I’ve been catching up on my travel reading and one of the newest trends in luxury lodging is flat screen tvs, ipod docking stations, and bose sound systems. Every time I read about those things I think, that’s the LAST thing I want is to listen to my neighbor’s bose sound system. I will admit that I am WAY overly sensitive to certain types of noise. I am the person who’s constantly pointing out, “Wow, doesn’t that [tv] [radio] [domestic disturbance] coming from [next door] [upstairs] [down below] drive you crazy?” And then the people whom I’m with, who didn’t notice it previously, thank me for pointing it out because now it’s bugging them.
Anyway, I’ve decided to compile a list of lodgings that do not have tv’s in the rooms because those are the places I want to stay. For now, I only have two: On the Oregon Coast, The Sylvia Beach Hotel (an Oregon institution and wonderful for many reasons) does not have tv’s, radios or phones in the rooms.
The other, I just read about, and while it is in not-very-gay-friendly Jamaica, it sounds wonderful. The Jamaica Inn, located 10 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, does not have tv’s, radios, or clocks in the rooms. I quote from their website: “On-property croquet, swimming pool, snorkeling, kayaks and sunfish sailing are complimentary. Windsurfing, sailing and diving facilities available nearby at an additional charge. Jamaica Inn guests can also play tennis nearby . An exercise room is located in the garden wing. Equipment includes a stair climber, stationary bicycle, treadmill and free weights.”
Here’s another place posted by a user: I know of a wonderful place – no tvs, no radios, no phones, no AC etc. – on the Big Island of Hawai’i – Hawai’i island. It is called “Kona Village Resort,” on the west (Kona) coast. Wonderful, secluded, “old-Hawai’i” feel, your own individual rooms/houses called “hale” Polynesian-style buildings, 3 fabulous meals included – is not cheap. I’ve stayed three times with girlfriends (room with one big bed) – one night, two nights, one night, over 10+years, Very friendly, on the ocean (many hale have ocean views, some on lava rock etc.) Ocean swimming, snorkeling, tennis etc., pools, massages, the Fri. night Luau is great too. Things for kids to do too, plus (two?) months in the year the kids are not encouraged to stay, so just for adults. They will pick you up at the airport, so no car needed. Check them out!
If you know of any other wonderful places where there are no noise-making electronics in the rooms, please let me know so I can post them here.