I've noticed that some people have mentioned The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. This is the hotel I also wanted to recommend. I think it's a place that more than competes with some of the other hotels she's visited and it definitely has a unique location. It would be nice to see a Michigan hotel featured. My kids love the Great Hotels show, and would like to see more of them on the air. Think about the Grand Hotel Samantha, horses, fudge, water, more fudge, what more could you ask for?

I wanted to recommend the Grand Hotel as well. I stayed at it when I was 10yo, and it made a very big impression. I'm hoping to bring my wife for a big 2nd honeymoon, just as soon as life gets out of the way. At risk of seeming like a 'hack' I would like to tell you what I remember. Although the massive Macinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Pennisulas of the state of Michigan, the island is accessible by ferry (or snowmobile across the ice during winter). Once on the island there are NO motorized vehicles. The choices are bicylces, horse drawn wagons, or elegant carriages. The docks are in a small village with stores, attractions and smaller hotels. Some of the atractions include the orginal British fort, and the '2nd' Michigan Govenor's Mansion. The Grand Hotel itself sits on a hillside over-looking the Mackinac Strait. It's most striking architectural statement is the longest Guiness record holding patio. No it has been 2 decades since I last visited but I recall the rooms being 'victorian'. The Grand dining room was HUGE and I recall dinner being served at a specific time giving a big banquette feel. In fact, after 5pm there was a dress code of ties and jackets on the hotel grounds. That memory is very strong because I had forgotten to pack a tie, and had to purchase one. This may seem like a stuffy atmosphere, but I was ten and still had a wonderful time. Finally, I had heard of 2 fun secrets you may be interested in. First, if the thought of driving over the massive bridge gives a traveler fits, the state of Michigan provides offical surragate drivers at the toll station. Second, the island hosts an international rock skipping competition.

they also have a couple of great theme weekends- somewhere in time weekend and a murder mystery weekend- both would be perfect for sam. instead of just one ep it could be a 1 hour special. showing it during the summer and the islands high season and then during those two weekends in the fall.