Review of Best Western Inn in Cobleskill, NY

Cobleskill is a laid-back town in Schoharie County, the site of one of New York’s state universities and situated west of Albany, NY. I like Cobleskill. The views are spectacular, the people are cheerful and generous, and the area has the comforts of civilization (such as Dunkin Donuts, movies theatres, Walmart, and Howe Caverns) while still retaining that relaxing country atmosphere. It’s also the best place to get accommodations outside of Albany, I think.

We stayed overnight at the Best Western Inn on 121 Burgin Drive in Cobleskill. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Inn situated very near a shopping complex but up a hill where the views are gorgeous.

Best Western Inn graciously provided my large family two adjoining rooms to write this review of their facilities. I had no idea what to expect when we arrived, but I can now say that the place is phenomenal! First things first…

We arrived at check-in time, 3pm. The Inn is a one-story building, featuring a slew of rooms with double beds, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bowling alley and a lovely lobby! I was wowed by all the amenities. Besides the typical free morning coffee, Best Western Inn gives free wireless Internet service and a complementary issue of USA Today for all guests.

Check in was prompt and I was very impressed with the ladies at the front desk. I’ve been to a number of hotels (my husband has even worked at a few) and we’ve had our share of bad experiences with front desk employees. The Best Western Inn ladies were a breath of fresh, hospitable air. We were all extremely delighted with the friendly, easy-going manner of the ladies. I’m always a little nervous meeting new people, but these ladies put me at ease. They quickly got us settled and made us feel very welcome. Read more

Live the Vacation

Wow! WOW! I just visited a site that has some of the most exquisite scenery I’ve seen. It’s in Utah, Park City, Utah, to be exact. It was the location for the 2002 Winter Olympics, U.S. Snowboarding (one of my favorite spectator sports), and the Sundance Film Festival (pretty obvious from the “cinematic” type of photos on the website). Park City a “resort-ish” kind of area, but there’s a new community being developed called “Talisker,” and they’re really doing it up. The website shows Park City homes for sale, with glorious photographs of the breathtaking vista. I’ve always wanted to see Utah, and seeing this site makes me want to move out there! This website is a must-see.. really nice photos, and the urge to grab some land in this location is very tempting indeed!

A Branson Vacation

Oh this looks sooo good right now: a Hilton Branson Escape Package. I’ve read a little bit about the luxurious but down-home hospitality of the folks at the Branson resort, and it sounds so wonderful! Especially here for me in New York, where we are experiencing an “arctic blast” where the daily highs are going to be 0 degrees! Wah! I am sick of winter early this year!

Branson is cuurently sponsoring a Winter Escape Package (for February 5th and the 8th), with deluxe accommodations for $79 a night! Includes a complimentary movie, dinner for two, and breakfast. That’s waaay better than anything I’ve been looking for in New York right now. We are hoping to get out in the near future for a week away (and hopefully out of state).

Branson is one of the top names in hotel luxury resorts. It’s in Branson, Missouri, in the heart of the entertainment and shopping capital of the state. Exciting shows, great shops, entertainment venues, and more serve travelers looking for a nice, comfortable getaway. And 2009 holds some interesting events– a “Polar Plunge” where crazy people hop in freezing cold water, an Ice Carving festival, and more. I personally would prefer to enjoy Branson’s river walk and quiet restaurants, I’ve had enough polar and ice for the year. Branson, Missouri, is really a lovely place. Check out the links for more information. It’s nice to know that there’s Branson and an affordable means to getting away from the hectic pace now and then.

Turning Stone Joins ACF

The Turning Stone is a big Upstate resort run by the Oneida Indian tribe. They are the biggest employers in the county, actually. They started out as a casino, but have expanded into a huge resort with golf course, hotel, and other resort-y things. I have never been there (I don’t gamble or golf), but my husband attended a conference there.

The Turning Stone is extremely popular, and receives visitors across the nation and the world. The Oneidas have done an excellent job with the resort and with public relations.

Big news for them is that they’ve joined the American Culinary Federation. This gives even more clout to the resort.

The alliance will allow the school to provide programs to certify its chefs, and open classes to other chefs and professionals, said Executive Chef Michel DiGiorgio, president of the Turning Stone ACF chapter.

The school is accepting members including professional culinarian, culinarian, student culinarian, junior culinarian, associate, allied and culinary enthusiast.

Membership benefits include automatic enrollment into the World Association of Chef Societies, networking opportunities, the chance to participate in ACF sponsored educational programs, and member discounts on products and services.

We drove by the other day, on our way to Sodus Point. The area (Vernon/Verona, NY) is flat, and the Turning Stone hotel towers above the plain like a big concrete spike stuck in the landscape. It is visible for miles, the land is so flat and the hotel is so high.