Hotels

Location(s)

We found the Whalebone House by accident. We were heading north on Hwy 101 from Astoria, Oregon into Washington State and thought we were headed toward a campground. Instead, the park at the end of the road had signs that clearly stated, "No Camping." We turned around and headed back into Ocean Park and passed a B&B with a vacancy sign out front. We were exhausted and the price was very reasonable. That was our stiff criteria for choosing the B&B.

The owners had a last minute cancellation of their best room, so we lucked out. The mattress on that bed was heaven! It turned out that we were bunking in the "haunted" bedroom, but I swear I never heard or felt anything out of the ordinary.

Location(s)

The Maine Idlyy Motor Court has been owned by the same family since the 1930's. There are 20 cottages throughout a lovely wooded site. Conveniently located on US Route 1 a couple of miles north of Freeport, ME. Since discovering this place over 20 years ago, I make a point of staying there whenever in the area.

Location(s)

They say the inn was built in the 15th century.

I had a lovely time at the inn; my room was on the second floor in the front of the hotel. The food was better than expected and John, the inn owner, was great about a bunch of Americans taking over his inn (we had a two-day meetup at Sudeley Castle).

http://www.theoldwhitelion.com/accommodation.html

Location(s)

I stayed in one of the villas so I could have a full kitchen. The stay was very nice and very quiet. Fidalgo Island is beautiful.

http://www.anacoinn.com/index.cfm

They also have the Anaco Bay Inn:

http://www.anacobayinn.com/index.cfm

but that probably doesn't make them a chain...

Location(s)

I was in Winchcombe for a few days and decided to stop in Oxford for a couple days. I didn't have a reservation for anything in Oxford but Susan, a lovely woman in the Winchcombe Tourist Information Center, got me a very reasonable rate at the Randolph, "the most famous hotel in Oxford".

My room was on the fourth floor. I have no idea how Adrian, the porter, got my luggage to my room: the lift (elevator) said it had a limit of six people. Trust me, no more than four "women of a certain age" could have fit into that elevator. The room was small, but elegant, with a chandelier over the bed.

Location(s)

Okay this may be a little ostentatious for a motorcycle pop in on a ride by, but as a destination it's up there with the very best in the world.

Three levels of accommodation, but for the ultimate get the tented suite. Yes I know, a tent and luxury are not common bed-partners, but believe me, any tent with thermostatically controlled quarry tile flooring, isn't your standard tent. A jacuzzi bath, isn't standard fare either. These are all supplimentary to the view (tent 65).

The food?

Happy to report that it is up there with the best.

The Sunshine Coast in British Columbia is worthy of dedicating some time to exploring and with a sufficiently flexible budget, the Rock Water at Secret Cove should be on your list of discoveries.

Location(s)

Where to start, the Scotchman Mountain's snow capped peak viewed from bed.

The pools where the elk ran, the eagles soared and the fish jumped, as either the sun burned off the mist in the morning or the reflections of the snowy peaks were reflected in the evening.

We stayed in a wood fire warmed tent, slept under snug blankets in a double bed and enjoyed the tranquility.

3 nights refreshed the senses and Christine, Tim and the children made sure that that feeling extended to the hospitality they extended.

I can't say enough good things about this 3 tent location, it is a uniquely rewarding experience to stay there.

Location(s)

This unique hotel in a registered historical landmark is situated in the lovely town of Newbury Port. I shared a loft room with a friend,- it was a split level room with 2 bedrooms - one of them up the spiral staircase. It proved to be excellent value for a weekend away. The service was great, along with an excellent restaurant in it's cellar. Please see David's Tavern in the Unchained list.

Location(s)

Adley House Oudtshoorn

Oh yes a guest house that welcomes you to the family. Peiter, Hilda and Heleen are the warmest of hosts. This was our first unchained of the trip, away from the business hotel and on our free time,and what a great start.

Location(s)

The cool white linens, the whitewash walls and the soft and cool cotton sheets, were just what we needed after a hot day on the S.African Garden route.

They couldn't have helped enough when Karen fell ill from a bug she'd picked up along the way, arranging a doctor, extending our stay and informing the folks along the way of our delay.

One of the world's top whale watching destinations with 37 varieties spotted.