Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

The Hotel del Coronado is a landmark in southern California, known around the globe. It was built in 1888. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS...

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

Modern Luxury resort in converted ancient olive factory

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

Yorkshire terrier Nick enjoys the sun on a late-summer hike with us near Coos Bay, Oregon, a splendid retreat. This quiet but active...

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. Point Arena Lighthouse includes...

Artist Aki Narita calls her room design "Geisha Goldfish" incorporating two favorite elements of the Japanese culture. Art floor celebrates Japanese culture -- book a hotel room to enjoy the view of your own art show The approach to Park Hotel Tokyo leads one through lovely gardens. A plaque in each art room gives details about the artist, here Aki Narita (see above). STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER ONE ROOM  feels like an underwater hideaway, with red gei

Cookie and Keller pause against the sparkling skyline, enroute back to their digs at the stylish Langham Hong Kong.                      ...

A walk through Gran Canaria  resulted in Cookie and Keller being invited to participate in a nativity. TAKE A HOLIDAY BREAK WITH A PLAY,...

The view from Mystic View Cabins near Fishtail is spectacular, with the beautiful Beartooths right out the door. QUIET, QUAINT CABINS...

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

AS 'THE ROOSEVELTS' FINISHES ITS PBS ENCORE,  WE PAY TRIBUTE TO TEDDY AND HIS COUSIN FDR Lake McDonald  in Glacier Park belongs to all of...

Bette Midler makes the "Tops" list with her  effervescent energy and expressive voice. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER...

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga deliver wondrous performance TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA ...

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...

Enormous spokes of the High Roller in Las Vegas make it the world's largest wheel. UNIQUE FERRIS WHEEL TAKES YOU ON A HIGH RIDE ABOVE THE...

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...