tribefan,

oh i'm sure we'll be coming back to Florida but I got to tell ya i've never even heard of Stuart. What makes it historic? and does it have or is it near a great hotel? It's 1:00am and i'm too tired to capitalize letters. time for bed.

Hi Sam! Congrats on the Emmy nomination!! You deserve it! I'm still waiting on that autograph! LOL! Take care for now!

Regards,
Paul Snyder
artMusicFilms@aol.com

Samantha,

Thanks for the reply . I can only imagine how busy your schedule must be . I think it's very thoughtful that you take the time to reply to all your fans (friends).

I think Gettysburg would be an awesome day trip for you and your mother. It's so picturesque with the different monuments representing each state that served. I think my favorite location is "Little Round Top",Wow, what a view from there. The energy there is so intriguing!! You will see what I'm talking about when you go...

Thanks for sending the picture . I'll see if i can scan my pictures and upload them to a website. I think it would much faster and easier
that way.

Thanks again, Steve O.

Hi Sam,
Hope things are going well with you. I'm from SC but currently living in Plymouth, England. Unfortunately I've not been able to see any of your shows since I've been here but when I do return home for Christmas and holidays I make sure to catch them. I was wondering, do you do much taping in Europe?

Take Care,
Courtney

Samantha,

Our lovable golden retriever, Bogey, sends her "thank you" to you, as do I, for the great photo and customized message you wrote. You are terrific!

Meanwhile, congratulations to everyone on the "Great Hotels" crew on your Emmy nomination. While it would be great if you won, it truly is an honor and appreciation of your excellence to be nominated.

Meanwhile, Samantha, thank you for helping me laugh every day (well, 6 out of 7, since "Great Hotels" isn't on Saturdays). Your enthusiasm and sense of humor as host are both extraordinary!

Keep on smiling, traveling and laughing!

Chris DeVany

I'm suspected you might be a Pythoner. On a more serious note I trust you'll be carefull in future stays with our current world situation. What with the impending conflict with Iraq and of course the on going one with Terrorism. Which may very well increase due to our up coming actions in the middle east. I know all of us want to keep you and your show around.

Samantha, my 4 year old daughter and Ilove your show. When we go out to dinner, she takes a bite of her food and smiles, rolls her eyes and says, 'Oooooo!". She also comments on "the view". She even has your cute haircut. Thanks for setting a wonderful example!

Hi Sam: Saw the show today and you were in Palm Beach at The Breakers. I think this is the closest that I will ever get to staying in the same hotel you did. I actually didn't stay there, but, I did drive past it. We stayed at a great little B & B in West Palm. Which brings up my question, do you ever stay in a Bed and Breakfast? There are so many in the country and each are very fascinating that you can devote 5 years of shows to this alone. What about the Keys? The Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada would be a great one. You'd have a ball in Key West, especially The Green Parrot Bar. Thanks again, Gene.

Hey Sam... I am in study hall right now- Actually, I just walked down to the library so I could take out a few books and get on the computer here. My vacation was wonderful. I am in the midst of making a video on my computer including still and live images about the trip, which I will burn onto a DVD. If you want, I can make you a copy when its all done with and send it to you. Your name is mentioned a few times in the video. While we were on the balcony, my dad asks "Why dont you give us a tour around the hotel room like Samantha Brown?" My brothers test went great. Aida was excellent! Have you seen it before? Alright well I better head to Chemistry.. class starts soon. Take care of yourself!
Love,
Ashley

Hello Sam. I jut wanted to say how much I love Great Hotels. I watch it all the time. My particular favorites are the Disney hotels. Maybe it's because I have been going to Disney World every summer since I was 3 years old.I am going for my 18th time in July. Out of all of the Disney World hotels that you have done in the show, which one is your favorite? I have another question. How long do you stay at the hotels when you are doing the show? Are you going to do anymore Disney hotels? You should stay in the Contemporary resort by the Magic Kingdom. I have never stayed ther and I always wanted to know what it was like. The have a great dinner there called "Chef Mickey's". They also do breakfast but I have only done the dinner. My brother and I love it. Again, I love your show.

Hey there Samantha,
I've never posted anything on your forum before, but in the last few months I've learned so much from watching your show that I just have to tell you how fabulous you are. I'm from RI originally, but I live in Southern CA now, but I'm moving back in September. I've been getting my wife to watch your show with me, but she's always insisting we go on very simple vacations like camping trips and such. Which all sounds fine and good, but you have the ability to make some of these places look completely worthwhile. Every hotel in the USA should be paying you a percentage of what they make from people who watched your show and decided to stay at their hotel. I'm a huge New Orleans fan and when my wife and I went and we had no idea what to expect. I wish I had seen some of your reviews of where to stay down there. We stayed in the Fairmont and I wasn't very impressed.
I'm really sorry to hear about your food poisoning in New Orleans of all places. Eating in that city was really one of the greatest dining experiences I've ever had. The Commanders Palace and Brennans being the two best meals I've ever had. I just want you to know that as long as you keep making this wonderful show, we will continue to watch and learn. If you do get the chance to; check out some places in New England. It would be very cool if you went to Newport, RI. Thanks for reading Samantha.

Hi Sam!

A big congrats on the nomination. I can't imagine any other daytime show that deserves it! (and I work nights, watch lots of daytime tv!)

Well, Chicago finally got some snow. Not as much as you guys on the East Coast, but some. But by the second week in March, snow is just an insult. By now I'm ready to don the shorts and get on my bike to start training for the summer seaon!

Just got back from Walt Disney World. Took Mom for the first time! She had a blast! The trip was actaully a celebration of 5 year survival with cancer. We were told we would not make it this far! She loved the Tower of Terror - had to go on it 4 times! We stayed at a moderate resort - Port Orleans French Quarter. It was perfect for the amount of time we actually spent in the room.

Add me to the Monty Python fan list. I can quote most of the Holy Grail and laugh hysterically every time I watch it...I'm 32 and will apparently never grow up!.

Look forward to hearing from you again...hope your feeling better!

kelly

Hello again Sam,
I forgot to ask you in my previous message if you've ever checked out the Disneyland resorts? I love DisneyWorld and have been there over 15 times, but I live down the street from DIsneyland now and go there all the time. If you think that the head people on your show might consider this then you guys should check out the "Grand Californian" at the DIsneyland Resort. It's really amazing and has one of the best restaurants in Orange County, CA. You also have both Disneyland and California Adventure, and Downtown Disney right next door. The hotel accomadations are fantastic, and the suites are really beautiful(I've only seen pictures of those however).
I also wanted to ask you if it wouldn't be too much of you to send me one of your autographed pictures whenever you get the chance. If you have any left ofcourse. My address is:
Bill O'Neill
12851 Haster St. Apt. #1H
Garden Grove, CA 92840
my email is: woneill79@hotmail.com
Again, whenever you get the chance. I know how busy you're schedule is. Oh! ANd congrat on an emmy nomination for your show. I think you should get one for your acting someday. YOu are truly unique as an actor, and I could see you doing a lot more in the future. Thank you

Hi Samantha,

Congratulations on the nomination for the daytime Emmy. You and your crew deserve it. Your show gets me away from news and cheers me up.
So sorry you got sick on your visit down here. I can't think of any way a person could feel worse than to have food poisoning. I see from the pictures that you were able to have some fun. I have been down here for 18 years and have not gone to New Orleans for Mardi Gras yet. I will have to make a point of going next year. Just don't tell me you flashed for beads and I missed it this year.

Sam,

Greetings from sunny warm Ft Walton Beach Florida !!!

Just saw your show for the 1st time last week, !! I Luv the guick whitty sense of humor!! In fact, I find my self saying "That's somthing I would say" LOL you are a true FUN-A-HOLIC !!! and thats somthing I definitly can relate too. HAHA

Anyway, Congrats to you and your team for the Emmy Nomination. The sky is the limit and the world is starting to take notice with your nomination.

BEST OF LUCK !!

Paul

Hi,
Hawaii and food poisoning don't go together here. Sorry to hear about your Mardi Gras misery. Nothing worse than being sick and surrounded by so much food!

I have a suggestion for a hotel to visit - the Hyatt Regency in Kauai. My husband and I travel A LOT and stay in the best possible places - Four Seasons, Ritz-Cartlons, etc. This Hyatt is fabulous and worthy of your attention.

Hope you are feeling better! Thank you for all your hard work. It's appreciated!

Hi Sam
Thankyou for answering my questions. I will watch those movies you told me you like.
I don't really have anything more to say, so I think i've gotten it all out of my system now. Now I will get back to the other world and do stuff.
"Your fruit alone was worth the trip"
You're the greatest! See you on T.V. !!!

Always,
Robert

Sam,

Great Hotels is a terrific look at the best and most unique accomodations travel has to offer (these are the places I HOPE I'll stay at when I'm on the road). However, for those of us not so fortunate, may I suggest an alternative spin-off series: Really Lousy Hotels. My top 3 picks would be: The St. Regis (Detroit), The Radisson New Orleans, and the La Quinta (Las Vegas). Many a rollicking tale can told about these places and many others just like them (bathtubs that don't come clean, mystery doors to nowhere, vague notions that you're really staying in the hotel from the Shining, etc.) Anyways, just a suggestion.

Brian

P.S. - I just returned from New Orleans and I agree: the French Quarter is only fun if you enjoy beer bottles crashing down overhead balconies and watching college kids vomit in the streets.

Thought I would put it all in one post to save on bandwith (heh).

Question: When you're staying in one of those fancy hotels getting pampered, where does your crew stay? Do they all have to sleep in shifts in the van?

Suggestion: I like when you go about the area where the hotels are located. Even though some viewers may not have the opportunity to stay in one of the Great Hotels, sometimes the areas are interesting enough to visit. I think the Travel Channel should expand the shows to an hour so you could play up the area and really explore. I never thought of visiting Vail and other ski areas in the summer! There actually are a lot of things to do!

Comment: You should get your "people" to book you on Letterman - his humor and your's should make for an interesting show!

Dear Sam,

I love your show very much!

I'm from Taiwan and a grad studen in Ann Arbor since last Fall term .

You know,I watch your show everyday and try to make notes in order to not to miss any program.

I love your down-to-earth and humorous style.
When I watch your show, I'm in a good mood and very attracted to you. You're so charming!

Best wishes,

Elaine Chen

elaine11@spp.url.com.tw

Hi Sam,

'96 is an ok year for Oregon Pinot's, I've had good and bad from that year, but '97 is really the year to stay away from, that was a really bad year for Oregon Pinot. '98 is pretty good; I just had Adelsheim's '98 Pinot, the night after I had the '96, and it was good, also.

More on that script-in summary, I usually describe it as 'Jules and Jim' meets 'Seven'. Kind of strange mix, but if you read it, you'll see what I mean. It's an incredible script, but I'm still refining it, before I officially copyright and register it with WGA, and start up the website for it, so I'm not very open with even close friends about too many details. It will be shot in either 16mm, or HDDV, depending on economics, and other variables. I'm trying to attach a name DP to it, Randy Sellars, who is a former teacher of mine, and has worked on some good films(Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, and The Juniper Tree, starring Bjork)Something about the films we make is, it's not traditional indie stuff, we have more of an edge, and more originality than most, and we're very proud of that, there's too much parody, mockumentary, films about young punks doing nothing on street corners, people in coffee shops complaining about whatever, and determindly quirky criminals planning something. Only a very few can really pull that kind of film off(Waiting for Guffman, Clerks, Pulp Fiction are some of the very few).

Incidentally, are you SAG? Just curious.

You're show is great for me, I miss all the travelling I used to do freely, before I decided a year and a half ago, to sit down and work on a film career, and that takes up most of my time for now, occasionally I take a day trip somewhere near-by, so I travel a little vicariously through other people sometime.

Talk to you again,
Bill

courtney_h,

I'm envious of you. I would love to live abroad. I travel extensively yet rarely do I get to truly enjoy a place. It's funny, when my boyfriend and I visited London all I wanted to do was walk around and see how people LIVED there. Have breakfast at a local place, read the paper to read their news. I would be happy not seeing any of the big tourist sites, I just like to wander around for hours ANYWAY, we have been discussing a Europe destination for two years now and this year may be it. So keep your fingers crossed.

Chris,

please give a scratch on the ol head of Bogey. I wish I had a dog. In the town where my Dad lives is a gourmet Bakery for dogs-no kidding! There are glass display shelves filled with homemade dog treats laid out like cookies, scones and ****ins. I have no idea how they pay the rent charging 75 cents for the doggie pastries though. Just so you know -the reason why I am not on on Saturdays is because it is to be used as a "reflective" day when we "reflect" on all the wonderful momments Great Hotels has given you through-out the week.

your daughter sounds like a total joy. Maybe I could get some pointers on how to comment on the view. It's usually my most uncomfortable momment in the show. Especially when we are in Hawaii. Because even though it is an absolutely gorgeous view, I've had to react to it so many times that I feel like I am not doing it justice. I'll say "Ooh, look at that incredible view" while thinking to myself -didn't you say that the last time about the Pacific ocean? and the Atlantic ocean and the Colorado Mountains?

Hi Sam! Yea, I left my address on the Samantha Responds forum, but I'll give it to you now so you dont have to look back for it. I think it is really nice that you care for your fans, and dont want to leave anyone out. You are so sweet! When you were in college, were you ever in a sorority? Just a random thought.. Anyways, have a good day!
Yours Truly,
Amanda
Amanda Spina
Marietta College
Box 1240
Marietta, Ohio 45750 Thanks!

The Travel Channel had already had a series on Bed and Breakfasts so they wanted a different show. Or maybe it was on Inns Yes! that's it Inns. I think that 90% of Bed and Breakfasts are very simular-quaint, colonial or English Cottage there's not much variety and that would make it difficult to do an entire series on them. It would also be very tough on me to come up with different ways to describe blueberry pancakes

Hi Sam! have a great night! Dont stay up too late!

cooolash,

you know I think that's a great idea. To have the fans of Great Hotels take video camera's on their next hotel visit (could be a Day's Inn or the Ritz) and do their own tour. You could over-react with the toiletries and of course incorporate the "jump on the bed move" that's become my trademark We could post the video's on the website and people could vote for their favorite ones. WHAT DOES EVERYONE THINK? should I pass this along to the Travel Channel people? I like it I like it a lot.

volly05,

got your address Thanks, a picture will be sent out next Monday, wait a minute, the Oscars are this Sunday right? Tuesday, a picture will go out Tuesday. I'm hittin the hay very soon.

Hi, Sam!

I'm new to this forum, but was so delighted to discover that we can tell you how much we enjoy the show! I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful Girlfriend you were to me last year. I was home with a new baby, and as much as I love being a new mommy, it was pretty lonely at times. Before I was married, I used to plan my vacations with my girlfriends - we had such fun! And even in my work, I occasionally had the opportunity to travel with another girl, and we made the most of it (there's always a good restaurant and good shopping nearby!) When I discovered Great Hotels, it was so wonderful! It really reminded me of the trips I took with my girlfriends. And so, when it was time to feed my littlest girlfriend, I'd ask her, "Where do you think Sam is taking us today?!"

I have to say that my favorite location was the Mohonk Mountain House, and I have to tell you why. It reminds me of the setting of a short story by O Henry (famous for his story, "Gift of the Magi.") This story I believe is called, "A Midsummer Knight's Tale." It takes place in the early 1900's, and it's about two young gentlemen who are trying to catch the eye of a beautiful young lady. They are all vacationing in a hotel in upstate NY, near a lake. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw the GH episode, and it really makes me wonder if the story was based on that hotel! At the end of the story, the two men are racing each other to get to the top of a hill, where the young lady is waiting to "knight" the winner. Our hero reaches the top first, and she names him the victor. He responds by saying, "If I could be your true knight always..."

It's such a lovely story! O Henry is a magical writer. I found it especially poignant to learn from an earlier post that you and the crew were filming there during Sept. 11. I'm sure it must have been a comforting setting in the midst of so much turmoil.

Just wanted to drop you this note! You handle this forum with such grace. So thanks again for being such great company. Oh, and by the way, I had posters of Sean Cassidy in my room growing up, also!

Take care,
travel_mommy

greathotelsfan,

You've been there 15 times! WoW. My favorite Disney hotel is The Animal Kingdom Lodge. I thought that everything about it was fabulous especially the effort involved in making it as authentic of an African experience as it could. We stay at the Hotels an average of three days and as for more Disney stuff-we pretty certain we'll be doing a Disney at Christmas special in November to air in December. I got your address thanks.

Thanks Sam! You are the coolest!!!! I wouldn't expect you to miss the Oscars! Good night!

travelfanatic,

a wife who wants to have simple vacations and camping trips? That woman is a keeper. Sorry about your New Orleans experience. It's odd that a Fairmont wouldn't be up to par. I'm glad you look to my shows for ideas but for bonafide reviews I always go to a website called tripadvisor.com (I'm getting no kick backs I swear) It's extremely informative in that area.

keldvm,

Hey Congratulations on your mom surviving Cancer. I'm in that club too and my mom and I are extremely close because of it (well, for other reasons too) I was thinking that the other day that I wondered if my mom could join me on my next trip to Disney World, I think she would really love it. The Tower of Terror is The Best! Were you on with any Tower of Terror groupies? These are teenagers that have been on it so many times that they know the elevator narration by heart. I remember thinking-my gosh how do they memorize all of that? Then I remembered my own ability to quote the entire opening scene to the Holy Grail...Old Woman!...Man! We all have our talents.

Hi again, Sam
My boyfriend wanted me to ask you what you REALLY thought of the Kava drink you tried in Hawaii. What does it taste like? Does it make you all wacky?
Thanks.
Also, we tell people about you and your show all the time and would love to have a photo to instill them with your visual coolness
You rock girlfriend!
Much appreciation,
Kathy Noll
3300 Chestnut St.
Reading, PA 19605
kthynoll@aol.com

no flashing. However they were chanting it while I was trying to do a promo. Such charmers.

czechowpj,

well thank-you for finding us and welcome to our monthly chats

myra****in,

I think there is a strong possibility that we will be doing that hotel this year. Thanks for the personal endorsement.

sneech,

You bet the crew stays at the Hotel. It would be too difficult with our schedule if they didn't. I think the destination idea is a great one and it's something we are focusing on this year. The show always has to be about Great Hotels -that being the title and all. We have been to Vail for the summer season. We went to Colorado and shot The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Inn at Vail and Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek. Do you really thing Dave could stand my fattening humor?

Elaine11,

Thanks for making the time. I hear that Ann Arbor is a beautiful college town. My boyfriend just took a job near there so we plan to do some day trips-maybe I'll see ya around.

Hey Sam, thanks for writing back. I can't believe they make you fly coach. I still think they could at least get the corporate jet out for you once in a while. You have to remember that for your next contract negotiation! How often do you get stuck next to the one really weird person on the plane? Or does your crew help protect you from that? And of course working for the airlines forces me to ask do you have a favorite airline? And what are some of your worst flying experiences?

One last question for tonight, we were curious if you guys have a limit on your dinner tabs. We have seen some pretty serious meals on your show. Do you get yelled at for spending too much?

OK, we'll stop bugging you for tonight. I think we are actually up later than you for a change!

There is a little old lady named Harriet Williams that I had read about before we went to Orlando. It seems that riding the "elevator" keeps her young, so she has been on the Tower of Terror 500 times! No sooner had I related this story to my family than we looked up and there she was! Wearing a little bellhop hat with 500 on it! It was her 506th ride. I asked for her autograph 'cause she was famous. Her granddaughter said that I made her day!

I know exactly what you mean about being closer to your mom. It's a ****** club to be a member of, and there are so many many menbers. I decided 5 years ago that with whatever time I had left with her...I'd have no regrets. So every day is a gift and we always remember that. We're struggling through a recurrence, but hanging in there. Luckily we live close and I am able to see her a bunch.

About being repressed...I still laugh uncontrollably at "I will **** in your general direction!" (can you say that on the internet?) Ahh, Disney, **** jokes, will we never grow up!Have you seen the extras on the DVD? Hilarious!

Gotta sleep now. The dog has already claimed my side of the bed so we have to have a discussion about that! (Down Matilda! You have your own bed!)

kel

Hi Sam,

My husband and I are travelling to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic toward the end of April. Have you ever been there or have any suggestions from people that have? The hotel is the Barcelo Bavaro (5*). So, I hope it is nice, but was just wondering for some confirmation. Also, we were wondering if you had been on any tv shows yet interviewing you (Regis and Kelly, Today Show, Good Morning America, etc.?????) Has your new season started airing yet?

Sam,

I know you're very busy and can't possibly answer every reply, but I'm feeling a little down....
I only wanted to show you the pictures to hear your reaction. With your sense of humor and personality, I thought it would be fun.


Sorry to bother you, Steve O.

Hey Sam,

Yeah, being able to live in another country has been pretty amazing. I'd say that your chances of seeing 'normal' life in London was close to impossible seeing that it's got a Starbuck's on each corner and is quite similar to any large American city (albeit a bit more history in London). Next time you venture over here I suggest hitting the smaller towns. That's where you're gonna find the traditional pubs and local people who have time to sit down for a chat.

Another place I strongly recommend visiting is Ireland. It seems when people come over to Europe they go to the big cities (London, Paris...) and seem to just skip over Ireland alltogether. Trust me, if you get a chance to go to Ireland don't pass it up!!

Hope you've had a great day. If you'd like any travel suggestions or ideas for over here I'd be happy to help.

Take Care,
Courtney

BOOTH704@yahoo.com

sorry! I have no intention of blowing anyone off, It's been an unexpectedly busy day. I just got home and am running out the door. I'll be on-line tonight around 10:30-11ish.

Travel_mommy,

that's exactly how I hope people feel when watching the show-that I'm their girlfriend, their partner in crime so-to-speak. I get pretty lonely on the road (i sound like a country-western singer) And when I feel like I'm getting too "hosty" while describing a hotel I always think "how would I say this to my girlfriends?" An interesting note-one of my best friends plays Michelle on Guiding Light. We lived together for four years in NYC working exhausting waitressing jobs, making no money and surviving really bad boyfriends. But Man, did we have a good time! That's what girlfriends are all about. I'm glad you consider me one of yours.

kthynoll,

my look of absolute disgust wasn't obvious enough? Oh it's terrible, just terrible. I told the producer that I'd give them one take with downing that stuff and that's it. The funny thing about drinking Kava is that even the Ali'i (Hawaiian chiefs) who have been drinking Kava for 50 to 60 years still make that face that I made. It tastes like liquid dirt. But the affect is pretty cool. It's just a mellow buzz. Not as strong as alcohol -more tingly. I got your address picture on the way next week.

propilot113,

The best thing I enjoy about first class is the special check-in line, the pre-board and your bag coming out first. We usually fly Delta to Hawaii and what really stinks is that for an 11 hour flight the seats only recline a little and there's no foot rest! I'll bring a small rolly bag and put it at my feet to create an ottoman
effect. I also always pack my own food since it's my last chance to eat a home cooked meal. Bad airline stories hmmmmmmmm. on my trip to Las Vegas the plane was struck by lightening. There was just this massive BANG! then the plane started to head downward and all those bells were going off. The woman next to me kept screaming "ARE WE GOING TO CRASH? ARE WE GOING TO CRASH?" Once we were told what had happened and the plane was steady I changed the club soda that I had previously ordered to a gin and tonic.


The meals are never at a cost to us. The restuarant absolutely wants to show off their food and usually we have to tone the meals down a bit so it's not a Thanksgiving feast everytime I eat-although, I would have no problem with that.

keldvm,

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's recurrance. My mom and I went through that all last year as well and she came back even stronger than the first time. So I hope with all my heart that that is your experience as well. I love the story of Harriet, I hope maybe the next time we (Travel Channel) go there we could look her up and feature her. I just got Fiona a bag of catnip and she can't handle it at all. I told her today that I'm going to have to cut her off. Last night she stood on top of me while I slept and meowed in my ear for like an hour. I yelled at her (in all my maturity) "no more catnip! we're going back to that little ball with the feather on it and you're going to like it!" so you really need to put that matilda in her place.