A cornerstone of downtown Indianapolis since 1913, the Omni Severin Hotel blends early 20th-century grandeur with thoughtful modern updates. Originally opened during the golden age of rail travel, the hotel maintains a strong connection to the neighboring Union Station—once one of the busiest train stations in the country—an influence still reflected in its architectural details [...]
About two hours north of Rome, in the rolling countryside of southern Tuscany, the enchanting hot springs of Saturnia offer one of Italy’s most memorable natural experiences. Known for their cascading, mineral-rich waters, these thermal pools have been prized since ancient times for their restorative properties. The most iconic section, a series of tiered limestone [...]
In Florence, few experiences rival the grandeur of Piazza del Duomo. The most efficient way to explore this extraordinary complex is with a Duomo Complex ticket, which provides timed entry to its major monuments. Arrive early—this is the city’s most visited site, and crowds build quickly. The skyline is defined by the magnificent Cathedral of [...]
The magnificence of Rome, the Eternal City, unfolds through its rich art, iconic architecture, delectable food, high fashion, and vibrant neighborhoods. A visit to this 2,000-year-old city offers a fascinating journey back in time, immersing you in the era of emperors and gladiators. Strolling through the historic center, you'll witness the genius of Roman and [...]
Contemporary Cabins If you're in the market for a fun, easy escape, look no further than Athens County in southern Ohio! Our recent family road trip to Hideaway on the Hocking, 15 minutes south of Athens, was quite the rejuvenation vacation. We were greeted by warm spring weather and sunny skies, making for the perfect [...]
The Junto: A Lifestyle Hotel We used The Junto Hotel as our home base for a staycation in Franklinton as part of my research for The Insiders Guide to Columbus, 3rd ed. It was our first time staying here and we had a really nice experience. The king suite was spacious and modern with nice [...]
"Experiences Matter Here" isn't just a tagline for the Omni Hotels brand, it's a reality. Experience the Club Level Experience the Pool
As a longtime patron of Omni Hotels, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been on my to-go list since they acquired the property in 2013. I appreciate the hotel group's custodianship of beautiful resorts often on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, both of which [...]
The Power of Pampering. It's a thing.... I am a huge advocate of self-care in the form of massage therapy, dry sauna and wet steam rooms, therapeutic pool areas with sensory showers, jet treatments, and waterfall massagers. The ability to relax in a beautiful lounge that is comfortable and quiet, while sipping hot tea or [...]
The Grand Hotel experience begins even before stepping foot onto northern Michigan's Mackinac Island. First glimpse of the stately white columns and billowing flags of the hotel unfurling along the hillside hints at the timeless luxury that awaits across across the bay. The fifteen-minute ferry ride (we used Shepler's Ferry out of Mackinaw City) is just a teaser as the boat [...]
I haven't spent much time in Texas (like, zero). So, it was exciting when an opportunity arose to visit San Antonio, of which I've heard all sorts of wonderful things. My typical M.O. is to sniff out a historic inn or smaller, locally owned boutique hotels, but the J.W. Marriott Texas Hill Country caught my [...]
Did you know... the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, started in 1982, is the largest and longest continually-running vintage sports car race in the United States? Ten days of events ranging from parades, galas, country cruising tours, and specialized car shows culminate into a competitive road race on the challenging, serpentine roads through Schenley Park. Sunday spectators are treated to 150 [...]
