I need to decide between San Carlos Hotel and Holiday Inn Express Madison Square Garden in NYC.
San Carlos is next to everything and Holiday Inn is next to nothing. San Carlos is much more expensive though, by 0! Which should I choose?
P.S. It must be one of these two hotels.
I’m sorry nyccuttie2004. I have another option.
I am a Marriot Rewards Member meaning that I can stay at New York Marriot Marquis Times Square the first two nights for 9 (60 dollars less) and then the next 2 nights for 0 (119 dollars less) We save so much and has the best view. What about that?

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Guide To Dog Friendly Hotels For The Pampered Pooch

In France, small dogs have always been pampered and accepted virtually anywhere their owner goes. That can now be extended to cities worldwide and is especially true of Hotels at the top-end of the market.

There are two main reasons for this. Increasing numbers of clients wish to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the vacation. This is a huge market – around 62 million people in America own dogs and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when then go travelling. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty at putting their dog into kennels. This all reflects the way dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mere pet.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

A survey on behalf of a Hotel chain came up with some surprising findings. 76% of respondents claimed that they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to accommodate their dogs – even if they weren’t bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that they had, at one time or another smuggled their dog into a hotel that wouldn’t accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basics such as food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and custom-made ID tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can expect to indulge in. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic roasted chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog meals that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian – especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travelling! The hotel concierge will organize dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you’re planning to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a Pampered Pooch Package is the use of a ‘dog translator’ so that guests can communicate better with their canines!

DOGS LOVE TO GROOM!

If you go for a relaxing pedicure, you dog can lie next to you and have one too. In-hotel grooming parlors are increasingly popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch to some highlights, lowlights or French braiding? Teeth cleaning and massage is also on offer.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, California

3. Chicago, Illinois

4. Boston, Massachusetts

5. Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia Area of Washington DC

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Here’s a quick run-down on what your dog could get at a stay in a high-end hotel in The Big Apple:

* Personalized ID tag plated in 22 carat gold

* Spritz treatments for the dog’s coat in a choice of aromatherapy fragrances

* Luxury dog pillow in the shape of a bone

* Home-baked dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special dog mattress

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and deserts

The hotels can’t control the weather but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (rainproof, naturally!), a leather jacket or if it turns chilly – a cashmere sweater. It’s a dog’s life!

Related Northern California Family Vacation Articles

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World?s 10 Most Unusual Hotels

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if you’ve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.

An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotels in Sweden and Montreal, or even funky spots like California’s Madonna Inn and the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

These are our picks for the world’s most unusual hotels, in no particular order.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.

There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.

This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from 0-0 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.

There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.

Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are 0 for two people, and for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.

The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for 9-9. Or go all out and climb aboard the King Conductor Suite, a full train car that sleeps up to four, with a king bedroom and a separate living room.

Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.

You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, where you can take advantage of the requisite quaint antique shops and art galleries; Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails.

And, since it’s a barn, Fido and Fluffy are welcome to join you for an extra fee (but they’re asked to stay out of the Jacuzzi). 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?

These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.

Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. You’ll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are 0-0 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.

Calm, cool and peaceful, a stay here will make you feel as if you’ve been transported centuries back in time. And don’t worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about 0 for a double room to about 0 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore—so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.

The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about 0 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

OK, this one is for the truly adventurous … but if you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on. Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.

Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.

If you’re concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. Sure, a drainpipe room may be a little, well, rudimentary, but the beauty is that you determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you can’t wait until then, stick a little closer to home and visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.

This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. You’ll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but they’ll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about 5 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if you’re certified (or you can get certified during your stay). 305-451-2353, www.jul.com

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of 0 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history—such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former “drunk tank.”

But if you’re looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, you’ll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the “prison that nobody escaped from.”

Today, it welcomes (if that’s the right word) visitors to spend a night for about .

This is no blueblood luxury hotel: Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. Karosta Prison – English website.

By Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.

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The Finest Monterey Hotels.

Monterey is among the famous tourist destination in the United States. It also features some of the finest hotels.

Monterey is one of Northern California’s beautiful coastal districts with moderate climate perfect for vacation. The natural beauty and the rich history of the place is one of the reasons why millions of tourists around the world travel all year round to witness the beauty of nature.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Conference Center together with historical museums, beautiful gardens, shopping malls, virgin forests and a wide variety of recreational parks are the most visited places in the city.

It is an ideal place for business, leisure and family vacation. You can also find excellent accommodation with their hotels. These Monterey Peninsula Hotels offers visitors wide choices of rooms from affordable to the most luxurious accommodation depending on your budget. Bring along your friends or families to explore the magnificent view of nature and enjoy any activity of your choice.

The Monterey Bay Inn is located amidst the scenic views of Northern California. It is a perfect getaway since it is situated in a peaceful surrounding rich in marine life. The hotel is also nearby some of the attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A complimentary breakfast is served every morning right at the guestrooms. The hotel personnel also provide tour schedules which can be arranged according to specific travel plans.

The hotel is a four storey structure with 47 guestrooms. It comes with king sized beds, comfortable beddings and sets of bathrobes. The guestrooms are also equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, in room safe, mini bar, coffee maker, CD / DVD player, toiletries, daily housekeeping and other essentials. Hotel guests are also provided with binoculars so they could enjoy whale watching while in the comfort of their rooms.

While enjoying your stay in the hotel, you can have a lot of activities to choose from such as sailing, cycling, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and horse back riding.

Other hotel amenities include onsite spa, conference rooms, business center, fitness center, function rooms, complimentary newspaper, patio, massage rooms and safety deposit box at the lobby area.
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

This hotel and spa is a perfect choice for travelers who want to escape from the busy life of the city. The property is designed with a European perfectly located nearby sea water where cool breeze with alluring sandy beaches awaits the guests.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy different activities such as kayaking, golfing, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing and whale watching. Enjoy different attractions such as the Maritime Museum, Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Old Town Monterey.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa boasts its 2009 Mobil Four Star Award being given only to hotels that provides excellence in service and accommodation.

The hotel has 10 luxury suites and 290 deluxe rooms. The guestrooms are furnished with Biedermeier style furniture. It also includes the finest beddings for maximum comfort. Guestrooms are provided with amenities which include colored TV, entertainment system, hair dryer, coffee maker, and telephone with fax, mini bar, robes and refrigerator.

The hotel features a spacious spa located at the rooftop that provides guest the best revitalizing treatment. Spa services available are facial raps, massages and the exclusive Monterey Bay Salt Glo treatment. A whirlpool tub is also available and excellent for relaxation. It also features a fireplace and sun deck where dining can be served.

A fitness center equipped with modern equipments is also available for any fitness program. The in house fitness instructor is readily available to provide assistance for any exercise needs.

More Northern California Family Vacation Articles

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Santa Barbara Hotels for the Business Travelers

Santa Barbara has numerous sites, attractions and hotels. There are hotels that can provide the best accommodations and packages for business travelers.

Santa Barbara not only offers several cultural attractions, it also provides historical sites that tourists of all ages will enjoy. The downtown area has a mixture of outdoor courtyards and historic abodes with rich Mediterranean architecture, reminding us about the colorful past of Santa Barbara. In fact, no less than 50 galleries and museums joined with world-class symphony and opera performances, as well as dance and performing arts, to promote the region’s tourism industry.

Aside from this, Santa Barbara’s magnificent Santa Ynez Valley has more than sixty wineries in its 20,000 acre planted vineyards. In fact, Santa Ynez is recognized for its wine tasting and touring tradition.

Santa Barbara is noted for its topnotch golf courses, breathtaking coastlines, unique local boutiques and shops, as well as palm-lined paseos and open-air malls. Shops here offer gift items, clothing, antiques, furnishings, as well as handmade crafts, travel supplies, garden and home items.

Hotel Santa Barbara
This hotel features a hoist of amenities and facilities for business travelers. It features an effective working environment with wireless Internet access in their meeting rooms and lobbies. There are 2 versatile meeting rooms that can cater to groups of 2 to 30 guests. It comes with unrestricted, static IP addresses that can be connected to your company’s Extranet/Intranet.

There are also in-room work desks, voice mail and laundry services. You can even loan a laptop at no additional charge. Plus, they offer special corporate rates during mid-weeks.

Outside nearby are fine restaurants, department stores, cafes, shops and various cultural attractions. Its location within downtown State Street makes it the perfect place for tourists and business travels who also want to be in the heart of Santa Barbara.

Moreover, the hotel can assist you with catering and dining options, provide directions;, arrange transportation, and recommend group activities.

The Upham Hotel and Country House
This hotel situated at 1404 De la Vina St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 is considered as the oldest continually operational hotel in the region. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, it is constructed with redwood, having a Victoria setting and sweeping verandas. It has a total of 50 rooms with a building surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The hotel has been trusted since 1871. It caters bed & breakfast accommodation, along with a conference facility and full-service hotel. They have 3 Executive Board Rooms as well as an open-air Garden Room that can accommodate up to sixty persons each.

Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara
This hotel situated at 202 West Cabrillo Boulevard Santa Barbara, CA 93101 features executive meeting rooms that can cater to 50 persons. Their conference rooms provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also catered either inside the conference room or outdoors, in an adjacent patio with ocean views. Their resort rooms, on the other hand, are designed with colorful, classy and “beach chic” style.

Hotel Oceana’s rooms have the best imported type of Egyptian down comforters, cotton linens and pillows. They also provide iPod docking areas or CD players, along with Aveda bathing toiletries, sun-drenched outdoor sitting areas, whirlpool, 2 outdoor pools and poolside cabanas for private use. They also offer a full fitness center and outdoor gardens.

Find More Redwoods Resort Articles

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Stay at the Haunted Hotels of San Jose

San Jose is the third largest city of California located at the end of the southern Bay area. San Jose presents an old California and high-tech business environment. Some of the great family destinations around San Jose offer exciting haunted but elegant accommodations you would surely treasure.

San Jose is the region in Northern California known as Silicon Valley. It was founded as the first town of Nueva California as a Spanish colony. The city offers a wide variety of cultural, recreational, business and entertainment opportunities. Hence, many tourists decide to stay at the many hotels that guarantee a pleasurable, comfortable and relaxing experience.

Haunted hotels are the perfect place to experience thrill and comfort at the same time. It can also test one’s bravery. Many of the haunted hotels have a past history, sheltering unwanted spirits. Below are the three haunted hotels in San Jose.

Ramada Limited

Ramada Limited is a three story Motor Inn by the San Jose Convention Center. It is located at the center of the downtown area. This hotel is just 3.5 miles from the airport and 3 blocks away from the San Jose State University.

Hotel amenities include free wireless high speed Internet, continental breakfast and a parking area. The hotel also provides modern equipments at the fitness center as well as outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room. Guestrooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffeemakers, data ports and direct dial phones. Functions and special events can be held at their spacious meeting rooms.

You can enjoy all these amenities with a thrilling and unforgettable stay for one or two nights. Guests and workers had experienced people screaming because of a green glowing light and rattling locker doors. A dancing couple also happened to disappear on thin air at the ballroom.

Hyatt Hotel St. Claire

Hyatt Hotel is a deluxe Lakspur Hotel at the heart of downtown San Jose. It is just three miles away from Mineta International Airport and a walk-away from San Jose McEnergy Convention Center. The hotel offers elegant and enchanting accommodations that suit one’s comfort. This hotel presents a free-spirited atmosphere with superior services and cuisines. Guests who want to experience business or pleasure can be dazzled with the luxurious and stylish setting of Hyatt Hotel.

Some people who visited the hotel believe that it is haunted. Stories indicate that the hotel has a resident ghost named Julia. She is a prominent young woman who was married at the Palm Room in the 1930s. Her fiance abandoned her at the altar and she took her life at the basement.

Guests experienced hearing footsteps of a high heeled woman and background pictures that contain a wedding gown train with bride’s feet. There was also a strange incidence at the second and sixth floor.

Unwanted sightings are just one part of the hotel’s exciting offers. The hotel’s first rate amenities and services are the important features you can’t afford to miss. This includes complimentary Internet access, a mobile office, business center, lobby and restaurants. Guest rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions, Microsystem CDs with MP3s and audio cables.

Hyatt Hotel also offers a relaxing evening entertainment at the restaurants like I1 Fornaio and Panetteria. I1 Fornaio offers authentic Italian dining for 220 seats, while Panetteria has a wide array of baked goods.

The hotel also offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces. The modern authentic venues can accommodate 450 guests. Hyatt also recommends exclusive perks for discounts, gift cards and hot deal pricing on packages.
Winchester Mansion

Winchester mansion is a 162 acre residence of Sarah Winchester. The mansion is continuously constructed from 1884 until her death on 1922. It was estimated to cost about .5 million.

The story of the haunted mansion started when Sarah Winchester’s husband and son died. A medium told her to move west and build a house for the deceased spirits killed by Winchester rifles of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Sarah’s family was cursed and the only way to save her life from death is to build a house for the spirit to reside in. Sarah will live as long as she keeps on building the house.

It originally has seven storeys before it was reduced to four after the 1906 earthquake struck the building. It was made entirely with redwood and a floating foundation. There are 160 rooms with 40 bedrooms and 2 ballrooms. It also has 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 2 basements and 3 elevators.

Today, the house is owned by the Winchester Investments LLC and declared as a Historical Landmark in California.

Technorati Tags: Haunted, hotels, Jose, Stay

Stay at the Haunted Hotels of San Jose

San Jose is the region in Northern California known as Silicon Valley. It was founded as the first town of Nueva California as a Spanish colony. The city offers a wide variety of cultural, recreational, business and entertainment opportunities. Hence, many tourists decide to stay at the many hotels that guarantee a pleasurable, comfortable and relaxing experience.

Haunted hotels are the perfect place to experience thrill and comfort at the same time. It can also test one’s bravery. Many of the haunted hotels have a past history, sheltering unwanted spirits. Below are the three haunted hotels in San Jose.

Ramada Limited

Ramada Limited is a three story Motor Inn by the San Jose Convention Center. It is located at the center of the downtown area. This hotel is just 3.5 miles from the airport and 3 blocks away from the San Jose State University.

Hotel amenities include free wireless high speed Internet, continental breakfast and a parking area. The hotel also provides modern equipments at the fitness center as well as outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room. Guestrooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffeemakers, data ports and direct dial phones. Functions and special events can be held at their spacious meeting rooms.

You can enjoy all these amenities with a thrilling and unforgettable stay for one or two nights. Guests and workers had experienced people screaming because of a green glowing light and rattling locker doors. A dancing couple also happened to disappear on thin air at the ballroom.

Hyatt Hotel St. Claire

Hyatt Hotel is a deluxe Lakspur Hotel at the heart of downtown San Jose. It is just three miles away from Mineta International Airport and a walk-away from San Jose McEnergy Convention Center. The hotel offers elegant and enchanting accommodations that suit one’s comfort. This hotel presents a free-spirited atmosphere with superior services and cuisines. Guests who want to experience business or pleasure can be dazzled with the luxurious and stylish setting of Hyatt Hotel.

Some people who visited the hotel believe that it is haunted. Stories indicate that the hotel has a resident ghost named Julia. She is a prominent young woman who was married at the Palm Room in the 1930s. Her fiancé abandoned her at the altar and she took her life at the basement.

Guests experienced hearing footsteps of a high heeled woman and background pictures that contain a wedding gown train with bride’s feet. There was also a strange incidence at the second and sixth floor.

Unwanted sightings are just one part of the hotel’s exciting offers. The hotel’s first rate amenities and services are the important features you can’t afford to miss. This includes complimentary Internet access, a mobile office, business center, lobby and restaurants. Guest rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions, Microsystem CDs with MP3s and audio cables.

Hyatt Hotel also offers a relaxing evening entertainment at the restaurants like I1 Fornaio and Panetteria. I1 Fornaio offers authentic Italian dining for 220 seats, while Panetteria has a wide array of baked goods.

The hotel also offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces. The modern authentic venues can accommodate 450 guests. Hyatt also recommends exclusive perks for discounts, gift cards and hot deal pricing on packages.

Winchester Mansion

Winchester mansion is a 162 acre residence of Sarah Winchester. The mansion is continuously constructed from 1884 until her death on 1922. It was estimated to cost about .5 million.

The story of the haunted mansion started when Sarah Winchester’s husband and son died. A medium told her to move west and build a house for the deceased spirits killed by Winchester rifles of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Sarah’s family was cursed and the only way to save her life from death is to build a house for the spirit to reside in. Sarah will live as long as she keeps on building the house.

It originally has seven storeys before it was reduced to four after the 1906 earthquake struck the building. It was made entirely with redwood and a floating foundation. There are 160 rooms with 40 bedrooms and 2 ballrooms. It also has 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 2 basements and 3 elevators.

Today, the house is owned by the Winchester Investments LLC and declared as a Historical Landmark in California.

a great couple tie the knot! these guys will make it! this was the best wedding i have ever been too, thanks

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My family is a family of 4. Mom and dad and son and daughter. Both me and my brother are young teens. My family are new to California, only being here 2 years. Where are the best places to go this summer for vacation? We’re interested in just about anything fun… but specifically swimming and rides/rollercoasters. We only been to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Golf N’ Stuff. Can you give us a list of fun places to go swimming, go on rollercoasters, games + more that are included with hotels? Thank you. Please don’t say the beach although it is beautiful there. We’re looking for a more Ride Park place. Thanks in advance!

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We will be renting a car so transportation is not a problem. We plan on Sea World one day and of course all the Hollywood sites and the beach!
What town should we stay in? Any advice on hotels?
What type of weather can we expect around February 20 – 26th. Even it is chilly we don’t mind we are from Wisconsin so it is bound to be warmer in Ca then it is here!

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We will be vacationing in Northern California and Oregon. We plan to fly into Sacramento and drive to Crater Lake. I’d like to stay in one of those big ‘ol hotels – like The Overlook in the film The Shining. I’m hoping that there is something like this three hours or less north of Sacramento where we can spend our first and last night. So far a net search is pulling up nothing except corporate chains and small, low budget, privately owned accommodations. To elaborate: We plan to do a lot of hiking and camping. We have a lot of gear and I’m considering packing it into a crate and shipping it to the hotel so that it will arrive in advance. The corporate chain hotels usually can’t be bothered with this kind of thing. Privately owned hotels, particularly the more luxurious ones, will usually go a great deal further to please their clients. In addition, we’d like the ambiance of of one of the grand old hotels and considering that we will be spending quite a few nights in a tent we will be able to blow some cash on a pricey hotel and will appreciate the comfort at the end of our wilderness sojourn.

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