guest post by Sherry Gray

Anything on the beach is going to have a certain amount of awe associated with it just by virtue of the natural environment.  But some beach hotels go the extra mile to make the most of their prime location.

Six Amazing Beach Hotels

The National Hotel on South Miami Beach, FL

The Naitonal - South Beach Miami hotel

Known for the elegance and luxury of a bygone era, the hotel sits right on the sands of Miami’s best known beach and features a unique 205-foot long infinity pool. The National was built in the late 1940s and boasts chic art deco style with all the amenities you expect in a luxury hotel.

itty bitty picture of big infinity pool

What’s to love: Style! Fully restored to its original glory in 1997, the National is loaded with charm and style.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, CA

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay

Built on the edge of The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this luxurious resort offers the kind of unspoiled nature you’d normally have to sleep in a tent to enjoy. The isolated location of The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or rolling dunes of seemingly endless sand alive with an amazing array of indigenous plant and wildlife. You can’t go wrong, either choice is simply breathtaking.

What’s to love: Put simply, raw nature. With the Marine Sanctuary just steps away, you’re surrounded by wilderness while being spoiled rotten by amenities.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort just off the coast of Charleston, SC

The Sanctuary

This five star resort hotel built in 2004 is designed to be reminiscent of an elegant seaside mansion, and to fit into the landscape as if it has been in place for hundreds of years. Sweeping, Gone With the Wind staircases dominate the expansive lobby, beautifully decorated in traditional southern décor accented by antiques, lending a homey feeling of casual elegance.

What’s to love: Gorgeous, oceanfront golf. Golf Digest ranks The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort at number 25 on it’s list of 100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses and number 4 on the Best Public Course list.

The Wyndham Hotel Galvez in Galveston, TX

Tropical pool at The Wyndham Hotel Galvez

Recently restored to its full glory, the glamorous Wyndham Hotel Galvez dates back nearly 100 years. Dubbed the “Queen of the Gulf” when it first opened in 1911, the hotel was frequented by celebrities and public figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra and the enigmatic Howard Hughes.

What’s to love: Aside from rich historical background, the incredible tropical pool complete with swim up bar is a sight to behold.

The Victorian at the Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, ME

Beachmere Inn

This beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in the late 1800s was once a private residence. Comfortable, affordable rooms decorated in Shaker style and soothing seaside color overlook a panoramic view of the beach below.

What’s to love: Wood burning fireplaces in some of the suite-style rooms for cozy evenings in.

The Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, HI

View from The Turtle Bay Resort

Forty-five minutes away from the high density overpopulation of Honolulu, the Turtle Bay Resort is an oasis of tranquility on nearly five miles of dazzling white sand beaches. Because of its unique construction, every room in the resort has a spectacular ocean view.

What’s to love: Surfing! The Oahu shoreline is home to legendary surfing spots including the Banzai Pipeline.

You might have guessed that I’m not a huge fan of cookie-cutter chain hotels. I look for unique factors that will make my beach vacation memorable. Fortunately it’s not that hard to find a hotel full of charm, grace and elegance. They key is to break away from the familiar and search for the original.

Charleston Historic District

We’re planning a trip to Charleston, South Carolina this summer (yes, we know it will be hot!), and we’ve been looking for some hotels in the Historic District, even though they will definitely be more expensive than hotels we’ll find a little father out of town. Can’t help it though! The pictures I’ve seen of downtown Charleston are so incredibly cute, and it’d be great to be close to all the bars, restaurants, tours, etc. So far, we’ve identified the following hotels – what do you think?

Planters Inn

Ok, so this place is really expenive. But, if we split the room with one other couple, it won’t be TOO bad, at least not for 2 nights. And, it’s smack in the middle of Charleston’s Historic District! The hotel has its own restaurant too, which looks great. We’ll keep this one on the radar, at least.

Days Inn

If we decide we want to go super cheap, we might decide to book here. Really basic rooms, but in the Historic District. This would be fine for 1-2 nights I’d think. Just clean, simply lodging about 10 blocks from downtown. And, it looks like you can park your car here, which is a huge plus…

Hampton Inn

A little bit of an upgrade from the Days Inn (at least it looks like it). Good reviews – clean, simple rooms that are close to downtown.

So there you have it! When we actually pick a hotel, I’ll write another blog detailing our experience. Wish us good times and luck!

Memorial Day is barely six weeks away! Do you have your vacation and travel plans set yet? The economy is tough, but luckily, Sherman’s Travel recently posted an article about some of the country’s best destinations for Memorial Day, and I thought they picked some nice places.They’re varied enough that, hopefully,  you’ll be able to find one or two that are close enough to your home that you don’t have to shell out for an expensive flight.  I’ll stick with suggesting some hotels for three of the domestic places on the list.

The Driskill in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas

Come place in the Lone Star State’s beautiful capital! The University of Texas at Austin provides a large and vibrant student population, and there’s a wonderful music and arts scene. I lived in Austin for three weeks (really!) a couple of years ago, and it’s a wonderful city. Small city with big-city offerings and great (but hot) weather.

The Driskill (If you can afford to splurge)

Hilton Austin (Not cheap, but more moderate)

Radisson Hotel and Suites (More affordable, great location on a lake)

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California is only a 2 hour drive from either San Diego or Los Angeles, and about a four hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s a true desert oasis set at the foot of gorgeous mountains covered with snow in winter and fields of flowers during spring and summer.

Viceroy (Pricey, but not ridiculously so, There are definitely more expensive hotels in Palm Springs.)

Peppertree Inn (Moderately price – a new boutique hotel)

Best Western Inn at Palm Springs (Cheap but good quality!)

Charleston Historic District

Charleston, South Carolina

Get your fill of Southern charm and hospitality! A perfect choice for a romantic Memorial Day weekend for two or for a fun-filled vacation for the entire family. Hire a horse-and-carriage for a tour of this historic and beautiful city.

Planters Inn (A lovely boutique hotel – not 5 star but very, very nice)

Holiday Inn (Historic District – good, above-basic accommodations)

Days Inn (Fairly cheap and in the historic district!)

Photo Credits: JerryHayesAustin, Trent Maynard