"Take Your Pet USA, A Guide of Accommodations for Pets and Their Owners," is available for $9.95 plus $2 shipping and handling from Artco, 12 Channel St., Boston, MA 02210.
The book lists approximately 4,000 pet-accommodating motels and hotels across the country. It points out restrictions with regard to pet size, etc. The book also lists local veterinarians and offers advice on making travel with pets easier. It gives tips on traveling cages, airlines, loss prevention and hotel etiquette for pets.BEST WESTERN HOTELS
Best Western has included in its international roster hotels in Uruguay and Argentina. Two hotels are in Buenos Aires and one is in Colonia Suiza, Uruguay. Best Western represents 3,200 hotels in 32 countries. The Embassy Apart Hotel in Buenos Aires has 60 guest apartments with fully equipped kitchens and balconies. The Comfort Hotel, also in Buenos Aires, is near the heart of the shopping district. The Hotel Nirvana in Colonia Suiza, Uruguay, has bicycle paths, tennis courts, volleyball courts and an indoor gym with sauna and Jacuzzi. For reservations at Best Western hotels call 1-800-528-1234.
OFF-SEASON SAVINGS
IN COLORADO
Rates for accommodations in many parts of Colorado drop 10 to 20 percent or more during the fall. For example, the Aspen Club Lodge charges $95 for a room, down from $150 and $210 during the summer. Many motels and lodges in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs offer fall discounts of 15 percent or more. And several dude ranches offer bargain packages during autumn.
Some examples:
- Red Lion Inn, Durango, $81 double vs. $118 in summer.
- Hot Springs Lodge, Glenwood Springs, $45-$57 single vs. $55-$70.
- Big Thompson Timberlane Lodge, Estes Park, $39 double vs. $57.
- Best Western Royal Gorge, Canon City, $49 double vs. $65.
- Elk Mountain Ranch, Buena Vista, $650 adult weekly package vs. $800.
Dates discounts apply vary from property to property.
For a free Colorado vacation planning kit that includes lodging information call 1-800-433-2656.
CRUISE SUPERSAVER
Royal Cruise Line is offering discounts on the Royal Odyssey, Crown Odyssey and Golden Odyssey for 1992 sailings. In addition to the line's early booking discounts of 10 to 50 percent, a new Early Payment Supersaver plan lets passengers save an additional 5 percent off their 1992 cruise fare for making full payment nine months in advance of their sailing date. That could save a couple an additional $500 on Scandinavia sailings and $300 on Alaska cruises. The extra 5 percent discount is calculated on the discounted cruise fare after the early booking discount. Add-on fares and optional land programs are excluded from the discounted fare calculation. For more information contact your travel agency or Royal Cruise Line at (415) 956-7200.
LAVA HOT SPRINGS
LUXURY INN
Riverside Inn at Lava Hot Springs, built in 1914, has been restored by new owners Duke and Joan Walden. The hotel has 16 individually decorated rooms with private, modern bathrooms. The honeymoon suite overlooks Portneuf River and features a handmade quilt on the king-size bed, antique lace curtains and a brass vanity table and Cheval mirror. The cost for the suite is $75 per night and includes a bottle of champagne and a breakfast tray for honeymooners. The inn also has four mineral baths. For information call 1-800-733-5504.
SAVINGS BOND INCENTIVE
Stouffer hotels has extended its popular U.S. Savings Bond guest-incentive program through Dec. 1991. Guests receive a $50 bond for each night's stay in their U.S. properties. The hotel chain has a new "California One, Two, Three" promotion in which it awards its guests who stay two nights in selected properties with a third night free.
WHAT TRAVELERS LIKE
According to a survey conducted for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, vacation travelers place high priority on such hotel luxuries as breakfast in bed, a long soak in a bubble bath or having the room made up twice a day. Other priorities include efficient and friendly service, free parking, late check-out on Sunday, a concierge or front desk personnel who can help them with local events, points of interest, restaurants, etc., and discount hotel rates. Travelers also like a great view from the room, extra fluffy towels and soft, billowy pillows.
One thousand men and women over 18 years of age were interviewed for the survey. Rankings were based on responses of 642 of them who said they had taken a vacation or getaway trip of 100 miles or more within the past year. - Kathryn Clayton.