Suggestions for a long weekend

[Syrene-1]

Hi everyone,



I'm stumped. I am looking to go somewhere for a long (4-5 nights) weekend in Oct.

Here are my criteria:



It has to be a place with "atmosphere". We were in Marrakech in Feb and boy, did that place have atmpsphere. It was wonderful.



We love nature and wildlife(Not fishing) but have been to Costa Rica (a number of times) and Nicaragua and feel like we need a rest from the rainforesty atmosphere.



Not interested in a beach vacation. Love the warm weather but sitting on a beach makes me crazy.



Finally, we don't want to spend a fortune - for example Red Rock in Utah looks amazing but it's much more that we want to spend on this quick get-away.



Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Syrene. I love these types of problems! Wow. Thanks for the criteria. I think Arizona in October is quite nice. The weather is warm, you are between the touristy times, and it is the desert! Sedona would be cooler temperature wise for you. It would offer the hiking, scenery, etc. and then Scottsdale would offer some relaxing time golfing, tennis, or spa. Of course, there is wonderful cultural and adventure activities. In the Phoenix area, there is wonderful hiking. This would be almost like Utah. I did see a LL package for Tanque Verde in Tuscon. Not sure if it is still on. Oh yes, also, you might consider a "dude" ranch experience. My girlfriend is due back on Monday. She went to one in Arizona with 3 family members to celebrate a 50th birthday. The itinerary sounded wonderful. What do you think?

[kyshel]

hi, Syrene! what about Maria Cristina Inn, Guanajuato, Mex? (Or Las Acasias) weather averages are mid 50's to high 70's (chilly at night?)
Both hotels look lovely. From central US or East Coast you can fly via LAX or SLC or Mexico City (if you go via LAX on a red-eye, you get the late check out and no early get-up!)
Extremely reasonable packages for both properties ($7-800). I have not been to GTO, but I've done lots of research and communicated with previous guests (tripadvisor) and the reviews are great. Maria Cristina is on my hit list for a trip soon (after Bali or Thailand). It looks like oodles of atmosphere-- and apparently less touristy than San Miguel.

Message Edited by kyshel on 08-12-2007 06:38 AM

[kyshel]

oops--almost forgot--what about Seattle? The Seattle 1000 Hotel has a pkg that's pretty posh! Ceiling-fill bathtub, breakfast and extras (around $1000--4 nights) You've got Mts. Ranier and St Helen (amazing place!) for nature walks. Pike Street Market for food, strolling the waterfront, Space Needle for a fun cocktail hour at Sunset--great wineries nearby (pinot noirs!!) Harvest time, festivals, lots to do in October. They say parking is tres pricey thru hotel if you rent car, but seldom need one in town with free trolley zone--maybe just for a day trip or to Whidbey Island or even San Juan Island ferry trip (Whales!)
I think Seattle is one of the most atmospheric cities in the US. I prefer it over San Francisco any day!

[marolyn]

Santa Fe, NM in the fall is great! You get that brilliant sunshine along with crisp days and cool nights during the time of your get-away. LL hasseveral new properties to bid on in Santa Fe, and you can check on their community events: [email protected]. I remember a fabulous wine tasting event at the Opera at some point in the fall. Canyon Road art galleries usually keep their weekly gallery-crawl going throughout the year, and you can always find the fall foliage in abundance. Enjoy! Cheers...Marolyn

[Syrene-1]

Thanks Bonnie and Kyshel for your suggestions - all very good ones. I was kind of hoping for something a little more exotic though. I guess I've just become so jaded in my travels that I'm always looking for something I've never seen before. I know it's an even harder request given my monetary and time limitations I knowbut then again we did go to Morocco for 5 nights as well.

[Syrene-1]

Sorry, Marolyn. Didn't see this until after I posted. Yes, I love Santa Fe - been there a few times and never tire of it. In fact I bought one of my most prized pieces of art at a little inn (can't remember the name right now) on the way from SF to Taos.

[kyshel]

Syrene--where did you go in Morocco? LL pkg? How did you fly there? I am so interested. Exotic appeals to me! Do you have review/comments in the community boards? Please and thank you!

[bonniejoy03]

Ok. How about Guatemala??? Fly into Guatemala City and then have about 30-45 minute transfer to Antigua. Its a colonial city with a great restaurants, pubs, shops, history, monasteries, etc. From there, you can head west to Lake Atitlan. Beautiful lake with great sightseeing and relaxing. Most of the accommodations in both places are more boutique style quaint properties. The one we are planning to stay in Antigua has 10 rooms and beautiful courtyard area. What do you think??? If you are on the east coast, its an easy trip. There are direct flights from Charlotte.

[Syrene-1]

Guatemala. Interesting. I have never even thought of going there. Just did a search and LL does not have any packages - darn! Tell me more. Have you been there yet? What was it like? Is it similar to Nicaragua (wonderful people but very very poor)? Is it rainforesty? What made you choose Guatemala? Where are you staying?



And, Kyshel, we were in Marrakech in Feb. - pkg to Riad Kniza through LL. Think someone else has already posted a blog about the exact same trip. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime!


Message Edited by Syrene-1 on 08-14-2007 11:32 AM