Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers atop the Space Needle in Seattle, planning their time there and another few tickets in the...

The Bluewater Boathouse, near Hotel del Coronado stands stately on a recent rainy evening. The restaurant mimics the beautiful Hotel Del architecture, lovely by day or night. Hornblower Cruises offers a lovely dinner cruise, passing under the majestic Coronado Bridge with a view of The Del and the Boathouse. Consider Hornblower for its popular Sights and Sips. 'THE ISLAND' HAS CHARM, EXCITING DINING, GREAT THEATER, A CLASSIC CALIFORNIA HOTEL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS

For readers of WhereIsCookie.com who enjoy discovering unique boutique stays, Mas La Boella stands out as a destination where history, cuisine, and nature come together beautifully. Whether you are exploring ancient Roman landmarks, tasting regional wines, or simply enjoying the serenity of olive-covered hills, this Mediterranean estate offers a memorable and authentic travel experience. Check out other stories about luxury hotels of the world that we have visited

Elegance and style greet the eye at every turn, and antiques meet the latest in technology, at Barcelona's Claris Hotel. Here's the spectacular view from the elevator as one whisks to one's room above an artful interior courtyard. Below, right, Antoni Gaudi's famed Casa Battlo is within easy walking distance from the Claris. BARCELONA BEAUTY: CLARIS HOTEL GREETS THE GUEST WITH MUSEUM CLASS SURROUNDINGS, SUPERB SERVICE, LOCATION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLE

OREGON HAS a special place in my family's heart. And, like memories of family, Oregon's coastal towns have a timeless quality. Coos Bay evokes happy memories of a bygone time. It's retained that small-town charm that means the cafe waitress greets you and knows how you like your coffee. Yet it has big-city attractions and amenities -- a lovely resort hotel staffed by friendly folk, proud of the area and eager to share their knowledge. Fine shopping. Nature.

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a fascinating departure from gambling, and a treasure trove of crime lore. MANIA FOR THE MOB: GRIT,...

The Point Arena Lighthouse has history dating back to 1870 when the original lighthouse was erected. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTAL TOWN OFFERS HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE, FUN FOOD, ZEBRAS AND WELCOMING COTTAGES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Point Arena Lighthouse includes lodging and a nice gift shop with handmade aquatic-life magnets. The views are stunning. PEOPLE COME from cross-country and overseas to visit the historic Point Arena Lighthouse in California's p

Park Hotel Tokyo rooms with museum quality art work gives artists room to explore. Art floor celebrates Japanese culture -- book a hotel room to enjoy the view of your own art show

Mystic View Cabins Fishtail Montana

Paradise Point Resort is less than seven miles from downtown San Diego, and offers a tropical world of pleasure. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AT PARADISE Point Resort, time truly stops. The beauty of the sea, the peacefulness of the waves, the suspension of time, all create a beautiful, insulating serenity that calls one back again and again. So it was with a summer sailing from the Point with our friends, Dawn and Phyllis. We four began a calming day

RED LODGE'S OLDEST HOTEL IS CITY'S GRAND DAME DOWNTOWN Snow can come to Red Lodge in summer -- but usually doesn't stay down long. But the Pollard is a hotel for all seasons -- stately and beautiful rain or shine, summer, spring, winter or fall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT'S HARD FOR ME to drive through Red Lodge without at least stopping by The Pollard for a glass of wine in the Pub or a stroll through the artfully appointed lobby to take a few mome

Glacier National Park, often called the "Crown of the Continent," is a million-acre sanctuary in northern Montana where ancient glaciers have carved some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to unplug or a high-adrenaline mountain adventure, Glacier offers a rare, pristine ecosystem that feels truly wild.

NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND OFFERS ART DECO DELIGHTS IN A TOWN THAT GREW FROM RUBBLE Napier is proud of its art deco design and buildings dating back to the 1930s after a 1931 earthquake leveled Napier. Napier goes all out for holidays and festivals. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN YOU first set eyes on the mid-sized town of Napier, New Zealand, you get a large feeling that "vintage" is in style all year. You expect to see Gatsby stroll by, in a dapper suit, w

Las Vegas loves to go big, and the High Roller delivers. Rising above the Strip, this giant observation wheel lifts you into a slow, smooth spin with jaw-dropping views of the neon skyline and desert beyond. Day or night, it’s pure Vegas magic—perfect for photos, laughs with friends, and that “wow, we’re really here” travel moment you won’t forget.

RIGHT ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP, LEGENDARY HOTEL HOSTS PARADISE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A flightless pelican -- wounded by fishing line and unable to fly -- is among pampered guests at the Flamingo's wildlife habitat. These unusual Asian white-faced ducks whistle not quack. You'll see flamingos in the art at the legendary hotel -- and in the bird habitat. THE BEST KEPT secret on the Las Vegas strip is not the view from a fancy hote

LANGHAM HOTEL DOWN UNDER PERSONIFIES EXCELLENCE, UNDERSTATEMENT, LOCATION View at dusk from our Langham bedroom yields the splendid Yarra River, train station, cathedral and Federation Square. Stately St. Paul's Cathedral and lively Federation Square make a fascinating, well integrated pair in Melbourne. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER YOU MIGHT not remember that you asked your waiter for a cup of mint tea, to point you calmly toward dream land before you h

TONY BENNETT PLAYS VEGAS WITH LADY GAGA TO KEEP HIS TALENT TUNED UP Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga took the stage in Las Vegas to usher in...

La Casa Del Zorro (home of the fox) encourages a peaceful and magical stay from registration until reluctant departure. The fox logo, giving Zorro its name. LA CASA DEL ZORRO: CHECK YOURSELF IN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE HIDE-AWAY DEEP IN THE DESERT NEAR BORREGO SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Five-star accommodations are enhanced by a fine restaurant with terrific service. YOU KNOW you're at a class-act resort as you bask in understate

From iconic film landmarks to sweeping city views, Hollywood is more than just a name on a sign it’s the heartbeat of entertainment history. Whether you’re chasing cinematic nostalgia or soaking in California sunshine, Hollywood delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, glamour, and adventure.

Red Lodge, Montana, offers spectacular scenery and one of the world's most stunning drives.