I hope Santa gave you everything you wanted this year. I'm still detoxing from all the sweets. I really don't care to see another cookie or piece of candy for the rest of my life.

Have fun in Hawai'i. Are you going to Kaua'i? We spent two weeks there a couple of years ago and are dying to get back. Our good friends just won a trip to Hawai'i (we're so jealous). They're trying to decide between Maui and Kaua'i. We're partial to Kaua'i of course but I was just wondering what your preference is?

If you find yourself in Hanalei during your trip then try to get some Seafood Chowder from the Dolphin Restaurant (very tasty!).

Merry Christmas

It actually isn't J&R, It is a couple of blocks away though. It's on duane st. (capital audio). If you ever need anything come down. Well, you'd like El Conquistador, it has an awesome little private island. There's also the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Beautiful, small resort, and the food is awesome!!!

Well, the cat is out of the bag!! And let me just say that she was overwhelmed with the news that she gets to see the Lion King again. And then we told her that we couldn't get tickets in Chicago, so we just HAVE to goto NYC! It was great. A magical moment.

And the rest of Christmas was amazing as well. Our snow melted as I figured it would, but just having family together is the best. I'm enjoying one of the last pieces of prime rib now!

Where in Hawaii are you headed? I'm jealous!

This may be an inappropriate question and if it is just say so...you wouldn't be able to join Mom and I for tea or something while we are there? That'd sure top off the trip!

Have a great weekend! and wonderful and safe new year as well!!!!

Kel

I will have to look out for that info-mercial. isn't it strange when stylists and make-up artists "do" you? You just kind of have to trust they know what they are doing and yet your instincts are that something is very wrong.

after three years of doing Great Hotels I now have as many miniature toiletries that I will ever need. I only snag the best of the best-Molton Brown Hand Cream still makes my heart skip a complimentary beat. Yes, I eat all the food in front of me but will always share with my crew (same fork even-that's how close we are. A behind the scenes show would be very boring i would expect however we do have an out-take reel in the works. We don't really have downtime-a day off here and there mostly used for sleepin in and getting a leg up on the script and voice-over notes and yes the entire crew stays in the hotel. If they can't put us all up or think that we are all worth it than sayonara.

it is a great job and as you can imagine I have been asked that many times so for my most indepth answer go to the very first live forum under Samantha Responds it's in the "Talk to Me" somewhere in there you'll find it. Good luck in your pursuits. If you can get a job like mine all your hard work is worth it.

you put the "blatantly obvious staged Quality" in quotes-who are you quoting? I appreciate the label of weird. it's really the only way to be in life. Take care and thanks for sticking with the show

tough, tough decision! you really can't go wrong with either one. I loved AKL however you're a bit in the boon docks so if location and being apart of the action is important than Grand Floridian is the way to go.

WOW! a cat named after me. Now THAT'S flattering.

Dallas Texas doesn't get the Travel Channel? I was born there doesn't that count for anything? I don't know, I think that is reason enough to leave.

oh, there are definately new shows in the mix-thanks for catching that line in the Hershey episode

we stay at each hotel 2-4 days. The Taj-Mahal sounds nice but Vegas alone tests my patience-not a gambler ya see so I wouldn't be gung-ho to go to Atlantic City

my job is categorized as a Host. In NYC there are specific Host agents that send you out on Hosting jobs. Travel Channel wanted someone who could improv-(harder than it looks)- and be likable- (harder than it looks.) I fell into this job and didn't have an agent so anything is possible.

with all the Las Vegas programming on TC you still want to see more you are insatiable!

you are not being beggars on the contrary I'm glad you told me that you didn't get my picture. You see my personal assistent a.k.a samantha elizabeth brown has terrible secretarial skills so thank-you for bringing this problem to light. I assure you the issue will be solved shortly. It's nice hearing from you again, tell your sweetie I said hello!

My clothes are bought and provided for by my stylist Patty Nussbaum. Isn't that awesome? She does do a fabulous job. I'll pass on your compliments to her

you bet i did!

YOU are right. That is not me. However I understand your wife's confusion. When I was at Disney this past November even I had to pause before the tv for momment wondering if that was me. A few people in the parks stopped me asking if I was that girl which was very flattering because she has to be at least 10 years younger than me. I must say I don't have her energy anymore-age you know.

I think if they like a night-life then Maui. If they want a isolated feel then kauai'i. But any way you look at it-it's paradise.

I would be honored!

Have you ever tried to surf?

Hello Samantha. And again, thank you very much for reply. I think I speak for everyone here that we are greatful of you taking your time for reading and replying to our post. I see you spend hours and hours reading each one and responding. You are a wonderful person, not to mention very funny. Although it will be next to impossible, I wonder how great it'll be to meet you and hear all about great hotels you've been to and listen to the stories. You are wonderful, Samantha Brown, and hope you will keep doing what you doing, forever!! I'd like to thank you from bottom of my heart.

with Love,
Samsnewfan

Samantha,

Thanks for your reply.. I'll look for that post! Could I possibly get a picture from you? My email address is mamarti@uark.edu... thanks so much!

Michelle

Gee Sam,.. was it my breath?

Sam- Hi, I'm a 14 year old boy from Chicago, but now living in south FL. I just wanted to tell you the show is wonderful. I'm big on traveling (whenever we get a chance, we go somewhere) so watching your show is really helpful. The helpfulness of your show combined with your humor and the way you observe every detail in the room makes watching a pleasure (every weekday afternoon from 3 to 4). I have a couple questions though.
1. Out of all of the great hotels you've been to, which was your favorite?
2. Where do you find some of the smaller hotels you've stayed at (Hotel Biba, The Library, The Hotel, The Standard, Hotel Tiatro, The Inn at Little Washington, etc.).
3. Is there any chance that you will do some international hotels?
4. Whats your favorite disney hotel?
Once again, I just wanted to say you are my and absolute favorite TV show host. Keep up the good work and come visit us in South FL (I know you've been here already, but there are many more great hotels down here (the Boca Raton Resort and Club, Four seasons Palm Beach, Ritz Carlton Palm Beach, Brazilian Court Palm Breach, The soon to open Atlantic Hotel in Miami and many, many more. Keep it up!

in fact it was. I guess your response was because of my lack of one. Sorry you didn't ask me a question so I didn't answer back. Maybe I should have thanked you for your flattery-however I'm rather humble and those things embarrass me so I sort of just blush than move on. Thanks for your email a picture will arrive in a few months.

I take it from your log in name that you're not a big fan of living in Florida. Thanks alot for considering me your favorite host-there certainly is a great deal of competition.

I have many favorites as you can imagine. Auberge Du Soleil in Napa and The Wheatleigh in Lenox Mass are just some that top my list. They are both small hotels so I guess I really prefer that enviroment. My production company finds the hotels by scouring Travel magazines and word of mouth. My favorite Disney hotels are The Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Thanks for being such a great fan keep watching!

I think I'm the one who should be honored...I don't have a reservation yet, but am hoping to have afternoon tea at the St. Regis...so we can at least say we've been there. Is it hard to get reservations?

Thasnk you so much for your help and input...and for your support during difficult times...I know you've been there with your mom and it means so very much to me.

talk to ya soon!

kel
keldvm@sbcglobal.net

Sam,
I wanted to tell you I love your show! I love how you put jokes in and make it fun. What is the best hotel you have ever been in? How much time do you have in between hotels? I really like your show and watch it every time its on!
-Kelly

We taped the show and have watched it twice, I just had to say again Thanks for a wonderful experience.
Best Wishes in the New Year.

I guess I had a feeling the forum would be closing shortly before Christmas began- and (fortunately) I was wrong! I am glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas day. Tell your Mom I said hi! For desserts I ended up making chocolates, apple pie, gingerbread men, and carrot cake. And let me tell you- those gingerbread men are time consuming in decorating. I kept thinking to myself back to that Disney holiday special where those chefs (with a little help from yourself) prepared a life size gingerbread house. That was my favorite- but after two hours with just 20 gingerbread men.. I didn't have much patience left to build a little ginger bread house.
So much for a white Christmas. At least the rain ended early in the morning so we woke up to a semi-sunny Christmas day.

Well I am off to the skiing store to get equiptment for a trip we have planned while you are in Hawaii. Take care Sam!

Ashley
GoofyAsh@mousehut.com

It's Post-Christmas Carol again.

I'm surprised and grateful the board remains open. Thought for sure I'd miss the opportunity to chime in again. Thanks Sam for the nudge to get back to wrapping presents. All were done in a six hour marathon session ending at 3 AM Dec. 23rd. After which I might add, I had to get up at 6 AM to go to work. Think my project notes made any sense that day? NOPE!

I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading the posts from everyone. There's probably no need for me to state the obvious that I remain IN AWE of the skillful pen employed by capttuttle and Mother O. I encourage the Captain to heed the words of Mother O and publish that novel. If you can find a small publishing house (perhaps one associated with a university?) to do the job, I will be the first in line at my local book store to buy it!

By the way, thanks Captain for the concern about my well being in the Paso Robles earthquake. I came through it safely. To be honest, I can't say I felt a thing with this one. As a native Californian, I have had my experience with them however. The biggest one being Loma Prieta back in the eighties. Remember the one that the country witnessed because it occured as the World Series game was being televised from San Francisco? But I'll take our earthquakes over the Midwest's tornados and the East Coast hurricanes any day.

Speaking of reeking havoc though, my Christmas was quite a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants affair. My brother was to host the big family dinner, but a phone call at 8 AM on Christmas morning brought my sister-in-law telling us that she was reluctantly cancelling Christmas because half of the family was sick with the flu. After making plans to drive up to their place to drop off presents and at least see my one nephew who was down from Chico, I quickly went about mustering some kind of a meal out of what I had on hand to feed my stepdaughter and her family who were expecting to join us. My husband also phoned up a friend from work that was going to spend the day by herself and insisted that she join us. While it certainly wasn't a luxurious meal, there was enough to go around. And as I said at the toast "while a glorious feast is a wonderful thing, the most important element of any dinner is the loved ones that surround us." Sometimes those impromptu meals work out better than the well coreographed variety. The only down side was that I was very tired yesterday at work. Yes, I was one of the foolish people who actually put in a full nine hour day at their place of employment. I volunteered to come in as part of the skeleton crew. What on earth was I thinking? Sounds like I'm starting my own private pity party. Good grief!

A few random responses since I'm playing catch up:

to kwaichang - I am SO a fan of Tescher Chocolates. The only stores I know of in California are in Southern California. At the Newport Beach location, I actually emptied my purse of all change to buy a few pieces.

to Sam - you will LOVE the crockpot. That appliance is the savior of every working woman. There would be fewer hot meals in this house without it. I actually have three in differing sizes. If you think you might be in the market for a cookbook featuring crockpots, you might consider Delicious & Dependable Slow Cooker Recipies by Judith Finlayson and those ccokboods featuring crockpots by Mable Hoffman. Some of my most often requested recipes come from her.

Mother O - Your little dream stage production for Sam had me smiling from ear to ear. I would be honored to discuss hummingbirds with you at any time in any location.

Time to tend the soup I'm fixing for dinner in the Le Creuset Dutch (oops they call it French) Oven I received for Christmas from my hubby.

Wishing one and all a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Be Safe and Take Care,
Carol

Samantha,
Sorry to be a nooge, was suprised to still see you on here, and wanted to let you know about my updated website.
You said that you have a background in musical theatre, and hope to get back to acting in the future. You are very silly, as am I, but I think that you would do great in a dramtic role.
I should be done with my new script soon, and I would be honored if you would consider the main role. I know how you feel about people sending you things, so if you would like I could send the script to the Discovery Channel, and they in turn would get it to you.
I would get a nomination, for sure, if I had a "MAJOR STAR" like you in the role.

Robert
www.ambitiousduckproductions.com

Hey Sam! I just have a quick question. When you are shooting a scene of you eating dinner, do you finish all the food they give you? I know it's a stupid question but it's something I have wondered.

I also wanted to say how much I loved the Disney holiday special. I have never been to Disney during Christmas but I have always wanted to. I have only been there during summer when it's way to hot. LOL. It's supposed to be the most crowded time of the year at Christmas. Do you know if you will be filming an episode when you will be going to MGM Studios in Disney World? It's one of my favorite parks down there. They also have great restaurants. Hope to hear from you soon.

~Rory

Huh... Well, as long as it is, if you all don't mind, I'll quickly hop in and out again to wish everyone a happy 2004: especially X Ashley X, Kel the d. of v.m. {hope the Big Weekend in NYC is everything you and your mom dream it will be}, Mother O, and Carol... and of course Samantha as well.

The Christmas Eve service down south in the Duke Chapel, even after zipping back up the highway here this evening, is still ringing in my ears -- boys' choir (but not boys' marching band, Sam), organ resonating off the lofty stone vaulted ceiling, couple thousand people packed inside, the works. It's not quite Canterbury Cathedral, Mother O, but about as close as we're going to get over on this side of the Atlantic (and some nice stained glass, too, but a little short of your 14th century stuff) and I even had a young English couple in the pew in front of me with a curly blonde young toddler more interested in my nose than in the festivities ahead of her.

And by the way, Mere d'Orange, I was given a dvd for Xmas of the Reduced Shakespeare Theatre's "The Complete Shakespeare, Abridged," and if you didn't see it in London, (and this certainly applies to you, Sam, as well), I think you need to check this baby out - the ideal thing for the Shakespeare-slash-Mad Magazine afficianado (sp?). And for cathedrals next time, perhaps make your way up to Lincoln and/or Durham (England, not N.C. (or even N.H., Sam)) for jaw-dropping stunners. I love them both for their beauty and majesty.

And am I really that obvious here, first in line for tix for "Sam, The Musical"? A.) I thought that was Ashley K's honor to be Number One, and B.) I idiotically thought I was more discrete than that, tastefully above the fray and only tossing Samantha occasional mild and debonnaire compliments which no one else could possibly notice - I did refine myself to calling her only "near-flawless" after all I think last time. But maybe I ought to turn down the intensity on the fawn-o-meter for the next Samanth-o-gram (Saman-tho-gram may be more orthographically correct, I don't know...), though I hope she doesn't really mind these - I know I have a ball posting here, without a doubt.

Oh, that further reminds me - my brother actually mentioned yesterday that he'd recently been, for a medical convention, to the new Disney hotel in Anaheim - Grand Californian (? Whichever Samantha did for this season) - and said it really was terrific (I neither brought up the subject nor blew my cover throughout the incident but am merely reporting back, nor have we ever had a Disney-centric discussion before to my knowledge). So I do have something relevant to Great Hotels to say here after all (bet you thought I'd given up trying).

Glad you weren't even rustled out of your reveries by the earthquake, Carol (though how horrible for all those poor Iranians on the other side of the world). If I ever get my novel published (and I haven't really tried hard but the odds against success really are enormous - plus it has to actually be good as well - and at heart I only wanted to do it to see if I could, Pulitzer-worthy as it may be in my delusions), I'll even slip your character in before publication as a cameo if you'd like. Sam would only blush if I were to attempt that honor for her - or she'd ask for a % of the proceeds, and I don't want either of those to happen.

And, Oh, Samantha... (to end this last post as the first one started last week)... this was supposed to be a dozen lines or so and I couldn't restrain myself yet again, but it could be another couple months before we can return (if I'm allowed to ) - and my New Year's Resolution will be to post here less and retire more permanently in future months than my retirements in the past have proved thus far. So my very best wishes for the new year to you, Samantha, and to your loyal flock.

Further edited to say, "I can edit, now!"
[This message was edited by capttuttle on 12-27-03 at 10:34 PM.]

[This message was edited by capttuttle on 12-27-03 at 10:43 PM.]

Me, first in line? Well, I wouldn't want to make my envy of Sam that obvious - but a front row seat will do. I am in the works of building my own little website that will have a section for Sam and the group of us who have been on this forum for quite sometime, so we can still keep in touch while we wait patiently upon Sam's return. It's always a pleasure hearing from yourself, Mother O, dejardins, keldvm, hummingbirdlady and others as we ll as Sam herself and I think it would be a nice way to keep communication open. Anyways- I wish yourself and everyone else on this board a Happy New Year!
-Ashley Kristen
GoofyAsh@mousehut.com

Well, I see I'm not the first to say this, but Sam you are definitely a beautiful woman. And I really enjoy your sense of humor on the show, as well as your great fashion sense. I'd love to take you out to dinner and an evening on the town... but which town? Or maybe I should be asking if you're even available... is there already some lucky guy who's wooing your heart and serenading you with love songs? Please say it ain't so!

Matt
email: twitterpatedbysam@cox.net

[This message was edited by av8r115 on 12-27-03 at 11:44 PM.]

[This message was edited by av8r115 on 12-27-03 at 11:45 PM.]

[This message was edited by av8r115 on 12-27-03 at 11:49 PM.]

Sam,

I have been a fan since you started Great Vacation Homes. You looked good in jeans, but you look GREAT in an evening gown!
Seriously, I look forward to every show. Keep up the good work.

(My humble apologies for my previous compliment which reddened your face...also, I have taken a mint!) OK...got a good one for you. I have really been wanting to visit Vegas. I have heard negatives and positives from friends and yet I want to go anyway because I think it would be a terrific trip. You have done some neat shows from Vegas and I especially like the Luxor. Can you advise me of the best place to stay for a first-timer on a budget? I'd like to have an experience that would encompass quite a few activities other than gambling. I'll spend 4 to 5 days there. Other than gambling, including meals, what do you think I should count on spending each day without "breaking the bank"? Also, I have heard conflicting opinions of the best time of year to visit...any thoughts? thanks for your time...Tony

A moment to clarify my prior statements. When I complimented your physique I was complimenting your SELF-DISCIPLINE. You see, I have battled to drop 40 pounds this past year and I did it with lots of hard work. You just amaze me with your ability to stay fit with your erratic schedule, catching a few winks here and there, and being exposed to all that rich food. I cannot imagine how I could do what you are doing. So I think I speak for everyone when I say "you rock!". Maybe you should write a fitness book for travelers...

xA-Kx, not only are you first upon the scene, but you were first in line this time before, evidently, there even was a line, so yes, you seem to be #1 here as far as I'm concerned (well, of course Ms. Brown is number one, so perhaps 1A is more appropriate a claim), not to mention your kindly monitoring other people's questions and concerns on other threads in Sam's domain while she's away. Interesting idea about an on-going thread on your website, although I must admit it's the allure of Samantha's likely reading of our thoughts and playful comments, and even answering when appropriate, that draws me here. But you should start working on your tan for Hawaii pretty soon, and I may have crested double digits in posts this time, a horrible offense. So other than hoping Samantha finally found a good place to live since last that issue appeared here, had a fine December vacation of her own, and remembers to check her crockpot for nosy cats before jetting off again, I'm well and truly retired.

ugggh that's a pretty tough wakeup call. The official Travel Goddess (and your Stylist definately qualifies as a Goddess as well btw) should get to sleep in a whole lot more.
-- --
Love your show. If you get married be sure and DON'T tell us. You'd break the hearts of 90% of your fans !!!!!!
-- --
How about trying a special in British Castles someday??? People can rent rooms in them as well and your trademark wit and looks would let you all play lots of unique angles against majestic historic medieval backdrops. Sort of a GH redux on a New England Yankee in King Arthurs court. Perhaps even a Christmas special in an old English setting.
-- --
Sincere thanks for the forum. Nice touch indeed.

Sunday Salutations,

Just got my Great Hotels fix this AM since it appears from the schedule there are no shows this week at all. We'll have to be patient until next Sunday for it's return to the normal schedule. A disappointing week to end/begin the year. However, the upcoming premier shows do look enticing. In particular, I look forward to the Wauwinet in Nantucket as well as the others in Massachusetts. Only visited the state once, but plan for a definite return.

Hope Sam is having a WONDERFUL time in the warmth of Hawaii with her Mom. Can you imagine such a terrific gift? What a thoughtful daughter.

And speaking of thoughtful children, I wish kel d of v.m. (yep, I'm lifting from the inimitable capttuttle) a safe journey as she accompanies her mom to NYC. Hope you are able to connect with Sam and have that tea at the St. Regis. Sure hope you post a synopsis of the trip at some point. Would love to hear how much your Mom enjoyed her trip to the Big Apple.

Think I'll go put on a Christmas CD. The Captain's description of Christmas Eve services at the Duke Chapel have aroused a longing for choral music. Later today we plan to go see The Return of the King, the third movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Should be terrific from all word of mouth reports and critic reviews. It was all my dentist could talk about on Tuesday as she worked on my crown. No jokes about being a captive audience Captain my Captain.

Ta-Ta and Take Care,
Carol of the Hummingbirds

P.S. Hey xA-Kx, (lifted from the Captain once again) I feel honored to be a person with whom you would like to keep in touch. I applaud your quest to work for the Disney organization. We have an aquaintance who is employed with Disney down in Anaheim and speaks quite highly of the experience. Keep the dream alive Ashley.

Sam,

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for talking with us during the holidays! It's very cool to be able to actually speak with the host of one of my favorite shows!

Have a wonderful, fun and safe trip to Hawaii and filming the rest of GH3 season. As for me...I'm off to Disney's Wilderness Lodge in two weeks. It's as wonderful as you said in that episode!

Hi Sam!

You sent me a picture that was autographed about a year ago. I still have it and its hanging up on my fridge.

I am in northern ohio. When are you coming to ohio to do a show?

***Hint --> Theres a world class amusement park called Cedar Point. They have a 2 big hotels called "Sandcastle Suites" & "Hotel Breakers"***

I really want to meet you!

Joe

Carol, I'd reply to your immensely kind words, but I'm retired now (Why doesn't anyone believe me? Is that Sam's snicker I hear now?). If you're hankering for some choral music, try, for modern but gorgeously lush and ethereal music, an album of Morten Lauridsen's called Lux Aeterna (used on my drive back last night, in fact). For old traditional Christmas Carols (not too late for that), any choral album - though there's a good Cambridge Boys' Choir w/John Rutter one including it - that has Jesus and the Apple Tree (I think that's the title, an old New England tune anyway - very simple, but spine-tingling harmonies). Here on the east coast, our hummingbirds won't return until mid-spring, but I hope we're all safe and back before then. Now please pretend like I wasn't here. Bye.

Capt. Tuttle

You just can't help yourself can you?!!!? By the way, early M*A*S*H episodes are my favorites...

Have a great and safe new year!!!!!

kel

Tell that Samalama that I am so happy that you get to go to Hawaii with her! Make sure you sink your teeth into a warm malasada (Portuguese donut) or a tropical flavor shave ice with adzuki beans over vanilla ice cream. Very low fat. I am relieved to know you will be around to keep your daughter away from the Banzai Pipeline and the rip tides. I know she thinks she is some hot stuff surfer girl after that lesson at the Del Coronado, but I’d keep her on the beach if I were you. We do all want to see a Season 4. That surfing lesson was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen on Great Hotels. Surely, Sam took that final fall for the comic effect. She’s a great kid and I know you must be so very proud of her! Aloha.
Mother Orange

Samantha,
First of all, I think you are absolutely wonderful and that covers your magnificent personality as well as your beauty. We are regular viewers and love the places you go and things you do. Your humor is a wonderful gift for your Dad. Please continue to share it with us.

Now for my question. My wife and I have spent some time on the Mexican Riviera at a place called Xpu-Ha. It's part of the Palace Resort system. It was great and we really enjoyed ourselves. My question is what is your experience with this destination (region) and what would you recommend for something along the same line as this place?

Denny

Hey Sam!,
First of all, I just wanted to say that it is so cool of you to take your time and talk with your fans. About the Florida/Chicago thing, FL is a great place to vacation (warm, sunny, lots of things to do)butthe fact is its also hot and humid during summer and VERY crowded in winter (I live in the Boca Raton area and we have alot of
"snowbirds" who are part time residents that come down for the winter so the population more then doubles). Also there's a loyalty to the home city and Chicago is a great one. You appeared to have a merry christmas- I just caught the episode and it was great. Disney is so magical all year 'round it must be wonderful at Christmas. I can't wait for new year's! Its my first trip to Las Vegas, and I'm staying at Bellagio ( I saw that episode and it looks like such an luxurious hotel in a land of glitz and glamour), so I have a good idea what to expect. Have any big plans yourself? What ever you do, have a great time! Most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Happy new year to all!!
Austin