Hmmmm.…I guess our parents couldn’t have known each other then. Mine are older than yours (I have a brother 16 years older than me!) and they went to Central Catholic, which is right down the road from Reading High.

I thought of you the other day - I heard from an MTV producer friend of mine (I’ve worked with a bunch of TV news/talk shows on the topic of bullying - I’ve authored a book on the issue, “Taking the Bully by the Horns” and have become a consultant/expert on the topic) Anyway, she wanted to know if I knew of any really cool homes they could go to and film for a new serious they are developing called “Breathing Room.”
I wonder if they got the idea from your vacation homes show. I’m going to ask her.
If so, you must of inspired them - which is a compliment to you and the great work you’ve done.
Kathy

samantha

I've never stayed at the Edgewater Inn, but I had a couple glasses of wine there(I don't even like wine, it makes me feel like *rap after just a few swallows-I hope they didn't edit *rap.)and sat around looking at the Puget Sound through these big glass windows at almost water level on a nice summer twi-lit night.It actually seems pretty plain onthe inside compared to your usual places, but it's an institution here so I mentioned it. It would be ideal for your notorious drunken rages and furniture burning! I've been inside the Westin a few times and it is classy but it seems really blah and monolithic to me. More convention -like. The round hallways are cool.
I will rent Bend It Like Beckham, thankyou.
In the movie Elling,i've never seen these actors before but the two main characters names are Per Christian Ellefsen and Sven Nordin. It's a norwegian movie with subtitles. I'm looking hard for "The Sea" too because Sven Nordin's in it but I can't find it anywhere. I've also looked for the book "Brothers In Blood" which this movie is based on,but it's only in Norwegian I guess.
Anyway, when I saw it the first time I liked it alot so I watched it 2 more times the same night!
It's a sweet little movie.
Stay funky too!
-Samiscute

[This message was edited by samiscute on 04-23-03 at 08:59 PM.]

Hey Sam!! How's the taping for this season going so far? I just have to tell you about this hotel I was just at. It is called New York, New York in Las Vegas. It is such a cool hotel. The casino looks like Central Park, there is a roller coaster on hotel property and there are 2 of the best shows I have ever seen. One is from Rita Rudner, the comic, and the other is called "Boo". Boo was the funniest show I have ever seen. It's an improv show. Just a bit of a warning, do not raise your hand. They asked the audience if anyone had dogs so I raised my hand. They then called me up on stage, told me to sit down and then they handed me a microphone. They then proceeded to tell me they were going to tell a story and I had to provide the sound effects. I was like "What in the world have I gotten myself into?". It was so funny. I felt like such an idiot but it was all in fun. At least I made the audience laugh, though. And I got a free T'Shirt. I wanted to see it again but I didn't have enough time. I think this hotel should be one of the hotels you should go to on the show.

~Rory (greathotelsfan)

Hi there! I was hoping to hear from you soon. How's your mom? My mom just had an all clear from her oncologist so I said "let's celebrate!" We went out for a huge dinner and had many drinks. At the restuarant I turned to her and said "do you realize if the news was bad we we would be doing the exact same thing". I guess it never dawned on me that eating and drinking is the solution for both good and bad news.

I would pretty much bet we're going to the Hotel Coronado and I didn't know Disneyland was that close so possibly that as well. Although, I'm a ****er for a good zoo and the San Diego zoo is one of the best in the world.

The kitten inventory has just begun to arrive on our adoption shelves. kittens can make the coldest heart melt. I am in charge with coming up with descriptions for the cats which usually are tongue in cheek. "Belle is a two year old tabby who perscribes to the Zen way of life. If adopted please place her kitty litter box in relation to the rising sun." but for kittens I usually just put up a big ol' sign reading...

ROTTEN ROTTEN KITTIES! They're always up to no good.

It's great to hear from you again. hope all is well.

marrymesamantha (and I thought samiscite was a blusher)

Thanks for the heads up on the Hyatt. When I went to Santa Fe, I stayed at the Inn at Alameda which was quite nice but I thought La Posada resort and the Inn at Anasazi were nicer. I was looking for a third that offered a change of scenery and maybe a little different than the adobe Santa Fe thing and this one sounds great. What have you heard about Ojo Caliente or Rancho Encantado? Could you ask around for me?

Great! will definately look into The Coral Towers. And a picture will be arriving after next Monday-but before the end of 2003

As for your questions. I majored in Musical Theatre at Syracuse University(don't really sing anymore but I do know all the words to every song in Les Miz-who doesn't?) I got the job by auditioning. The pro of the job is that I get to travel for most of the year. And the con of the job is that I have to travel for most of the year.

How's it going! You have put such a big smile on my face you have no idea. I am so glad I could do that for you. Is your Dad still doing alright. It's so hard to see your parents in that position. You always want them to be as strong as they were when you were a kid.

I can't believe you didn't run into my sister! You didn't see a young woman there? In her mid-twenties? Blond? blue-eyed...drinkin a beer? It boggles the mind.

xashleykristenx

I love your log-in name, it's so karate-girl cartoon character-ish. I hope that makes sense. I will definately look at your ***. And I'm not sure when we're going to launch the home video contest but it should be this summer.

The apartment conflict is in the hands of a Judge right now. I probably won't know my fate for another few months.

Yes the Pagoda is still there. Although, when I was a little kid I used to call it Dabagoda so that's what my family still calls it today.

While you were passed out is a brillant idea! You really should pass that along to MTV or VH1. I don't think Discovery dabbles in that sort of thing but who knows. I am certainly glad you stumbled on our little forum as you can see there are many Great fans out there. I was amazed myself. I'm going to set this up on a monthly basis so keep checking in

Hey Sam.. I know you have a thousand posts to respond to.. but which log-in name is so karate-girl cartoon-characterish? haha. My : XashleykristenX ? Alright take care and enjoy the pictures on my site!

How weird...my mom just had a diagnosis of the big C and just had surgery on Monday and has about 6 months treatment in front of her. In fact, I'm babysitting her - I told her since she took care of me for 18 years, I can take care of her until she annoys me enough where I kick her out! Actually, she was the one who told me to watch your show a few months ago since I travel a lot for work. I told her on my per diem, I'm lucky I get to rent a tent and have enough left over for a Mickey D's happy meal. She finds it amazing that you have no problem eating alone (I remind her everytime she says that, that you have a whole crew in front of you - everytime). I asked her if she's concerned that I travel and eat out alone, and she says, "No, it goes along with the job". Hmmmmm.... Oh, she also says you need to come up with something other than "WOW!" when you see something exciting. She suggested "Jumpin' Jehosaphat!" Moms - Have they always been crazy or do we just realize it as we get older???

The worst hotel I've ever visited was in Santa Barbara. We had to stay there one night because The Bacara Resort and Spa, which we were featuring was booked. My neighbors were partying like rock stars until 4:00am. I was too scared to call the front desk because there was only one guy on duty and I thought he would just call the room and tell them somebody complained. The men who were partying saw me go into my room earlier that night so I knew that they knew I was all alone and I didn't know how they would react to my complaining and our rooms were connected by a balcony (it stinks being a female sometimes) when finally I got enough nerve to call the manager he was so wonderful He yelled at me "They've been yelling all night? why didn't you call me?" When I told him why he had the Police there in literally five minutes. When the Police banged on the door they were scared out of their minds. I heard one guy whisper (that's how thin the walls were) to hide "the stuff" under the pillow. When I had to talk to the police after I told them "oh yeah, check under the pillow". Bad hotel, fantastic manager.

Buenos Noches!

I'm sorry but Igottagotabed. I usually answer all the posts on a daily basis so I apologize I will definately get to them tomorrow. I must say it's an absolute joy to do this and I look foreward to it everynight.

Hi Samantha, the nicest and prettiest host on t.v. I saw that you've gotten some ideas about the Seattle area. There are two more great lodges to try besides Snoqualmie. In this area, they are considered the best "getaway" places to go. One is Rosario Resort and the other is Lake Quinalt Lodge. They each have their own website, so you can check the pictures out yourself. I put those site addresses at the end of this message. Hope you make it to this area. Come during September and you can make it to one of the largest fairs in the country. It's in a town near Tacoma called Puyallup. $10 if you can say that name right on the first try! Looking forward to seeing you on the new shows.
http://rosario.rockresorts.com/
http://www.visitlakequinault.com/

With so many people writing to you every day, I am amazed that you can keep us all apart! Thanks for asking...mom is doing well. We are in a "holding pattern"...We came very close to losing her last October due to a unique reaction to a particular chemo drug, so all drugs were stopped...we then expected the tumor (or as we call it, the @#$%^& tumor) to grow and we'd be at the end. Well, nothing has happened. Saw the oncologist on Monday after an mri...the darn thing is actually smaller! After 6 months of no drugs! The docs shrug their shoulders and say, "see ya next month!!!" Today is her 60th birthday. We were not supposed to make it here!!! We are raising funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and if we meet our goals, she'll get to meet her hero in October in Austin. I'm so very proud of her I could just burst!!

Had a bad night at work...(making your message all the better). In my line of work that means somebody's beloved pet won't get to go home again, and lots of tears were shed. So I'm having a big ole bowl of Rocky Road and glass of red wine to bolster my spirit!!! And of course, Matilda is all ready for the bowl, whether I'm done or not! Hard to stay sad when she is licking my face!

Congrats on your mom's news...it doesn't get better then that!!!!

Talk to ya soon

kel

Samantha,
Thanks for such an entertaing show. Two possible hotels in Seattle are the Alexis, and the Inn at the Market. They're both smaller botique hotels in downtown Seattle that have a lot of character and charm.

Also, I'm a pilot for Hawaiian airlines (based in Seattle) and spend a lot of time in hotels killing time in Honolulu and Maui. Any suggestions for short fun trips & activities in either of those locations?

P.S. If you go from Seattle to Hawaii on us to shoot "Girl meets Hawaii", come on up to the cockpit and say hi! We're all fans of yours since we often spend time in the hotels watching Travel Channel!

TropicalD

I have a daughter that loves your show and I'm sure she would be excited to meet you. I'm wondering what days you'll be here in Seattle and where, if we could come down and see you. Thanks.

KathySeattle

Hey Sam

Time to start earning a living again, eh?

I was suprised not to see Detroit on your list of destinations. We have a few great hotels, like the .......eh,.....well,........hey, I heard Bermuda is nice.
But seriously, if your looking for suggestions than the Traverse City area during fall colors is pretty cool. Check out the Grand Traverse Resort or the Park Place Hotel.

Slightly off the subject; since you seem to be an experienced cat person; have any suggestions of how to keep a 14 year old cat from 'tinkeling' on the floor (of which she has done all her life)? We just finished the kids playroom and she has taken a liking to the NEW carpeting. We've tried everything and are about at the end of our rope.

Did you catch Alton's Cheese Souffle last night? I think it was a repeat but I still enjoy watching his technique anyway.

Adios

Another great New England jewel is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. A visit to Victorian Village (part of Nordic Village) in Jackson, NH is amazing. In the penthouse, you wake up to see the sun rise above the mountains. In winter, there is ice skating along with outdoor fireplaces and hot chocolate. Definitely a Norman Rockwell scene. Check it out at www.luxurymountaingetaways.com

I'm new at this, so please excuse me if I sound lame! ~heh~
But I just wanted to tell you how much I love your show-you have got the most bubbly personality, truly charming and witty! It's refreshing. (My 9 year old daughter even enjoys your show *S*)
Btw, if you're going to be in the Boston area, Salem is def. worth a visit. My family & I went there a few years ago and stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel (in Salem)...it was wonderful! So much history, the hotel was fabulous, (quite a few inns, as well), great restaurants.
Well, you're on right now, so I'm going to go watch-see where you're taking us today *S*
Take care-it's a pleasure to chat with you~
Ms. Amok
charmedimsure@si4u.net (I'd love an autographed pic! If it's no trouble *s*)

Hi Sam, Your crew needs to come to Traverse City Michigan Sometime. The Grand Traverse Resort is Terrific, with some of the finest golf courses in the country including the Bear designed by Jack Nickolas. How's your golf game. The Grand Traverse Bay is beautiful with tons of activities. Lot's of nice shops and restaurants too. Have your people call my people. I'm headed to the golf course. John Bailey

I am not sure if anybody has mentioned this but if you go to Vancover you have got to visit the suspension bridge. There is nothing like you a bridge and a long way down to test your fear. If you go to San Diego have to visit the San Diego Zoo for the white tigers. Good luck on Season 3 I can not wait.

Hey Samantha,
I have been to places north and south but I still find New England my favorite.There are many beautiful parts of NE a must is Cape Cod , MA. Definetly go to the potato chip factory.(yum) Boston is a defenite. Got to Quincy Market and stay at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. It is luxurious and beautiful. It's just around the corner from the theater district where you can catch a great show. If you stay in Massachusetts you'll have a good time!

Samantha,
How about a summer stay in Steamboat Springs, Colorado? One of my favorite places.

Hey Sam,
I am 13 and LOVE your show. You seem like a relly cool person to hang around. If you ever come to the Boston-Worcester ara I would like to meet you . But if not , hey at least I can watch your show. - Miss Maggie May
(Ok , I am just Maggie, but if Rod Stewart has a song named after you why not use it!)

Dear Sam,

It's a shame to admit it, but I am horribly jealous of you. Every time I see an episode of Great Hotels, not only do I believe you are wonderously talented as a host, I seethe in pure envy that you visit such fabulous locales and partake in various umbrella drinks and/or complementary guest services such as... free smoothies. And now I hear that you're getting a cartoon character to dine with??
Well, as a television producer myself... I've decided to be pro-active about this and tackle this green-eyed issue of mine head-on. I'm creating my own show, called "Great Places I Stay When I Visit My Friends and Family." That's right... GPISWIVMFAF, for short. At last, I will have my own show to rival anything you, Samantha Brown, can dream up.
You will marvel at the luxurious accomodations of my Aunt Ramona's house in Kenner, Louisiana. See for yourself the imported avocado-tile bathrooms and stylish bunk beds, to say nothing of decadent complementary services such as free fence repair and unlimited glasses of water or kool-aid (your choice).
Or, just wait until GPISWIVMFAF takes you on the road to glorious Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to stay at my friends' house... with cable TV in not one, but TWO rooms... and perhaps the world's largest collection of Alabama Crimson Tide memorabilia in the kitchen.
And, yes, I will enlist my own cartoon character to have dinner with me. What would you say to having dinner with... the Green Goblin, of Tv's "Spiderman," Sam? Do I detect a hint of your own jealousy? I thought so.
Yes, Sam, I am afraid your days of making me envious are far behind me now. I look forward to you viewing my program, then planning your own visit to the houses of my family and friends. It's that good. My Aunt Ramona makes a mean glass of water.

Sincerely,

Scott

P.S. I am open to a crossover episode with your little program... but you have to take the top bunk.

Hey Sam, looking at the listings for season three I noticed one small detail. You're not coming here to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio!

There are so many places to stay - of course you will stay someplace like Auberge du Soliel - which does have a wonderful view.

We stayed at the Milliken Creek inn, which is a beautiful, quiet place right on the river. It has a web site that you can visit - the rooms are outstanding for couples - I think room 10 was our favorite.

For wine tasting tours - Del Dotto is not that well known, but that is where the locals go - it is fun and is one of the oldest caves in the area - hand carved out of the limestone - hint - don't drive after this one. Pine Ridge is a beautiful place for a picnic lunch and they also have cellar dining which I have not tried but comes highly recommended. Joseph Phelps site is beautiful - it was rainy when I was there, but I am sure you will have better weather. The Vintners Collective is in a neat old building in downtown Napa and offers wines from the smaller wineries.
For eating of course there is the French Laundry - my wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary there - it's near impossible to get a reservation, but I am sure you can work something out with them - what an experience! We loved Zuzu's, a tapas place, and we loved this tiny place Bella Arti that the folks at Milliken Creek in recommended - my wife highly recommends the warm Lentil salad. Another great place for lunch is Domaine Chandon. There are dozens of other places to go to - I think it should be an annual trek for your show!
I am glad you are going to Napa - we will be looking forward to that show.

Bo Brooks for crabs - go when there are "blue" crabs. Most fun our family ever had while eating. We lived in Carlisle PA for a year and went to Baltimore three times - ate at Bo's every time

If you can break away from San Diego for a night, try the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel - beautiful view and then you are only a short distance from Disneyland/California Adventure

In San Diego, visit the Cove at La Jolla, and for fun the "Gas Lamp" district is the place for you and the crew to go

Sam

I'm SO EXCITED that I only have a few more weeks more of school (I'm in the tenth grade.) before I'm out for the summer because that means I will get to watch Great Hotels everyday, including the two times in the morning that I would normally miss due to being in school.

I was reding other peoples' questions and answers in the forum and I came accross you telling another person something about a home video contest this summer and I was just wondering what that was all about? This sounds like something I will definately want to enter!!

Well I hope everything is going well!!

Love, Steven

Hi Sam!
Kelly and I were about to thank you for the precious autographed picture and to tell you how Kelly got sick at school drinking a purple cow , when we realized the forum had closed and we were worried you were gone forever! Anyway, Kelly has the picture on her bulletin board and it was so sweet of you to put her name in capital letters- that she can recognize! Thank you!
We have been to Napa Valley several times, dined at the French Laundry, my brother worked at Rutherford Hill Winery, met Carnie Wilson (she loves Kelly, too!), etc. I think you should stay at the Auberge du Soliel (in Rutherford), but do not stay at the Mount View Hotel and Spa in Calistoga! It was the absolute pits! We could lie on the floor and our hands could touch one wall and our feet the other! We didn't have too much luck with restaurants in Calistoga, either. Also, we are going to the Hill Country Hyatt in July, and I have only taped the "Top 10" show where you feature it. I am hoping the full show will be rerun soon, as my brother swears you asked him to be an extra when you were dining (at the Antler's Lodge, I think).
Glad you are back and thanks again for the picture!
Carrie

I'm just writing to let you know Samantha, that you have won the job lottery, in my opinion. The show rocks, but I gotta tell ya. I would love to do what you do.
I am actually in the hotel industry. I work at a "great hotel" in New York City. So if you ever need an assistant, or some great hotel advice, feel free to contact me. I wouldn't mind buying a ticket for that job lottery to see if I could win myself one of those jobs!
Looking forward to the new season!

I've heard about the Duck tours will have to do it for comic affect alone.

It was great meeting you as well and I had no idea you were nervous at the time but that is very flattering

now for my watermelon margerita recipe...drum roll please:

to make 4 margerita's

1/4 of a seedless watermelon (this size usually pre-cut and wrapped at the deli's)
cut it off rind and into chunks
put in zip lock and freeze (this then becomes not only your flavor but your ice as well so that they don't get watered down)

Fill the Ice in a standard blender, pack the whole bag in good.

Add
1 cup tequila
1/4 cup fresh IT HAS TO BE FRESH lime juice (2-3 limes)
1/4 cup triple sec

Have one for me!

ahhhh my old friend capttuttle, I knew you couldn't stay away. I'm glad you're back. I got that PBS special on National Park lodges for Christmas, I keep forgetting to watch it but I'm sure it will give us some great ideas.

You're right about Outer Banks NC, Great Hotels maybe few. I'm sure it's simular to Cape Cod or the Seacoast of Maine where there are many nice Inns but nothing that jumps out. We are this year trying to experiment with the word Great. It shouldn't have to mean super expensive, or a Grand lobby. So who knows

look above, I forgot to put a subject in my posting to you.

How much weight did you gain at Hotel Hershey? a picture will arrive shortly. I was just telling Capttuttle that we may have a problem with the Outer Banks. If you hear of anything give me a shout.

you know people always ask me what do I prefer to be called Sam, Samantha...I honestly have no preference but I really enjoy it when people call me Sammy. I don't know why I just always smile.

I loved your joke about your daughters first word. Thankfully it wasn't "Room Service" or else you might be in trouble.

my hair is sort of red, auburn kind of color. I don't know if I like it. I think I'm going back to blond.

You're an expert in Bullying. Geez, I could of used you in the sixth grade.

Samantha-

I would like to recommend the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, WA for an upcoming show. I stayed there once, while enroute to an Alaskan cruise and loved it.

They have a website:http://www.willowslodge.com/

I actually sent this in last year, but since you're asking for input . . .

Branson, Missouri, is a wonderful tourist town, with something for the whole family. There are the beautiful Ozark mountains and the *3* area lakes, so lots of hiking and fishing, plus music shows, go-karts, and all the silly, touristy stuff you can find. It's probably got the most go-kart tracks I've ever seen in 5 square miles! Plus there's a fun little theme park, themed to the Ozark history, called Silver Dollar City, that has great crafts (the craftspeople really know their stuff, and you can't miss the glassblowers), fun rides, good shopping, and entertaining music shows. There's even the Showboat Branson Belle, a paddleboat that steams around Table Rock Lake while you dine.

The nicest hotel for miles around is Big Cedar Lodge, owned by Bass Pro. It's on Table Rock Lake just south of Branson, and is gorgeous. It has several lodges, plus many cabins, and a fantastic couple of restaurants! How can you go wrong? The links to it and Silver Dollar City are below. I'd love to see you there! (My folks are retiring to Branson this May, so I'll be there even more often.)

http://www.big-cedar.com/
http://www.silverdollarcity.com/portal/portal.html

Elizabeth

I know New York, New York well. Although, seeing that we are not going to Vegas this year I don't think we'll be doing it. That roller coaster is awesome!

I'm so sorry about your mom. It's definately going to be a long hard six months but hang in there. You feel so helpless with their pain you can't imagine that you are of any comfort but as my mom told me many times, just being there was enough. And joking about it, there were lots of inappropriate jokes.

You tell your mom that I am definately going to enter a room at least once and say JUMPIN JEHOSEPHAT! I get a little bored with wow myself.

your view of when you first see the Islands after four hours of nothing but ocean must be amazing.

Honolulu: my favorite beach is Lani Kai and you have to go to Spaghetti Hale off of Ewa Blvd.
It's this tiny local place that serves a fantastic spaghetti and meatballs.

you know I would love to set something up now that we all know where I'll be and I'd love to get a chance to meet some of you. I'll have to talk to the producers and see what we could do. Great idea.

I have no idea what would stop your cat from peeing but that's got to be annoying. But from a cat rescuer-Thank-you so much for not throwing the pet out on the street.

Good Eats always comes on at really inconvenient times for me. Which is a major bummer.

Having grown up in NH I've never been. we were more seacoast people than Mountains and lakes so I've missed out on a lot of NH's majesty. thanks for the tip

your log in name is simular to the sound Pac Man makes. I really like Salem Ma. and of course the history there makes it fascinating, fun and scary. picture on the way.

that's the second plug we've gotten for Traverse. I'll check in to it because then we could do Macinaw Island as well. Although, another thing we will not show again in Season three is me playing Golf. I'm terrible, I hate it, I've had TEN lessons by all the Golf Pro's and I'm still a complete idiot.

I love Steamboat springs. It has a much more laid back atmosphere then say Vail and of course Aspen. I was there for a week filming Great Vacation Homes. I've never seen so many lab dogs in my life. Is that a pre-requisite for moving there?