Hi Sam!

Thanks for responding so quickly! I remember seeing the first commercial for GVH - I was sitting on my couch with my boyfriend in Denver when it came on. I walked up to the tv and said, "I think I know her! I think that's Sam Brown, I went to school with her!" He just kind of laughed at me, until I grabbed my jr. high yearbook and there you were! It's just been so fun to watch.

It's so funny - I'd forgotten all about the thing with Starmaker...! I think the others were Christie Sutton, Lisa Karjala and Kristen Lukosios. Geez, I can't remember what I did yesterday, but those names came back pretty fast! I just saw Dan Clay about two weeks ago. The Drama Club did a fundraiser with alumni in the new theatre and he came down to perform. By the way, I believe the Spring Musical is the week of March 20th. That new Arts building is amazing, isn't it?!? The school is like it's own city now.

Yes, I'm now living outside Boston in Malden, MA and working for Harvard University. It would be great to see you again! My email is on the alumni page at the Pinkerton website, if you make it back this way. I will make sure to pass your message along to my parents - my mom loves the show, too!

Take good care and thanks again for writing back!

-Tristen

Samantha, one final thing I'd like to add while you're painting -- I went back and looked over the earlier threads (I only used to check this site every couple of months, but this week that I've found you suddenly alive on the boards Pygmalion-like, it's hard not to keep checking back) and my admiration for you has soared. I'd just assumed that you had at least a few Barton Fink-esque writers (even broken down William Faulkner types) providing you with carefully timed and worded scripts with all the information distilled and synthesized after meticulous planning. Now I realize that's not the case at all. All kidding aside, you really are eloquence personified, and truly do possess great skills in extemporaneous delivery, difficult enough without your great charm and light touch added to it (even if with multiple takes). I'm not sure your viewers appreciate how hard it is to be that glib and articulate, much less effeciently so, while making it look quite effortless and practically winging it. Well done, Sam! Or, as Homer Simpson would say, groin grabbingly well done! (Sorry, they re-ran his restaurant critic episode the other night and I can't shake it - now we'll have to see if you slip THAT into one of your dinner critiques in season three. My deepest apologies if so.) By the way, all other cosmetic surgeries aside (insert tongue in cheek icon here), I think you have a noble nose, and of course heart-stoppingly endearing eyes (no Homer Simpson descriptive terms there). And I did check Friday's episodes carefully for evidence of Samantha possessions and toiletries shoved into corners of the room, but found none. Very best wishes for season three, and don't load up the paint brush too heavily or it runs all down onto your hands. Time for me to exeunt...

dear ms. samantha brown.
i would like to get an autographed photo of you please.
i watch all your programs on the travel channel.
thank you john lambert

I'm a huge fan! I'm 14 (almost 15) years old and I love to watch Great Hotels. I have an idea. You should do a hotel that is for people of all ages. You could do what you do best and explain about all the stuff the adults are interested it. I could cover the stuff teens like to do. This way you can get more viewers (even though you have lots!) and diversity of your show. That would be so much fun too! Email me if you like my idea!

Stephanie

Dear Samantha,
I would like to suggest a new place to visit, It is Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a wonderful place to visit. I have been there myself many times. I know you will enjoy the southern hospitality. The rooms are very nicely decorated.
It also has a fabulous pool, and spa. In the hotel there many upscale shops and a 5-star restaurant. There are many things to do here. I think it is a "great hotel!"

You are an awesome person! My brother (Alex-12) and I (Ashley-15) catch your show everytime its on... if not, we record it. We have a time share in Cancun, Mexico every February at the Royal Resorts ( I dont know if you have been there or not). Very nice set of hotels! Your more then welcome to join us and our family :-P I dont know if I can send pictures in this, but you are welcome to send an e-mail to cooolash@optonline.net and I can show you a bunch of pictures we have taken. *We had a perfect view of the ocean and pools from our balcony* and I would love to share them with you. So please send an e-mail and I will foward the pictures to you. For now though, I was wondering...Have you ever done a "swimming with the dolphins" program at any hotel? IF so, did you like it? Thank you Samantha!
Love,
Ashley

Oh I forgot to mention one more thing.. MAy I please have an autographed picture? I am a little shaky about giving my address out on here so If you do e-mail to my previous post.. I will e-mail back and include my address. Thank you so much!

Hello Sam,
Will you be in southern CA for any shows?

My wife and I love your show and watch it all the time. We were wondering how you got started as a travel host? Did you start out in entertainment or hospitality industry?

I changed my username to samadmirer to reiterate this...
Love ya,
Jack

Thanks for the address! I can't wait! I'll look for one of Keali'i's cds a.s.a.p. what is the title of your favorite one? How many cds does he have? Thanks for the advice on money, I will follow it. I have a question, why am I considered a junior member, and others are called a member, what is the difference? Do you know that there is none of your shows on Saturdays!? That's probably the only day that I stay home the entire day, I would deffinetly not miss one of your shows then. I have'nt seen Great Vacation Homes on for a long time, I hope that it is not going off the air, is it? I seen that Girl Meets Hawaii comes on at 2:00 on weekdays (when I have off school) I'm looking forward for the info for Keali'i's music Monday night. I saw that you send some emails at like 12:00 midnight! I would probably stay up that late if I did'nt have school. I am deffinetly a night person, I like staying up late, and sleeping in late as possible. Catch ya later!

Samantha,

Hi. It's me again. I was also in search of one of your autographed pictures. Like the previous poster, I'm a little apprehensive of giving out my home address here, so if you could please e-mail me at dcd15401@yahoo.com, I'll give it to you there.

Thanks,
Doug

Hi Sam I love your show! It is so relaxing and fun to watch. Have you ever thought about visiting a small town historic hotel? If you ever come to Oregon Visit the Geiser Grand. Isn’t that a neat name. It is an Eastern Oregon's Historic Landmark that became known as the finest hotel between Salt Lake and Seattle when it was built in 1889 during the Gold Rush. It has the Northwest's largest stained glass ceiling, ornate mahogany millwork and more than 100 crystal chandeliers. It has breathtaking mountain views, great skiing & winter sports. You like skiing.
We love you in Historic Baker City, Oregon

PS. Don’t build that vacation home until you have seen the Oregon Coast. I love to vacation there. I love photography and the Oregon coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[This message was edited by easteagle on 01-20-03 at 04:38 AM.]

Hey Sam! My husband and I really enjoy the Travel Channel, but especially the shows that you host. Actually, I think my hubby has a crush on you! LOL! At any rate, I have suggested to the Travel Channel that instead of putting so much emphasis on Vegas (although it's great) they should do a Caribbean Week, a Europe Week, a Florida week, etc. and I think they should send you to the hotels to scope it out. I would love to see you do a series on Caribbean hotels and resorts. It would take a while to cover all the islands, but that's okay---can you say job security?! If you're ever in Nashville, let us know ahead of time. I'm a native Nashville (which is rare) and I can point you in the right direction. If you haven't done a piece on the Gaylord (Opryland) Hotel here, you should. It's awesome! It's a shame they closed the amusement park, but the hotel is still worth a trip to see. Keep up the good work!

I do have one more question. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary in April (we have two girls, 18 and 15) and we are going to go to St. Maarten/St. Martin. I don't know if you've ever done a segment there or have been there, but I would love your opinion on where we should stay. The beach is a priority for us, as well as creature comforts (I always get tickled that you like all those little extras in the hotel rooms like we do). We do not want anything as expensive as La Samanna, but we don't want basic, either. Have you been there and do you have any opinions? We are thinking about either Maho Beach Resort or the Alamanda Resort on Orient Beach. Thanks! ~~~Tina

Hi Sam,

My wife and I have become big fans of your's and "Great Hotels" over the last few weeks. We're now taping the show daily and planning our evenings around it. I only wish we'd known about the show when you visited Hershey, which is only about 15 minutes from where we live. Of course, that's all you folks needed were fans hanging around while you were trying to film!

Funny story: Last week we were watching the show about the Palmer House in Chicago. You were showing the Empire room, and my wife suddenly got this confused look on her face when you were joined by the director of catering. When her name came on the screen, my wife's jaw dropped and she screamed "Oh my God! That IS Jane Vukovich...I went to school with her!" She even offered to dig out her yearbook to prove it, but I said I'd take her word for it. Looks like we're hanging on to that tape.

Hi Sam! Just have to add my praise to everyone else's and tell you how much I love the show--you're into the very same things I am about a hotel. I'm a real junkie about the lobbies, the bathrooms, the views, the bars/lounges, and the restaurants. Every time I take a trip, the hotel is the major thing I spend time looking and planning for.

Last month, I spent a few days at Disney World, and after seeing the "GH" on the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we decided to chuck our plans to stay at Coronado Springs and try out the Lodge. It was terrific, so thanks for the tip. By the way, we spoke to a couple of members of the staff there who remembered you and the crew fondly. If you can stand one more Disney hotel, The Boardwalk would make a great episode. Also, I don't remember you ever going to Disney-MGM on any of the shows. You've got to try out the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock and Roller Coaster.

I was wondering if you could give us a brief rundown of how the hotels the show features are chosen. Have you ever approached a hotel that declined to be profiled? I can't imagine why they would, but was just curious.

Lastly, I'm headed to Santa Fe in March. Any tips?

Hi, Samantha, My husband loves your show and tries to watch every day. He's retired and would love to travel to all the places you go to. His birthday is Feb.3rd, I want to know if you would be nice and send him a autographed picture of yourself? It would make his day.I printed one but it didn't come out right, the printer only prints half of the page. I go to the local Library because I don't have a computer at my house yet. I have only been on line since September of last year.There is so much to learn and I am trying to get it as fast as I can. Thanks for listening. chattyali.

Hola! como estas? soy bien. do you speek fluent spanish, I know a few words and phrases. Previously I asked why I am considered a "junior member," well I just saw that I am a Member, thanks any way.

Dear Samantha,
My name is Kevin. I own my own travel agency called "JKH Cruise and Tours." Our motto is "If it's not fun, we don't do it." I would love to book you on a tour sometime. I really enjoy your show and I allways watch it whenever I get a chance to and if I know it's on. The places you have been to on your show are really quite exciting, I must admit, but I would love to see you do more great hotels in some of the lesser known places such as Michigan. I now reside in the state of Utah for the past 14 years but I haven't allways lived there. I was born and raised in Michigan and Michigan has alot to offer in the way of travel that most people don't know about. For example, there is a tiny island just north of the southern peninsula and south of the northern peninsula.(LOL) This island is called Macinaw Island. One of the most unique things about this island is the fact that there is hardly any cars on the island. So, there are really only 3 ways to get arround on the island. Walking is one of them. The other two ways are either horse and buggy or bicycling. It is like a trip back in time atleast 100 years. You would love the home made fudge and this is something that even you've probably never even had for dinner, and that is a pasty. If you don't know what a pasty is, it's sort of a pastery but with beef and vegitables inside instead of fruit and it sort of resembles a hotpocket. I like to think of a pasty as a potpie but without the pot. But I didn't come here today to talk to you about food as the name of your show is "Great Hotels." Now the great hotel that I am talking about is the Grand Hotel of Macinaw Island Michigan. This hotel claims to have the longest covered front porch in the world and here is another little tidbit, you can even reserve a suite with a great view of the Macinaw bridge. The bridge that I speak of is patterned after the Goldengate bridge and is said to be the longest suspension bridge in the world. I've never stayed at the Grand hotel but I've been in the lobby. It can be kind of expensive with rooms starting at about $150.00 dollars a night. But the unique thing about the price of the rooms is that all of your meals are included in that price too. Isn't that great? How conveiant too. There is so much more I could tell you but there just isn't enough time. So what do you say? How about doing a show on Macinaw Island.
Sincerely,
Kevin of "JKH Cruise and Tours."
P.S. If you have allready done a show on Macinaw Island I apologise also my first name is really James so if you are wondering what the J stands for, it is because Kevin is really my middle name and I've allways gone by that name my whole life.

Nobody can even begin to hold a candle to you! You have this hostess game on lock! The only reason I watch the show is because of you. Even my husband (who usually does protest these types of shows) will sit fairly content and watch your show. He actually said he likes your show!

I love the show as it is, but it would be GREAT to do a top-ten hotels UNDER $200 a night, too, for those of us who can barely afford a cot at our local Armory. I'm sure there are some pretty decent hotels out there that treat us "poor folks" well, too. I just need your help to find them!

Anyway, I'm a huge fan. Keep doing what you're doing.

dennisfan

I think that's a great idea (although, I'd really miss the expensive sheets) Some of these resorts are so expensive I can't afford to eat there. Well, that's not entirely true, I do receive a per diem. However, I have a very hard time paying 20 bucks for continental breakfast ( coffee, danish and fresh OJ) plus tax, service charge and a $3.00 delivery charge. Spending $25 before sunrise is just wrong no matter how much I make. I have stayed at a lot of embassy suites and Residence Inns which are in that price range and have really enjoyed them. May I just say that when the husband likes the show, however begrudgingly, I know I'm doing something right. Take care and thanks for saying Hi.

*******1,

I have been to Macinaw Island. We (travel channel) did two homes there for a show called Great Vacation Homes. It is an absolutely magical place. We have discussed it many times as a destination for Great Hotels and it's still on the table. the only reason we have not done the Grand Hotel is because it is very difficult to get to. We also due to sheduling and finances need to have at least three hotels per destination. I however, may be spending a lot more time in Michigan this year and am very excited about the opportunity to go as well as exploring the upper peninsula. thanks for saying hello.

chattyali,

what's your email address?

adamunc,

many have believe it or not, especially the first year when no one knew what the show was. To their defense these hotels are very worried our presence may disrupt the enjoyment of the guests. In our defense we never do. We absolutely believe that the guest is first-and we will stop shooting for their comfort (the scene where I arrive at the hotel and am greeted by the bellman could easily take hours because people are arriving or departing) I actually just got back from Santa FE (personal vacation). You're going to have a great time. I stayed at The Inn at Alameda -loved it. Things to do-turquois trail from Alburquerque to Santa Fe. Drive up to the Ski Basin and hike any of the hundreds of trails. Eat at Maria's.

reechiebacker,

Thank goodness I don't live near Hershey Pa I don't know how I'd control my chocolate problem and it is a problem. Did your wife ever get in touch with her friend from High school?

Tdm516,

Your prayers may be answered soon. Travel Channel does spend ALOT of time in Vegas but it gets the ratings so someone is watching. In season three of Great Hotels we will be focusing on the caribbean YAHOO! as well as possibly going to Europe YAHOO! However, as of now I have never been to the caribbean Islands so unfortunately have no suggestions. For my own research I often use a website called Tripadvisor.com Very imformative. Good luck and have a great vacation.

easteagle,

Thanks for the suggestion. I have not heard of it but very much want to go to the Pacific Northwest to cover the hotels there. (sometimes I have pull, sometimes I don't) I suspect that I would absolutely fall in love with the Oregon coast seeing that like Maine it's rocky and lined in Evergreen trees.

jamias,

I went to school to be in the entertainment business (musical theatre, Syracuse University) and paid for school by being in the hospitality business.

Hi Samantha!

Just saw your reply in that it can take hours to shoot you going in as to not discomfort the guests.

My question is if it wasnt for you on this board we would never have any idea about things like that that go into the making of the show.

So is there any chance of there being a "Behind the scenes of Great Hotels" to show us what goes into making your shows?

I think it would be fun & interesting & give your fans an even more apperaction of your work
:-)

Also I have to ask what got you into your love of bathrooms?? LOL

& since the Travel Channel did Vegas' best 10 bathrooms is there Samantha Brown's Top 10 Bathrooms in the works?

Take Care :-)

Joe AKA Sams_New_Fan

pacificstar,

Not anytime soon sorry to say. It's 7 degrees at night right now.

xashleykristenx,

not only have I swam with dolphins TWO TIMES! I have also swam with a Wolphin! It's the cross between a whale and a dolphin-looks like a dolphin though. If you ever get the chance do it, It can be expensive $75 for 15 minutes (i think) so promise your parents you'll never be bad or annoying again, they always fall for that line. Look up Dolphin Quest. May I just tell you how cool I think I am whenever someone as young as yourself watches my show. I always get so excited I just think-yeah! I'm not such a dork! Thanks for writing in tell your brother I said hello.

Thomas13,

thanks for the suggestion. Not only do I love Southern Hospitality but I love their cookin too.

snowbunni,

I think that's a great idea. Actually a travelin teen show would be an even better idea on networks like Nickelodean, WB-the younger networks that really cater to the teen market.

You've watched ALL my programs you say? Okay, In Girl Meets Hawaii the Best Of episode WHAT sandwich did I order from a Butler while floating on a raft in the private pool of the presidential suite? write in to Travel channel 7700 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda MD. zip? mark it Publicity.

Hey Sam,

The check is in the mail -- I'm sorry to say it's not a huge amount, but I know that every little bit helps and it certainly is a worthwhile cause.

I appreciate the sweet gesture of naming a new cat after me, but I must admit that Elton isn't my name -- anonymity is the beauty of the Internet. My screen name is a tribute to "the man" Elton John. In fact, my prized possession is a personalized, autographed picture from him, next to which I plan to hang your picture.

Elton is a very charitable person and has something like 20 dogs, so I know that he'd be honored to have a cat named after him. Please email me and keep me posted on his status (Mkline1162@aol.com). If I lived in the city, I'd come and adopt him myself.

Congrats on the Caribbean and I REALLY hope you make it to Europe. There is so much history there and enough Great Castles to keep you on the air for a long time!

Hope you made it back to NYC alright - Upstate NY is now in the midst of a 10-20 inch blizzard. Of course, by "Upstate" you may have meant White Plains, but as an SU grad, I'm sure you know that Syracuse is "Upstate" proper. Syracuse is my hometown -- can't believe you spent 4 years there and we never met. Well, I am just a bit younger than you (just a bit), but old enough to know that you're no dork!

Oh yeah, I looked up the Bethesda MD zip code = 20814.
Hope that helps all those picture requests get to you faster.

captuttle,

No there are no writers for me, maybe there should be. I get a lot of help and I mean a lot from the crew. My cameraman stan and soundman John should get a writer's credit. After days and days about talking about hotels at 14 hours a day- There are many times where I honestly cannot speak my brain is so tired. So I'll ask what would you say or better yet "am i making any sense"? Also, captuttle The Simpsons have been my favorite show for 7 years now. Everyone in my life knows not to call Sunday at eight.

tristenh,

I've got your info thanks! Kristy Sutton! of course I completely forgot!

Elton-ny

any amount you can donate is such an incredible gesture. again Thank you so much. I didn't remember that you went to Syracuse and Lived there. Now that's a cold, cold place maybe even colder than Rochester. When I went to SU during my senior year there was only 18 minutes of sunshine in the month of February. Brrrrrrrrrr. I made it back from upstate. thanks for the zip it made me laugh

sams_new_fan,

We've been storing away bloopers for sometime now, that might be something we could put on the website.

The Cd I like a lot is (ready for this?) Kawaipunaheie. I think they may have taken GVH off the air they have some new shows now so I think it's a good idea-that show has been on air for 4 years now. enough is enough. Unfortunately for the past few days midnight was the first time I had a chance to look at the posts, you'll see that tonight it's a little earlier.

Hey Samantha again. Yeah you are super cool lol. I have actually swam with dolphins as well, I just wanted to see if we had anything in common. I went to a place called Dolphin discovery on the Island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. I enjoyed the program and the dolphins. I did this swim where two dolphins launched me into the air. It was very cool. We even had a video made of it. Also, I wanted to thank you for the response and I was also wondering if you were interested in receiving the pictures from cancun that I mentioned in my prior post. (I may through some dolphin ones in too ) The only way I know how to send them is through e-mail because it is a digital camera. So if you take me up on that, just e-mail to cooolash@optonline.net . I will also write back with my home address for an autograph (if possible). Alright I need to study for my Chemistry Regents P.S. My brother was thrilled you said hi byebye! Take care

Hello Samantha!

I just wanted to say hi. First time caller. Love your show. You're amazing. So you know, the beginning of your show is the last thing I see before heading off to work. Normally it's also the last show I watch before I go to sleep, unless I'm still working on my website:

http://professor.coolhere.com (now fat free!)

Could I get an autograph picture? I'll add it to my collection of famous people. Well, got to go. I have to write a Doctor Who script or else we'll never make the movie.

yours sincerely,

Tom K. <phantomranger@hotmail.com>

Hi Sam,

I just read you would be getting to do hotels in the Caribbean next season. You're going to have a blast !!! I can't wait to see what hotels you choose. I also realized I didn't leave my name when I requested an autographed picture. I'll just leave my email address and go from there. mpomeroy@maine.rr.com.
Thanks !!

Samantha,
then I should particularly compliment you on your closing sequences, as they're consistently tidy, highlight your theme, and evoke the moods you've tried to transmit with more than a hint of poetry. I think that's a talent rarer than you might think (or admit here), worthy of the finest glow-in-the-dark drink.

Even the worst Simpsons episode always contains at least a few clever bits, a laugh-out-loud line, and relentlessly witty social commentary. What a wonderful show...

Frighteningly, I think I *do* recall the weird pool sandwich in Hawaii (and don't want to know the price), but of course I'll keep it to myself, and would never order anything like it (far too crunchy).

You're getting a wonderful out-pouring of fans from all age groups now, and as I've long run out of hotel questions or comments appropriate to justify appearing, it's likely time to retire the Capt. Tuttle alias now (inspired by an old M*A*S*H episode where they invented a phantom officer and then killed him off again in the same episode), but this has been a delight e-mailing with you, Samantha, and it appears every guy who watches develops something of a crush on you (what, me?) not to mention so many nice kids postponing homework to email you - (imagine). Thanks so much for spending an hour or so a day of your valuable (non-hotel) time, and very best wishes.

Hi Sam,
I get such a kick watching your show. I videotape all the hotel rooms I stay in and now I know I wasn't so nuts afterall. After watching your show, a stay at a hotel will never be the same. I will wonder, 'what would Sam say?'
Have you visited the Inn at Fisher Island in Miaimi? I would love to see what you think about it. Haven't been there, but I have stayed at The Mission Inn in Riverside,CA
I am from Riverside and got such a thrill when I saw the Mission Inn episode - it is a wonderful hotel and such a symbol of pride now for the city.
Thanks Sam for so many laughs!

Holly

Well, I wasn't going to ask, but the only thing from a famous person I own is a football players jersey with his autograph (I went to high school with him, he gave one to everyone!!!) Sooo...can I add my name to the picture list? I'm at keldvm@msn.com for the address - or whatever is easiest for you. Thanks!!!!

May I comiserate about the cold? I'm in Chicago and if it is going to be this bloody cold, at least some snow would be pretty. No Snow - just Ice and minus 10 degrees if we're lucky. Can I crawl into your carry on for the trip to the Carribean? Bet it's warm there!!!

Thanks so much?

kelly

Thanks Samantha, I can’t believe that Samantha Brown actually wrote to me . You are so kind. I bet Maine is a beautiful state. The only eastern state that I have been to is North Carolina. I know you would love the Oregon Coast. Lot’s of hotels right on the beach, but I cannot think of any great hotels on the scale of the ones on your show. Most of Oregon’s coastline is protected from development. I have noticed allot of vacation homes going up along the coast over the last few years though. One of my favorite things to photograph in Oregon are lighthouses. I know Maine has many well-known Lighthouses. Have you visited Portland Head lighthouse in Maine? If you are interested in seeing some of my scenic Oregon Photos here is my web site. http://www.oregontrail.net/~roger/
Thanks

Hi Sam,

I am totally hooked on your show. There is a Hotel in Walla Walla Washington called the Marcus Whitman. I think it is one that would be worth checking out. I know there put millions of dollars into restoring it back to the way it was in 1927. It is a landmark in Walla Walla. Also we are becaoming the new WINE country here. Alot of wine companies have moved into Walla Walla. Knowing how you like wine, now there are two reasons to check us out! Also I would love to have an autographed picture!

Hi Sam,

My wife hasn't contacted her high school friend yet, we only saw that episode for the first time last week, but I believe she has plans to. I think their class reunion is coming up this year.

I can hear the conversation now:

"Well, I'm the President of NINEX, made the Forbes list before I was thirty, and Bill Gates and I play handball every Sunday"

"Gee, That's nice...I was on "Great Hotels" and met Samantha Brown last year."

"Ooooooh!"