Hello again, travel fans. Gildshire is back on the road, exploring top destination hotels in the country. Today, we look at hotels in the Mideastern region of the country. All of these places are destinations unto themselves, for a max of $150 a night. Just as in our restaurant gem feature, though, a definition of our terms is important at this juncture. Here is what we said about the restaurant gems.
“West and southwest are self-explanatory, and east/southeast likewise evoke a place on the map. Even “midwest,” after a brief hesitation, proves to be pretty well-known and agreed-upon. Alas, “Mideast” is more nebulous in the definition… The “Mideast” begins just east of…Chicago. It includes Michigan and Indiana, before sweeping east through Ohio. Kentucky is Mideast, as is West Virginia. The western half of Pennsylvania is Mideast, while the eastern half is “east,” because Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have never played nicely together.”
So, there you have it. North of Tennessee (where I was recently told they say “butter my buns and call me a biscuit.” By itself, that eliminates the state from the mideast), and east of St.Louis and Chicago. It’s a region in which we love to vacation and a region with destination hotels we are thrilled to share with you.
An indoor/outdoor pool is a selling point to be one of our destination hotels. This one is at Stonewall Resort.
Stonewall Resort, 940 Resort Dr, Roanoke, West Virginia: Situated within Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, Stonewall Resort offers its guests the opportunity participate in a variety of outdoor recreation on the parks over 1,900 acres. That’s correct. Almost 2,000 acres worth of “the backyard” at this amazing hotel. Choose to stay in one of the Adirondack-style lodges, or a luxury cottage. Some popular activities include kayaking, biking, hiking, swimming, and relaxing in Jacuzzis. (I’ll bet you can guess which of those activities is Gildshire’s favorite. It kind of rhymes with “excuse mes.”) Rates are $97 a night. Reserve on the website, or call (304) 269-7400.
The Brown Hotel’s impressive entrance.
The Brown Hotel, 335 West Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky: Just like the city in which it resides, The Brown is an iconic destination. Behind its striking Georgian-Revival façade is a blend of Old World elegance and modern day comfort with rich fabrics, classic furnishings, and luxury finishes. Individually decorated rooms, throughout. Look for mahogany beds and Egyptian cotton. We call this affordable luxury, however, you can call it your next vacation reservation by dialing (502) 200-1214.
Lobby-area, SpringHill Suites, Bloomington
SpringHill Suites, 501 North College Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana: Sometimes the rooms are what makes a hotel, but sometimes it’s the amenities. Sometimes the prices are the draw, but sometimes the breakfast is just that sensational. Once in a while, the location is the thing, but occasionally the staff is the drawing card. Folks lucky enough to stay at SpringHill Suites for a few nights will leave, saying “But it was all of those things.” However, if we had to choose, the staff are the stars at this hotel. Their commitment to going into overtime (This is the home of Indiana University basketball, after all.) is renowned. Oh, the hotel is lovely, the rooms are well-appointed and the breakfast is yummy for your tummy. But, it is the caring staff that brings us back to this place, whenever the Bloomington-area is our destination. Reserve via the website, or call 844-631-0595.
Entrance to a good stay at Cambria Suites, Traverse City.
Cambria Suites, 255 Munson Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan: Some folks come to Traverse City for the bays and the beaches, while others visit the area wineries. Some visitors go shopping on Front Street, while others patronize The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. All fun places. However, some folks vacation in Traverse City because of Cambria Suites. The hotel is that popular. Find the well-stocked bar and classy restaurant right in the lobby. (It can get downright nippy in T.C.) A free shuttle to downtown attractions parks right outside the front entrance. While other hotels pay lip service, Cambria Suites provides top-notch service. Reserve via the website, or call 855-849-1513.
The Priory Hotel, in Pittsburgh.
The Priory Hotel, 614 Pressley Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Some folks believe a top-notch hotel has to be less than 10 years of age. So incorrect, those poor folks. Pittsburgh’s Priory is a stately hotel that watched over Pittsburgh for many years. It is a go-to for sports fans, as it resides less than a half hour walk from the Pirates or the Steelers (“Stillers” if you live in the ‘burgh.) The bar off the hotel lobby is “fun,” and that’s what all lobby bars should aspire to. The hotel shuttle runs between The Priory and all of the great things to see and do in this revitalized city. The hotel staff gets top marks, as well.
That’s it for destination hotels in the mideast region. We hope you’ll try one of them on your next vacation, but heck, they’re only about a day’s drive apart. Try a couple! Travel safely.
