Search Results

The Ahwahnee Hotel (now Majestic) in Yosemite National Park has a long, rich history hosting many famous guests. The Ahwahnee Hotel (now Majestic) in Yosemite National Park has a long, rich history hosting many famous guests. CALIFORNIA LANDMARK HAS HOSTED ROYALTY, CELEBRITIES, TOURISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD -- AND SURVIVES A NAME CHANGE IN 21ST CENTURY The Yosemite scenery is world famous, a wonderland of wonderful sights.   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE HISTORIC AHWAHNEE  Hotel may have the best location of any guest house in the world. Dreamed of nearly a century ago, this graceful landmark finally opened with a gala overnight party in the shadow of the Great Depression. The opening was  1927 and officials at Yosemite National Park were proud of their hotel, which carried a then unheard of price tag of well over $1 million. The Majestic Hotel's lobby combines rustic comfort with elegance. THE HISTORIC HOTEL was the brain child of Stephen Mather, first director of the National Parks (often referred to as "the father of the national park system), the plans began more than 10 years before completion. Mather's efforts persuaded congress to implement the National Park Service, and he was instrumental in the plan to create an attractive lodge in his favorite part of Yosemite. Out the door of the hotel, magnificent waterfalls and splendid scenery await. MATHER CONVINCED  D.J. Desmond to convert an old army barracks into what has now become a multi-million dollar show piece of the national park system. Its name change has confused many people and, money is at the root of the trademark dispute, resulting in the change from Ahwahnee to Majestic. Ahwahnee means "deep grassy valley" in native language.  That seems fitting, for its facade is is the jewel of the Yosemite lodging, framed by the natural landscape that attracts millions of visitors each year.   MADE OF stone and wood, the hotel is beloved for its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.   A couple combines a sunny late morning rest with cell phone catch up. The Majestic has entertained movie stars, European royalty and a host of international tourists. Among celebrities to stay are Judy Garland, Mel Gibson, Charlton Heston, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Baez, Boris Karloff and Kim Novak. John F. Kennedy spent a night, as did Herbert Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt. Royal visitors include Queen Ratana of Nepal, King Baudouin of Belgium, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, Queen Elizabeth, who overnighted with Prince Philip in 1983. Set against spectacular peaks , this historic, landmark hotel is the leading lady on a valley floor with views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls.  The hotel preserves a woodsy feeling in its nature paths. The Ahwaynee (now Majestic) has a long string of awards and status THE NAME  AHWAHNEE is derived from native American languages, and means "deep grassy valley"  The hotel is just 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village, with shopping, a museum and restaurants. It has won "Premier Lodge" classification from National Park Reservations. The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (now its official name) is marked by a striking granite facade, magnificent log-beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork and finely appointed rooms. It stands, along with my Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Hotel, as a shining example of what we consider to be the most inventive of early national park lodging and architectural brilliance. See our stories about Historic Hotels and other must see destinations and adventures around the globe. Get the latest tips and tricks to see the most with the least effort. For more information, contact   www.whereiscookie.com UP NEXT: Elegant southern hospitality merges with holiday splendor at the Tate House in rural Georgia.  The historically famous home was built on land purchased in 1834. The structure was completed in the 1920s on an enormous vein of rare pink marble and came into its element in that decade, invoking the "Great Gatsby" era. Several incarnations later, present owners have restored it, with attention to detail. For Christmas more than a dozen rooms are decked out in holiday finery. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekends for lively arts-travel insights.

T he Hotel del Coronado is a landmark in southern California, known around the globe. It was built in 1888. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER ON APPROACH , the stately Hotel Del Coronado looks like a setting for "Masterpiece Theatre." It has that lofty look of an important location. Built in 1888 -- the largest wooden structure of its day. Tourists pause to take a few photos of "the Del" and enjoy the view. AThis San Diego property is know affectionately as "the Del" by legions of fans and return guests around the world. This Luxury Hotel has history, mystery and a VIP guest list to accentuate its elegance. A proud landmark of San Diego, this Historic Hotel is inextricably linked to that of Coronado, referred to as "the island," by natives, but actually connected to mainland California. When built, this bechfront hotel drew attention for its opulence and size.  Designed as a Victorian seaside resort, it was large, impressive, grand. Marilyn Monroe on the beach at the del in 1957, filming "Some Like It Hot." PLAYGROUND of the rich and famous, the Del has hosted crews and stars for the making of several movies.  The most famous is the 1958 comedy "Some Like It Hot," the Billy Wilder classic.  It starred Marilyn Monroe as the sultry but innocent member of an all-girl touring band. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon masquerade as women to escape the mob and -- suspend disbelief here -- the girls buy that they are female. The setting is supposed to be Florida, but this southern California landmark stood in. Luxury Hotel "the Del" opulence includes ornate chandeliers. Since its opening, "The Del" has been the  place to stay for  diplomats, actors, wealthy tourists, military brass.   Frank Sinatra joined its centennial celebration in 1988. Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway and Burt Lancaster bunked there. In recent years, Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Nicholson and Oprah Winfrey checked in. Guests range from JFK and Ronald Reagan to royalty, inventors and rock stars. Frank Baum loved the Hotel Del, here relaxing with his family on the grounds.  Liberace is said to have been discovered playing piano in the lounge. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizard of Oz," spent months at the hotel, writing and reading to children. He designed the chandeliers still in the Crown Room, basing them on the crown worn by his "Oz" lion.    JFK and daughter Caroline checking in. At left below, the traditional winter ice rink. This Luxury Hotels most infamous guest is Kate Morgan, who registered under an alias on Thanksgiving in 1892, staying a few days.  She killed herself on the steps near the ocean.  Was she ill?  Heartbroken over an ill-fated romance? Her third-floor room is often requested. People claim to see ghosts and apparitions there and in the gift shop and stairs. PRICES HAVE  gone up since the hotel opened, charging $2.50 for a room, meals included. The hotel cost only $1 million to build with various types of wood, using wooden pegs rather than nails. Today, a room can run upwards from $363 to a plush grand suite for over $1,000. The property was part of a land grant, originally gifted to a  Mexican family who sold it for thousands. The Blackstone Group  sold its 63 per cent stake in the hotel for $210 million a few years ago.  If you've a yen to get hitched at the Del, and invite 100 friends, figure to spend between $32,000 and $45,000 -- that's for ceremony and reception. On the National Historic Register since 1977, the this luxury hotel on the beach has become "the talk of the western world" as its founders envisioned.  Elisha Babcock Jr. and Hampton L. Story dreamed that the hotel would become famous. So it has. Whether you’re captivated by the luxury of oceanfront suites at the Hotel del Coronado, inspired by the art and design of its historic spaces, or intrigued by the rich history and nearby museum experiences, this iconic beach resort is a must-visit destination. Explore more historic and desert escapes, along with world-class luxury hotels, in our blogs about Luxury Hotels and discover unforgettable stays that combine elegance, culture, and coastal charm. Whereiscookie.com

This larger-than-life-size chariot with driver is among 1,800 stunning artworks at Hilton Waikoloa Village. The resort acquired a multi-million dollar collection of fascinating multi-media artwork. MAGIC OF PACIFIC OCEAN LIFE INSPIRES UNIQUE HOTEL ART COLLECTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A classic selection of art pieces includes a variety of oars and weapons. Here, Bruce Keller admires them. A LUXURY HOTEL WITH its own museum. That's an apt description of Hilton Waikoloa Village, where a unique art collection awaits. We found the 1,800 pieces of the art hotel's "Museum Walkway" so enticing that we spent an hour of each of our days there discovering and appreciating it. Like many of our readers, we're museum aficionados, true devotees, having toured many of the world's great art houses from Russia's Hermitage to New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madrid's Prado, London's National Gallery, the Louvre in Paris,  Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, and more. A horse greets visitors by the ice machine on this floor of the Makai Tower. Makai is a direction, meaning towards the sea. But even in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Singapore, we had never experienced such an immersive look at Asian, Western and Oceanic cultures. While the emphasis is on Asia and the Pacific, there's a nod to classical European art in bronzes, sculpture and elegant fountains. We've not seen a more artful and beautifully displayed collection anywhere in our travels. IT HELPS TO have a background of palm trees, waterfalls, orchids, perfectly manicured hedges, ponds and pretty buildings. All that and more form an enhancing backdrop for this splendid collection. I sland batik and silk artworks are elegantly hung throughout the resort complex. We discovered this eye-popping art bonanza during a brief visit a few years ago and vowed to return to give it more time.  The collection includes more than 1,800 unique pieces with emphasis on celebrating the cultural heritage of the Pacific Island life. In so doing, it encourages an appreciation of all the world's great art, helping tourists gain specific insight into life in the islands whose people and culture settled in Hawaii. Like great museums, the pieces are thoughtfully placed in separate areas.  Four divisions are skillfully woven together so that one gets a cohesive experience. "This Luxury Hotel is also a Art Hotel''   demands a good three or four hours to enjoy it all.  We divided our "tour" over several days. We spent an hour with the Oceanic Art, which features art and artifacts from the Oceanic Region: Polynesia and Melanesia. It was right out the door of our Luxury Hotel the Makai Tower, beginning near a modern train that navigates the resort from the main lobby. We also enjoy stays at Palace and Ocean Towers, all with art to admire. The Asian and Southeast Asian Art tour covers works from China, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia, plus a variety of Hawaiian galleries in this Luxury Hotel. Again, we spent nearly an hour beginning at the lobby and walking toward Palace Tower, another building in the center of the 62-acre resort.  Located as it is on the renowned Kohala Coast, this gorgeous playground -- Hilton Waikoloa Village -- is more an elegant theme park than a hotel.    Keller and Cookie near Palace Tower, with its own Italian inspired fountain. EAST MEETS West in another portion of the exhibition with art from Asia, Japan, Polynesia and Europe. Again, 45 minutes to an hour to fully appreciate the collection between Palace Tower and Ocean Tower. Finally, the "Side Trips" tour includes artwork found along the Ocean Walkway along such stopping places as Buddha Point. A grand staircase and entrances to the resorts restaurants are also tastefully accented with artwork -- bronzes, paintings, sculpture, wall hangings, musical instruments, oars, clothing.   EVERYTHING  in the Makai Tower, the tower with prime beachfront, is designed to incorporate the elements of island life.  Dark lava rock tile floors, cheery coral bathroom counters, with wall paper to mimic tapa -- the delicately designed Hawaiian paper bark cloth. Musical instruments and ceremonial drums are on view in the resort's slate walkways. A stroll from Ocean Tower to the lobby is a pleasant 10 minutes, and offers beautiful art. The train is an option and a boat winds leisurely through the canals past sculptures. The showpiece of this luxury hotel within the complex is Makai Tower. Here Polynesian heritage and Hawaiian life are artfully honored. We in turn were honored to be part of this magnificent art -- if only for a few treasured days. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/koaotgv-hilton-grand-vacations-club-ocean-tower-waikoloa-village/ www.hiltongrandvacations.com   "One lion to another."  Christene "Cookie" Meyers, a Leo on the astrological chart, stopped each day to admire a lion inspired by Indonesian folklore.                                                          UP NEXT: If you've not experienced the wonders of the "Big Island," as the island of Hawaii is known, you're in for a treat. We'll take you there to view two of the world's most active volcanoes. You'll soon see why tourists, scientists and students have been making it a research, holiday and vacation stop for decades. Both Kilauea and Mauna Loa are located on the island, largest in the Hawaiian chain, thus its moniker.  Both volcanoes are on the Big Island and well worth investigating.  Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at nature, family, travel, the arts and more: For more information on: Luxury Hotels Art Hotels Museum Hotels and unique destinations around the world click below www.whereiscookie.com On the volcano trail, Keller and Cookie pose for a selfie by the barren landscape and steam of Hawaii's active volcanoes. Visitors enjoy changing wonders each day. Since the Park service began keeping records in the 19th century, eruptions irregularly occur. frequently at Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

Join veteran travel writer Cookie and photographer Keller on Where is Cookie?—a travel blog celebrating cruising, the arts, food, and cultural stories from around the world. Trusted Travel Insights for Millions of Travelers Around the Globe Follow the Adventures of The Carpe Diem Kids Award-Winning Global Travel Blog by Cookie & Keller Inspiring Curated Adventures in Culture, Cruising, Theatre, and Nature Welcome to Where Is Cookie? , a globally followed travel and arts blog sharing inspiring journeys across 120+ countries. Follow award-winning writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers and photographer Bruce Keller as they cruise the world, explore hidden gems, attend cultural performances, and review top hotels and destinations. Whether you're a travel lover seeking expert advice or a tourism board looking for curated media exposure, you'll find travel tips, hotel reviews, theater guides, nature escapes, and more — all captured with authenticity, wit, and heart. VIEW FULL BLOG About Our Blog Where Is Cookie? is a travel and lifestyle publication with 2+ million views, blending decades of journalism, photography, and global exploration. We share timely, trend-focused content that enriches and educates, making travel more accessible, fun, and meaningful. We’ve been featured in SD Voyager, Big Sky Journal, and more. ADVENTURE TRAVEL STORIES CRUISE REVIEWS & TIPS TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FAVORITE HOTELS & STAYS MUST-SEE MUSEUMS THEATRE, MUSIC & ARTS SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYS ABOUT US HIRE US TO HELP WITH TRAVEL As featured in Heads Up! We’re currently updating our website, so some older content might be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience and support! - Cookie & Keller We're based in sunny San Diego and Montana but we spend months each year flitting about the world, chasing great food and migrating whales, with tips on cruises, theater, cultural events. WhereisCookie.com brings our travel curiosity to readers from our SoCal and Montana roots to everywhere else on the planet. Check often for travel tips and suggestions on how and where to get the best bang for your hard-earned buck.

Discover the train travel media kit: scenic rail journeys, historic trains and rail‑culture stories from around the world by Cookie & Keller. TRAINS MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures For inquiries please contact us here We love train travel and log countless scenic miles across the globe—whether riding Japan’s sleek bullet trains, unwinding aboard a vintage steam train in rural Yorkshire, admiring New Zealand’s landscapes, journeying through Alaska’s rugged terrain, crossing Australia by rail or taking a desert ride in Arizona. From a formal dinner aboard the famed Orient Express to sleeper cars in Patagonia, Melbourne, Tokyo, Dunedin, Seward, and the Oregon Coast, we specialize in rail‑journey storytelling and the time‑honored, educational magic of moving through the world by train. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Alaska Railroad features close-up views of nature's vast and magnificent scenery A journey on Alaska Railroad offers ringside seats to striking landscape and a pleasant experience in comfortable seats, with dining... Christene Meyers Sep 11, 2025 3 min read British trains offer organized, relaxing way to see the UK your way Bruce Keller poses by one of the UK's many efficient and comfortable trains. By using a BritRail pass, we were able to visit several cities during a brief trip, making the most of our time. TRY A TRAIN ON BRITRAIL FOR YOUR NEXT UK VISIT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF A VISIT to the United Kingdom is on your bucket list, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of historic places vying for attention. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers in Edinburgh's Waverle Christene Meyers Apr 30, 2025 5 min read Bernina Express takes adventurers to the sun; trains take travelers to the top of the world In late spring and into summer, temperatures in the Alps can dip to 15 °C (59 F), and there can still be snow on the mountain tops, as Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers discovered recently during a ride on the famed Bernina Express. HISTORIC RAIL TRIP OFFERS SPLENDID VIEWS ON BERNINA EXPRESS The viaduct outside Tirano offers spectacular Alps viewing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT'S BEEN OUR dream for 17 years to take a train trip through the Christene Meyers Aug 8, 2024 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5

Explore the theater & performing arts travel media kit: global performances, opera, ballet and arts‑focused venue features by Cookie & Keller. THEATER & MUSIC MEDIA KIT Our story and media kits about global adventures For inquiries please contact us here Explore our theater travel media kit and take a front‑row seat in the world of performance. From the Metropolitan Opera to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, from Sydney Wharf Theatre to jazz clubs and country bars, our tastes are broad and eclectic. Cookie — an accomplished musician — and Keller cover everything: a Vivaldi string quartet in Venice, Broadway hits at Radio City Music Hall, Lady Gaga on New Year’s Eve, and the Tippet Rise Art Center, a multi‑million‑dollar venue founded by the Grey Goose barons. From subway buskers to world‑famous performers, we offer musical insights and theatrical travel tips for fans of the lively arts and our treasured readers. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Exploring the Passion of Flamenco as it comes alive in Barcelona Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller Flamenco has us hooked. This showy, emotional art form is more than a dance or musical style. It is a cultural expression -- full of emotion. Nowhere is it more alive than in southern Spain, and in a favorite city, Barcelona. For here, flamenco has found a vibrant home. A flamenco dancer performs with passion and precision in a Barcelona venue. Singers, dancers and musicians blend in flamenco, rich in tradition and a cultura Keller Keller Jan 15 4 min read No place like London for mixing new and old: history, food, theater, architecture, excitement London's skyline is a striking commentary on architectural evolution. This street scene illustrates the blend of history and innovation. With dozens of medieval landmarks like the Tower of London, there are beautiful modern buildings such as The Shard, with 26 stories, dozens of restaurants, residential living and a five-star hotel. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" "THERE"S NO PLACE like London." That a line sung by a young sailor named Keller Keller Dec 4, 2025 3 min read 'Lilian's Last Dance' book tour passes 30 mark -- Europe to Asia to rural Montana...bars to backyards, bistros, barns & Buffalo Bill Center A troupe of actors makes its way across the U.S., as silent movies give way to the talkies. Side trips to Paris and London, with a stop in rural Montana, plus a love triangle, drug addiction, show biz flair, loyalty tested, gunslingers, jealousies and dreams. Critics praised the tone, detail, intricate relationships and colorful rendering of place, period and interesting people. Christene Meyers Nov 10, 2025 3 min read 1 2 3 4 5