The Eureka Springs Treehouses, Castles, Caves and Hobbit Holes

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Eureka Springs is filled with unique hotel options, but none quite like the Eureka Springs Treehouses, Castles, Caves and Hobbit Holes. They take hospitality to a whole other level.

Located on the outskirts of the city, Eureka Springs TCCHH is everything the name promises. ‘Rooms’ are located on a lot scattered with petite castles and tree houses elevated amongst the trees as well as rustic caves and hobbit holes on the ground. Each ‘room’ is uniquely decorated with a corresponding theme. The décor of the treehouses feature different nature elements as do the caves, hobbit holes are more whimsical.

The castles are each unique as well. While I booked a week-long stay in a castle decorated with lions, I managed to sweet-talk my way into peeking around the gargoyle one. It’s probably just as well I didn’t stay there. One of those gargoyles might have followed me home!

But the TCCHH focuses on its take-aways too. A hospitality package was included with the ‘room’ so my husband and I arrived to find a welcome basket with snacks and champagne flutes. A bottle of bubbly was chilling in the refrigerator, along with a cake. Past a secret door and up a flight of stairs where the jacuzzi tub was located, I found another basket with bath supplies. Very nice touch.

The ‘rooms’ are outfitted with a king-sized bed, full kitchen, living room area and a roomy bathroom, making it an ideal location for an extended stay or weekend getaway. After check-in, we picked up some groceries on our first jaunt through town and saved money by cooking many of our meals. The kitchen had everything we needed to make this easy.

The walk-in shower was also very impressive. Fashionably rocked and plumbed with multiple jets, it was an experience in itself. My husband and I took advantage of its size to shower together, and had plenty of space for more.

Not that we are into that kind of thing.

While located in town proper, TCCHH still feels very remote. The grounds are immersed in trees and wildlife. A little cardinal tapped at the back window of the ‘room’ overlooking a wooded revenue every morning shortly after dawn. And while at first our little feathered alarm clock was peculiar and admittedly a little annoying, we warmed up to him.  A pair of fawns and a doe often wandered by as well and seemed perfectly content with letting us observe them from the balcony.

In spite of the number of ‘rooms’ in close proximity of each other, the grounds were very quiet and private. The only time we were ever reminded of other guests was when we encountered them in the parking lot. The same can be said for the staff. We opted for contact-free service so we dropped the laundry and trash outside the door every morning and it was taken away and replaced soon after.   

That isolation does come at a price in more ways than one. Visitors have to be prepared to travel if they wish to visit many of the town’s other attractions and finding and paying for parking downtown can be a challenge. But unless you are ready for the all-terrain hike, you will probably end up doing this at some point anyway. TCCHH is also on the pricier side of hotels in town, but considering its many amenities isn’t too excessive. Plus, if you are looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, it’s definitely worth it.

Seriously, if they don’t have an option that suits you, we can’t be friends. Stick with Super 8.

My advice: while it’s probably a bit over-the-top for an overnight stay, book your next weekend with them.   

Do you have a hotel or inn you would like me to review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com

The Tulsa Club

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Some hotels are distinctive as a brand. Others are distinctive in spite of it. Take the Tulsa Club Hotel. Part of Hilton’s fancy Curio Collection, the hotel is located mere blocks away from several swanky restaurants and the Mayo Hotel. With streetside spaces a commodity, finding parking can be a challenge. There is a parking garage nearby, but with the valet service only a small upcharge, it would certainly be worth it during peak hours.

And that concludes the monetary savings you will find staying at this hotel. The cost of the stay was a little on the pricier side by Tulsa standards, no doubt based on its Deco District location. Dining and room service was also on the finer end, as was the price.  

While the architecture and design of the building are impressive, it was the hotel staff (valet, front desk, waitstaff and housekeeping) that really made my stay feel like a value. They were fantastic, very friendly and approachable.

The establishment felt very secure. I never saw less than three hotel employees within immediate view of the front door even during the late evening hours. With space to accommodate large family meals and traveling business workers alike, it was clearly designed with multi-function in mind. The dining area was incredibly spacious, offering plenty of seating, light and tables. And plenty of electrical outlets, an all-important necessity.

The bar area on the other side of the dining area was equally private and accessible. The bartender was knowledgeable and well-versed in classic cocktails and wines. Her smoked old fashioned was a showstopper! Prepared in a glass display case, the applewood cold smoke filled the drink as well as the other customers’ attention.

The room was spacious and organized well. The bathroom was large enough to accommodate multiple guests or a wheel-chair/walker. The space around furnishings could do the same-without having to be a specially designated handicap room. I really like that. Except for parking tags, no one likes being labeled like that. 

The different lamps and overhead switches were a bit confusing and required a bit of a scavenger hunt for switches and dials. There was a slight learning curve for the shower as well. And the view from rooms on our side of the building were of the exterior wall of the building across the alley-private, but not exactly scenic.

The room was secure, offering two separate door locks. The TV was spaced well for viewing from the bed or other seating. The bed was solid and sturdy.  

The amenities weren’t anything to write home about, a couple travel-sized soaps you would find at any other establishment. The iron and hairdryer were ho-hum and the coffee pot and coffee samples were also not exactly up to an exclusive hotel standard.

Shout out to the Club Quarters: I still dream about your coffee maker.

Perhaps the most interesting amenity was an umbrella left in the closet with a card that read, “We are here for you.” Farther down the card in smaller lettering was a notice alerting guests who chose to actually use the umbrella that they would be charged $28 if they took the umbrella and didn’t return it,

Or returned it wet. Hmmm…

One detail I found peculiar was the noticeable absence of ice buckets in the rooms-which appears to be a hotel policy. In its place was a card instructing guests to call down to the front desk if they required ice and one would be brought up. While visiting the bar, I noticed a stack of ice buckets sitting on a window sill at the bar. They appeared quite average-looking, so I’m not really sure what the added supervision and security were for.

My takeaway: Stay to the Mayo and get an ice bucket.

Do you have a hotel or inn you would like me to review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com

The Castle Hotel and Spa

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Tarrytown is known for many things like its history and notably headless guests. But make sure you add another destination to your list the next time you visit, the Castle Hotel and Spa.

The hotel definitely lives up to its name. With impressive architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds, the moment you arrive feels like a step back in time. It has ample parking to accommodate even the biggest caravan, although most of it is set amidst the somewhat hilly terrain-which might be an issue to those with mobility issues.

The other features of the property like the tennis court and in-ground pool were legit. Although I didn’t try out the spa. I can think of about one-hundred and fifty better things to do with one-hundred and fifty dollars than spend it on a massage.

The one or two desk staff on duty were friendly and capable, which was pretty impressive given these were the only two workers ever visible during my stay. In a hotel of its size, one can imagine the challenge. Guests were well-placed and well-spaced. I am fairly certain I was the only one staying on my floor and that I am still pondering this speaks to the peacefulness and privacy of the space.  

The room itself was spacious and ornate, fitting with the overall vibe of the hotel. The bathroom was loaded with amenities-almost too many. Aside from the standard soap, shampoo and lotion were packs of slippers, Q-tips and cotton balls. The bed linen was clean but stained. The in-house robes provided were visibly worn but still better than what is available at most hotels. Other guests must have agreed because many were strolling around the lobby and other public areas in them throughout my stay.

The television was a little small given its placement across the room from the bed and sitting areas. It didn’t affect my stay as I don’t watch much when I travel, but it might affect those with vision issues or avid watchers.

Another thing I couldn’t help but notice was the live plants scattered about the hotel in various stages of dismay. They were all dying from neglect! As something of a plant-guardian myself, I was kind of distressed by this. I even thought heavily about stealing the one that was left in my room, certain it was not long for this world.  Somebody water them already!  

Plant trauma aside, the continental breakfast served in the dining room was an extra treat. The menu was what you would expect; fresh fruit, biscuits, Danish, bagels and hard boiled eggs. I noticed a few of my robe-wearing peers left their cups and dishes around, feeling as if it was not their job to pick up after themselves.

News flash: we live in a civilized society. It won’t kill you to put your dishes in the tote and trash cans provided.

Animals.

But once again, the Castle Hotel and Spa staff were on top of it. The kitchen staff were fast and efficient. They ensured the coffee was fresh-even the decaf and the tables were clean and ready for the next inconsiderate slob.

My takeaway: book a stay at the Castle Hotel and Spa in Tarrytown, New York. And bring a watering can.

Do you have a hotel or inn you would like me to review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com

The Salem Inn

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While there are plenty of places to stay in Salem, MA, one of the first places on your list should definitely be the Salem Inn. 

Seated in the heart of Salem proper, this charming little Inn is the perfect place to base your adventure. Just it’s location is a bonus. Various tour stops and points of interest are literally right across the street and just about every downtown destination is within walking distance.

Your stay also comes with a parking place-which is a huge bonus in a town accommodating so many visitors. You only need to spend a few hours of a trip scouring for a place to put your car to see the advantage. And unless you plan on traveling a significant distance, there isn’t much of Salem you cannot access by walking or public transportation. My car didn’t leave the lot again until check out.

Other elements of my stay were just as convenient. Most hotel interactions-including initial check-in were handled via text. Keyless entry to and from the hotel was an added feature. After a long day of exploring, the idea of never being able to misplace a room key is a relief. And the front desk staff were available, but very laid back and out of the way. If you needed them, they were there. If you didn’t, you were left alone.

Another great amenity was the Inn’s backyard grotto where they hosted breakfast and a nightly wine reception. I am a huge fan of the wine nights! The offerings were middle of the road, nothing bougie or worthy of sticking your pinkie finger out. But in such a peaceful, private setting, they were the perfect way to unwind.

The grotto was located down a concrete stairway, nor did I notice alternative access. Most of the hotel rooms involve climbing stairs as well which may pose a problem for visitors with mobility concerns. The location of the Inn would still make it an ideal choice for travelers with these kinds of issues, but I would definitely recommend contacting the hotel directly to ensure your needs are properly met.

The hotel room itself was roomy as was the closet, bathroom and shower. The only thing I noticed was that the television appeared to be a little small to be spaced on the opposite side of the room from the bed and sitting areas. This didn’t affect my stay as I don’t spend much time in front of the tube when traveling, but it could be an issue for those with vision issues or avid watchers. And the large windows offer a great view of everything happening on the street as well as sunrise and sunsets.

Which, with a glass of wine, definitely makes up for it.

My takeaway: call ahead, but put the Salem Inn on your wine list.

Do you have an hotel or inn you would like me to review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com