Post your questions here by clicking on "post reply"...

Great Hotels has the month of December off, thank goodness. So does
that mean I have all my Christmas shopping and preparations done? NO
SIREE. Why start getting my act together now? My gift to my friends
and family this year was homemade marshmallows. (The young gentleman
who runs this website was a happy recipient.) I went a little nuts and
started making the marshmallows with big chunks of oreo cookies,
chocolate chips, Toffee bits and peppermint patties. I was an artist
who finally found her medium. SUGAR. Although, I have made myself sick
about three times eating too many of them. It's been snowing in NYC
(as well as many other parts of the United States) and that has
certainly gotten me into the holiday spirit. I bought my tree as soon
as they came to my corner deli - 75 BUCKS! Can you believe that?
It's a seven footer and absolutely gorgeous.

So tell me what you think of the new season of Great Hotels.

Sam, the new season is going great! My favorite thing so far, even though it's not really part of the GH season, was your Christmas special! So great, and you even showed things I didn't know were there! Plus, those soccer guys were hot!

I'm so glad you're back cause I have fabulous news I've been dying to share with you! I just found out a couple of days ago that when I go back down to Disney in January (remember I'm going to be working hotel front desk), I'll be at the Yacht & Beach Club! I'm so insanely excited about this, it's been my favorite hotel since the last time I was down there, and you doing a piece on it only makes it better!

The one downfall is that... you've already done the hotel! So now I won't get to be the front desk girl when you come back and do a Disney hotel! You will come back and do another Disney hotel, right? You've got to do the Contemporary! And even the Caribbean Beach or the Coronado Springs would make for a great episode! Plus in April, they're opening up the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Come on, Sam, a spa! And I think it's calling your name!

~Lauren

well this is a first for me. i wish i could come on here and talk about what i enjoyed or disliked about the show so far but ive only seen the one show so far so im sorry, but i did want to say your gorgeous. i know you know this, but if you are ever in southern cali and are in the market for a 24 year old football coach im your man. so please write when your heading out towards la and i promise now that football is over ill be watching great hotels more often .tahnks you grant livermont email tank8gt@aol.com

i got caught up in the moment and forget to wish you and your family a merry christmas and have a happy and safe new years and can someone tell me why im a jr member.

Oh, Samantha (I certainly don't consider myself in the elite circle who can call you Samalama)..., I really am pathetic - swore I'd hold off for at least 24 hours, but I could only manage two. Yet I thought I'd give you something to read while all the others line up to post (and don't forget Ashley Kristen, still dangling on Line One that was closed yesterday almost after it opened).
I've only seen I think three of the new episodes, but you do seem to have hit your stride, and glide through them with confidence, grace and ease - always a sublime pleasure to watch and often learn, certainly to enjoy. You seemed especially radiant at Del Coronado (really glad you finally reached that one) and your sheer joy in being there seemed, if I may use the word, palpable (hmmm.. where did I get that one, I wonder?), and your irrepressible glee while dining amongst the hotshots in the Sonoma (?) Valley (was that Auberge du Soleil?) shone through as well. I didn't see the camping one, but you seem to have spawned viewers with rather fierce beliefs that you either desperately loved or absolutely hated it (one post there is perhaps the finest example of a pot calling the kettle black I believe I've ever seen in English literature). But I hope you enjoyed your stays this year as much as you appear to have done.
I did, by the way, get to Colonial Williamsburg last month - just a daytrip for the Monticello guides - and you'll be pleased to know per an earlier post of mine, that Thomas Jefferson has not been fired there as I'd feared, and his metal sculpture is still there as well on the bench at the north end of Duke of Gloucester St., still evidently waiting for your personal prompt on what to write down next: he's still stuck on "When in the course of human events..." it would seem. But they're reputedly folding their two folk art and decorative art museums into one, and using the vacated space next to your Williamsburg Inn to make an upscale health spa. Now Samantha, I realize this isn't the most conducive medium for elaborating on this, but it deeply disturbs me to see an organization such as Colonial Williamsburg, whose very mission is to celebrate and portray American history and 18th c. life, having to diminish that in order to offer sheer hedonistic and purely physical pleasure for a wealthy few to keep financially afloat. Not that I blame you for this, by the way Sam, as you actually did a truly nice job of pointing out the historical aspects in your episode, and I always enjoy the signature Samantha Gets A Backrub Scene in any of your episodes (usually brings my sandwich eating to a screeching halt, to be honest). I just hate to see masses choosing mindless pleasure over something as interesting and worthwhile as Williamsburg, so I hope more people will choose to go there (and soon). There, rant over - hope you didn't mind. (Where was the cottage you stayed in, by the way?)
I'm actually off to Monticello myself tomorrow (today?)and Saturday, the last days this month I'm up there in fact, so those within driving distance please come on up not to see me, silly, but TJ). Of course no one will have the slightest idea who "Capt. Tuttle" is up there, and believe me, that's probably for the best, but I'm the tall, skinny one, if anyone ever gets me as their guide. And it's quite magical up there in the snow and wintry mists, and during the candlelight evening tours we had as well.
Now let's see if we can't smoke out Mother Orange, last heard in the murky British Isles, and your many other devoted fans. Your hair looks terrific Sam, by the way, and did I wish you happy holidays and a respite from travel? I think I did somewhere...

(and note I have yet to plea for a signed photo, so I haven't lost all self-control, quite yet). Night, Sam, and any late viewers.

Hi Sam. I'm new to the site and new to the Travel channel. I seldom watched Travel channel and one day I saw you doing Disney holiday special. I love Disney World but more than that, I was frozen and just stared at the screen to see.....You!! You are so beautiful and funny and has great great smile!! I just fell in love with you immediately!! You think I'm crazy but I just had to write and tell you how beautiful you are(no need for me to tell you, you already knows that...). Now I have a big crush on Samantha Brown!! Well, hope to catch more of your episode on Travel Channel. I sure hope one day I'd love to meet you in person. I live on long island, ny so when I go to NYC, I might see you walking around... . Thanks for putting out great show and hope you'll respond to me!!

sam's new fan
y588tw@optonline.net

Good to hear from you! And thanks for responding to my question on the other forum...plans are still in the works for that trip and I have not told her the news yet. The suspense is killing me!!!! It truely is better to give...especially when you can have so much fun planning and scheming!!!!

I just returned from Maui. One should NEVER go to tropical paradise in December when one has to return to Chicago for winter. OH MY GOD it was beautiful! We had a fantastic time. Had to be dragged to the airport kicking and screaming. Went from lounging on a beach to shoveling my driveway in 12 hours... (sigh)

It now looks like I'll be in NYC twice in January. I'll be there New Years Eve, and agian for the Lion King trip. Rack up those air miles!

I'm enjoying the new season...have not seen too many new episodes and continue to enjoy the old. Missed the Disney special, but thankfully the Travel Channel will re-run it about a bazillion times so I should catch it....(I'm still working nights )

Here is wishing you and your family a wonderful christmas and new years holiday. Stay warm!

Hope to "talk"to ya soon!

kel
keldvm@sbcglobal.net

ps dejardins...are you out there? Thanks for the kind words on the other post. And are you getting Garciappara or not??!!??

Happy Holidays to YOU Samantha!

Having the opportunity to chat with you and read all the marvelous posts that will be forthcoming is one of the nicest gifts I can think of. To be honest, I'm rather intimidated to follow the eloquent capttuttle. His post certainly gets things off to a lively start.

I am thoroughly enjoying the new season. I even enjoyed the Coastanoa, although from viewing the posts I am in the minority. They set up one of the tents at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto last year to drum up interest in making reservations. I have to say there did not appear to be all that many folks enthused about the idea. Surprising considering Stanford University students, faculty and the free spending (and thinking) folks of Atherton, Los Altos, etc. frequent the center in droves. Perhaps on your next trip to the San Francisco Bay Area the new hotel in Half Moon Bay, a Ritz-Carlton I believe, might be more to your liking.

While my favorite new program of the season so far has been the Walt Disney World Holiday Special, on an emotional level I was pleased that you enjoyed both properties you visited in the Sonoma area. I must have watched that episode about the Auberge du Soliel and Meadowwood several times. There are still other good lodgings awaiting your return to the area. You never did make it for your meal at The French Laundry after all. COME BACK!

Don't be too concerned about not being ready for Christmas. I think it snuck up on a lot of people this year. Myself included. Have yet to write one Christmas card. But if I did, your name would be at the TOP of my list!

It's getting much too late and my brain is turning to mush. If I don't get the opportunity to post again while you have the board open, let me wish you and all those you love a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Thank you for giving so many of us something to look forward to at the end of a hectic day. That smile of yours can light a room. SHINE ON SAMANTHA!

Sam,
What other Cities/Hotels are featured in the 3rd Season besides- NY, W. VA, Mass. Those are the ones listed as premieres coming up in the future but that doesn't carry us thru June which is when the Answer Guy said the new eps would be still airing till.

Any thought on 4th Season hotels yet? How much input do you have when it comes to picking hotels?

About Costanoa Lodge and Camp- there has been a great debate- please answer honestly if you can (i know you may be obligated to say you loved it even if you didn't because of liability issues with the travel channel but we'd prefer an honest answer if you could)- some say you didn't come off very enthusiastic or that you didnt really like it.. and i thought you did.. please let me know what you thought really!!

Hi Samantha,

I've been watching your shows for so long now, I feel like I know you personally! From many of the posts here, you seen to have that effect on lots of people. The new season is just great! Still looking forward to the Key West and New England episodes. (I liked the Costanoa Coastal Lodge too, Hummingbirdlady!) Your hair looks really good longer, but I think it looks better lighter rather than darker (just my preference).

I'm a long time fan of Great Vacation Homes and hope that you will do something similiar someday; although I thoroughly enjoy Great Hotels. You may not know the answer to this, but when will the Travel Channel ever go digital? It would really be nice.

Thanks for such a great show for us to watch and keep up the good work. You do a great job of entertaining us!! Hope you and your family have a great holiday season!

CW

By the way, I know you don't follow college football, but our two teams, Syracuse/Auburn University, have had some interesting games in the past. Don't know if you were at Syracuse at that time or not.

Hi Samantha!

I just started watching your Great Hotels show just about a month ago and I'm one of your newest and biggest fans! I don't think anyone else would've caught my attention the way you have. I think you have a great personality. Besides Jay Leno, your show is the only other time I turn on the television, however please don't make me choose in picking which show is my favorite.

That is so awesome that you take time to respond to your fans! Have you thought about pursuing a career in acting? Just wondering. If you have time, I would also like an autographed photo if you don't mind. Thanks! Have a good day!! Bye!

alexfilides2@hotmail.com

BTW: I'm sorry I have to ask, but do you have any relatives named Jamie. There seems to be a striking resemblance between the two of you.

Hello,I look forward to the shows new season with new shows.I love many Great Hotels from a few years back,ie The hicago Wrigley field visit with the onion stuffing Hot dogs,The Beverly Hills episode with the movie theater screening visit but I think most of all I loved Disney Great Episode with the Alice in Wonderland theme. Unfortuanley Alice doesnt appear in this episode. We see her in Great Hotels promos.What happen Alice ,Samantha? Keep up the good work and I'll keep tuning in!Yours Truly

Hey Sam! LOVE the show! You rock.

I have one question, in the episode where you visited the Ritz Carlton Battery Park Hotel you went somewhere inside to view Ground Zero. Where? (I was foggy minded with the flu when I saw the episode and I can’t remember where you said you were!)

When I’m in New York next year I’m going to try to go by and visit Ground Zero. So far I haven’t been able to bring myself to do it when I’m in NYC. I still cry when I even THINK about 9/11 so I don’t know if I could handle seeing Ground Zero or not.

Anyway... Happy holidays!
Melissa

i just had to say that you are sooooooooo beautiful......i watch all the shows that you host especially in the Los Angeles,CA. hotel show's...anyway i would love to stay in touch with you by phone or e-mail....could that be sooooooooo possible.....i think your funny and i love it when you put on your 2 piece bathing suits for the beach scene or the pool scene.....you have a great body! are you married or single? i'm 25/single/white/christian/25/NC-USA....i'm going to Beverly Hills,CA. the 1st week of january 2004....i'm going to have so much fun....and i'll also start a great paying job there too....where do you live...i mean your becoming a well known celebrity now cus your on T.V. i'm also a very big fan of your's! i totally love your show and you.....thanks again for the laughs and all the other great stuff i mentioned in here....where you off to next Disney World?

First of all, I want to thank you so much for sending me an autographed picture. It made my day what it came in the mail. My birthday was a few days before I received the picture so it was a great birthday present.

I also wanted to say I loved the Great Californian episode. I think it's cool the way the hotel is right in the park. The hotel kind of reminded me of the Wilderness Lodge in Disney World. And the dessert that you had on the show looked so good. I was sitting here watering at the mouth because it looked so good LOL. I even taped it. I taped all of the Disney episode.

Again, thank you so much for the autographed picture. I hope to hear from you soon.

~Rory

Sam its great to have you back. The new episodes with more info about the city / area are even better the previous years.

so did you see the Monty Python episode with Spineynorman yet. I left instructions on which DVD it can be found in one of the lasts posts in the September Forum. the post is way long but I think the DVD info is near the top.

So when do the european episodes air? I think I read somewhere that you guys shot there recently.

hey i never go my photo. If posssible please send me one. steve@synergymedia.com

I sam, makes no sense, it should say Hi SAM.

Merry Christmas to ya, Sam. In the spirit of the season, we here in Chicago have decided to send to you all the snow we would normally get this time of year. I hope those of you on the east coast appreciate the gesture .

I have caught just about all of the new shows and find them as entertaining as always. I noticed that you went back on your promise and made your obligatory stop at the front desk a couple of times (old habits do die hard). Watched the Disney special on Sunday after football. After each of your visits down there I am beginning to think that Disney has expanded to take up all the land in Florida not yet occupied by Universal. And speaking of Disney, did you get a chance to take your nephew down there with you?

I plan on visiting the San Diego area next fall and have a definite interest in seeing the Del Coronado. They are building a new baseball stadium that should open next year and I’d like to attend some games around the time I’ll be in LA for the movie convention. I don’t know if I’ll get to stay there (it’s a long haul from downtown) but having “Some Like it Hot” available for viewing each night sounds tempting to a film buff like me.

Question for you (the first of many): Do you often watch your shows either with your friends/family or by yourself, or are you one of those who don’t like to see themselves once the show is in the can?

And for Kelly, you are quite welcome. As for Nomar (I never knew it was Ramon spelled backwards) I have mixed feelings. I like who we have now (“Ooo Eeee Ooo…Maggliooo”) and I would hate see the deal fall through and have a shortstop who doesn’t feel wanted playing on the team. But it has been depressing seeing the Red Sox, Yankees and, yes, the Cubs wheeling and dealing while the White Sox sit on their hands.

Talk to ya later.

Hey Sam! Well, I was the first to write as soon as I saw this forum opened so I wouldn't appear fashionably late (again), but they must have deleted me because they opened the topic a few days too soon. How are you?! I have been watching all of your new episodes for this season and am loving it (especially the Disney special). After all your tapings in Disney, it seems that you are secretly becoming a Disney fan- don't worry, there is a little Disney in all of us!

Wasn't that blizzard that we had crazy? Here on Long Island, we got almost two feet of snow. I don't think I stopped shoveling that whole weekend. But, I love the snow!

Before I forget, I have an invitation I would like to present to you (if you are going to be around NYC on January 24). I am guessing the best way to do that would be through e-mail, so would it be all right if I could write to the e-mail you sent from a while back?

Take care Sam!
-Ashley (GoofyAsh@mousehut.com)

Hello from upstate!

Sam
My wife and I love your show. We especially enjoyed seeing the Mohonk Mt. house episode again recently because we visited there years ago and seeing it brought back great memories.
Are there plans to do shows from the Finger Lakes Region of NY? (wine tasting,etc)
Also I have seen others asking about shows from the National Park Lodges and Alaska which we think are great places to visit.
You have a great sense of humor. When will we see you on The Letterman Show or SNL?
or how about a Great Hotels Out Takes Show?
Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Samantha,
I became a huge fan of yours this summer when I was off work for a bit. You are on during my working hours now, so I have not seen you lately, but I'm sure you are still the best thing about anywhere you go!
Love your show,you're beautiful, Merry Christmas!

Hi Sam,

It is always fun to watch your shows, especially with the Disney World Holiday Special.

Too bad I didn't catch many of the Great Hotel episodes this year. I think I will have to start taping in order to see them all. Kahala Mandarin is sure fun. I should drop by one day.

I saw your picture in one of the local domestic violence poster the other day. Thank you for supporting our state/local community (the 50th state). You look great in the picture!

Keep up your good work. Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to say hi, and I love your shows... the Disney ones are my favorites... I am taping the Holiday special and can't wait to watch it... is there anyway to get a copy of your beautiful pic of Cinderella Castle with the blue lights and snowflakes on it? I would be will to pay whatever the cost would be. The castle is my favorite thing in all of WDW, and I didn't get to go down for the holidays this year or last... I get my Disney "fix" watching your show. Thanks, and have a Merry Christmas! PS... I still think you should do a show from the Jefferson Hotel here in Richmond....

Hi Sam!

Sorry to have missed you when you were in Disneyland this past year. My family and I love watching "Great Hotels." I had to share one of the funniest moments that my stepson and I shared with you.

When you were doing one of your last rounds in Vegas and did a stop at the Luxor, we couldn't stop laughing when you were sitting down eating after visiting the buffet. I believe you were working on a dessert and pretended that someone (or maybe you weren't pretending) was looking at you strange. "What are you looking at?" you asked with a mouthful of food. We started cracking up and to this day, we relive that moment.

Of course, your natural sense of humor and timing always makes Great Hotels such a pleasure to watch.

Would love a picture! Home email: jlcnri@yahoo.com.

Have a blessed Christmas, Sam!

Samantha Brown,
HI! Just curious to know where I go to sign up for your job! I absolutely love hotels and have chosen it as my desired degree and career choice. I get so darn excited about hotels so I can only tell you that your show is absolutely perfect for me! I love the enthusiasm that you bring to the show. I can only hope one day to travel as much as you do to experience such amazing places!!! Keep up the wonderful pizazz! I have to agree, the Disney World segment was my favorite!! Happy Holidays!!!!

Hey Samantha,

Merry Christmas!
Love the show, its nice to see the great hotels in the US. I travel alot and have seen a lot of hotels but never stay in the great ones. I think my airline should watch your show and get some ideas for new crew hotels.

Chris

After reading through some replies, I would love to know info on paying for an autographed picture from Great Hotels! Please!!!!!!!
S.S

Samantha...

I would like to thank you so very much for going to ground zero and actually talking about it. I live in Las Vegas but as you can find out my high school (Palo Verde) lost a French teacher on 9/11. Although not on the plane that hit the Twin Towers it was awesome to see you show ground zero. Not only was I glad but I also cried because of the emotions that were brought along with it. I haven't been to any memorial out there but I'm hoping to go to New York soon. Also, I've started college and I'm going to become a police officer, hopefully in New York. I just wanted to thank you a lot for doing that. Thank You...Cari

Like small fries eagerly await the big fella in the red suit and white beard this time of year, so the young and young at heart look forward to the return of the pretty woman with the gigawatt smile and irresistible personality-and no, I don't mean Julia Roberts!
All kidding aside, it is great to have you back on these boards. You haven't skipped a beat this season; still as delightful as ever, but with a serious side you displayed quite well with the Ground Zero visit. Now that the proposed building designs for that area have been unveiled, what are your thoughts on them? I don't know why the Freedom Tower design reminds me of the Transamerica pyramid in San Francisco, but it's going to fit into the NY skyline just fine. Plus, the windmill lattice will be a unique touch.
Looks like GH is on the move next month (again!)to 10am my time. Well, at least I won't have to worry about being late for work now (though my boss is fine with GH-related tardiness). Plus, I get a GH premiere on my birthday (The Greenbrier on January 20), so thank you, Travel Channel, for that early gift.
I can't think of anything else interesting to say right now(what else is new), so I'll sign off. Sam, may you and yours be blessed this Christmas, and may 2004 bring you success and happiness beyond your wildest dreams yet help you remain that same down to earth, classy lady we love to watch every day.

Hi Samantha,

Two years ago my girlfriend Caro (a Kiwi) and I (English) travelled across the USA, and became fans of your shows due to your immediately likeable and charming manner.

Of the hotels in which we stayed, I think you would appreciate The Allegro Chicago (where Caro scored Aveda toiletries and engaged in the dastardly art of emptying it into bottles every day so housekeeping would give her more) and The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo where the interior design is so over-the-top it looks like Liberace exploded in there.

If anyone wishes to read about these hotels or look at pictures, see http://groups.msn.com/CaroSymonsBigTrip. (Be warned: This site contains many naughty words and several unnecessarily graphic sections on foreign
toilets. Also my recipe for Curried Zucchini Soup.)

We now live in Scotland, where sadly Discovery Travel UK shows only terribly earnest programmes about serious backpacker types who go around eating yak and staying in yurts in Tashkent. So we miss your wit, plus I really feel there are some bits of a yak that just shouldn't be eaten.

That apart, Scotland is a lovely country that all
Americans should visit. If you do come, you can sleep on our couch. But not all of you at once please, because the couch just isn't that big and
there would be appalling queues for the lavatory.

I've gone on a bit. I just meant to let you know you have an international following. It will certainly look good on your curriculum vitae.

Wishing you continued success, Symon and Caroline

Doo-doo-doo-dit-doo-doo-dit-doo-doo-doo-dit-doooooo! DOO DOO DIT DOO! </great hotels theme>

Snow getting you into the Holiday Spirit? You craaaazayyyy woman! I was just up in Ohio for Thanksgiving and it snowed there! It was MISERABLE! I am so happy to be living in Florida. Iiiiii'm dreeEEeaming of a GREEEEEEEN CHRISTMAS!!!!!! (Plus my birthday is on Christmas Day and I'd rather celebrate when it's WARM! I AM GOING TO BE 21 OMG OMG OMG!)

How is Fiona doing? I know I ask that everytime but a kitty deserves her rightful question! Have you gotten any other kitties or puppies that I don't know of yet? I'd like to draw them

After watching your old episode of the Portofino Bay, it really got Rob and I interested in getting married there. (Rob = phantomx86!) But after we checked the prices for weddings, it came to $210+ a head! Craziness! After much debate with my parents, we decided we'd rather have an awesomely fun wedding on a pirate ship in Clearwater Beach! ARRRR!!! WE BE TYIN' THA KNOT MATEY! Have you been on Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise yet? I hear it's a blast!

Well, I hope you have a very happy holiday and merry merry Christmas! Nice to see you have a break from filming a GREAT SHOW THAT DESERVES MERCHANDISE HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT!!!!

By the way, I never got that picture you were supposed to send I hate to ask you for something at Christmastime but I wasn't sure if you had sent it and it got lost or what! My email is shakirafuego@cfl.rr.com

Thanks a bunch!!!!! I'll take a drink for my 21st birthday in your honor! All the best Sam!

A Huge Fan (of FIONA, haha!),
Brittany/shakirafuego

Greetings, Samantha and all! Nice to hear from ferretpossum, and I strongly agree with their opinions on Scotland and the popularity your shows would have if marketed in the U.K. I was just in Lockerbie two weeks ago, Sam, where Mother Orange and the Professor left flowers at the Wall of Remembrance and visited the many friends made there since the Pam Am 103 air disaster. Those 35 Syracuse students who never made it home from their London study abroad experience are still remembered by many, fifteen years later. It is always sad, but emotionally enriching to go there, sort of like Ground Zero, I suppose.
I am hardly the one to give input on the new shows, having been denied viewing for six long months. However, I must check in to say “a few words” lest Capt. Tuttle and hummingbirdlady be disappointed. My flight from London got me into NYC late last Sunday, and by 9 P.M. I had ordered out and was settled on a comfortable couch in Soho, very happily tuned in to your Disney special. You should take it as a big compliment that I stayed awake for the whole thing, as my jet-lagged body was telling me it was 2 A.M.! Words cannot describe how wonderful it was to be gazing at a large screen with excellent reception again, and to be entertained by such a fine program. It was all new to me, as my family has only visited the MGM Studios Park for one measly day when the holiday decorations were up, while en route to S.U.’s Orange Bowl appearance years ago. I loved the part with the gingerbread house where the white stuff fell on your head, and I hope the crew allowed you to buy those shorts and make a full circuit on Castaway Creek. The group dining experience was especially heartwarming, as was the thoughtful acquisition of the round red ornament for your Mom. I hope it did not break somewhere during your travcls, as she will certainly be expecting it! Your hairstyle is lovely, as always, and even Katie Couric and Matt Lauer have surprised me with the length of their locks. Mine, on the other hand, are quite the opposite. Always ready for a money-saving experience in London, I volunteered to be a model at the Vidal Sassoon School. Imagine being in a haircutting classroom for 4 1/2 hours with eight newly-arrived Japanese students, an enthusiastic instructor and an interpreter. There was cutting, discussion in two languages, snipping, shaping, drying, and more cutting. I think each of my hairs was cut individually. Maybe the Captain could try this, if he has a lot of hair. Even though it has nothing to do with British History, it is funny to recall, and hair does grow back. I bravely got my ears pierced at the Tattoo Parlor that is in the “Notting Hill” movie, so I suppose it is nice that my lobes are so clearly visible. Anyway, I was able to enjoy the “Big Apple” for three days. My son surprised us with tickets to the taping of the Letterman Show on Tuesday. It was my favorite type of gift. It was free, fun, and did not add to my clutter. London was wonderful, but we did really miss some things. At Thanksgiving, the boy flew over with a large rolling suitcase containing an 18 inch Brooklyn pizza, which arrived in great shape and was delicious. I sure raised that kid right, huh Sam? He actually got his dream job in July with no help from me, just as you said, and it even has benefits. I hope the hard working mod Kelly has a job with benefits, and will get some time off once we are all out of here this time. Right now, I am back in Syracuse and there is a Krispy Kreme donut with my name on it in the kitchen, as they finally opened a place on Erie Blvd. on the very day of my return. Such luck! I am looking at the recent accumulation of lake effect snow, and I must get out and move some of it in order to mail my presents to family members. Believe me, I will be wishing that I was smart like you, sending creative, lightweight marshmallows instead of dozens of heavy foreign products like chocolate bars and curried beans. Some folks may be wondering how many of Captain Tuttle’s rather obscure destinations I actually found my way to. I will try to post later with that news, some of which will be relevant to you, Sam, I promise. As if I haven’t already driven this subject into the ground, I will also briefly reveal the disappointing results of my European whoopie pie research in 7 countries. Sorry to go on so long but some of us just can’t stop ourselves. Have a restful day. You certainly deserve one after all your time on the road.
Mother Orange

Good Saturday to you Sam,

It's Carol again. Five days to Christmas and I'm here on the board instead of baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and addressing cards as I should be doing. To exemplify further my inattention to detail, I TOTALLY overlooked that you have already BEEN to the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, CA when I made my recommendation. Boy do I feel dumb. I should have known that you're usually one step ahead of the game.

I will look forward to the airing of that episode on January 11th. My birthday. I have not been to Half Moon Bay for well over a decade. We have friends who live not far from the Ritz-Carlton property. They tell me the town is no longer the sleepy little hamlet I recall from it's annual Pumpkin Festivals of the past. That's progress . . . . . I guess.

I am STILL lobbying for you to visit the Carmel/Pebble Beach/Monterey Area. With lodgings like The Highlands Inn, La Playa, Pinn Inn, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Monterey Plaza Hotel, etc., you could fill half a weeks worth of programming. Would you and the producers at least consider it?

Ta-Ta and Take Care,
Carol W

P.S. To keldvm: How is you Mom doing? I literally cried when I read your post about the upcoming excursion to New York. Your extrodinary gesture speaks volumes about the generous person who resulted from some obviously great parenting. I also thought that it was sweet of you Sam to jump in and recommend the St.Regis. From what I saw on Great Hotels, it looks FABULOUS. Loved the dress you wore for your night at the opera by the way. Would the St. Regis be in your top ten favorite hotels of all in which you've stayed?

The return of Mother Orange from foriegn shores. I can hardly contain my joy! Great reading from you, capttuttle, AND Samantha. What a fantastic Christmas gift. Be still my heart!

So much for the baking and cards,
Carol

Yes, we have about 5 inches of snow in Western Md where we live too.
When I've been catching a new episode, I like it of course. I enjoyed the Hotel Del Coronado the most so far. I find that Hotel very interesting. We hope you and your family have a good Christmas and a good break being off. I bought this pre-made package of sugar cookies, and then I just added chocolate chips to it, and sprayed the cookie sheets with PAM and they stuck to them, and I had to pry them off with a knife, but they are really good! I told my son and husband "they ain't pretty to look at, but they are GOOD!" and they agreed. Maureen Moore

Thank you for asking Hummingbirdlady...My mom finished a LONG course of radiation just this past Wednesday and feels 100% better just having it done. The recovery phase is expected to last 8-10 weeks. We have leaned incredible patience. Don't really care if she sleeps all day, just happy she's here to do so.

In the almost 6 years since initial diagnosis, "something" has happened in the fall of the last 3 years causing the cancellation of planned trips. (New Zealand, St. Martin)...This year we had enrolled her in the Lance Armstrong Foundation (we are big cyclists) and raised enough money to earn her a dinner with Lance Armstong (her hero). Alas...our timing was off. She could not attend, but I got to go in her place to Austin in October and meet the guy and ride with him...wow...what a great experience!

To make a short story long... We have learned to be hesitant in planning trips, so I have not told her yet. But things are looking good and I can't stand the suspense!!!!! I giggle uncontrollably in her presence and she thinks I'm cracking up . Dad's asked me to wait until christmas eve. If I just stay away from their house I think I can do it!!!!!

It's taught us some important lessons. 1. Always buy vacation insurance. 2. Don't take even one day for granted. You never know.

Now everyone call your mom and tell her that you love her!!!

And hey there Sam!...don't mean to hijack the thread again. I'm off to christmas shop. We have NO SNOW in Chicago...it's just freakin' cold!!!! No Fair!

Take Care all...
kel

[This message was edited by keldvm on 12-20-03 at 03:09 PM.]

Merry Christmas Samanta!
I'm enjoying another season of Great Hotels, especially the episode with your visit to Ground Zero. I also like the "Behind the Scene" pictures posted on the GH website.
Okay I would like to give you a Christmas Wish. Wanna open it now? Go ahead, I'll wait(...ribbon cutting...Christmas wrap flying in the air...Oh, save the bow!....) Tah-Da! My wish for you is that I hope that you'll have plenty of time to spend with your friends and family. Ok, I know, now that you've opend your Christmas wish the rest of the day will be boring, but it does lead to my question.
Since your friends and family are watching you on GH, I've often wondered what the conversations must be like over dinner. I mean, the teasing you must get. I would love to read any comments that you would like to share.
Ok, on to Great Hotels Stuff..
I was in a shopping mall when I stopped dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe it so I pinched myself(It hurt, so I didn't do that anymore) to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Sure 'nuff, there it was- a Discovery Channel Store! I'm thinking I can buy some GH stuff. So I rushed into the store only to find-nuthin', nada, zip, zero. Now I know merchandising isn't your responsibility on GH, but maybe you could print this message, wad it up,and throw it at 'the powers that be'(oh, tell them to read it)and may be they'll loosen up those purse strings and get some GH merchandise out on the market. Think about it. When I registered as a member on this site there were around 77,000 members. As I look at the screen there are now around 133,500 members. And you guys know better than I, the number of viewers who watch GH on television. So I have some ideas for some GH stuff and hey, wouldn't you like some profit sharing for image and name usage? Think about it...Just lookin' out for ya.
How about GH hats, pens, calendars, keychains, mouse pads...trading cards! Oh...Oh, I've got it! How about Jockey briefs with an image of an Hawaiian cove with palm trees and waves splashing on a sandy beach with the full Moon rising in the background! (Hah! I crack myself up Okay maybe not)
But seriously, How about T-shirts. The episode of GH filmed at the Hotel George. I love the exterior shot of you standing by the pool table in front of the window holding the cue stick. That would make a great T-shirt image. Or you standing out on the balcony being serenaded by the mariachis on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Tx.
Another idea, those little umbrellas they stick in bar drinks. Have a GH image or logo on them- Kewl Huh?(Man that little gerbil in my head is cranked up now!)
Ok, a GH coffee table book. People who are planning vacations can have a book to give them ideas. Or maybe a GH robe w/matching bedroom slippers! (I'm patting myself on the back for that idea). How about little baskets of traveling bathroom amenities with GH logos and images.
Well, I can see it's time for my lithium.
Thanks again for being so delightfully enteraining,

Mark
with cash and credit cards at the ready, off to get a life....I promise

Wow, Mother Orange and Carol/Hummingbirdlady both already chiming in. No Sam of course, alas, but let's talk amongst ourselves, shall we? Carol, I cannot believe I could possibly intimidate anyone from the Palo Alto area, your kind words notwithstanding, so you must be under a pretty huge misapprehension, easily gotten over I assure you. And I'm glad Mother O has safely returned, and for the most part enjoyed her sojourn (I could have simply said "trip", but I gather I have lexicoligical (I don't even know if that's a true word) standards to uphold now). As you know, October- December are not the best climactic months for visiting there, but I hope the theater/theatre was rewarding even as the dollar tumbles ever ****her vs. the pound. Please give us as many details as you wish to recount, and perhaps some day the Travel Channel can send Samantha there as well. I know I'll get back there this summer, at least, but you don't want to know the hotel I use in London.

I just completed a couple of very pleasant days up at Monticello; Friday morning we got the perfect snow - just half an inch of dry powdery stuff that neither stayed on the car or roads and sidewalks yet barely covered everything else beautifully, and late in the day a busload of high school a capella singers from Greensboro, on the way to perform in the White House and Ford's Theater, came up, and spontaneously sang a couple of carols in Jefferson's lofty entrance hall for us guides - they were absolutely fabulous, and I'm now finally in the Christmas mood.

But I'm also making a New Year's pledge not to clutter up Samantha's board quite so much, even as I'm now on a second message before she's even addressed us once, but it's only because Mother O and La Hummingbird have called me out, I swear. I'm retiring for now. And being the last weekend before Christmas, and a Saturday evening at that, I do not in the least blame the adorable Ms. Brown for being elsewhere (perhaps even plucking stray cats from offending trees... or sampling apple martinis, it matters not) as someone of her glowing personality surely has a life of her own to attend and nurture as the days dwindle until Christmas (so once again, happy holidays to Miss Sam). It's very cold along the east coast tonight, so on behalf of all of us, no doubt, I hope she's warm as well (hence the apple martinis - they were martinis, weren't they?) So again, good night to the thread.

Oh, Mother O, I have quite a healthy head of hair still (it's still brown, too. And thanks for asking. No crazed Japanese with clippers are getting close to it, either. Nor do I want them homing in on Sam.)

You can't say f-u-r-t-h-e-r on this board? Wow. P.S., this does not count towards my total number of posts.

Oh... perhaps that was an "a" rather than a "u" that I used.... Never mind (this doesn't count, either).

quote:

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Originally posted by capttuttle:
Oh... perhaps that was an "a" rather than a "u" that I used.... Never mind (this doesn't count, either).

---

Having a difficult time there? I am glad to see you on the boards this time around (although, it doesn't surprise me in the least- we all would come back to talk with Sam). I just wanted to wish you happy holidays!

Yes, Mizz Ashley, yes I am and visibly for all the world to see, obviously. And very happy holidays to you as well. We missed you last time and feared you might have lost your desire to travel. But now, in my 5th appearance in two days on a thread that I vowed to join only once, I want to emphasize that this is of course Samantha's thread. I never meant to become conspicuous or even intimate at placing her in my very thin shadow ("adumbrate," I believe is the word for that, which I'm fervently not doing) or even know how this ever started. I just came originally to tell her that I counted as one of many who find her compellingly addictive. But although I imagine we all feel we know her well even though she wouldn't know us if we saw her on the street, knelt before her and kissed her on her frequently manicured and pampered feet (I actually don't care much about feet and am not a fetishist of any kind - it was just a literary expression and I'm too old for all of this anyway) it doesn't license me to blather on pointlessly like I seem to be doing. So at this point let me deflect attention back to Samantha and her travel exploits, her distinguished new hair style, her rapport with the camera, and the new places visited and to be visited - Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC seems to be racking up votes on a regular basis. And if you see Miss Brown out on Long Island tonight, Ashley K, do let us know. Poor thing will need several hours at the keyboard to catch up by now, although she can of course fold all responses to my insipid posts into one reply, if that. I insist on retiring now

Hi Samantha!

I'm a first timer here, and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer your fans' questions. I love Great Hotels because I love travelling, even though sometimes it's frustrating - the hotels and locations are so appealing, you want to just jump on a plane and be there at the moment! I love your enthusiasm, too - thanks for making Great Hotels fun to watch

Just a question on your itinerary: was it ever a consideration to visit Charleston, SC, while you were in Savannah? The cities aren't that far apart from each other, and Charleston is a wonderful, historic city with some great inns and restaurants. I hope you get to visit there someday, and stay in the Governor's Inn.

I haven't seen the show in which you visit The Hotel (of South Beach); what did you think? I just stayed there a month ago, and I loved The Hotel. The rooftop pool is exquisite, isn't it? The weather was atrocious when I was visiting (one day it rained heavily all day - I spent all day in my room, watching tv), but during one of the few moments when the sun was shining, I ventured up there. There was a photo shoot going on, and they actually bought me a drink because they'd asked me if I move to another lounge chair (very nicely and politely, I might add - and the drink was great!). I felt bad for the crew because the sun was mostly behind the clouds, and they had to wait until the sun was out to shoot - who wants to see pictures of Miami without the sun? I also had dinner in Azul, in the Mandarin Oriental, even though it was a pretty expensive cab ride from South Beach. I wish I had gotten a better look at the hotel, but the restaurant was just incredible. I was treated like a queen, with two waiters taking turns serving me. Usually a solo diner gets poor treatment, but not me, and the food was wonderful - one of the best meals I've ever had.

Sorry - just one more question. I'm planning a trip to Chicago, and the show on Hotel Monaco was so much fun - it sounds like my kind of place. What did you find was the difference between Monaco and the Hotel Burnham? I'd been thinking of staying there as well.........


Thanks so much for answering my questions, and happy traveling!
Betsy

Just wondering when the Disney Holiday special was filmed. We went to the Very Merry Christmas Party on Dec. 2.
Also - we stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. I had taped the GH show on WL and watched it several times before the trip. On one of our boat rides to the Magic Kingdom, I recognized Jack, the boat captain that took you to MK on the episode. He mentioned that he had not seen the show - perhaps you guys could send him a copy.

Hello Samantha,
I have become a minor fan of the show, only tapeing it once a week, on Monday of course.
When a website say's that the MAJOR STAR will read and maybe respond, I've found that to not always be the truth. I should'nt call you a major star, you might get a swelled head, can't have that happen now can we.
I love the scene when you went to the Kodak Theatre, a place that I hope to be at for the 2005 ceremony, in the short film category.
I start shooting next year in March, wish me luck. I hope that you and your family have the best of holidays, and that all of your wishes and dreams are exceeded beyond your hopes.

www.ambitiousduckproductions.com

Robert

quote:

---

Originally posted by markin3d:
Merry Christmas Samanta!
I'm enjoying another season of Great Hotels, especially the episode with your visit to Ground Zero. I also like the "Behind the Scene" pictures posted on the GH website.
Okay I would like to give you a Christmas Wish. Wanna open it now? Go ahead, I'll wait(...ribbon cutting...Christmas wrap flying in the air...Oh, save the bow!....) Tah-Da! My wish for you is that I hope that you'll have plenty of time to spend with your friends and family. Ok, I know, now that you've opend your Christmas wish the rest of the day will be boring, but it does lead to my question.
Since your friends and family are watching you on GH, I've often wondered what the conversations must be like over dinner. I mean, the teasing you must get. I would love to read any comments that you would like to share.
Ok, on to Great Hotels Stuff..
I was in a shopping mall when I stopped dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe it so I pinched myself(It hurt, so I didn't do that anymore) to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Sure 'nuff, there it was- a Discovery Channel Store! I'm thinking I can buy some GH stuff. So I rushed into the store only to find-nuthin', nada, zip, zero. Now I know merchandising isn't your responsibility on GH, but maybe you could print this message, wad it up,and throw it at 'the powers that be'(oh, tell them to read it)and may be they'll loosen up those purse strings and get some GH merchandise out on the market. Think about it. When I registered as a member on this site there were around 77,000 members. As I look at the screen there are now around 133,500 members. And you guys know better than I, the number of viewers who watch GH on television. So I have some ideas for some GH stuff and hey, wouldn't you like some profit sharing for image and name usage? Think about it...Just lookin' out for ya.
How about GH hats, pens, calendars, keychains, mouse pads...trading cards! Oh...Oh, I've got it! How about Jockey briefs with an image of an Hawaiian cove with palm trees and waves splashing on a sandy beach with the full Moon rising in the background! (Hah! I crack myself up Okay maybe not)
But seriously, How about T-shirts. The episode of GH filmed at the Hotel George. I love the exterior shot of you standing by the pool table in front of the window holding the cue stick. That would make a great T-shirt image. Or you standing out on the balcony being serenaded by the mariachis on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Tx.
Another idea, those little umbrellas they stick in bar drinks. Have a GH image or logo on them- Kewl Huh?(Man that little gerbil in my head is cranked up now!)
Ok, a GH coffee table book. People who are planning vacations can have a book to give them ideas. Or maybe a GH robe w/matching bedroom slippers! (I'm patting myself on the back for that idea). How about little baskets of traveling bathroom amenities with GH logos and images.
Well, I can see it's time for my lithium.
Thanks again for being so delightfully enteraining,

Mark
with cash and credit cards at the ready, off to get a life....I promise

---

Congratulations! I didn't know Y&B was your favorite. It really is a great hotel and the location can't be beat. You certainly will be busy working there since that place always seems to be packed. I really don't know what's in store for me and Disney. We were even mulling over the idea of doing a special on the inexpensive hotels in The World so people could see that you could go there without spending alot on the hotel. Good luck on your new assignment at Disney. Tell them I said hello.

YOU HAVE ONLY SEEN ONE EPISODE? that is just TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! come back to the forum when you have watched each episode 23 times (as can only happen in the wonderful world of cable programming) like the rest of the people in the chat room. Just kidding, glad you found me and hopefully you will save some room in your life for Great Hotels.

Oh Cattuttle

seeing your name on my screen seriously brightens my day I just wanted to make sure you knew that. Thanks for your observations of season three. And may I say to you (and I will certainly address it in the other forum) that Costonoa -the camp was one of my favorite places this year. Adding a spa is something all Resorts these days have to do in order to compete. The idea being that if the husbands are off playing golf (which is in Williamsburg Inn's back yard) the ladies need a place to have their fun. So when you really think of it a Spa is an "equality" issue. And equality is the idea at Williamsburg. So it makes perfect sense. I will personally be the first in line for what is sure to be their signature treatment: The Tar and Feather exfoliation and massage.