I’ve mentioned in earlier columns that Martha and I don’t really think we travel all that much, but some readers think we do, probably because I often write about the trips we do take.
When we’re on the road, our usual practice is to find lodging at moderately-priced motels – Hampton Inns, Fairfield Inns or Holiday Inn Express and the like. They fulfill our needs – including a do-it-yourself breakfast – and cost somewhere between $100 and $150 per night, depending on the location. Very occasionally, we’ll move up a step to a place like the Hilton Garden Inn.
On rare occasions, I’ve had the chance to spend a few nights at some very upscale hotels. The first was the Fairmont in San Francisco. Later on a trip to the Orient, I was fortunate to stay at the Okura in Tokyo and the Regent in Hong Kong. The Regent was quite over-the-top – it was in 1985, and I remember seven Rolls Royces lined up on the circular driveway out front. A few other recollections include a marble two-room bathroom suite, complete with white orchids. Each floor had its own concierge. His uniform was white silk and it made him resemble Johnny, the Phillip Morris spokesman.
A little over a week ago, we traveled to Naples, Fla., and spent four days at the Ritz Carlton hotel where I attended a conference. The experience was right “up there” with those other expensive hotel experiences I’ve had. It must be fun to be rich.
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