Our Criteria
I am kind of particular. Anyone can go anywhere and find a room and a place to eat. I think as long as you are going away and spending the money, why not make it truly memorable. Something you'll talk about for years or until your next trip. Here's how we decide what to recommend.
Featured Property Criteria
Reputation
The hotel, inn or B&B has to be recognized by a variety of sources as a leader in its category. We read all the reviews, check all the sources and do all the searches to develop the list of places we want to visit. When we visit, we want to see if the property lives up to the hype. It is not unusual for us to be "uninspired" by properties others laud.
The "local" insight
I have found that guidebooks and web-sites are often outdated and don't always contain all the properties available. The locals will share with you all the latest information. Some of our best finds are new or have recently changed hands.
The "Wow" factor
I want to shout "wow" when I open the door to my room. No better way to start a special weekend. What makes me shout, "wow"? Charm, beautiful décor and furnishings, a unique floor plan, a great view, a terrace, a fireplace, a garden, and special amenities. All can contribute to the "wow" factor.
Gimme some room in my room
If I have to turn sideways when I walk between the bed and the dresser, the room's too small. Ideally, I like a sitting area, an alcove or someplace else to sit and read.
Luxury accoutrements
Soft sheets and thick towels, down comforters and fluffy pillows. Perhaps a Jacuzzi for two. More things than I allow myself at home.
Value
Generally, unless you opt for a suite, I believe room rates should be under $350 a night. There are exceptions like seasonality, holiday periods or if a property is truly exceptional, but that is our goal. I will admit to a bias in our evaluations. There is a trend in many destinations toward high end, luxury B&B's. While many of the rooms are beautiful and unique, I do not believe that any B&B without full facilities (bar, restaurant, health club) is worth more than $250-300 per night. You will not see them recommended here.
Featured Restaurants Criteria
Reviews
We read them all, but then ask the locals where they go when they want a special dinner. The answers are often surprising. The top rated restaurants in the guidebooks, don't always rate with the locals.
Décor
I prefer warm and inviting to stark and minimalist. I am not a fan of rooms with lines of tables along the walls, where you can hear the conversations of everyone around you. Doesn't matter how good the food is, I feel like I am only getting half the experience.
"I'm a booth guy"
Love them, they're conducive to conversation and intimacy. I like views from my table of water, gardens or mountains. I like fireplaces in winter and patios in summe
Menus and wine lists
I'm offended by overpriced wine lists and menus. When I can buy a bottle of wine in a liquor store for $10 and it is selling in a restaurant for $50, somehow I feel gouged. You should be able to have a wonderful meal for $150-$250 with a moderately priced bottle of wine, tax and tip. There are exceptions for truly outstanding restaurants, but as a general rule, this is the standard.
Service
Service is more than just your waiter. It is the experience your hosts create for their guests. Are you truly welcome or just another paying customer? You can tell who loves their work, that love infuses the restaurant.
BestWeekends Rating System
We screen out the "fair" and "good" properties and restaurants and recommend three levels of exceptional
Hall Of Fame
These are the "best of the best". World class properties, rooms and restaurants with amenities and food seldom seen elsewhere. An experience that truly transcends cost. When money is no object or you have won the lottery, when you only have a week to live or when you are celebrating a milestone….these are the places in which to stay and eat. Not every destination has them, but when they do, they should be considered. These are memories for a lifetime. You may not be able to afford them often, but they are worth the visit at least once.
Special Occasion
These are properties and restaurants that are perfect for a Special Occasion, a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion. You'll spend more than at an "Excellent" Selection, but it will be worth the experience. Want to impress that someone special in your life without breaking the bank? These are your selections.
Excellent
These properties and restaurants have been selected because they are a cut above the norm, places befitting a great weekend away. They are not just a nice room or a good restaurant, they are truly something special, with unique features or amenities that set them apart from others. The experience will be superior to most and the value is exceptional.
Look For this sign on the door
