Hotels
Green Amenities
Aug 21st
I joined my husband this week for a couple of days at the Seven Feathers Casino and Resort in Southern Oregon, just off of Interstate 5. He spent his days in meetings at a conference related to work while I spent mine doing a little work and a little more relaxing. We’ve driven past the place numerous times but had never stopped before (it only being about an hour from home and neither of us being avid gamblers).
Owned by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe, it’s a very nice complex, including hundreds of guestrooms, a full-service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, several restaurants and lounges and a number of conference and meeting rooms — aside from the large casino floor. Our room was large, spic and span and nicely furnished. In addition to the king-sized bed and console topped with a large flat-screen TV, I was more than happy with a good-sized desk and — best of all — free WiFi. Whenever we travel together, Harry and I are also acutely aware of bathroom counter space, and we were pleased with a very expansive vanity in the spacious bath. And here I had my first encounter with another product meant to have a lighter, kinder impact on the environment.
The resort features Gilchrist & Soames bath products, but these were not presented in the standard little rigid plastic bottles. Instead, the BeeKind Collectioncomes in what the company refers to as paper bottles. According to the company, this translates into a 59 percent reduction in packaging material weight (less weight = lower costs and less fuel for transportation) and a 92 percent reduction in after-use waste space (landfill space) compared to those little bottles. That alone sounds good, but additionally Gilchrist & Soames is proud that its formulas are free of those polysyllabic, unpronounceable, “unnatural” components and artificial colors and dyes.
Finally, the collection is dubbed “BeeKind” for a very good reason: Proceeds of the net sales of these products go to support honey bee and sustainable pollination research at the University of California, Davis. I was pleased to see this new and environmentally sensible kind of packaging from a manufacturer of these high-quality and well-respected amenities. I’d be curious if any of our Global Travelers have seen similar product lines in their travels.
– Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
My Houston Experience
Aug 18th
Just as my GT friends were leaving Houston, my brother-in-law Scott, nephew Matt and I were arriving. Every summer, I join Scott and Matt (former residents of Space City) for one trip, which includes some work, reconnecting with old friends and baseball.
Before we even reached our hotel, we stopped at Texadelphia for a hearty chicken cheesesteak sandwich. This is a staple of all trips to Houston and one that starts the trip off right.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites, near the Galleria. The hotel features a solid workout room with several machines and free weights, a huge (and free) breakfast buffet, a whirlpool and even swans in a pond in the lobby. Our suite was spacious, comfortable and filled with amenities such as two large flat-screen televisions and a comfortable, functional work space.
Friday night and Sunday afternoon we saw the Houston Astros defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates at beautiful Minute Maid Park, one of my favorite ballparks. The park has a retractable roof and is always very comfortable inside. The food options are tremendous, with my favorite being the hand-carved smoked turkey sandwich.
On Saturday we went to Woodrow’s, a fantastic sports bar close to our hotel. A few delicious appetizers, a couple pitchers of their finest beverages and several baseball games later (many of them simultaneous), we left as very satisfied patrons.
After Sunday’s game we enjoyed an awesome pizza at Barry’s. The Neopolitan is a hand-tossed delight. In addition to the wonderful pizza, we ordered their garlic bread, which is among the best I have ever eaten (and I have eaten a lot).
Before attending Monday’s game, which the Astros lost to the New York Mets, we stopped in at The Balcony, a sports bar across the street from Minute Maid. The Balcony is a lively, open-air sports bar run by Jose, a friendly native Chicagoan. In one corner is a wall and case of Chicago Cubs memorabilia. We renewed acquaintances with Jose and talked about how Houston and Chicago have changed over the years.
Despite the loss on Monday, it was an outstanding game in every way. Steve Grande, Astros media relations coordinator, allowed Global Traveler some extra access to Minute Maid Park. We talked travel with several players and coaches. We checked out the press box and many more food options in the executive area. Next week, I will be sharing the behind-the-scenes report from Minute Maid.
We arrived home yesterday, fully satisfied from this trip and already discussing the next trip. I couldn’t ask for more.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Wish I Was There
Aug 11th
My fellow Global Traveler staffers have been writing about the NBTA (National Business Travel Association) convention in Houston. Unfortunately, I am not there this year, although I will be in Houston later this summer.
I have attended several NBTA conventions with GT over the years. They all have involved work, of course, but I also had a lot of fun and got to experience a lot of interesting things.
The most important part is the work, which at GT always involves fun anyway. It has been really motivational to see the various GT people working the booth, discussing ads, contemplating future editorial features and meeting other business associates. Seeing the energy and synergy reminds me of how exciting working at GT really is.
I have also enjoyed quite a few food and beverage choices at the conventions. One year, I had a delicious cold pea soup. It was so good, I shamelessly asked for another cup. I have also had samples of many different airline meals like chicken kebobs and California rolls.
I have tasted a lot of beverages, too. I have tried foreign beers and wines, relaxation teas and interesting energy drinks. Not all were great, but I am glad to have tried them.
Away from the convention, I have enjoyed touring around the host cities. In Boston, we took in a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park. In Chicago, we enjoyed an after-convention party at the InterContinental Hotel on the Magnificent Mile.
Houston is one of my favorite cities (even with the heat). It’s a great choice for the NBTA convention. I hope my GT friends get to enjoy it as much as I do. I also hope it is still standing after my GT friends leave.
I am sure everyone is having a good time at the NBTA. Although I am not physically there, I am there in spirit with them, and I look forward to reading more stories here and hearing more when we next speak.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
North, South, East or West
Jul 27th
You are guaranteed to find a member of the GT staff somewhere in the world, whether you are looking north, south, east or west. Last week, my colleague, Kim Krol, and I headed west to Los Angeles. We took Beverly Hills by storm, staying at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and Montage Beverly Hills, respectively.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, including a lunch at the Conservatory Grill atop the Montage, offering me a bird’s-eye view of the skyline and the stunning rooftop pool. Kim and I had dinner at a new hot spot, Culina, at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. And, of course, we couldn’t leave Beverly Hills without a stroll down Rodeo Drive. This was, of course, in between the busy itinerary of meetings we had over two days.
I then headed southeast to the sunny city of Miami. I am at the Setai Hotel on South Beach. The hotel is celebrating five years on South Beach, and I am disappointed I am only staying at the hotel for the first time now. The hotel is located in the heart of South Beach and boasts three peaceful pools before you reach the beach. The hotel has a Pan-Asian theme with a staff from all corners of the globe as well.
The rooms are sexy and beautiful. My studio suite has a bathtub in the center of the room. While the facilities are very attractive, it is the staff that is the true gem. They offer a premium level of luxury service, and I hope to return on my next visit to Miami!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
