Donna
Reviews 
(10)
Delicious Wine and the Scent of Heaven
HALL WinesYou'll know you've arrived when you see the large silver statue of a bunny on the side of the road. As soon as we get out of the car, I'm surrounded by the scent of heaven. Walking closer, we see the beds of lavender. Even Dylan, our dog, goes into the landscaped beds for a closer sniff. I'm wearing a mask as we enter the visitors center, but that doesn't prevent me from enjoying the relaxing scent of the lavender. We're asked to keep our masks on here, even outdoors, until we get to our seated area. Today's wine tasting focus at Hall is on their red wines. For some reason, I'm having a problem with red wines lately. I love them, but they don't love me. I mention this to Steve, our wine presenter, and he suggests some Hall White wines instead and brings me a selection. It's a good thing we ate a big lunch, or this would be way too much wine for us. We enjoy every sip. I take Dylan out for a walk through the vineyards for some photos, and to see some of the quirky sculptures scattered around the property. We leave Steve with a nice tip and head north to Calistoga.
Aug. 12, 2021
Lunch at the Winery
V. Sattui WineryWe head over to V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena for lunch. They have a huge indoor market, where you can have a sandwich made, pick up some cheese, find a bottle of wine, and enjoy a picnic on their grounds. We choose some crab cakes, a sandwich, their Sauvignon Blanc, and of course, homemade raspberry cheesecake. Our picnic table offered a great view of the wine train stop in front of the winery. The food was delicious, and so was their wine. There were lots of picnic tables outside where we enjoyed our lunch. Our dog was welcome both inside and out.
Aug. 12, 2021
Bubble Monday, Drinking with Dogs
Domaine ChandonYou couldn't ask for a more ideal setting than the grounds of Domaine Chandon in Yountville. Driving up to the visitors center on Bubble Monday I feel lucky to be one of just a few patrons here today. Walking across the bridge over the pond puts me in a calm state of mind as I stop to observe the mother duck trying to coach her babies into the water. Once inside the building, we are greeted by all things sparkling. Either pink or white, I love my sparkling wine. We easily make our way right up to the bar and study the menu of sparkling offerings. Then it's out onto the lovely terrace as we admire the landscaping. My first sip does not disappoint, neither does my last! Having Dylan, our little Maltese dog with us always leads to a conversation with other guests, especially those that are away from home and miss their own fur babies. We enjoy some chatting and some sipping on this perfect way to spend a Monday.
Aug. 12, 2021
Dogs not allowed in Pool Area
Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa Part of JdV by HyattThe grounds were clean and safe. Our room was comfortable and clean, exactly what you'd want. The decor was a little quirky. I was happy to have a small refrigerator. We picked this motel because of the mineral pools. I enjoyed soaking in one, looking up at the stars was wonderful. I only wish the water was hotter. The large pool, in fact, felt cold to me. Not what my arthritic body needs. We didn't try the restaurant, which was open for limited hours due to COVID. The hot tub and spa were closed due to COVID. No mud baths for us! Next time!
Aug. 12, 2021
Great Atmosphere, Short Menu
DadaOne of the main reasons we choose DADA was the fact that we had a cute Westie with us this evening. We are able to bring her if we sat outside, which was very pleasant. The setting is quite unique, with fun sculptures and pieces of art all around. The restaurant itself is housed in the Tarrimore House, circa 1924 , which is listed as a historic site in Delray Beach. The brief menu is advertised as being sustainably sourced. There are dishes that would make a Vegan or Gluten Free eater happy. I choose the Salmon, without the Jalapeno-Agave Glaze. I felt it was on the dry side. My friends ordered the crab cakes, and the DADA Burger, and were happy with their choices. The service was unusual in that dishes were brought out as they were ready, rather than all at once. The waitress was kind enough to bring a dish of water for the dog. There were a lot of dogs here, so I gather it's popular with dog owners. I'd recommend you try this place, there are enough choices for you to find something you'll like, and it's just a fun place to hang around.
Jun. 26, 2021
Very comfortable for us and the dog
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & SpaWe were looking for a dog-friendly hotel. We choose the Westin based on that and price. The hotel was very nice, the room comfortable and clean. Albert at the front desk was efficient and helpful, even when the hotel's computers were down. There is a small dog walk area. I was given a dog treat and poop bag when we checked in. Considering COVID, I wasn't happy paying a resort fee. We never even saw the heated pool and hot tubs that were opened, by our choice. We used none of the "resort" facilities at the pool or the hotel business center. Albert said our internet was included in the resort fee. I must say the WIFI was very fast. Premium channels were available on the TV, also "included" in the fee. The beds were clean and comfortable, the shower was also great. There was a pet fee of $15 per night, very reasonable. Room service was available in the evening, and the hotel's bar was also open at night, otherwise no food service except Starbucks in the mornings. Paying extra for parking was required. The area around the hotel didn't offer much, but you could walk a few blocks to the strip for restaurants and activities.
Nov. 17, 2020
Great Location,
Marina Beach MotelWe were very happy with our stay. Our room was very small, but okay for just one night. There was a refrigerator, but a microwave would have been nice to warm up carry-out food. Our dog was happy with the grass dog area. It is a short block to the ocean and a short walk to the wine tasting houses and restaurants in the funk zone. I would have liked to stay longer! Yes, we had to sign a form acknowledging that our dog would be crated and stay off the furniture, but who are we kidding? Our 10lb dog slept on her blanket on the chair, there was no room for a crate! Yes, there is a sign to keep dogs off the courtyard grass, that's a people area, you don't want it full of poop! Keep your dog quiet, clean up after your dog, and you'll enjoy this place.
Nov. 18, 2020
Would stay again
Super 8 by Wyndham BowmanElenoir at the front desk runs this place and does it well. Coffee and a packaged muffin was available for breakfast. The room was clean, bed was comfortable. The fact that the back door to the hotel was unlocked was a concern to me. There was very little grass around to walk my dog.
Nov. 17, 2020
Great Location, Comfortable and Warm
Motel TorreyThe room was clean and warm on our snowy November night. Beds are comfortable. The refrigerator and good wifi are a plus. It's an old-style motel so we were able to park right in front of our room. The location was very good, centrally located for our visits to both Arches and Bryce National park. Michelle at the front desk was pleasant to talk to in the morning as I got some coffee and packaged snacks. When I left behind my dog's food and small food cooler, I got a call from Michelle offering to send the cooler back to us. That's awesome service because I love that little food carrier! Our Check-in was unclear. We pulled up to a dark and closed office at 6 pm on Sunday night and I panicked. Due to my phone's lack of service, I didn't get the text with check-in instructions. There was a sign on the door with instructions so it all worked out fine. There wasn't any grass to walk our dog, she had to make do with the gravel and rocks.
Nov. 17, 2020
Very Comfortable
Sonesta Simply Suites Des MoinesWe were getting tired of fast food so we chose Candlewood Suites so I could cook dinner. The kitchen was equipped with everything we needed to cook a steak dinner. After a quick trip to the excellent Hy-Vee Grocery store nearby we were all set. The room was clean, the bedding clean and comfortable. There is no breakfast served, but none was advertised. There was a large gym which I'll admit I didn't use. The location was excellent for us as we traverse I-80 heading west. There is lots of space to walk the dog.
Nov. 02, 2020
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