The Polite Traveler

  Snapshot of my latest one-day visit to Napa, including our overnight stay in the Embassy Suites, Napa.

  Icy Cold Embassy Suites My dear polite travelers, I’m a huge fan of Hilton properties and have stayed in comfortable, and sometimes special, Embassy Suites.  In comparison, Hilton’s Napa property is a mixed bag, especially when visiting during the cold winter months.  Guest rooms are accessed from an outdoor corridor, except those in what’s called “The Atrium.”  And that room is huge, comprised of a large—albeit beautiful—dining area, restaurant/bar, and meeting room.  So, even Atrium rooms, are accessed by an open walkway looking out over this enormous unheated area.  Baby, it’s cold inside! Guest rooms are not heated unless the old-fashioned boiler is turned on.  Really.  Not kidding.  When my hubby and I arrived midday, it was 42 degrees outside and 60 degrees inside with no heat.  Yep.  That’s right.  None.  We adjusted the thermostat to 80 degrees with hopes to heat the room quickly, to no avail.  ...

The Good & The Meh Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Since I’ve never been to our beautiful San Luis Obispo, I’d hoped to walk around town during our short stay in Embassy Suites, but no.  On the map, it appears to be within walking distance to town.  Nope.  The heart of town is quite a distance away.  It is, however, directly next door to a large shopping center.  This wasn’t exactly the walking experience I expected, but I did find some yummy crackers to enjoy in my suite from World Market.  Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary. Since I’ve never been to our beautiful San Luis Obispo, I’d hoped to walk around town during our short stay in Embassy Suites, but no.  On the map, it appears to be within walking distan...

Relax and Rejuvenate in the Heart of Everything Portland Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Listed as the only  Embassy Suite  member of Historic Hotels of America, this Neo-Classical style hotel opened in 1912 and welcomed thousands of happy guests over the many years including nine presidents, Charles Lindbergh and Elvis Presley.  Just recently, it welcomed my hubby and me with an automatic upgrade, although most rooms are suites anyway, extra tea—I’m addicted—complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and Evening Reception.  Those who have read my many posts know how much I love my wine in the evening.  The wine poured at the reception was excellent and the appetizers weren’t bad either.   Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary. Our Su...