Topics Include:
Patsy O’Kane returns to “Travel with Stephanie Abrams” to discuss the family owned and managed Beech Hill Country House outside Derry City. It is one of Stephanie’s favorite Irish hotels and only 15 minutes from Inishowen, a part of County Donegal that Stephanie says cannot be missed. While staying at the hotel Stephanie bumped into John Hume, the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize Winner. Stephanie had interviewed the Nobel Laureate multiple times at the hotel. The historic location is the perfect place to hold an intimate fireside discussion. The room she is currently interviewing Patsy in is a memorial to the United States marines.
Another recent guest of the Beech Hill Country House generated a great deal of excitement at the hotel. Film actor Will Ferrell stayed for four nights before traveling on to Dublin to receive the James Joyce Award. Other famous guests include the Clintons and Ted Kennedy.
The Beech Hill Country House has been open for business since April of 1991. It is a classically styled boutique property with 27 guestrooms that are a mix of master suites, junior suites, superior and standard rooms. In addition to the beautiful inner decor of the hotel the 40 acres of grounds also have a marquee that will accommodate up to 300 guests. In Ireland a marquee refers to a palatial tent that is intended for large events such as weddings. The marquee is hidden behind the house just far enough away to not spoil the view from the hotel. It has amenities such as a full kitchen, several toilets and a beautiful entry way.
The hotel hosts many events. Stephanie notes the presence of an alumni association celebrating the 45th anniversary of their graduation from college. Also staying at the hotel in May were the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. The group gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s accidental landing in Derry. Hume alerted Stephanie to the presence of the group and introduced her to John Thompson, a member of the Friends of Amelia Earhart Society. Thompson is fighting to keep the Amelia Earhart Centre in Ballyarnett County Park open. He is the reason the event is taking place at the Beech Hill Country House.
Click here to see March, 2007’s Hotel Monthly on the Beech Hill Country House.
For more information visit http://www.beech-hill.com
Stephanie has visited Ireland many times. She has now learned that there is a Sister City Convention in Belfast at the end of July. She says that she may very well return to Ireland next month for the event.
“Travel with Stephanie Abrams” broadcasts another interview recorded in Ireland in May from Connemara in Inagh Valley at the Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel. Many come to the Inagh Valley to fish for Atlantic salmon, sea trout and the indigenous Brown trout of the lakes and rivers. Connemara has received a lot of rain this spring which has helped raise the water levels allowing for a clear passage for the fish to swim in from the sea. There are no shortage of bodies of water in Ireland and fisherman Peter O’Reilly says that a preference to any one location is usually determined by the kind of fish you are looking to catch.
Peter O’Reilly is one of Ireland’s most renowned fly fisherman. He joins the show to discuss his field of expertise. O’Reilly stresses that the art of fly fishing is a combination of practice and persistence. Today O’Reilly finds joy in teaching others to fish. He traveled to America to complete a degree that would help him better teacher others. O’Reilly has written several books on the subject of fly fishing.
For more information visit http://www.oreillyflyfishing.com
Fun Facts:
The Beech Hill Country House was the European headquarters of the United States Navy during the Second World War.
John Hume was also a recipient of the James Joyce Award.
In 1932 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
Road signs in Northern Ireland use the city of Derry’s official name “Londonderry”. The Republic of Ireland use “Derry” on its official road signs.
By definition angling is fishing but fishing in not necessary angling. Angling refers to the use of a hook. Fish can be caught by other means including hand, net or spear.
The etemology of the word "Inagh" comes from the Irish word "Eidhneach" meaning: place abounding in ivy.
Guests Include:
Patsy O’Kane, Owner, Beech Hill Country House.
www.beech-hill.com
Peter O'Reilly, Author, “Rivers of Ireland”, "Flyfishing in Ireland", "Flies of Ireland" and "Loughs of Ireland".
www.oreillyflyfishing.com
Topics Include:
AKA Hotels provides luxury hotel residences in fantastic locations. Four of the eight AKA hotels are located within Manhattan. The other four properties are in White Planes, New York, Washington D.C. (a block and a half from the Whitehouse), Rittenhouse Square, Pennsylvania and Arlington Virginia.
Properties fulfill a need in the high end, long stay market. Guests have the luxuries and comforts of a hotel experience with ample space and the benefit of an extended stay in a residence. All concierge services, accruements of home, and hotel perks are included. A minimum stay can be a little as 3 nights or as many as 7 during high season. Many guests stay 30 days or longer. It is an all-inclusive package, with complementary club breakfasts (extended continental breakfast) in an on site cafe and a business center equipped with scanner, fax and printer.
During this hour AKA’s flagship property, the AKA Central Park Hotel is discussed, as is the AKA Times Square. Both are situated in fabulous New York City locations. The Times Square property is located at 123 West 44th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway. It contains 109 suites which are a combination of 700 square feet studios, one and two bedrooms suites and duplexes on the penthouse level. Duplexes are suites that span two levels some which contain studies, media rooms and wrap around terraces, and many with amazing views of Times Square. All of the rooms have full gourmet kitchens. Prior to a guest’s arrival they will receive a phone call form a front desk agent asking about what specific foodstuff they want the kitchen stocked with.
AKA is partnered with New York Guest allowing the hotel to provide their guests with comprehensive details about New York City events. The Times Square property also offers room service at a more affordable rate than at a typical hotel and a complimentary club breakfast each morning. Other amenities include a washer and dryer in the apartment and a business center, free wireless and fitness center on site. Apartments come fully furnished and fully stocked with cutlery, dishware, decorations and electronic devices.
The Central Park hotel is located on 42 West 58th street between 5th and 6th avenue across the street from the iconic Plaza Hotel. It has 134 suites which are a combination of studios, one bedroom and two two-bedroom units that guests can potentially join with a one-bedroom unit to form a three-bedroom unit. AKA guests of the Central Park hotel get a coupon for shopping at nearby Bergdorf Goodman. When in the area Stephanie also recommends Seredipity3, a restaurant famed for its burgers with caviar.
There are three different pricing tiers at the various hotels covered in the nightly, weekly and monthly range. The longer you stay the more cost effective it is. Nightly rates range from $250 USD TO $500 USD depending on the unit and on seasonality. Current promotions include a “go green” initiative. Hoteliers will shave off 30 dollars a night if people forgo daily housekeeping. Another standard discount is that the fifth night is free at a property. This includes every fifth night before 130 days.
For more information visit http://www.hotelaka.com/
Even in tough economic times the travel industry is an enjoyable and prosperous business and cruising is among of the most popular travel venues. Cruisebrothers.com deals with 25,000 passengers a year and top cruise lines. The President and CEO of Cruisebrothers.com Steve Gelfuso, encourages people to join his business as an outside agent. It is an opportunity to make money and to earn free travel. No upfront money is needed to get involved.
CruiseBrothers.com pays more for high volume agents. Perks include free cruises on inaugural sails with all-inclusive amenities. There are also a lot of last minute free cruises and discount fares available. Outside agents must earn a minimum of $5,000 USD a year in commissions to qualify.
Outside agents work out of their homes and help others book travel reservations. They start at earning 50 percent of the commission on each sale they make online. Often people start with friends and family members and develop their abilities as an agent. Some people are so successful that they are able to make the experience a full-time occupation.
Steve Gelfuso cites a 96 percent cruise-customer satisfaction rate with cruising, the highest of any vacation experience. Stephanie says that people who are dissatisfied by a cruising experience are usually unhappy because it was the wrong itinerary for them. She says travelers are often mismatched when they do the booking for themselves.
To become an agent go to www.cruisingfree.com or call Steve Gelfuso direct at 800-827-7779 EXT 4721.
For more information visit http://www.cruisebrothers.com/ and http://www.cruisingfree.com/
Stephanie visited Acapulco, Mexico in April for Tinaguis, the country’s top tourism event. She had a stunning view from the balcony of her hotel and a wonderful overall trip despite an earthquake and the early reports of Swine Flu. She says that the location of her hotel was easily accessible.
A recent Acapulco drug bust has been widely reported in the media with many newscasters claiming that American tourists have fled in fear. Stephanie states that these incidents took place far away from the tourism centers in the city. She stresses that it is false reporting to state that no Americans are currently staying in Acapulco and hopes that it won’t deter any future tourists from visiting.
Click here to read Stephanie’s blog entry on Acapulco’s bad press.
Fun Facts:
AKA is intended to be a tongue and cheek brand name. It could refer to the expression “Also Known As” or be a reference to its parent company Korman and mean “Another Korman Accommodation”.
Travel Tip:
Stephanie finds that there are better fares out of New York City because it is a competitive city. She suggests spending a layover there. The money you save on an international flight out of NYC could pay for an overnight stay.
Guests Include:
Noel Hernandez, Vice President of Sales, AKA Luxury Hotel Residences.
www.stayaka.com
Steve Gelfuso, President and CEO, CruiseBrothers.com.
www.cruisebrothers.com
www.cruisingfree.com
Topics Include:
“Travel with Stephanie Abrams!” broadcasts interviews from the Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman. The Westin Casuarina is starting off summer 2009 with a bang. The summer spectacular includes rates as low as $149 USD available through September 7, 2009. This is more than a 50 percent discount off the normal rate. Grand Cayman is only a one hour flight from Miami International Airport.
The Westina Casuarina offers fine dining on site as well as beach service, deli service and beach side barbecues. The island’s famous turtle farm has been redeveloped as Boatswain’s Beach and now includes tanks where guests can swim with predators including barracuda and sharks. There is a glass wall that separates the animals from the divers. Other animal emersion activities on the island include a Dolphin Encounter program, Stingray City Tours and horse backing riding. Day time and sunset cruises are also popular attractions. Many chose to cruise to Rum Point which is located on the north side of the island and is a great place to be lazy and take a nap in a hammock.
Poppy Guloien, the Director of Catering and Convention Services at the Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa is commonly referred to as the “Director of Romance”. Grand Cayman is ideal for destination weddings. The property overlooks over 800 feet of a beautiful seven mile stretch of beach. The beach front includes sugar white sand, turquoise water and gorgeous sunsets. The hotel is partnered with the company Celebrations which does amazing floral and event decor. The convention staff at the hotel is able to put together an amazing wedding very quickly.
The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa now offers spa treatments in an all-inclusive room rate. These packages include use of a sauna and steam room and amenities including toiletries, robe and slippers as well as an escort services to take you to all your treatments. Drinks and snacks are served in the relaxation room. Massage therapists at the spa are all certified and licensed and have at least 5 years prior experience. The hotel also carries a line of product that is designed for sensitive skin needs.
The hotel food and beverage service has changed to focus on more local specialties. Pork tenderloin, beans and jumbeliah eggs benedict are all offered in their breakfast buffet. The hotel has a reputation for presentation and quality of food. This extends to the reception from the local community who often come to the hotels for meals. It is said that more locals attend Sunday brunch than tourists.
The hotel is now incorporating a “7 mile beach fish run” which include fish such as mahi-mahi in different marinades. Other new foods include a mix of locality and a focus on classic dishes. Specialties include fried dumplings, roasted pig, coconut rice, lobster and crawfish broil (during weekend barbecues) and a focus on the cuisine of India. Many of the islanders are of British descent and requested the inclusion of Indian food.
Click here to see The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa, Grand Cayman featured in June, 2007’s Hotel Monthly.
For more information visit http://www.westin.com/grandcayman and http://www.westincasuarina.com
Guests Include:
Dan Szydlowski, General Manager, Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa, Grand Cayman.
www.westin.com/grandcayman
Poppy Guloien, Director of Catering and Convention
Services, Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa, Grand Cayman.
www.westin.com/grandcayman
Joette Thompson, Lead Therapist, Hibiscus Spa, Westin Casuarina Hotel, Grand Cayman.
www.westin.com/grandcayman
Carl Goldner, Food and Beverage Director, Westin Casuarina Hotel, Grand Cayman.
www.westin.com/grandcayman
Kelly Koppinger, Executive Sous Chef, Westin Casuarina Hotel, Grand Cayman.
www.westin.com/grandcayman
