Phila Airport Parking Vacations

If you are looking to pile up free-night rewards from frequent stay programs when you travel, we’ve found that you can get more bang for your buck staying at a bed and breakfast. Here’s a little test we did:

Rewarded 10 Times Faster than at Marriott

Picking up the phone, we called Marriott Rewards with a standard request to earn a free stay. We asked about booking a $209-per-night room at the Marriott Suites, which would get us a total of 627 points per night. In order to compile enough points to get a free night at their lowest level, we would need 7,500 points. That means we would have to spend $2,500, staying about 11.9 nights in order to get that free night reward.

Now we’ll check how travelers can earn a free stay at B&Bs nationwide, in addition to a few other B&B-related values. Bed and breakfasts are hard to beat when it comes to unique lodging, hospitality and what you can get for your hard-earned dollar. If you are interested in making your money work better for you, take into consideration a couple of items:

Across the nation, more than 1,500 B&B inns will give guests a free second-night stay with the purchase of the first night. They do this for a simple reason. They want exposure for their property. The typical bed and breakfast doesn’t have the large advertising budget that a standard hotel does. So, they look to earn word-of-mouth exposure and added promotion through this popular program.

At iLoveInns.com, the site that runs this free-night program, travelers can save $140 on an average two-night stay. Think about the numbers above that we quoted from Marriott Rewards. How much more can you stretch your travel dollar than using it to spend 11.9 nights in order to get that free night?

Depending on the individual bed and breakfast or country inn, a traveler can save as much as $650. Plus, the buy-one-get-one promotion is an immediate reward.

You can save even more when you take into consideration your meal expense. The bed and breakfast, after all, comes with breakfast. But many inns also take it a step further an offer various free business services and such items as free drinks or snacks (and not with a mini-bar price).

Money and Memories Go Further with Bed and Breakfast Trips

Now that you know you can save more from a bed and breakfast, consider a typical inn and what it provides. For example, look at this California Bed and Breakfast, the Inn at Seventeen Mile drive located in the Monterey Peninsula.

Choose from rooms with views of the sea or garden in the main house of this three-building bed and breakfast. Or, enjoy the oak and redwoods in the chalet and cottage rooms. Unwind in the spa beneath the towering trees or the gardens whose guests also include the occasional deer and monarch butterfly. Maybe sip some champagne near the fountains and koi ponds. With the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free program, guests will save anywhere from $145 to $290 at this lovely property.

Hard to beat an excellent experience and an excellent value. When you’re trying to decide how to find that next free-night perk, take a look at a property like that California bed and breakfast. The B&B free-night program is a superb travel value.

From Santa Cruz to Monterey to Big Sur, Central California is full of exciting places to visit. Scenic drives, world-class golfing, shopping, restaurants, nature trails and miles of rugged, spectacular coastline await travelers to this region. There are also some great Central California bed and breakfasts to consider.

Santa Cruz County has a wide variety of attractions, from museums to shops to outdoor activities. For more than a century, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has been one of Central California’s most popular tourist attractions. Today’s guests will find arcade games, miniature golf, bowling, a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1924, and a carousel that dates to 1911. Travelers can view some of the world’s oldest and tallest trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

If you are searching for a Santa Cruz bed and breakfast, the historic West Cliff Inn is a superb choice. The nine guestrooms are located in a restored Victorian, perched on a bluff that overlooks Cowell’s beach and the city’s famed boardwalk. All of the rooms have a king-size bed and fireplace, and several also have an ocean view and jetted spa tub. Guests are pampered with a full breakfast and afternoon refreshments with wine and hors d’oeuvres. There are plenty of extra amenities, such as a concierge service and wireless internet access. Games, movies and books can be borrowed from the inn’s lending library, as well.

As you head south from Santa Cruz, you’ll find plenty to see and do along Monterey Bay, which includes such notable spots as Carmel, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Monterey itself is home to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel, known as an artists’ community is famous for its many galleries, as well as its annual Bach festival. The event draws visitors from around the world. The 17-Mile-Drive from Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove is a sight not to be missed, showcasing the jagged coastline and cypress trees. Pacific Grove is home to several wonderful bed and breakfasts and has more Victorian houses per capita than any other U.S. city. Day trips from the area include visits to Hearst Castle. It’s a two-hour drive to the castle, located in the tiny hamlet of San Simeon, but as you must cross through spectacular Big Sur, it’s well worth the time.

At the Green Gables Inn, guests enjoy one of California’s best views and some of the state’s finest hospitality. The restored Queen Anne Victorian includes 11 romantic guest rooms, some of which are cozy quarters tucked up near the inn’s gables. Other choices include spacious suites in the carriage house. Several rooms include a fireplace or jetted spa tub and some even offer ocean views. The innkeepers provide a full breakfast buffet, afternoon wine and treats and freshly baked cookies throughout the day. There is a chocolate turndown service and beds are topped with fine linens, soft pillows and one of the inn’s signature teddy bears. Best of all, you just step out the door; cross the street and you’re at the beach!

The Gosby House is another memorable Pacific Grove bed and breakfast. The historic Victorian is painted a welcoming shade of yellow, and the interior is just as charming. Beautifully decorated rooms are a perfect catalyst for romance, and several have sitting areas with a fireplace. The Carriage House has two suites, each with a double spa tub, fireplace and balcony. This Monterey Peninsula bed and breakfast is just a few minutes from the bay in downtown Pacific Grove.

When you visit San Diego for the first time the choice of places to visit and activities to do can be quite overwhelming, especially when you consider that there is such a variety of things happening in San Diego. Deciding where to go and what to do can take a lot of time, which is where we can help. Here are ten of the top highlights of a San Diego visit – things visitors simply must experience to appreciate the San Diego lifestyle.

1. Visiting the Beaches: Throughout the year San Diego’s beaches are at the center of the lifestyle enjoyed by surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, beach walkers and many others who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. San Diego has many beaches with varied conditions to choose from. Make sure you visit a few of San Diego’s beaches during your visit.

2. Dining Out on a Fish Taco: Although it may sound a little odd, the fish taco is one of the best local dishes in San Diego. A fish taco is a deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla, and once you try it for the first time you’ll find yourself craving for it again whenever you return!

3. Visiting Mexico: It’s no secret that San Diego is a gateway to Mexico, with Tijuana just over the border, and another metropolis in its own right. Visiting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you may have heard. Keep in mind that Mexico has its own laws, and don’t forget to bring your passport – then, from San Diego you are just a short distance from enjoying everything that this “South of the Border” paradise has to offer.

4. Old Town State Historic Park: Early Southern California and San Diego are preserved in the restored buildings and lifestyle in Old Town San Diego. There is a strong Mexican influence, especially in the food and the music, which makes for a great evening out. Try the Old Town Mexican Cafe, among many other fine restaurants in this part of town.

5. Visiting the Pandas At The Zoo: While Sea World and Legoland have their attractions, the San Deigo Zoo has the cute Pandas as its trump card. The zoo is with internationally renowned for its selection of animals and natural setting. When you visit the San Diego Zoo, it is best if you can visit in the morning – when the pandas are at their most active time.

6. Balboa Park: After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the nearby jewel of the city – Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays you may find that most museums have free admission. During your visit, you should try dining at the Prado Restaurant to experience great food in a delightful setting.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter nightlife: The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the fashionable place to be for dancing, eating, or just street entertainment and people watching. You can experience the best of night life in San Diego right here, with dining options to suit every taste.

8. Spend a Day Using The Trolley: San Diego’s trolley is a great way to see San Diego. Try a day pass for a fun day getting around the city. Most people travel by car rather than the public transport system, and the San Diego roads can get crowded. Using the trolley gives a different perspective of the city.

9. Go Golfing: Play a round of golf on one of the many excellent golf courses in San Diego. Championships are played on the Torrey Pines course, for example, with great ocean views to enjoy as you play.

10. Take a Harbor Cruise: San Diego is a maritime city, built around one of the first West Coast ports and now a major commercial port and naval base. See this fascinating busy harbor from a cruise boat.

There you have it. Ten top places to visit and things to experience to get a good taste of what San Diego has to offer during your San Diego vacation.

Where is your inn located?

This may seem like an odd question, but location can be everything depending on what you intend to do during your stay. Do you want to get away from it all at a secluded respite where televisions, wireless internet and Starbucks are nowhere to be found? Or do you need a more urban setting, complete with technology and nearby access to great restaurants and nightlife? If you have a specific itinerary in mind, talk with your innkeeper and ask how far the inn is from the attractions you wish to visit. Also, don’t forget to ask about parking. Some inns, just like most hotels and motels, charge a parking fee, and a few inns do not have parking at all, especially in urban settings. Here’s an example of two distinctly different locations in the same general area: The Pacific Northwest.

If you long to get away from it all, the Saratoga Inn on Washington’s Whidbey Island is the picture of serenity. With views of the Saratoga Passage and distant Cascade Mountains, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. The interior is beautiful, as well, and each of the guest rooms includes a fireplace. Many rooms also feature a water view. On the opposite end of the spectrum, perhaps you want to enjoy the sites and sounds of Seattle close up. If a city setting is what you crave, The Inn at Harbor Steps is a perfect choice. The inn is located in a high-rise residential building within walking distance of shops, restaurants and galleries. Rooms are stocked with modern amenities such as a wet bar and refrigerator, high-speed internet access and phone with voicemail. In addition, the rooms are spacious with sitting areas, and many rooms have a fireplace, jetted tub or perhaps a garden view. Whether you choose island country ambiance or big-city charm, you’ll enjoy a full breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres.

What kind of rooms do you have available?

After a painstaking internet search, you’ve found the perfect inn. Guests on the inn’s website extol the virtues of the comfortable king-size bed, whirlpool tub and scenic ocean view. You make your reservation and discover upon arrival a decidedly cozy room with a queen-size bed and a shared bathroom and a view of the side yard fence. While cookie-cutter motels generally have one room size and two choices: one queen or two doubles, bed and breakfasts are very unique. Some rooms might be a sweet, cozy spot tucked in a third-story attic or perhaps a large suite in the carriage house with all the trimmings. Be sure to tell your innkeeper what you need and want when making your reservation. Some bed and breakfasts feature rooms that all have private baths, while some inns have rooms that share a bath. Some cozier rooms have a twin bed, and some have a huge antique four-poster king-size bed. Some have fireplaces that are decorative, while some actually work.

Everything about the Green Gables Inn is enchanting. The historic Pacific Grove, California, bed and breakfast is found in a meticulously restored Victorian. The views of Monterey Bay are spectacular, and several guest rooms boast stunning ocean vistas. Each of the guest rooms is unique. The Gable room includes views of the bay from the main window as well as a loft that one reaches by climbing a ladder. The Chapel room, with its unique wooden beams and window seat, is especially charming and offers a bay view from its window seat. The Carriage House rooms include jetted spa tubs, king beds and fireplaces. All guests are treated to full breakfast and afternoon snacks. The inn is a perfect location to enjoy the Monterey Bay area, providing close access to the beaches, aquarium and Cannery Row.

Is the inn appropriate for children or pets?

Because many inns are historic and often filled with antiques and delicate knickknacks, it is not always the best place to bring the kids. Most bed and breakfasts accept children, and many innkeepers love welcoming children into their inns. Be sure to ask your innkeeper if the inn is an appropriate place for children, and ask which rooms are best for families. Also, make sure there will be plenty to do at the inn you choose. Is the inn close to parks or other attractions? Does the inn have a swimming pool or plenty of outdoor areas where kids can explore and enjoy? Bed and breakfasts can be fun for the whole family, but it is important to choose an inn that meets all of your needs. As for pets, a few inns do allow cats or dogs, but obviously you’ll want to ask first. Some innkeepers set aside specific rooms for guests with pets, so if you want to vacation with Fido or Fluffy, be sure to find a pet-friendly inn. The locations near an inn may also be perfect for the family. Here’s an example:

For example, at the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point, California, children will appreciate not only the close access to the beach, but also the teddy bears found throughout the inn and in each guest room. The innkeepers also serve kid-friendly items such as cereal, toast and fresh fruit during breakfast, as well as freshly baked cookies throughout the day. The inn is just a short drive from Laguna Beach, and about a half-hour from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland.

What types of amenities are included in the inn’s rates?

Every bed and breakfast is unique — that’s what makes going to inns such a fun adventure. Each innkeeper offers a different variety of amenities, so it pays to ask what is included in the rates. Some inns have a full breakfast, some offer continental fare. Some have afternoon tea, some don’t. You might find inns with complimentary turn-down service and an evening glass of wine. Stocked libraries, game rooms, swimming pools and hot tubs are other amenities you might find. Be sure to check the inn’s website and ask questions when making the reservation.

Just a few miles from the center of Los Angeles, the Channel Road Inn offers travelers a great location to enjoy all the area’s fun attractions. The inn is just blocks from the beach in sunny Santa Monica, which has a variety of shops, restaurants and nightlife. The inn is decorated in a romantic style, and several guest rooms include a fireplace or jetted spa tub. The innkeepers pamper their guests with rooms stocked with amenities, such as fluffy robes and European bath products. There are DVD players in each room, and guests can borrow a movie from the inn’s library, which also includes a variety of books. There is a full breakfast service, as well as afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. Coffee, tea, water and soda, as well as home-baked cookies are available throughout the day. The inn has a concierge service, and the staff is happy to make restaurant recommendations or describe local attractions.

Bed and Breakfasts often are thought of as a spot for romance, but don’t let that dissaude you from bringing the whole family along for the trip. Many inns offer kid-friendly accomodations and the unique setting will enchant youngsters more than any cookie-cutter motel. Here are some choices for your next family vacation.

Billed as “New England’s Best Family Resort” by Yankee magazine, The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville, VT combines a wonderful country B&B setting with all kinds of kids activities. The Wildflower Inn offers supervised activities for kids, allowing parents to truly take a break while their children are entertained. For instance, “Butterflies, Tots and Forget-Me-Nots is perfect for the parent traveling alone with young children,” says the Wildflower Inn’s website. “Our program combines time together with the kids with opportunities for relaxing while the children are enjoying their activities.” There’s even Daisy’s Diner, which prepares special themed meals for kids.

Treat your family to a little history by the sea at Villa Park House, located just blocks from the beach in Spring Lake, New Jersey. This charming bed and breakfast is located in a beautifully restored Victorian and rooms reflect the period dcor without being too fancy for families. You can even pack light, knowing that the innkeepers provide guests with beach tags, beach chairs, towels and even beach umbrellas. Hearty breakfasts are served either in the inn’s grand dining room or on little tables on the veranda. In addition to the fun of the beach and boardwalk, Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari amusement park is a short drive away.

Experience the old west at the Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming., where families will find starry skies, fresh air and mountain views. There are 800 acres to enjoy here and plenty of activities sure to please the everybody. From campfire cookouts to horseback riding to fly fishing, there is plenty to keep everyone busy. Guests can hike along well-marked trails or even take part in cattle work. The scenery, lush green hills with a mountain backdrop, is unforgettable. The ranch even has a saloon stocked with board games and a pool table. The accommodations are sure to charm, from rustic country cabins to suites that look out at the river. The Western country dcor is warm and inviting and rooms are spacious, with plenty of room for relaxation.

Parents will have no doubt that their children are welcome at Las Palomas Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The innkeepers have included a play area for children on their beautiful grounds, and the inn is stocked with plenty of games, books and toys. They even have safety gates, high chairs, cribs and nightlights. Parents will enjoy the richly decorated casitas, designed in a romantic New Mexico style with kiva fireplaces and rich leather and wood furnishings. In the mornings, the innkeepers serve freshly baked breads, cereals, fresh fruit and yogurts to get the day off to a healthy start.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills in South Carolina, Sunrise Farm B&B can be found inside a Victorian farmhouse on 10 acres of land. Taking it slow is the name of the game at Sunrise: “Guests may relax in wooden rockers and wicker furniture on the large wrap around porch and enjoy the beautiful mountain and lake views,” says the inn’s website. “In the winter, guests may enjoy hot cider by the crackling fireplaces.” For breakfast, look forward to homemade specialties such as banana-chocolate chip mini muffins, fruit and yogurt parfait, blueberry pancakes, garden vegetable and herb frittata, and maple sausage. Close to mountain hiking, clear lakes for fishing and boating, bird watching, sight-seeing and golfing, Sunrise Farm B&B prides itself on being kid-friendly. That’s why it has lots of farm pets for them to see, including Muffin the pot-bellied pig, Lady and Sunshine the miniature horses, and barn cats Oreo and Ginger, among others.

Finally, on the west coast in California, the Capay Valley Bed & Breakfast in Capay has its own zoo! That’s right: Your children can get up close and personal with llamas, zebras, a miniature donkey, a pygmy goat, sheep, ostrich, and, of course, a dog and cat. To get the kids excited, log onto this B&B’s website and let them take a 360 degree virtual tour of the animals! Add an outdoor pool, horseback riding, comfortable accommodations (there are even two cottages), and the Capay Valley B&B’s beautiful wide open space, and the whole family will want to stay. And yes, pets are even welcome.