I'm so glad to hear season 3 of "Great Hotels" will feature the Caribbean! It will certainly give the show a new twist. When do you start shooting? I'm sure you'll consider Atlantis on Paradise Island--that's been mentioned many times here. You should also consider the Ritz-Carlton on St. Thomas. It's a top-notch property. If you do get to St. Thomas, you should definitely do a segment on the Duffy's Love Shack bar in the town of Redhook. It's in the parking lot of an Ace Hardware, but it's a wild party every night!

I've seen several Travel Channel specials on cruise ships, but I was wondering if there's been any thought given to combining them with a "Great Hotels"-type format. These could be hour-long shows with you and the crew exploring these floating resorts as well as the ports of call. Just an idea--I'd watch!

I'm VERY much looking forward to three hours of hotel specials on Thursday night. The NBC shows are reruns, so I'll be settling in with the Travel Channel.

Sam I will be going on an internship to Walt Disney World and will be their till 8/15/03 and I was just wondering a few things about yourself! Have you ever thought of stand up? What was your honest opinion of the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago? and Lastly What was your Major in College? I feel aspired that you have the ultimate dream job and was wondering if you wer also coming back down to WDW or to the Chicagoland Area! Can I please have an Autographed Picture here is my Information

Adam R. Avey
14 Hampshire Court
Bolingbrook, Il 60440-1310

I love your show and it should be (YOURS) because you do the best work I have Ever seen in a hotel conoseuir you are my true Idol and Best wishes to you and your cat you are also my Role Model and good luck oops "Break A Leg" on future seasons of 'Great Hotels'

love ya
disneylover1991(Adam R. Avey)

Dear Samantha,
Each year in August, my wife and I take a trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary. In August 2001, our trip included a brief encounter with you! We decided to go to Carmel and San Francisco that year. While in San Francisco, we stayed at The Fairmont Hotel. One morning, our concierge sent us across the street to The Mark Hopkins to get cable car passes as he was out of them. We got our passes and were out at the street corner waiting for the light to change so we could cross back over to The Fairmont. I was looking at the group of people standing across from us waiting to cross in our direction. Suddenly, I told my wife, "Look! That is Samantha Brown standing on the other side of the street!" She looked and said she didn't think it was you and, knowing me, she told me not to say anything as we passed you in the street (she knows I will talk to anyone at anytime...while she is reserved and quiet). The light changed and our prospective groups of people passed in the street. I couldn't resist! I turned around and yelled, "Samantha Brown!?" You turned back and said, "Yes!" As we continued to walk I said to you, "I love your shows!" and you replied, "Thank you!" Even after we returned home (Memphis, TN), she was still unsure if that was you. Sometime later, we saw the Great Hotels episodes that profiled The Fairmont and The Mark Hopkins. That was enough to convince her that we saw you. Since it was an unusual occurence, I was wondering if you remembered our "Brief Encounter!"

This past year we went to the southern Caribbean and visited several islands. Since it looks like you are going there, let me plug a wonderful resort hotel on Barbados called Sandy Lane. You may not have any say on the hotels you visit, but check it out if you get a chance.

Thank you for your wonderful shows.

Hello! I really enjoy your show. I love to travel and visit the various sites, hotels, and entertainment within different cities, so I can understand why you always look as if you are enjoying WORK! I am really interested in getting into your field of work! Could you advise me on how to do that, who to contact, or the steps to take? I would really appreciate it! Thank you for your time.

Hi Sam:

I just discovered "Great Hotels" this morning. I really enjoyed your shows on the Hay-Adams in DC and the Palomar in SF. I was completely charmed by your personality and beauty. It was hard to choose between paying attention to the amazing hotels or you. Also, kudos to the writers (or you) for the really sharp writing. But it's clear that it's your delivery that makes the show special.

Anyway, I came to the TC website to learn about the show and see when it's on, and I checked out "About Samantha." Imagine my surprise when I learned that your favorite movie is "Cinema Paradiso." You're the first person I've encountered who shares this favorite movie with me. And I was particularly moved when you said it has absolutely the best ending ever; ain't that the truth? No matter how many times I watch the video, the ending makes me cry, and I have no idea why. It's just incredibly moving, isn't it? It's not just the best ending ever, it might be the best scene ever. Obviously, you are a woman of sublime taste.

Casalobo

Samantha,

Great to hear you're interested in film. In a couple weeks, I can send you some projects we've done/are working on. I'm assuming I send it to the same adress people are supposed to send *** in to be autographed. If it's something different, though, let me know. Incidentally, I"m also a fan of Cinema Paradiso, as well as Life is Beautiful, The Bicycle Thief, 8&1/2, and many other great Italian films.

I haven't tried the Eyrie brand yet, but I hear it's excellent. I just recieved a complete Northwest wine guide, so I can visit wineries I haven't tasted yet. Some don't even sell much of their wine commercialy, you have to visit the winery. I just visited the Shafer Vineyard 2 days ago as part a trip to the coast here, and they had an excellent 98 Pinot(runs around $25), but their other Pinots lacked a little.

Glad to see you're a kitty-lover. I have 5 cats, and the most recent addition was a kitten that I heard crying outside my home, seemingly abandoned,and when I found him, I took him in. He's grown in few months I've had him to be a wonderful, cute, and loving kitty, and I'm so happy I heard his cries that night. Have you every visited Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. They're the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world, and they never kill any animals. They're huge, you can get personally involved by just dropping in, and they have horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and many others, and they survive by donations only.

Love you're Disneyworld episodes. Always been my favourite place(or one them anyway). Keep up the fun and I'll talk to you again,

Bill
arthousebill@hotmail.com

We better enjoy this kind of open communication with Sam while it lasts. Her show is taking off like a rocket, and I'm sure that as her popularity grows, along with the show, we'll be relegated to one-sided fanmail.

You know the kind..."Dear Sam, I am your biggest fan." Silence. "I watch all your shows." Silence. "I'm naming my firstborn child after you." This is where she might break her silence and tell you to scram or she'll get a restraining order on you. LOL

Nevermind me. I'm just having some fun.

Dear Samantha,

As a recent college grad and even more recent unemployed youth of America, I asked my parents for advice on what to do with my life. My father in turn asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told him my dream job was to do what you are doing, hosting a t.v. show that enables you to travel the world, stay at wonderful venues, and eat some of the best food on earth! I was just wondering how you were able to land such a wonderful lot in life. Of course it is a far away dream for me, but I'd like to hear your story just the same. Thank you so much. I am, of course, a big fan and envious viewer.

Thanks,
Ariel

Hi Samantha,

What a great show you've got there! I think its great that you take the time to chat even with your busy schedule. I just got engaged over the holidays and I proposed to my girlfriend in Big Sur! It was really beautiful out there. I think in Season 3, it would be great if you could hit Ventana Inn and some other great hotels in the area. Best of luck in your continued success!

Cheers,
Ricky

P.S. Do you have any hotel recommendations for Seattle, not sure if the shows been there yet?

Hey again Sam! I just have a few questions. Have you visited Prince Edward Island in Canada? And if so, do you have any recommendations for hotels on the island? My family is going this summer for the first time, so we're already planning. Thanks! Ttyl.

Michelle
magreene@campbell.edu

Dear Sam,
I noticed while reading the posts that you were born in Dallas. Do you ever recall going to or hearing about Wichita Falls? I was born there in '85 . Anyway, I recently heard the GH went to The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs (That's where I live now.) How did you enjoy your stay? I love the lake right below the hotel. Did you notice the flat-topped mountain to your SW? (You may have been too close to the mountains, I can't remember.) Inside that mountain (Cheyenne Mtn.) is NORAD. (Just a side-note .)

Oh, by the way, don't worry about your puns. They put a smile on my face every time.

Although the military installations aren't exactly hotels (Imagine check-out at 4:00 am!), they are all very pretty (Okay, maybe not Ft. Carson). We have five in the metro area. The Air Force Academy (falcon_cadet), NORAD, Schriever AFB, Peterson AFB, and Ft. Carson. Talk about a target (for both tourists and terrorists , anyone seen "The Sum of All Fears"?)

Okay, I've rambled on long enough. You show is great, your puns are funny, your hosting is excellent, and you're very pretty.

-Colorado Springs Guy

Chalk me up as another of your not so secret admirers out there. I stumbled across your Sunday morning shows a few months ago and promptly fell in love with your wit, humor and presentation. As someone who has traveled quite a bit, your Great Hotels shows struck a cord with me and although I have been cutting back on my journeys (the airport hassles were beginning to wear on me even before 9/11) it’s still quite interesting to see the variety of places to stay in the country. Unlike many Chicagoans, I have a love for the city of New York and finally found a decent, affordable hotel to stay in while I was there in late August of 2001. Alas, it was the Marriott World Trade Center and, of course, is history now. I was wondering just how the attacks, which shut down so much travel across the country, impacted you and your work? Were you guys stranded or did you happen to be on hiatus at the time?

Enough for now. Naturally, I too would like an autographed picture (I hope you’re taking care of that signing hand because I have a feeling its going to be getting quite a work out over the next few weeks). Please have it sent to:

Darryl Jorden
c/o xpedx
3351 West Addison
Chicago, IL 60618

Take care.

Samantha:

I think I remember once reading that you did stand up comedy . . . do you still do it? Is there a way to find out where you may appearing at some point in the future in NYC? Thanks.

Hi Sam,
This is C/S Guy's little brother.
I love your show, and everytime I see it, i crack up. Especially when you say "I love a spot of tea" or something like that. (It's in the GH commericals). What was your favorite place to stay? I watched yesterday's episode (Hotel Biba) and I think it's the ugliest place you've ever stayed at.
I think you're really pretty, and funky fresh.
----Okay, it's CSG now--------
Sorry about the little brother. *Shakes head*
----Back to CSG's little brother--------
Have you ever gone to Glen Eyrie? It's a hotel/castle near Garden of the Gods.

Thanks, Little Brother.

fmweber,

I don't do stand-up but I am in a sketch comedy group named MOUTH. We will be performing in NYC at the end of March. I'll keep you posted if you like.

What exactly is sketch comedy? Is it improv?

Hey Samantha.. MY computer crashed on me as I was finishing my last post. When I come onto the message board it only shows it half done, so I am going to try and finish it (unless it shows the complete thing and I cant see it for some reason. Here goes...

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 am a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and somehow the trainers found out and had me do this balance thing on top of the dolphins. I also 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). One more thing... I was just wondering you fav. Disney character mines Goofy lol. P.S. My brother was thrilled you said hi

dejardins,

That was a bad day for everyone. We were filming at the Mohonk Mtn. House and chose to keep working to keep our minds off it as best we could. I live about 12 blocks from the World Trade Center and I remember after the second plane hit a reporter said that they didn't know how many planes were coming in and that it was quite possible that Lower Manhattan was under attack. It was incredibly frustrating not being able to get home (all roads in were closed) but I found a tremendous amount of comfort being at Mohonk Mtn. House. The only TV's are in communal living rooms so everyone who was staying there at the time gathered to hear the news. It felt good not to be alone in a hotel room. That night I woke up because of this persistant sound and I couldn't fiqure out what it was. I went out on the balcony and up above my room was the American Flag whipping strongly in the wind. It was a wonderful momment.

sketch comedy is what they do on Saturday night live.

Hi Sam,
I love your show. It is one of my favorites. I know you did the Mission Inn in Riverside, Ca. I live in Riverside and if you ever are in So Cal drop me a line I lnow some hotels you would really like to do.

P.S.- do you have all your shows on tape or DVD because I would love to see them

Isn't Wichita Falls in Kansas? I was born in Dallas only lived there for a year but still consider myself a native texan. Thank you for your very nice comments. I loved the Broadmoar (what's not to love?) and I love Colorado even more. I'd like to try skiing there but I worry that it might be to busy and to expensive. I may be on t.v but it's cable you know what I mean?

shellicu,

No I haven't but boy have I heard wonderful things about that destination- I eat their mussels all the time. The waters off that Island are supposedly some of the most pristine in the world.

travelstar,

got your suggestion I'll pass it along. I've never gone to Seattle with the show However I believe there is a W hotel and a Hotel Monaco there both are a great brand. congratulations by the way!

Well, Wichita is in Kansas, but not Wichita Falls.
And also I only lived there for two years before my dad got shipped to the Springs.

Hi Sam!I'm new to this site so I am hoping this gets to you. I love your show and enjoy your humor and enthusiasm for your work.

Will you be doing any shows about hotels in France or Italy?

Samantha:

Yes. Please send/post info on your sketch comedy group performances. If you need an email for a mailing list or something its FWeber1@nyc.rr.com. Thanks so much!

By the way, count me in the column as one who wishes you were doing more episodes of Great Vacation Homes -- a great show that was perfect for relaxing Sunday mornings -- much more enjoyable than Meet the Press.

dennisfan,

I enjoy this forum more than you know and am not counting on soaring popularity anytime soon. That said I am on hiatus now so I plan to schedule these talk backs a few times a month. Starting in April when we start traveling again it gets tough-my plants die, my cat throws-up on my clothes to show her disapproval and my dad leaves me messages like "i used to have this daughter? I believe her name was Pam." During this time It's ME that I hope is not forgotten.

arthousebill,

I think I have heard of the Best Friends Sanctuary. Isn't that the one Tippy Hedron (sp?) runs? Five cats! dare I dream one day. Last night I woke up because my cat who sleeps at my head was snoring! God I love her.

casalobo43,

I never want to tell people how incredible the ending is because I want them to experience it for themselves and just be overwhelmed like I was. Unfortunately, I get so worked up about the movie that I always say "AND WAIT TILL YOU SEE THE ENDING!"

motopepsi2 and arielgracie,

I get this question a lot and I believe if you flip through the first Talk to Me session I go into detail about it under the subject How I got the Job. Good-luck

bryanc1967,

That story is hysterical and yes I do remember that momment. Just so you know for future momments of running into me -Please stop and say hello. I love it when people feel they know me and that we're already friends. boy do I miss San Francisco.

disneylover1991,

I have considered Stand-up but then the night sweats come and I decide against it. I am in a sketch comedy group. What I liked most about the Palmer House besides That Ceiling was the staff. A big family they are and it shows in how they treat their quests. my major Musical Theatre. I have since retired my voice and tap shoes. thanks for saying hello.

(1) Count me in as someone who'd like to be posted on your appearances with MOUTH.

(2) As long as Canada has been mentioned, I'd like to suggest the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. It's a beautiful old castle-hotel right next to the Rideaux Canal and the government capitol buildings.

(3) I don't think that you'll be forgotten about any time soon. Did you know that Bob Dylan mentioned you in a song called "Lonesome Day Blues" from his last album? I stumbled across this website

http://discussions.bobdylan.com/thread.jsp?forum=1&thread=2543&message=40821

where avid Dylan fans had a lengthy discussion last March and concluded that the lyrics were about you and Great Hotels. Sounds to me like you're a part of pop culture here to stay!

[This message was edited by elton-ny on 01-21-03 at 11:12 PM.]

yes, please do watch Thursday. i just watched a Travel Channel special on Cruise ships so I don't know if they'll need me on that one.

pikz1,

I've never been and hadn't heard of it so thanks for the tip. send me your email address if you feel comfortable -that's how I am handling the pic now, until i am completely overwhelmed

elton-ny

I'll never forget the day a friend of mine called and said Have you ever stayed at Bob Dylan's house? It breaks my heart to say that the song is not about me. that would make me one cool chick. I'll keep you posted about Mouth.

fmweber,

you know it's funny you should mention Meet the Press. When I am on the road I become obsessed with political shows I love them all Chris Matthews, the spin room etc. then when I go home it's all about E! and Food Network (don't tell the Travel Channel) strange

Well welcome Aboard glad to have you! This is a very fun site with great people and I thought I'd have you all over for a potluck supper-can I count you in to bring the noodle-coodle? I have heard rumblings of going to Italy but I am not going to get my hopes up yet. ciao!

I'll be emailing you soon. I'm leaving for Hawaii Thursday for some Travel Channel stuff and I may not get to do it until next week. Tomorrow is a crammed day of getting ready for the trip. Get this, I have an appointment to get a tan airbrushed on my body! Pretty cool huh?

hotellover,

no there is no "box set" but it sure aint a bad idea. Although, they'll be playing these episodes until I'm 50 so there's really no chance you'll miss them.

Thanks for the response back! You made my night! This looks like a fun site and I will be back for more. Any plans for visiting great haunted hotels? I know the TC does Haunted Hotels, would you be interested in visiting some yourself?

I'm going to bed. I believe this forum will close tomorrow at noon

Hi Samantha. this is not really a reply to anything anybody has said on here, just wanted to say hi and that it is so unique and wonderful that you actually take the time to answer most of the posts and questions on this site.
I have only been watching Great Hotels for the past couple of months and found it when I was channel surfing one Sunday morning. My mother and I used to make it a routine every Sunday morning to watch you while we ate breakfast, but not lately. Now we catch you at 5 in the evening. We are armchair travelers and live vicariously through you and your experiences. My mom especially thinks you are hilarious.
Sorry they took off Great Vacation Homes,but we liked Great Hotels better anyway.
Do you plan on featuring hotels in Ohio anytime soon? There is a excellent hotel in Cinncinnati called The Cinncinnatian. They say that when they make movies there all the stars stay in that hotel.It is one of those 4 star hotels or something like that. I hope that you can, if the budget for the show allows it.
Again, just wanted to say hi, and keep up the good work and we love your show alot

Bet it's warmer there! I'm heading to Maui (not till december )...been to The Big Island, but never Maui. Going for work...so work gets to cover a good chunk of the bill.

Have a great time. Can't say enough how cool it is that you take the time to respond to everyone. Keep up the great work, looking foward to the hour long shows (conveniently scheduled on my only nights off this week!!).

Fly safe!!
kelly

OH that is fine! I totally understand. I will be looking foward to your e-mail. A tan hairbrushed? wow you get all the good stuff huh? haha. Well, I just want to say thank you for all of your responses.. I appreciate it very much and once again, I look foward to your e-mail.. Thank you! byebye!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays. And, I'm glad you found a solution to the skiing problem, cool.

Oh, I noticed that you list Barry Manilow as your favorite artist. Yep, I believe he's rather neat, too. I don't remember the name of my favorite Manilow tune. But, it starts with the line " spirit move me..."

Hmm, I love your sense of humor. In your visit to Hotel Hershey, your closing line was a delightful example of wit and charm. "Did you know 10 out of 4 people love chocolate" says it all. Oh, I didn't get that joke the first time I saw this episode. I'm afraid it went over my head, initially, he he.

Finally, my favorite episode of Great Hotels has to be your visit to Santa Barbara's Bacara Resort. For, it represents the first time I actually noticed you're an attractive young lady.

Well, I suppose that's all. I wish you the best of success in your new season, and the prime time show - ratings. And, hopefully, more people will begin to realize how wonderful your show is, thanks.

Hello Miss Brown,
Once in a while, not too often, a great idea for a show comes along. And even less often,comes the perfect fit of a person to be in front of the camera for that show.
It sure seems to me that the TC found that super connection in you and your show! You have commented on the fact that there is no script and you really don't have the post production of a network show. I,believe that is what makes your show work so well. Your personality, and your reactions to rooms,views,meals,sites,sounds,smells is what connects you to the everyday person. Even though MOST of us will never get to stay in a $4000/night hotel,we would have the very reaction you were having should we ever get to do such a thing. We'd be giddy with giggles,throw ourselves on the beds,climb in the bathtubs with our clothes on to see if it's really as big as it looks....all the things that you do.
Not to say that just anyone could do the show that way you do!!! It is just that special concoction of you and the way the show is put together that makes it work so well.
That and that fact that you are SO good looking!!!! Your everyday beauty(not some movie-star made up only look good in the spot light looks) keep me watching as much as the other things I've mentioned!!
So....keep up the good work you lucky dog, traveling the world and showing me paradise every week. And throw me a wink on your next show.....I'll be watching
Barry

Hi Sam,

Love your show, it's very addictive. Just wanted to drop a line and tell you that Puerto Rico "La Isla del Encanto" awaits you.

I'm always expecting to see a hotel in my beautiful island but never see one. You know Puerto Rico is just as beautiful as Hawaii or better. The people are fabulous, the beaches full of hunky men and there are some hidden spots that can be paradise.

I hope to see you in Puerto Rico soon! go tell the show producers to take you to Mi Isla!!

Dear Samantha
First I gonna say my English is very poor...I'm from Taiwan ! it's a small Island in Asia,and finally we can see the show "Gril meets hawaii" here !! I love this show and of course you make it more interesting to watch ! well ~ I have to say I really likes you ! I think everyone knows that you are very charming and I do love your smile ~ I'll keep watching your shows and hope to see you someday in Taiwan!!

And now...the rest of the story. Once inside the Fairmont, I tried to talk Sheri into going back out to find you and get a picture taken with you. She finally agreed and we went back out there, but couldn't find you. I was sad, because that picture would have been a great addition to the vacation photo album! She makes a photo album for each big trip we take. If possible, I would like to receive a signed photo of you. We could add it to the photo album and then it would be perfect! I envy you and your trip to Hawaii. We honeymooned there in 2000. My email is bryanc1967@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance.
Bryan & Sheri