I am so happy that SUP Joey recommended The Shem Creek Inn when I asked him where I should stay while in Charleston for the Paddlefit Certification Class. It was such a cool spot. Right across from Red's and other great waterfront dining

At the time I booked the room I didn't know the class would actually be held at the Shem Creek Inn. It was so that was even more convenient!!! The staff was so accomodating to the group of Paddleboarders staying at the hotel. I have to especially mention the girl who was at the front desk when I checked in (sorry I didn't get your name) but she noticed my Georgia Southern University shirt and made a postive comment even though she was a UGA grad! Go Eagles...........Go Dawgs!!!!!!! I have always been torn.

I will definitely stay at this location again if I head over for other Stand Up Paddle Events. Nothing better than a view of the water, shrimp boats (what is it about Shrimp boats??? Love them!)

The rooms were newly remodeled ...very modern and they had a complimentary continental breakfast so that we could fuel up before our big day out on the water. I didn't get time to enjoy the pool but I hope to next time!

I actually got up early enough to watch the sunrise and have coffee out on the patio overlooking the river. So peaceful. For a few minutes there I was homesick.

We had a great class and the drive to the spot where we actually did the water portion of the SUP class was less than three miles. Perfect location! Did I say that already?

If you'd like more info on the Shem Creek Inn go to their site https://www.bookonthenet.net/east/RKEres/EresMain.aspx?url=Shem_Creek_Inn&inn_alias=0000009337&promo_code=
APR12&gclid=COf089LAu7ICFQYGnQodGBQAZQ

If you'd like to go Stand Up Paddleboarding while in Charleston call SUP Joey...their website and info is http://supjoey.com/

If you take a trip to London you need to experience the unique creations at The Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel in the Mayfair area. Ask for Andras Deme who might be the best bartender in London! I say "creations" because his drinks are his unique creations. I started to order a glass of wine and Andras said "No.....you need to have my Passion Fruit Martini". I don't know what was more fun....watching him make it or drinking it.

Want to see a picture of the best Martini I've ever had? Here it is.

I said "I don't even know how to describe this" Andras says "It is a mysterious, exotic, fluffy, silky, smooth drink that keeps people guessing"......I would say that is accurate!

If you are planning a trip to London I hope that you take time to at least stop in and have a Passion Fruit Martini at the Coburg and check out The Connaught.
The Connaught
Carlos Place
Mayfair
London. W1K 2AL
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 7499 7070 http://www.the-connaught.co.uk/home.aspx

I’ve traveled to Toronto for business several times over the past few years but never really had the time to experience the city. When I found out I’d be staying for a week in September I was excited that I’d have the opportunity to combine some fun things with work. I wanted to stay downtown, close to major attractions. I ended up in an ideal spot, The Fairmont Royal York. This is the view of the Fairmont from the CN Tower.....WOW!

Besides location I chose the Royal York because I know the Fairmont culture is focused on personal guest experience. This proved to be true! I have to mention a couple of people who went "above and beyond" during my stay. One morning I went into one of the main restaurants, EPIC and asked where I could find a cafe with coffee, etc. Julien stopped what he was doing and walked me downstairs to find the cafe. Thanks Julien, this type of service is rare! I chatted with Nadia at the front desk while checking out. I asked "what do you like about working for Fairmont?". She shared with me that she had been with Fairmont for 30 years because they treat their employees so well. Nadia, I love your passion for the Fairmont brand! Here are some of the chefs at the Royal York  (notice the CN Tower in the background...cool).

The ability to execute on their brand promises around guest service is the reason they've hosted over 40 million guests since 1929, including three generations of Britain's Royal Family. The Fairmont gives so much back to the community. There is a list of about 15 different projects that they are involved in to support Toronto and I wish I had the time and space to list them all. As a runner and someone who just finished my second Race For The Cure, the article below really made me smile. Way to go Fairmont Team!

CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION In 2007 The Fairmont Royal York began raising funds for CIBC Run For The Cure. In 2008 Heather McCrory, Regional V.P. and General Manager took on a corporate challenge and led over 100 colleagues to participate in their first ever “Run For The Cure” on October 5, 2008. Together they raised a total of $22,484 for the foundation. That year the hotel was the 7th largest corporate fundraising team in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2009, 110 colleagues returned to the run and raised over $34,000, placing second to CHFI radio as the greatest fundraiser in Toronto. In 2010, The Fairmont Royal York had over 150 colleagues participate and raised a total of $58,272.69, much more than their goal of $42,000. The Hotel has placed as the second highest fundraiser in the city for the past two years in a row with donations totaling $119,575.22. The Fairmont Royal York is striving to be the top fundraising corporation in Toronto for 2011.

Here are a couple of photos of EPIC Restaurant .....part of the Fairmont's allure...........

This is my second great experience at a Fairmont resort and I hope to have many more........next on my list......maybe The Fairmont Banff Springs!

There was so much to do and see in and around Vancouver and this hotel was in the heart of it all. It was just a couple of blocks from Coal Harbor where there are countless waterfront restaurants like Lift Bar & Grill which was one of our favorites. With endless possibilities for activities it was a bit overwhelming to decide what to do during our four day trip. Josh, the concierge, was extremely helpful! We called down to ask about hiking trails and he quickly put together a packet of information with trail maps, descriptions and driving directions. Thank you Josh! We LOVED the Grouse Grind and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We haven't stopped talking about it since we got back to North Carolina.

If you stay at the Pinnacle you don't have to go far for great food. The Show Case Restaurant, located in the hotel, had some of the best Salmon in the city!

For details and facts about this hotel which is ranked as one of the best in Vancouver go to

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrdt-vancouver-marriott-pinnacle-downtown-hotel/