Top Splurges-Hotels

For my money (or should I say expense account money), the Four Seasons hotel group has always been my personal favorite. Specifically, I love the properties in Vancouver and Boston. Try the hotel bar in either city and you won't be disappointed. The rooms are well appointed and service is excellent.

The old Canadian Pacific group is now Fairmont Hotels. I really enjoy the Canadian properties. Prior to the merger, I had only stayed at one U.S. Fairmont hotel (Chicago). The Queen Elizabeth, Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, Chateau Montebello, Royal York, Hotel Vancouver, Manoir Richelieu and Empress are all fantastic and in spectacular locations. I still miss flying Canadian Pacific and their famous Cafe Royale after dinner. At least the hotels still remain.

Longer Stays in Montreal

Montreal is THE place to go when the humid East Coast summer gets unbearable. I have not been able to make the time to take an entire month recently but I recommend it with great enthusiasm. Get a copy of McGill's Student Survival Guide which is loaded with lots of places to eat, stay, read, and enjoy the city.

Full Week in Montreal

If you plan to spend an entire week in any major Canadian city, you will find some great suites at excellent prices. I rarely spend a full week alone but when my family accompanies me to Montreal I always rent an apartment.

For people who are new to this concept, try a week at L'Appartement Hotel on rue Sherbrooke. It's close to the BYOB sidewalk restaurants on rue Prince Arthur, McGill Ghetto, The Main/Le Main (St. Lawrence) and major shopping and tourist attractions. Once you are in town, go to the corner of rue Guy and deMaisonneuve and proceed East. There are 7 or 8 apartment hotels with a variety of options. Ask to see a room and compare prices, cleanliness, etc. These places experience frequent management changes so check first. Friends of mine have tried these accommodations and were very happy. You typically get a kitchenette with a minimalist setup (good for quick breakfast or snack).

Staying Solo in NYC

When travelling alone, after trying many options I have decided to stay with Apple Core Hotels in New York City. They have 5 hotels. I have tried 2 and I was very satisfied for the price. You won't get a lot of space but you will get a private bathroom and shower. The hotels are part of Choice Hotels and your nights qualify for guest privileges (including late checkout).

I like the excellent locations and clean rooms.

As an option for budget travellers with a need for more space, there are three hotels just past the Lincoln Tunnel in North Bergen, NJ in the TripRewards group (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8) all located on the Bus 125 route ($2.10 each way). You get a basic breakfast and way more space.

Wifi access is available in some of these hotels and also in nearby cafes.

Saratoga Springs Quick Tour

For those who choose to drive to Montreal, I recommend a stop in the Saratoga Springs area. Interstate 87 exits 12 to 17 will reach the entire area from Ballston Spa in the south to South Glens Falls north of town. Exit 14 will take you past the historic Saratoga Race Track on Union Avenue. At the end of the wide thoroughfare, you'll reach a stop sign (Circular Street). Make a right, take the next left, then your next right and finally another right on Phila Street. Ben and Jerry's is on the corner. A half block up Phila on the left is Hattie's Chicken Shack . The original owners have passed away but the tradition continues. Full fried chicken dinners with a Louisiana flair.

Park your car and walk around town. Broadway is two blocks away. Nearby Congress Park has the original Canfield Casino. There's a spring across from Ben and Jerry's if you want to try the water.

Over two blocks from Phila, you'll run into Caroline Street. The Tin and Lint is where Don McLean wrote American Pie. Next door is Desperate Annie's and Gaffney's is on the corner. Saratoga Springs has a lot of watering holes. Years back, Time magazine ran an article which said Saratoga has the most bars per capita of any city in America. Skidmore College and a brisk summer tourist business provide the market.

If you want to stay a while, check in to the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga State Park. SPAC, the performing arts center is next door. My brother Paul is the Executive Chef. Several springs and a championship golf course are a short walk away from the hotel.

New York Sandwich Options

Grab a sandwich at one of New York's top spots:

Jewish Delis: Artie's , Katz's , Fine and Shapiro's , Barney Greengrass .
Italian Heros: Carmine's NYC , Tony Luke's NYC , Manganaro's Grosseria , Mike's Deli (Arthur Avenue) .
BBQ: Virgil's BBQ (Texas Style Brisket) .
Greek: Gyro II (just across the street from the station-take a lot of napkins), Tony's (cart at Nassau & Wall).
Latin: Ruben's Empanadas .
German: Schaller & Weber , Halo Berlin (a hot dog cart operation on 5th & 54th).
Falafel: Moshe's Falafel (cart at 6th & 46th), Rahman's Kwik Meal (cart at 6th & 45th).
Hot Dogs: Nathan's, Katz's, Artie's, Papaya King (various locations).

Traveller's Toolkit

Pick a hotel group or two and stay at their properties whenever possible. You can switch once you have received your free night(s). I keep Choice Hotels as my number one selection. They have frequent special deals and the number of free room nights to paid nights ratio is clearly the best. My optional chains include Intercontinental, Marriott and Trip Rewards. Complimentary wi-fi, continental breakfast, newspaper, and late checkouts are possible at all these chains if you sign up for membership. AAA discounts are available. Best Western is the best backup chain. Their "best price" web deals are available to non-members.

The interstate rest areas have hotel coupon books which I pickup and save when using my car.

I use Orbitz for all car rentals which has earned me their Platinum card.