Happy New Year! Those that participated in the last live forum may be happy to know that I didn't break my leg during my ski vacation. After twenty years of skiing I have officially switched to snowboarding since it is easier on the body -- until you fall -- which is usually so hard on your butt that your spine goes numb and you see only silver. For some reason the threat of paralysis is more appealing to me than a torn ACL.

We're kicking off season two of Great Hotels in 2003. Travel Channel is going to pepper the new episodes into the existing shows. How will you know the difference? If my hair is longer, it's a new show. I'm also very excited about January 23rd and 24th when Great Hotel's hour-long specials will air starting at 8 p.m. I know you really want to see if Ross and Rachel get together on Friends but do try to catch one of the shows. They are America's Top Ten Hotels, Best Theme Hotels, Florida's Best Hotels and Best Family Friendly Hotels. The special: Best Hotels to trash a room in a drunken rock star rage, strangely enough didn't make it on the schedule (just kiddin'). I'd love to hear what you think of the new episodes and the hour-long specials after they air.

Hi Samantha,

Good to see you're back! Love the show, you know how to pick great spots. I've recently discovered you're show, and I love it, I'm an avid traveller, and have spent years travelling the country and Canada, too.

Whenever you get the chance(with the show or not), try to come to the Northwest. If you do, I can steer you in the best directions here for great historic lodges, luxury hotels, natural beauty, and... wineries! We have many, many great wineries here, especially if you like Pinot Noir(my favourite).

Have you seen Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks in concert? I'm a huge fan, and saw you were too, I've been watching a DVD of a concert they did a few years ago called The Dance recently. Also glad to see you like The Philadelphia Story, one of my favourite movies, too. You've got great tastes!

Look forward to you're online chats, cool to see you're connected to you're fan base.

Bill
arthousebill@hotmail.com

Samantha:

Just wanted to drop you a note and tell you . . . I LOVE all your shows!

As someone in the tourism trade, I really watch to learn (or see what the rest of the world is doing.)

If you're ever in Palm Beach County, and I would encourage you visit soon, we have super luxury resorts and homes, please let me be your guide.

Sergio Piedra
Tourism Marketing Coordinator
Palm Beach County Florida
Convention and Visitors Bureau
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 800
800-833-5733
spiedra@palmbeachfl.com

Sam, I'm a fan of your shows (well actually I'm a fan of you in your shows) and I admire your perk, spunk and wit. Everything good about you ever said in these forums I mean even more than anybody else. You've also got a beautiful singing voice. To what extent do you pursue singing professionally?
Love, 'n stuff,
Jack
(p.s. I wanted to be Samadmirer for this forum, but I had to stick with the default from another forum)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Samantha;
I was just curious what does a professioal vacationer do when she's not working.Also how much time do you get to really enjoy yourself (not in front of the camera) at the hotels and resorts you visit.


Sincerely,
Your fan

PS I was told to repost to this topic

we're your biggest fans samantha! \o/ do you have any plans on visiting florida for either show soon?

Hello Samantha! \o/ I am such a big fan!!! I'll make sure to check out the specials... I just wanted to tell you that you are such a pick-me-up for so many people; it's such a great feeling to watch Great Hotels before heading to the horrors of class or work. Your wonderful sense of humour and amazing taste puts me in a good mood all day! Laughter is definitely the best medicine, and you offer it in abundance!

One question: Have you ever been to or considered going to the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg, Florida? "It's definitely a Great Hotel with its classy and sophisticated elegance, set in the warm Florida climate!"

Hope everything is going great with you now! Stay cool and take it easy Sam (like you always do anyway)! Give the next goose-down pillow you encounter a hug for me!=D

Hi Samantha!

I am a big fan, and love your shows. I especially like Great Hotels. You did a show on a hotel in Hershey a while back. I tried to do a search, but couldn't find it.

Last night, my hubby said we would be going through PA, and why not stop in Hershey. Sounded great to me! I thought I would look up the hotel and check it out!

Hey Sam, I'm 15 and watch your show all the time! Have you done a episode in the hotel: Atlantis in the Bahamas? Thats a nice one.

My favorite episode of yours is the Time hotel. You are the BEST sam! Please E-mail me sometime at BugsyG2@aol.com
JAZZ

Samantha, I wanted to thank you for your wonderful programs. You are always so cheerful and happy, and that always helps cheer me up when I'm feeling down. I watch whenever I can, and always enjoy the show, no matter where you end up. Plus, it helps that you are a very beautiful, charming woman.

Is there one moment in particular that stands out to you as the most silly moment ever? Either on camera or off, what was the goofiest, laugh-out-loud funniest thing that ever happened on your travels?

Thanks for reading, thanks for the fun, and have a great day!

Cheers!
--Kevin

P.S. So, when are you checking out the fun hotels in Wisconsin?

P.P.S. Which do you prefer, "Samantha" or "Sam"? I'm gonna guess "Samantha".

Hey Sam,welcome back!Whew,I'll try this again,I guess I put my message in the wrong spot earlier.I am heading to Phoenix in a couple of weeks to escape the ridiculous weather of upstate New York. I will only be there for four days,but can you recommend a cool spot to check out while I am there? Hey,just between you and me,how were the green eggs and ham at Disney?(be honest)!

Ms. Brown

Ma'am

I want to thank you for your wonderful shows. I live in a 2x4 of a room at a military academy (a far cry from a "great hotel")and absolutely enjoy seeing all of the fabulous places you visit. For a short time it gives me a chance to get my mind off of school/work and travel with a fun person to an exciting place. You lighten the burden and boost morale more than you can immagine! Is there any way this grateful fan might be able to get an autographed picture?

Respectfully,
falcon_cadet

Hi Samantha! This is my first time writing to you. I love all of you're shows, especially Great Hotels. Two of my favorite hotels are The W in Honolulu, and probably Bacara. Do they have a web-site? I was looking foward to your new shows. I don't think I've seen them all yet. Do you have any pets and are you really married? Were you were fibbing to the front desk person, at the hotel that gave you a free glass of champange, for an other glass for your husband that was parking the car. I thought that was halarious.(if you were joking) I think that you are funny. well I got to go, write back soon!

Hi Samantha! Great to see you back! My brother and I are big fans. We watch Great Hotels all the time.
We just got back from a vacation in Toronto, yes in the middle of winter, but the reason is because we both love travelling (it's nice having a twin who you can travel with at anytime). It was our first visit to Toronto, and we stayed at the Grand Hotel. I highly recommend this hotel if you're ever in Toronto. The views of Lake Ontario and the city were amazing. I even braved the freezing cold and hopped in the hot tub on the rooftop. It was definitely a memorable experience.

Tropez

Hi Sam, my husband and I are really excited for the new shows. We love watching your show. We do not watch too much tv but we watch your show all the time. We hope to visit some of the great places we have seen on your show after my husband graduates and gets settled in his new career. Keep up the great work. Tarrah
PS my husband Adam just loves your show and thinks youre the greatest. I am trying to find something special for his birthday on Monday 1/20 and was wondering if you could send him an email or something? But if youre too busy thats ok, youre still the greatest!

arthousebill,

I may just have to take you up on that. I have been begging the Travel Channel to send me to the Northwest for very selfish reasons (my favorite red wine is Pinot Noir as well) If you have any recommendations on some wineries to try please pass them on. I really enjoy a rich velvety Pinot and sometimes have a hard time finding one. I saw Stevie Nicks only once in concert with Fleetwood Mac in Boston.

sergiopiedra

Unfortunately we missed each other. Me and the crew were in Palm Beach shooting Great Hotels sometime in September. We shot The Breakers and a funky boutique hotel called Hotel Biba. You've got a great Mall.

Sam: Are you and your crew coming to Va. in an up coming year? I have 2 Hotels in my end of Virginia that would be worth checking out. The first is the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs Va.(home to the late Sam Snead golfing great) a 5 star hotel(or was) and it has its own,you will like this,mens and womens Hot mineral spring bath houses and clothing is optional I think still. The second is here in my home town the Hotel Roanoke built by the N&W railroad in the 1800's.Its a tudor style hotel with a conference center and is only a few blocks from one of the oldest operating farmer's markets in Virginia. Over the border in Wild and Wooly West Virginia is the Greenbriar resort(thats the one with the not so secret bunker built under it) in White Sulfur Springs. Come on down Sam you will love this part of Va!! The fall is the best time ,thats when the leaves turn color and you can cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway and see it all!

genadmirer,

I took 12 years of voice lessons. twelve years! I continued thru college because we were told you had to be a triple threat, but never really enjoyed how disciplined you had to be. When I finally made the move to NYC and realized that my voice could in no way compete with the incredible talent there-I quit. What a relief.

Hello Mrsharke,

So far while I'm on Hiatus I've gone to Park City Utah for some skiing and I just got back from Santa Fe with my mom. I would really like to do a bike trip thru Montana's National Glacier Park.

To answer your other question unfortunately I don't get to enjoy the hotel as much as I would like to or certainly not in the way I would if I were vacationing there. There's not much room for downtime in our production schedule. But I keep a running list of all the ones I want to go back to.

phantomx86,

Do I have plans to come to Florida! My gosh I think 50% of our hotels were in Florida. Orlando, Amelia Island, Palm Beach, South Beach, ST. Pete Beach, Naples, St. Augustine and Key West. If I've left any great destination out Tell me. We'll be there next season.

The Don Cesar happens to be one of my favorites. It's very elegant and yet relaxed at the same time. There's No stuffiness and what a fabulous staff. Thanks for taking the time to write and tell me how much you enjoy the show. Keep coming back!

cfranco,

a tip before you go to Hotel Hershey. Bring baggy clothing! We (the crew) became such gluttons. We would literally eat so much chocolate we made ourselves sick. Of course by the end of the day we would swear we'd keep off the stuff-until the next day when we'd start shoveling it down our faces once again. May you have stronger will power. Besides that it's an extremely lovely hotel that I know you'll enjoy.

jazzbw,

No I have never been there but if we do another season of Great Hotels I am sure it will make the list. What were your favorite things about it?

Now this is weird: I have to admit I check out this site once in a blue moon, but after finding the college bball games tonight pretty terrible, I've stumbled across a fascinating window of opportunity away from the tv... to talk to someone on tv. Samantha, I discovered your first show, the vacation homes thing, in the spring of 2000. My "career" had become unpleasant and I had apparently wealth aplenty stashed away, so 3 days before the stock market snuffed it I cleverly quit my job. Instead of spending all my time reading uplifting academic literature afterwards, I ended up sneaking looks at daytime tv, and there you were (quite a bit differently coiffed, as you know). I'm never going to rent anyone's vacation home (my brother has a great beachfront one on Hatteras Island in NC anyway), and I'm not going to visit any posh hotels anytime soon (unless the novel I wrote in retirement unbelievably gets sold and becomes a boffo hit). The only hotel I visit is a $60/night "spartan" place in London once a year (highly recommended if you're truly cheap - 15 min. walk from most theatres and quietly in Bloomsbury but the bathroom is down the hall as well, and none of your nice toiletries, either) as a base camp for daytrips out and plays at night. And yet I enjoy unfailingly watching the (countless) re-runs of your show. I don't even like your bad puns, but it's a pleasure to watch your whimsical approach to things and you're a delight. Lord knows what your viewership is at noon on weekdays (I remember the first day or so I watched the sponsor was some gas suppressant pill --- yikes), so I hope your evening gigs gain you some wider notoriety. Anyway, among this rant, I ought to ask you a couple of questions. Firstly, back in your vacation homes days (so long ago, I guess), are there any anecdotes you feel safe enough to divulge to us now? Which was the most enjoyable house? (the turf covered job with the boulder inside?) The weirdest owners? And as for the hotels, does your production company seek them out, or did they solicit you guys? Wish I'd thought of more ingenious questions, but the pressure is on and I'll restrain myself to these. It's been, um, odd cyber-talking to someone who's been so ebulliently visible on tv for the last couple years (now can you get the stock market back up to early 2000 levels?) Thanks for the entertainment, Sam, and let your hair grow some more for those of us who lean towards shoulder length. Oh, slip into Charlottesville, VA sometime - a very nice town, on the whole. No World's Greatest Hotels, though.

Thanks for your response Samantha and I agree! The Don is definitely one of my favourite hotels too!

By the way, have you ever considered an online journal to post your hotel experiences as you live them? Or do you have a written one? I've found that's the best way to try and remember as much as I can when I go to someplace exotic! =]

I am a Alumni of a high School called Pinkerton. Resently I got "The Alumnus" the school newsmagazine for the Alumni. And on the back of the magazine in the bottom right corner is a picture of a blonde woman in a red shirt and white pants. The caption for the picture reads as follows: "Samantha Brown '88, host of several TV shows on the Travel Channel, delivered the dedication's keynote address." Now I am a fan of your shows and was just wondering if someone is playing tricks on me or is that actually you?!

~a pinkerton alumni chloe '00

Hi :-)

Guess you can tell by my screen name I am a new fan to the show having just discovered it over the holidays.

Tell the higher ups at your channel that you are the BEST for their channel as now not only am I watching Great Hotels but the last few nights have also watched Vegas Week & if not for you I would not be watching the Travel Channel (Full disclosure I did watch Beach Week in the past when Kelly Packard hosted BUT now you can tell them that since you are there they no longer need Kelly!)

Speaking of that any plans for you to be on Beach Week? It would make sense as while you are on some of the beaches for Great Hotels you could film segments for Beach Week & everyone will be happy (The bosses by saving money since you already are on the beach, You since you will be on more Primetime, & ME because you will be on more :-) )

Well I guess I have taken to much of your time but before I go is there any way I can get an autographed photo of you?

Thanks & Happy Travels

Joe AKA Sams_New_Fan

(as you would say) There are many pop stars out there making millions who don't even have half the vocal talent that you have. Well there's this girl named Christina and one named Mariah but they don't have a quarter of the personality and class that you have, Sam. But I'm glad you have a job which enables you to use your strongest talents and I'm sure you find your muse on a daily basis...
Love, Jack

Let's see...there are quite a few

Davros


silliest, laugh out loud momment: During a four hands massage scene AS THE CAMERA WAS ROLLING the masseuse pulled the sheet that was covering me completely off --exposeing my bare bum to the entire crew. Now that still makes me laugh out loud. I screamed "what part of family television don't you understand" Needless to say the moon footage was destroyed immediatly.


I have no preference where my name is concerned. I answer to them all.

Karld

I have been experiencing the 25 degree weather as well so it must be so nice to head to Phoenix-what is it like 75 degrees there. We stayed at the Arizona Biltmore and Royal Palms both wonderful places if only to have a drink at. The Royal Palms has an outdoor fireplace where you can have a cocktail by.

The Green Eggs and Ham was darn delicious, I still have the box.

Falcon_cadet,

I loved how you called me Ma'am and I am so happy that I boost your morale. Living in a 2by2 room you should be watching Trading Spaces to see all the wonderful things you could do with it. Only if it doesn't take you away from my show of course. I would absolutely send you an autograph picture. If you don't mind leaving your school address and name and if you don't feel comfortable doing that over this forum send it to PineRidge Film & Television 11265 Alumni Way Jacksonville Fl. forgot the zip. It takes a little longer to reach me but you'll get one I promise.

kliney,

no I am not I just fibbed to the front desk clerk to get an extra glass of Champagne. I have no shame! I have one cat her name is Fiona. I wish I could have more animals but because of my traveling I keep it to just one feline. But to make up for it I volunteer at an organization called Kittykind which rescues cats. So really I have about 37 cats.

Tropez25,

Thanks for the tip. We (Great Hotels) may be headed to Canada next season so I will definately pass on your recommendation. I am sure you got off season rates and with the exchange rate on the dollar I'd brave the cold too.

I love watching programs that take us where we may not be able to travel to (at the moment) however, no host tops Samantha's amazing ability to make you feel like you are right there with her. As luxurious and exotic as the locations may be, some of the host on travel programs are down right stuffy. With Samantha providing the tour it is as though you are right their beside her. She is down-to-earth, funny, peppy, and a real person! Kudos to you Samantha, you make the show!!

Hello back:

Sorry I missed you, maybe we'll see you next time you're in Palm Beach. Hate to be a pest, but I forgot to ask: May I have an autograph picture? It'll make my day! Thanks.

Here's the business address:

Sergio Piedra
Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 800
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Hi Sam, so happy to find this great forum! Iam lucky enough to work out of my home here in Fresno CA and get to watch your shows everyday! My wife and I love to watch your shows and planned our vacations around some of them.The Hilton Waikoloa Village was the absolute best! We had a great time on our second anniversary my wife flipped when we got to swim with the Dolphins! We even asked the Dolphin Quest staff about you and they thought you were great, saw your pic on the wall in the training area too along with the other big stars! We had lunch with Wayne Newton why we were there! We also just got back from a trip to Mandalay Bay and loved that too.These are truly great memories that we will never forget, and seeing the shows on TV brings back the great times we had.Thanks so much for the great shows, looking forward to the new season and more great vacations!

Are there any plans for new shows out west? Would also like to see more of the older shows from the past, Hawaii and Yosemite.

Thanks again Sam, your biggest fans,no really! :~)
Matt and Michelle Cucchiara in Fresno CA

Hi Sam! Thank you for writing back. I think that it is great that you help out at an animal rescue place. Where is KittyKind located? My family has two siamese cats, a cockatiel, a dog, and fish. I like animals, and are debating whether to go to collage to become a vet, or somthing else. What did you want to be when you went to collage? When is your shows coming on at 8:00pm? A really good time would be at 9:30 also, that is when I have some free time. But I try not to miss any of your shows. What's the name of the Hawaiian singer, a male, singing about a humming bird flitting from flower to flower and sticking its beak in every one, and other things, if you can remember. What do you do on your free time, like do you have a part time job or what do you like to do for fun? When you're not on camera. I have a part time job, and I hate it. It's no fun. What state do you live in? Were you born in Texas or New Hampshire? I thought I heard both on a show but I did'nt Know which one. I read the story about you trying out for the show you have currently, when you were running to the airplane and you ran out to the airplane and yelled to the piolet please, that was halarious! Though it probably was'nt at the time. If you have any Q's for me don't hesitate to ask, I know I have a lot of Q's for you. Catch ya later! Pease write back soon!

That Hawaiian singer's name is Keali'i Reichel.When we were staying at the Valcano House on the big island I was walking through the gift shop and reconized him from one of the shows and bought one of his CD's.We listened to it in the rental car the whole trip.Its really great, really gets you in touch with the islands while driving around there.
Matt

Thanks for watching! if you ever need any specific recommendations don't hesitate to ask. What's your email?

ffgak,

Don't I know it. used to live there myself in Richmond. It was there in the first grade that I began my performing career Our first grade put on The Gong Show. I sang Bear Neccessities from Jungle Book and was gonged. IF THEY COULD SEE ME NOW!! I'm not bitter though. I'm not sure why we have never done The Greenbriar. It certainly is one of the top five classic resorts in America. maybe next year.

Hi Samantha

I am a huge fan and just to let you know, the spring musical at Pinkerton is "Hello Dolly"...hope to see you there!

Dear Capttuttle

YOU DON'T EVEN LIKE MY BAD PUNS? I'm sorry, i don't know what you're talking about. Brillant words and eloquent phrases are the only things that trip off this tongue. What I miss most about Great Vacation Homes are the homeowners themselves. It gets a little lonely on Great Hotels. I have many favorites. The most eccentric was a gorgeous woman who lived in the Chesapeake Bay area. I was facinated by her. She had a zoo of wounded and abandoned animals that she took care of. A crow with a broken wing, horses, bunnies, cats, an abandoned dog that was so nervous he lost all his hair and Buddy, the donkey. Abandoned as well Buddy kept to himself for months until she bought him his own blanket. When she put it on him he licked her face and from that momment on always joined the other animals. I was lucky to meet a lot of wonderful and inspiring people.

Greetings Sam,

I have to tell you that my wife and I watch your shows all the time and we love them. However, my wife is just a little jealous because I have a bit of an infatuation for you. Do you ever get tired of hearing how cute, witty and perky everyone thinks you are? Not that you asked but I really think that you looked sexier before the breast enhancement and with the shorter hair. I know that you already did this big thing on Las Vegas, but if you ever come back let me know and my wife and I will show you a part of Vegas that you missed…a day of sailing on Lake Mead. Hey, perhaps you could talk to your producers about a new show, "Great Places to Sail". Have you ever been sailing? There are a lot of boaters out there that would be interested. Especially if you were on deck.

I look forward to your new season of shows.

Craig

csdesdamona,

I am an Alumnus of Pinkerton Academy. I could not believe the change that campus has gone thru. I hadn't been back since I graduated in 19 bluh bluh. I lived in Derry NH for twelve years before my parents moved to the seacoast area. What town are you from?

I didn't go to Atlantis, but my parents did. They brought back a lot of pictures. So really it is my favorite hotel...(that isn't on the show yet).

Did you ever go to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio? They have a couple of great hotels in the resort. Please go to www.cedarpoint.com Its a big amusement park. Nicest in ohio. If you ever go there, please look me up in the Marina. I would give anything to meet you. I always watch the show. I started off watching Great Vacation homes when I was like 13-14 and I love great hotels. Never missed an episode. Please E-mail me some time at BugsyG2@aol.com
LOVE YOU SAM!!!

JAZZ

sams_new_fan,

well welcome to the forum. And I after I write to you I am going to get on my phone, call the big guys at the Travel Channel and tell them SEE! I told you I am the best thing on the Travel Channel! They will absolutely NOT agree but at least I gave it a shot. Thanks for your enthusiasm. I am actually leaving next Friday for Hawaii for Beach Week. I am just doing some commercials for them. I have no problems not being the host for Beach Week. I can **** in my stomach for a few minutes but an entire week of shows? No way.

Hi Sam,

Love the show. I watch it almost every day when I'm getting ready for work. Can't wait to see the new shows.

Just wondering, have you ever considered (or would be willing to consider) a visit to Nemacolin Woodlands resort? It's about 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh. Ever hear of nowhere? Well, it's in the middle of it. There's lots of stuff to do there on-site, plus there's historical places all around it. The PGA will be there in September as well.

Just a thought. Keep up the good work.
Doug

yorkiefriend,

mom, i told you to stop participating in these forums.

I like your login name. Hysterical. Isn't Waikoloa outstanding I must say I was quite overwhelmed by how massive the resort is. Hopefully for season three we will head out west to do some of the lodges of our National Parks. We went to Hawaii for this season as well the hotels are as follows: Manele Bay Hotel, Lodge at Ko'ele, Manalani Hotel and Bungalows and Four Season's. So look for them on the schedule. Take care and thanks for watching.