of the only Vail Colorado hotels that is listed in Conde Nast Traveler's 2003 Gold List as one of the top places to stay around the world. In the winter, you will find the chairlift right outside your door, thus eliminating one of the typical stresses of a ski vacation. Be sure to visit the 78,000 square foot Aria Spa. Year round, the Aria Spa offers 20 percent off of up to two spa treatments before 2:00PM.

Montaneros offers upscale condominium lodging in Vail at the base of Vail Mountain in Lionshead Village. Guests can walk to the Eagle Bahn Gondola and the Born Free Express Quad chairlift, as well as many unique shops and restaurants. Take advantage of the outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. After a day on the slopes, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby. This Vail lodging venue offers covered parking, ski storage with boot dryers, concierge, business services, free newspaper delivery, valet laundry, self-service laundry facilities, video rentals, and meeting rooms. Rooms include a full kitchen, spacious living room, dining room, gas log fireplace, cable TV/VCR, bathrobes, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, outdoor barbecue grill, in-room safe, daily housekeeping, coffeemaker, and a private balcony.

read more...

Hotels in Denver, Colorado

If you are planning to spend some time in the Mile High City on your trip to Colorado, you are probably interested in exploring the hotels in downtown Denver. Given the city's importance as a business and tourist destination, you will be pleased to discover that there is no shortage of hotels in downtown Denver. The vast variety of hotels in downtown Denver runs the entire gamut in terms of price range and style. Denver has its share of low budget and high-end chain hotels. However, it also has some historic hotels, as well as some interesting boutique hotels. Let's visit a few of them.

Denver Hotel Monaco

This elegant Hotel Monaco was once the 1917 Railway Exchange building and the 1937 Art Modern Title building. In its third incarnation, it became one of the hippest luxury hotels in Denver. The detailed, eye-catching décor at this Denver hotel is inspired equally by Art Deco and French design.

As you enter the main lobby, you will surely marvel at the multi-tiered 23-foot high ceiling that displays intricate geometric designs in multi-colored jewel tones. Look up and check out the ten-foot chandelier lights on the ceiling. Bookcases and comfortable furniture surround a warm and glowing fireplace. The main lobby is where you can get complimentary morning coffee.

While some guests marvel at the décor of this Denver hotel, others are charmed by a Jack Russell terrier named Lily Sopris who greets and entertains guests in the lobby. The management welcomes pets traveling with their owners. If you long for an animal companion, management provides guests with a goldfish on request. The hotel also has a 24-hour on-site fitness room that features Stairmasters, stationary bikes and treadmills. A full-service Renaissance Aveda Spa and Salon offers a variety of treatments.

The Hotel Monaco is a block away from the mile-long 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, LoDo (lower downtown) and Larimer Square, which is filled with art galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants. History buffs may be interested in a tour through Denver's US Mint or head towards the State Capitol, just across Broadway.

If you have arranged for a Colorado car rental, you can take a drive to explore the old Rocky Mountain foothill mining towns of Idaho Springs and Georgetown. Stop in Golden to visit Coors Brewery or visit Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain.

You can also take the cog railway to Pike's Peak, which climbs the mountain in a 3.5-hour trip. The location, décor and amenities make the Hotel Monaco one of the best hotels and resorts in Denver.

Hotel Teatro

The Hotel Teatro is another one of the best hotels and resorts in Denver. The building dates from 1911 and was originally the Denver Tramway offices. When it was renovated in 1997 much of the historic detail was preserved. This includes the beautiful marble in the entrance, which comes from various quarries around the US. Costumes, props and photographs from previous productions from the nearby Denver Centre for Performing Arts decorate the public areas and guest rooms.

The Brown Palace Hotel

You cannot talk about the best hotels and resorts in Denver without mentioning the Brown Palace Hotel. Opened in 1892, the Brown Palace has served presidents, celebrities, tourists and business travelers. When you enter the impressive atrium lobby, you will notice how the hotel's nine floors rise to a beautiful stained glass canopy. If you arrive in the middle of the day, you will hear a harpist playing during afternoon tea.

The Brown Hotel was designed by one of Denver's prominent architects, Frank E. Edbrooke, who constructed the unique triangular shape in order to allow the Colorado sunshine to illuminate each of its 241 guestrooms and suites.

The Inverness Hotel

The Inverness Hotel is actually the only hotel in Denver that can be considered a resort. It facilities include tennis courts, a health club, jogging or walking trails, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, saunas and massage service. There is a fully equipped business centre and conference centre, two restaurants, a pub and a golf grill.

The hotels in Denver can be tourist attractions in themselves. Even if you do not choose to stay at one of these unique hotels, be sure to stop by and look at the buildings and impressive lobbies.

read more...

Telluride Hotels, Colorado

Set among some of the most spectacular peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is many things at once: it's one of the state's top ski resorts, a historic mining village, a scenic setting for festivals, an unmatched shopping destination, and a haven for outdoor recreation. Not bad for a little town that had its start in the mining boom at the end of the nineteenth century.

Because this is a community that prides itself on being unique, vacationers won't find familiar names on the list of Telluride hotels. No bother, the options for Telluride lodging are wide-ranging and welcoming. Whether vacations are looking for a cheap getaway or a pampered escape, they will find the fitting place to relax.

Telluride hotels are located in two different areas, both in the historic town at the base of the mountain and a short gondola ride up Mountain Village. Both of the towns offer a collection of mountain lodging that runs the gamut from thrifty to exclusive.

In the National Historic Landmark historic district nestled in the valley, Telluride lodging providers welcome guests in all seasons. The Hotel Telluride (pictured) was designed with comfort in mind, as evidenced by the down comforters, high thread count sheets, spa amenities, private patio and plush seating with every room. Guests also have access to complimentary full breakfasts, shuttle rides, and wireless Internet.

One of the smaller Telluride hotels, the Hotel Columbia is big on luxury. The 21-room boutique hotel is situated along the beautiful San Miguel River at the base of the mountain. Guests will enjoy the well-appointed suites, attentive service, and easy access to all of the attractions of this historic town.

Telluride luxury hotels can be found at the base of the mountain as well as 9,500 feet up. Mountain Village is home to the Fairmount Heritage Place Franz Klammer Lodge, Lumiere Hotel, and Bear Creek Lodge, which specialize in luxury travel.

Another elegant choice for Telluride lodging, the Inn at Lost Creek features 32 individually decorated suites, as well as a fitness center, rooftop hot tubs, and one of Colorado's most relaxing spas. Whether guests are coming to golf in the summer or ski in the winter, the attentive staff will ensure guests have just what they need to enjoy their recreational pursuits, such as a shuttle service to the golf course and a ski valet.

Those traveling on tight budgets still have many options for cheap hotels in Telluride. The Blue Jay Lodge and the Victorian Inn offer a fine combination of comfort and hospitality at a reasonable rate. Alpine Lodging is another option for cheap hotels in Telluride (that is cheap only in price, not in amenities.) The experts in local hospitality oversee a variety of properties, including the Manitou, the Aspen Street Inn, and the Mountainside Inn. Add that to a network of condo rentals and complimentary upgrades when available, and an affordable vacation is well within reach.

Those looking for cheap hotels in Telluride should consider the timing of the trip. The two main tourism seasons in the winter and summer have the most expensive rates, but bargains can be found in the spring and fall. Many of the hotels, even the expensive ones, drop their rates in the off-season and offer value-added packages.

read more...

Grand Junction Hotels, Colorado

In Western Colorado, Grand Junction offers a rich variety of things to do. Whether you're coming to visit wine country, dig for dinosaurs, encounter ancient cultures, shop, enjoy nature's bounty, soak in the views of the canyons, or a little bit of everything, you will find an array of Grand Junction accommodations to suit your needs and budgets.

Grand Junction hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfast inns, campgrounds, lodges, cabins, and condo rentals offer something for everyone. Those who want to stay downtown will find several lodging providers close to the shops, restaurants, outdoor sculptures, and attractions in the historic center of town. The Hawthorne Suites Hotel (pictured), adjacent to the Two Rivers Convention Center, offers its guests comfortable rooms with modern amenities, deluxe buffet breakfasts, shuttle service, and an evening social hour.

Some of the rooms at the downtown Hampton Inn offer plush king beds, and all of the 80 rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day spent exploring. Both of these Grand Junction hotels are located within 10 miles of many attractions, such as white-water rafting on the Colorado River, wine country, favorite places for rock climbing, and the Colorado National Monument.

The Residence Inn is a perfect choice for those looking for extended-stay Grand Junction hotels. The smoke-free rooms are designed for longer stays, with full kitchens, separate places for working and sleeping, and free Internet access. The staff is available 24 hours a day to make sure that guests have what they need to feel at home.

The collection of Grand Junction motels provides comfortable places to stay that won't break the bank. Many are located close to Interstate 70, perfect for those making road trips between Denver and Salt Lake City. The options for cheap lodging in Grand Junction won't require that visitors give anything up. They'll find a nice room, knowledgeable employees, pools, and many times, free breakfasts.

One of the Grand Junction motels along I-70, Country Inns of America features 140 guestrooms with king- and queen-sized beds. And with the outdoor swimming and wading pools, a free continental breakfast, and the Hideaway Lounge, guests will find plenty of amenities here.

Grand Junction motels also include familiar names, such as the Quality Inn, Motel 6, and La Quinta. Many of these places are smart choices for cheap lodging in Grand Junction, because these chains are known for value and reward programs, which can lead to free stays.

For another one of the value-friendly Grand Junction motels, small does not mean guests have to sacrifice comfort. The Prospector Inn has clean, comfortable king- and queen-sized rooms, a free shuttle to the airport or train station, and a staff that takes pride in offering great service and great rates.

Travelers also can consider the timing of their trips when looking for cheap lodging in Grand Junction. As with many agricultural areas, spring and fall can be a lovely time to visit, and also one of the cheaper times. The ski resorts in other parts of the state fill up quickly in winter, precisely the time with many Grand Junction properties are offering the best rates.

read more...

Steamboat Springs Hotels, Colorado

Whether you are visiting Steamboat in the winter for a Colorado Ski vacation or in the summer to enjoy Colorado hiking and biking, it behooves you to book your Steamboat Springs lodging well in advance of your vacation dates. Although there are a variety of options for lodging in Steamboat Springs, the town is a year round vacation destination. As such, if you wait to the last minute, you may find it difficult to find a Steamboat Springs lodging venue to suit your needs.

When considering the choices for lodging in Steamboat Springs, you will need to decide whether you want to stay on the mountain or in the town. If you choose the town, and wish to stay at a somewhat atypical motel, take a look at the Rabbit Ears Motel, which is located in Main Town directly across from the Hot Springs Pool and next door to Yampa River Park. The motel is within walking distance to all the downtown shops and restaurants, and the Steamboat springs free bus service is free and stops at the motel driveway every 20 minutes. The Rabbit Ears Motel is about two miles from the Steamboat Springs Ski area. Amenities include: refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, data port phones and remote control TV on extended service cable. Deluxe continental breakfast is included.

If you are looking for ski in/ski out Steamboat Springs lodging, consider the Dulany Hotel. This Steamboat Springs hotel is known for its tiled accents, soft-toned wood cabinetry, private balconies and distinctive furnishings. The front office and check-in is located across the street at the Lodge at Steamboat.

Those of you wishing to stay at a historic Steamboat Springs hotel should consider the Hotel Bristol. Built in 1948, the Bristol is the oldest Steamboat Springs hotel. Each of the 22 rooms feature Pendleton wool blankets, cable TV, telephone, air conditioning, old-fashioned radiators, rustic log furniture and private bath. The indoor Jacuzzi tub overlooks Main Street.The Bristol is located in the heart of downtown Steamboat, where you can enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants. The hotel is also within walking distance to the Howelson Hill Sports complex, which is home to Steamboat's Olympic training ground and Nordic center, an indoor ice arena, baseball fields, tennis courts, stables, and rodeo arena. The free city shuttle runs to the Steamboat Ski Area every 10 minutes during the winter months.

If you seek a luxury Steamboat Springs hotel, then you might want to book a room at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel and Condominiums. Located at the base of the mountain, the Grand features a full-service spa, fitness center and year-round heated swimming pool. The hotel is also a full service conference center, with a variety of meeting rooms. Next time you plan a meeting; why not take advantage of the opportunity to get in some great skiing? Plan your event at the Steamboat Springs Grand Resort and Condominiums!

read more...