Driving to AlamosThe Dec. 16 article on...

Driving to Alamos

The Dec. 16 article on Alamos, Mexico by Sharon Dirlam was certainly very well done. We just returned from there. The situation was exactly as described. We found Casa de los Tesoros a wonderful place to stay, with excellent meals, and the town could not be more delightful.

About driving through the state of Sonora: We found Highway 15 in good condition and well patroled by the Green Angels, more numerous than ever. Contrary to rumors, there were no roadblocks and no “bandits.” For those not particularly interested in highway travel, it is possible to fly to Hermosillo, Guaymas or Ciudad Obregon, each of which has car rental agencies (for the drive) to Alamos.

We would drive to Alamos again without any hesitation, and I am sure that many of your other readers would feel the same way after visiting this lovely colonial town.

WILLIAM W. ESCHERICH

manager, travel publications Automobile Club of Southern California

Another Hideaway

We were most pleased to read in Jerry Hulse’s article about unusual hideaways (Dec. 16) that he considers La Mancha and the Ingleside Inn deserving of five-star awards. The hotel community in Palm Springs is proud of these fine properties.

We think your readers might be interested to know that it is possible to enjoy wood-burning fireplaces in Palm Springs for a price substantially under that of the five-star hotels. At the Warm Sands Villa, 555 Warm Sands Drive, we have wood-burning fireplaces in units with complete kitchens at $52 a night.

Our Spanish architecture, with ample grass and fruit trees in a quiet residential neighborhood, provides an ambiance that guests have been enjoying since 1933. Continental breakfast, wine and cheese parties and barbecues combine with the hosting of owners in residence to achieve warm and friendly hospitality.

DOUGLAS H. RICHIE

owner

For Smaller Ships

Why are only the super-deluxe ships publicized in articles on luxury cruises? Some people, I for one, are content with a cruise that is not totally dependent on Las Vegas-type nightclub entertainment.

Such a cruise is available on the Bermuda Star, sailing from New Orleans to Key West and Cozumel. It carries many fewer than 1,200 passengers, thank goodness. The crew members are friendly and attentive, the food is good, the drinks reasonable and the entertainment is adequate. Two good bands, a witty and interesting cruise director, and attractive and talented female entertainer and the usual movies, bingo, aerobics, skeet shooting, etc., fill the balance of time on shipboard.

The only minus is the overpriced and poorly planned trip to Tulum by bus. I advise going by taxi, thus having the balance of the day at your disposal. . . . I say give the smaller cruise ships the credit they deserve.

LOIS M. TORRANCE

Manhattan Beach

See America First

In the Jan. 20 Letters, another of many similar letters, telling of robbery and muggings of American tourists. It is horrifying to read these terrible things. When will our government do something to stop it?

Most foreign countries depend on American tourist dollars for their livelihood, so it is suggested that we Americans hurt them where it hurts the most in their pocketbooks. Stop traveling abroad and see America.

We just canceled an extended tour of Europe. We will never travel outside the borders of the good old U. S. A. There is plenty to see and do in America.

PATTI AND VIC SABATINI

Toluca Lake

Japan All-Girl Revue

The Japanese Takarazuka All-Girl Revue described in my article of April 29, 1984, will present eight performances in Honolulu June 12-16 at the NBC Concert Hall, five evenings and three matinees. Ticket prices will range from $15 to $25. This year is being commemorated as the 100th anniversary of major Japanese emigration to Hawaii. For more information about the Honolulu performances, readers may contact Ralph C. Honda, 1212 Punahou St., Suite 2004, Honolulu 96826, phone (808) 847-0255. Honda is chairman of the Takarazuka project there.

DENNIS A. CAVAGNARO

Walnut Creek, Calif.