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Travel in Comfort
October 27, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
With the summer past and business travel now a higher priority for some people, Road Warrior thought it was time to discuss some of those creature comforts that make having to travel more enjoyable.
Many long time business travelers choose Extended Stay Hotels because of the value, comfort and convenience of having a large room, a full kitchen and a great price. The same desire for comfort can be met while traveling for little or no money.
For instance, few things are as relaxing as lounging around in your slippers. Take this experience on the road by buying a pair of flannel or fleece lined moccasins. Slip them on when you arrive at the airport, breeze through security and have a comfortable flight. They are also great for lounging around your spacious Extended Stay Hotels studio. The website thefind.com has hundreds of moccasins at very reasonable prices.
Now that you are comfortably seated, let’s get rid of those annoying sounds, like aircraft engines and distant conversations. Technology has come to the rescue with something called noise-canceling headphones.
Simply put, the really good headphones actually generate one set of sound waves that cancel out the offending sound waves. With this done, you can concentrate on your book, your music or, best of all, a nap. Good noise-canceling headphones are not cheap, so start with product reviews from places like Cnet.com before putting your hard earned money down.
Speaking of naps, flights can be a great time to catch up on your beauty sleep. Unfortunately, those airline pillows just don’t provide the support or comfort you want. One answer is the Therm-a-rest compressible pillow, which Therm-a-rest debuted this year. Costing around $20 to $25, this pillow packs to one fifth its normal size, making it ideal for your carry-on luggage.
Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. A little planning, like reserving a spacious suite at one of the nearly 700 Extended Stay Hotels can make all the difference between a grueling trip and a relaxing travel experience.
Music Museums
October 23, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Music creates great memories for most people, especially the music of our youth. Thankfully for music fans, thousands of music memories are being amassed in specialty museums across the country.
Fans of the Southern Rock group, The Allman Brothers Band, will be excited that the band’s original home will open as a museum in December of 2009. Called The Big House, this old Tudor-style mansion in residential Macon, Georgia, was the band’s home for many years.
When the Allman Brothers Band Museum opens, it will contain the world’s largest collection of Allman Brothers Band memorabilia. It will also be less than six miles from the Extended Stay Deluxe Macon – North hotel.
If Southern Rock just isn’t your style of music, don’t worry. There are plenty of great music history venues across America, and most are near Extended Stay Hotels. For instance, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, keeps delights visitors with both permanent and temporary collections of some amazing bits of rock music history. Current displays include Johnny Cash’s bus, the Michael Jackson Memorial Wall and a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Cleveland also has seven great Extended Stay Hotels.
If the sounds of the “Motor City” are more your style, plan to visit Detroit’s Motown Historical Museum. Whether your favorite artist was Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5 or the Supremes, this is a must see museum for Motown music fans. Comfortable accommodations are just 10 miles away at the Extended Stay America Detroit – Dearborn hotel.
If you can’t decide between Rock and Soul music, Memphis offers the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum. According to the museum website, the digital audio guide includes “over 100 songs, and takes visitors at their own pace through seven galleries featuring 3 audio visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes and other musical treasures.”
Extended Stay Hotels has eight hotels in Memphis, but the Homestead Studio Suites Memphis – Airport hotel is just eight miles from the Rock n Soul Museum.
Museums, like those described above, can be a great way to spend weekends and evenings whether you are on vacation or taking a break during business travel. Let this sort of relaxing entertainment refresh your mind as a comfortable Extended Stay Hotels studio room relaxes your body.
Last Minute Week-End Deals from $23.99/night - Extended Stay Hotels
October 21, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 10/23 through 10/25) and next weekend (stays 10/30 through 11/1) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here. From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and more.
For Arrival Dates 10/23/2009 and 10/24/2009
* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $23.99/night
* San Jose, CA- Rates from $43.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Fort Lauderdale, FL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* See all Locations >
For Arrival Dates 10/30/2009 and 10/31/2009
* Boston, MA- Rates from $47.99/night
* Detroit, MI - Rates from $34.99/night
* St. Louis, MO - Rates from $23.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* Austin, TX - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all Locations >
Finding Outdoor Fun on Your Next Trip
October 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Well summer is over, the children have returned to school and most of us are back at work. For true road warriors, “back to work” means hitting the road or heading for the airport for what could be a week or more away from friends and family.
These trips don’t have to be all work, provided you are willing and able to make personal fun and satisfaction a part of your business travel. Accomplishing this involves two factors: finding fun, interesting things to do on your time off and making reservations with Extended Stay Hotels.
Autumn is usually sort of a “Goldilocks” season for those who enjoy the great outdoors – not too hot and not too cold. What some road warriors forget is that many of the great national parks are actually quite close to major metropolitan centers. Finding these gems is easy, thanks to a National Park Service web page called, “find a park.”
For example, let’s assume you have business in Tucson. A quick view of the map and list of the Arizona parks tells us that Saguaro National Park, home of the enormous Giant Saguaro cacti, is just minutes away from town and either of Tucson’s two Extended Stay Hotels locations. Both the Extended Stay America Tucson - Grant Road hotel and the Crossland Economy Studios Tucson - Butterfield Drive are within an easy 15 mile drive of the park’s headquarters.
Nature lovers with business in Miami have a number of choices for parks to visit in their spare time. Time and distance should be no problem for those visiting Biscayne National Park. Called a “watery wonderland” on the Park Service website, Biscayne is within sight of downtown Miami and still offers exciting swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
For a glimpse of one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, take the 45 mile drive south from Miami International Airport to the Ernest Coe Visitor Center and entrance to the Everglades. Open year round, the Visitor Center is a great introduction to the Everglades, whether you intend to go further into the swamp or not.
Finding comfortable and affordable accommodations in Miami is no problem. Extended Stay Hotels has seven great hotels near downtown Miami, and all offer large rooms and warm service.
Being a road warrior is no easy task. The hours are long and time away from home is a drag. However, it can have its benefits, especially if you are able to find fun local attractions and stay in a comfortable and convenient Extended Stay Hotels suite.
Save 20% on Week-End Stays - Extended Stay Hotels
October 15, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this week-end (stays 10/16 through 10/18) and next week-end (stays 10/23 through 10/25) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Week-End Deals section by clicking here. From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this week-end or next at your favorite destinations, like Denver, Tampa, Las Vegas, Seattle, and others.
For Arrival Dates 10/16/2009 and 10/17/2009
* Orange County, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Denver, CO- Rates from $29.99/night
* Tampa, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* Seattle, WA - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all Locations >
For Arrival Dates 10/23/2009 and 10/24/2009
* Phoenix, AZ- Rates from $23.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Indianapolis, IN - Rates from $31.99/night
* Minneapolis, MN - Rates from $35.99/night
* See all Locations >
Big Fun, Little State
October 13, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. This is especially true when it comes to finding great things to do in Rhode Island, a state of just over 1,200 square miles. A search for the best of “small” in Rhode Island takes us to the smallest town in this smallest state, New Shoreham on Block Island.
Quoted in a recent New York Times article, Kim Gaffett, New Shorham’s First Warden, proclaims September and October as her island’s most beautiful months. Few would doubt this statement, given that this is a time of smaller crowds, lower humidity and an occasion to see flocks of birds fly over Block Island heading south for the winter.
Your Block Island adventure will most likely begin in or around Rhode Island’s primary city of Providence. Fortunately, locating roomy, affordable accommodations here is no problem, since Extended Stay Hotels offers you four great options. Three of these, the Extended Stay America Providence - Airport – Warwick hotel, the Extended Stay America Providence - Airport - West Warwick hotel and the Homestead Studio Suites Providence - Airport – Warwick hotel are within a 45 minute drive of the Block Island Ferry slip in Point Judith.
The Block Island Ferry will transport you (and your car, if you have one) on this one- hour trip from the mainland to Old Harbor on Block Island. Plan your day well and keep an eye on the ferry schedule, and you can be back in your Extended Stay Hotels suite ready for a comfortable night’s rest.
If islands aren’t for you, consider Newport’s famous Cliff Walk. Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975, Cliff Walk allows you to enjoy both Rhode Island’s natural beauty and view the architectural beauty of what is called Newport’s gilded age in one energizing experience.
Remember, Rhode Island and all of these fabulous sights are within an easy drive or train ride from major East Coast cities like Boston, Hartford and New York City. If your business travel schedule includes a fall weekend in this area, be sure to consider a quick trip to this smallest of great destinations.
Head North for Fall Travel
October 7, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
In an earlier post, Road Warrior described some of the most visited tourist attractions in America, at least according to the American Association of Retired Persons. As the calendar takes us from summer to fall, this might be a good time to revisit the list for a seasonal favorite.
If you are a fool for fall foliage, then you'd best plan on getting to Maine, the northernmost state in the continental United States.
Since your days are likely to be filled with lots to see and do, accommodations that are large, comfortable and central to your favorite sights and activities are a must. This perfectly describes the Extended Stay America Portland – Scarborough. Located near Portland International Jetport, you are close to downtown Portland and its great restaurants and fun places.
But as vacationing road warriors, we have come for the natural vistas. To be prepared for our outdoor adventure, Road Warrior suggests you begin with a trip to the L.L. Bean Flagship Store in Freeport, Maine. This store, by the way, is visited annually by three and a half million people, the reason it made the AARP Star Attractions list. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this is an amazing place offering great outdoor clothing and equipment. If you visit their website, be sure to click on the “Clinic Schedule” for current classes.
Once you've selected your fall gear, you'll be ready to take in some of the most amazing fall foliage you have ever seen. From the Extended Stay America Portland – Scarborough, head north on route 302 toward Sebago Lake. As you pass the lake, consider that this is one of the larger lakes in Maine.
If time permits, follow Route 302 west at Bridgton past Beaver Pond, over Moose Pond and on to the little town of Fryeburg near the New Hampshire border. Founded in 1763, Fryeburg has great history and offers visitors plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities.
After returning to Bridgton, go north on Highway 37 toward the foothill town of Bethel, Maine. Claiming to be Maine’s most beautiful mountain village, Bethel offers visitors year-round things to see and do. Plan your day carefully, so you can enjoy as much as possible of what this marvelous village has to offer.
Being a road warrior is all about knowing when to go where and what to do when you get there. A fall trip to Maine is sure to be remembered for many years.
Week-End Stays from $31.99/night at Select Locations - Extended Stay Hotels
October 6, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Last minute deals for new bookings this week-end (stays 10/9 through 10/11) and next week-end (stays 10/16 through 10/18) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Week-End Deals section by clicking here. From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this week-end or next at your favorite destinations, like Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas.
For Arrival Dates 10/9/2009 and 10/10/2009
* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $43.99/night
* Orlando, FL- Rates from $35.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $35.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $27.99/night
* See all Locations >
For Arrival Dates 10/16/2009 and 10/17/2009
* Phoenix, AZ- Rates from $23.99/night
* Jacksonville, FL - Rates from $39.99/night
* St. Louis, MO - Rates from $23.99/night
* Charlotte, NC - Rates from $47.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* See all Locations >
Travel Spots for Music Lovers
October 2, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Society of American Travel Writers, or SATW as it is otherwise known, is a group that describes itself as “Travel’s Most Trusted Voices.”
SATW asked its membership to submit what they believe to be the ten best cities in North America for live music. While the specific selections are not all that surprising, Road Warrior couldn’t help but notice that eight out of ten of these “music Meccas” are within easy access of Extended Stay Hotels.
Leading the pack were the Big Easy and the Big Apple, New Orleans and New York City. It is hard to think of these cities and not also think of their great music. The New Orleans Airport is, after all, named for Louis Armstrong. It is also near two great New Orleans Extended Stay Hotels. Lovers of Broadway musicals can choose from one of four Extended Stay Hotels in the Meadowlands area and be just 20 minutes from the Times Square Theater District.
Next on the SATW list are cities for lovers of great country music. At number three, Austin, Texas is home of the annual South by Southwest Music Festival. This much fun calls for comfortable accommodations, which you will find at one of the thirteen Extended Stay Hotels in Austin.
No discussion of country music is complete without a visit to Nashville, Tennessee, number four on the list and home of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Once again, Extended Stay Hotels is there for your rest and relaxation with eight hotels throughout the Nashville area.
The halfway point in the SATW list brings us to the Windy City, Chicago. According to freelance travel writer Laurie Borman, “Chicago’s reputation as home of the blues can’t be understated…” Road Warrior agrees, and with more than 25 Extended Stay Hotels in the greater Chicago area, you will not be “feeling the blues” if you’re looking for roomy, comfortable accommodations.
The rest of the SATW list includes Memphis, Tennessee; Montreal, Canada; Las Vegas, Nevada; Branson, Missouri; and Denver, Colorado. With the exceptions of Montreal and Branson, all of these great destinations are home to Extended Stay Hotels. Even so, Branson is just 45 minutes from Springfield, Missouri, home of the Extended StayAmerica Springfield – South.
The next time you are enjoying the local sounds in one of the ten cities on the SATW list, be sure to end your day in a comfortable, exceptionally priced room at one of our fine Extended Stay Hotels locations.
