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We all have our own definition of home: Mine is a place of security, a headquarters that I frequently check in to. It's little things that make a home: sweet scent of an afternoon tea, or memorizing where each creak in a wooden floor is. El Drisco Hotel, built in 1903, perches along a ridgetop in ritzy San Francisco Pacific Heights, as close to home as you can possibly get.

My first impression is related to famous Disneyland Haunted House ride. The long hallways felt somewhat scary, with vertically-striped wallpaper reminiscent of 19th century Victorian homes. The concierge at front desk is exceptionally pleasant. Even though I have only one bag, he still offers to help me take it to my room - very professional. I must add that candies near large, wooden front door make me feel like Pavlov's dog; my mouth watering thinking about them on my way in or out of hotel.

Granted, I'm six foot five, but it is still strange ducking under elevator doorway on way to my room, reiterating my theory that one hundred years ago, people actually were shorter. Possibly this is just another aspect of this incredible Edwardian architecture hotel, reinforcing life of a bygone era. I am confused upon reaching my room - #406; opening door is a revelation of yet another hallway leading to two private rooms across from one another. The wooden and carpeted floors slant slightly to right, style of any historic hotel that has seen a century of guests.

Upon entering room, I am greeted by nicely laid out robes, slippers, and a very impressive view - this is a "Deluxe, City-View Suite", consisting of two adjoining rooms. One room is maintained with Victorian-era furniture, and a couch that pulls out to a queen-sized bed. In other room is main queen-sized bed, a boudoir, and a dark, plum-colored wooden desk, slick with lacquer. When I sit down at desk to go over my daily plans, I secretly imagine I am a wealthy CEO making important business decisions from my office overlooking city.

The Drisco boasts 43 guest rooms, 19 suites and plush robes and slippers in every room. Each room also has a CD player, television with VCR, and snacks if you can't make it until dinner. The television probably doesn't get much attention considering gentle sea breezes occasionally strolling in through vintage-style windows, summoning you to go out and keep it company.

In fact, Pacific Height's prestigious residents live down block on "Millionaires' Row"; their houses are reminiscent of renovated Victorian castles. I can't imagine what's not to like at Drisco, serving as a social center for wealthy neighbors. There's a continental breakfast buffet each morning, town car service into and out of city on weekdays, and an evening wine aperitif for those with more sophisticated tastes.

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While Niagara Falls has long been considered place for lovers - particularly for honeymooners - developers are broadening appeal as a destination resort for families and retirees. But at heart of it, it's still a spectacular setting to find, celebrate, or renew romance for any age.

My wife and I spent a couple days in late September exploring Canadian side of falls and hosted at on of area's premier hotels, The Sheraton On The Falls. (The Sheraton offers great off-season rates around Valentine's Day.

After a drive from Toronto, where I had been n business, we were ready to relax and we couldn't have picked a better location. The hotel booked us into one of their premium suites, complete with sitting area and fireplace, king-size bed, jetted tub, and unparalleled views of both famous Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Whether it's nightly man-made light show of colors splashed on falls or a sunrise playing in mist, hotel offers a front-row seat.

We arrived in afternoon and by that eveneing we explored shops, restaurants and attractions on Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill. The Sheraton is at heart of Falls Avenue development, featureing a Planet Hollywood restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Rainforest Café, and attractions, including a simulated "Ride Over Falls," "Dino Island 3D" ride, "Elvira's Haunted Coaster," a Hershey chocolate shop, and Casino Niagara.

Inside Casino Niagara, it's evident that this is no longer Niagara Falls popularized in Marilyn Monroe movie, 'Niagara.' The over-60 crowd lined blackjack tables and filled seats in front of slot machines. In fact, it's casino and a steady stream of retirees driving development on Canadian side; enough so, that Canadians are planning a second casino and their envious American neighbors hope to open one of their own to revitalize Niagara Falls, New York's depressed tourist district.

Around corner from casino, Clifton Hill-area streets are brimming with attractions and tourist traps, including souvenir shops, arcades, small thrill rides, fun houses, and fast food joints. If your wallet's fat enough, you can spend entire day at places like Guiness World Records Museum, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum and theater, haunted houses, a thrill ride accompanied by a 70mm film, and Movieland Wax Museum.