Step Back to the Old West at Durango's StraterWritten by Mari Clifton
Step Back To The Old West At The Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado Read full feature in Jetsetters Magazine www.jetsettersmagazine.com or at this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/colorado/strater/strater.htmlThere is only one place to stay in Durango, town's grandest living icon — Stater. Just keep in mind that you may never be satisfied with any other hotel after staying here. The Strater has been hailed down ages as Durango's "home away from home". I am willing to give up my home and live here . . .! I arrived tired and travel weary. I strode into Strater with mixed expectations; this hotel is renowned by locals as not only a historical landmark, but as part of life of this "Old West" town. The Strater, in fact, has bridged past into present, bringing grand quality of 100 years ago forward and merging it with modern technology and conveniences, all accomplished without any compromise in quality. The result is a perfect blending of best of both worlds that has made Strater not only a legend in its own time, but a true masterpiece of time. Only one-step into lobby, and I stepped back a century in time. It is incredulous. The Strater is drenched and framed in warm woods, carved, notched, and formed everywhere you look. The lobby just opens up before you, and yet there is a comforting feel to it that just invites you in. Every bit of space is thoughtfully laid out to maintain solid elegance of this great hotel. I walk across lobby and try to take it all in, and I am amazed by style and grace. I simply could not have imagined quality of craftsmanship and attention to smallest detail, all defying words. After a moment of adjustment, leaving weariness of travel and bustle of streets behind me, I find myself "snapped up" by my surroundings and proceed to front desk. The staff match up to environment with grace and style in action . . . professional, friendly and personal, I was clearly a welcomed guest.. I was attended to in detail, then offered a drink (they had me at hello . . . but now they really had me), and tending to my needs. Soon I had not one, but several staff all offering to make my night easy by helping to park my car, and getting me into fully booked Mahogany Grille for dinner. There was not a table available, as entire night was completely reserved, but somehow they got me in. To be honest, I had no doubts.
| | Hawaii Snorkeling - An Underwater Paradise!Written by Keith Thompson
Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any skill level of swimmer, where you can discover a breathtaking array of Hawaii's most exotic sea life a few yards from shore. Colorful coral, lava flows, turtles and more than 700 species of fish are found in clear, high- visibility waters warmed to an average temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting yourself outfitted is no problem, as there are dozens if not hundreds of rental facilities around, ranging in price from $10-20 day, and if you're staying at a resort you can possibly score free equipment available to their guests.Once you're outfitted and ready for some Hawaii snorkeling, head out to some of Hawaii's best snorkeling venues. Likely most well-known of these is Molokini. The Molokini crater is what's left of an extinct volcano a few miles off Maui, shaped like a crescent moon. This is s must-see spot! Other great Hawaii snorkeling locations on Maui include Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay and Makena landing. Honolua is regarded by locals as best snorkeling and diving spot on
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