Something new in Australia--the world’s first floating...

Something new in Australia--the world’s first floating resort. Opens in December along the Great Barrier Reef (44 miles northeast of Townsville). The Four Seasons Barrier Reef will combine a 200-room hotel with a nightclub, a couple of bars, a sauna and gymnasium. They’ll even have a floating tennis court. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, yacht/helicopter trips. Details from Expanding Horizons, 17581 Irvine Blvd., Suite 115, Tustin, Calif. 92280 or telephone toll-free (800) 448-1101. (Outside California dial (800) 421-6461.) For other information on Australia, contact the Austalian Tourist Commission, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1200, Los Angeles 90067, phone (213) 552-1988.

Puerto Rico

A new fall package featuring Puerto Rico has been produced by Eastern Airlines in conjunction with Flyfaire Inc. Five- and seven-night trips from a dozen Western cities, including Los Angeles. The five-day package starts at $399 (per person, double occupancy); it’s $439 for the seven-night version, including round-trip air fare, hotels. This offer is good through Dec. 15 with the exception of the Nov. 24-30 Thanksgiving period. Contact Flyfaire toll-free at (800) 367-1034, Eastern Airlines or the Puerto Rico Tourism Development Co., 3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 248, Los Angeles 90068, phone (213) 874-5991). Ask the tourism company about Puerto Rico’s country inns (rates start at $30 per night double). These inns are scattered across the island and offer exceptional atmosphere, peaceful surroundings.

A Letter from Britain

Neil and Joan Castle, proprietors of Allards Guesthouse in Gloucestershire, England, send along this note: “Would like to offer suggestions that may help American travelers get more enjoyment from planning and experiencing a holiday in Britain. First, use a map of Britain and identify the areas you wish to visit (the Cotswolds, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor). Draw a circle of roughly 40 miles diameter around each. Find a guest house near the center of the circle and book accommodations for two nights. This way you will have no checking in and out on the second day. This is the day to obtain great benefits from this scheme. Discuss with your host where to go locally in the inner circle you have mapped out. The third day you leave that circle and head toward the next, with your host’s advice on what to visit.

“We are often saddened to see the hectic rush of some of our guests who undertake too much distance too quickly. In selecting your guest house, get a copy of The Automobile Assn.’s ‘Guesthouses, Farmhouses and Inns in Britain’ and the Royal Automobile Club’s ‘Handbook and Hotel Guide.’ We will be pleased to correspond with any reader who cares to contact us. We have connections in other parts of the country. (Would appreciate an international postal coupon to offset the cost of replies.)”

Address: Neil and Joan Castle, Allards, Shurdington Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England GL51 5XA.

Villas/Mexico

Claire Packman has been in the villa rental game for years. In a recent note she tells about properties in Puerto Vallarta/Acapulco. Describes them as “lap-of-living luxury at bargain prices.” One villa in Puerto Vallarta features six bedrooms, six baths, a cook and a maid. Price: $550 per night (low season), which figures out to about $46 per person when six couples set up housekeeping together. Another (four bedroom suites, swimming pool, tennis court and terrace overlooking the bay) rents for $605 per night.

In Acapulco, Packman is booking a five-bedroom villa with a staff of three ($685 a night). Other villas worldwide. Contact Packman c/o At Home Abroad, 405 East 56th St. No. 6H, New York 10022 or telephone (212) 421-9165.

Other Rentals

Mike Thiel heads a travel club that specializes in villa rentals (Maine to Mexico, Maui to Mykonos). His Hideaways International publishes a guide that describes condos and homes as well as villas. Tells of a studio apartment in Paris in the $40-a-night range, a villa on Spain’s Costa del Sol (sleeps six) for $500 a week/$1,500 a month. Or for $250 a week, vacationers can take over a two-bedroom home at Bantry Bay in Ireland. Hideaways lists a Victorian Mews house in London (two blocks from Harrods) that sleeps four, rents for $1,150 per week (cheaper after Jan. 1). Write to Thiel c/o Hideaways International, P.O. Box 1270, Little, Mass. 01460 or telephone toll-free (800) 843-4433.

Newsletters

In Mesa, Ariz., Don Wallace publishes a newsletter aimed at the business traveler and others “short of time.” Emphasizes tips for anyone who “has the necessary funds to enjoy luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants.” Tells of tours, cruises. Devoted a recent issue to inns in California, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania. An earlier copy featuring New Orleans named tour companies, and described sightseeing, hotels, restaurants. For a complimentary copy of The Weekender, drop a card to Wallace, P.O. Box 17129, Mesa, Ariz. 85212.

Reader Recommendations

California--Louise Dubrall, La Mirada: “On a recent vacation we enjoyed a bed and breakfast motel called the Black Hawk Lodge on Highway 41 leaving Fresno on the way to Yosemite. Address: 28536 Highway 41, Coarsegold, Calif. 93614. Breakfast and room for $45 for two persons.”

California--Diane and Albert Colman, Beverly Hills: “Overview Farm B&B; Inn, 15650 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, Calif. 95476. A remodeled 1880s Victorian farmhouse. Once part of the Spreckels estate. Three guest rooms, each with private bath. Beautifully furnished with quality antiques. Paid $85 per night, including a gourmet breakfast served on china with silver and crystal, along with afternoon wine and cheese, fresh flowers. Hosts Judy and Robert Weiss offered warm hospitality, helpful guidance in planning our tour through the wine country.”

Canada--Sheila McCallum, Long Beach: Enjoyed Buck’s Camp, Box 86344, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada V76 4K6. “A delightful experience for the avid fisherman.”

Oregon--Nick Radmilovich, Ventura: Praise for the Birchtree Manor B&B;, 615 S. Main St., Milton, Freewater, Ore. 97862. Rates, $45 a day.

Washington--Michelle Brendel, Seal Beach: “A Victorian home known as Galer Place, 318 W. Galer St., Seattle 98119. Rooms with shared baths, $55 including breakfast. Rooms with half and full bath also available. Terry and Chris Chamberlain (proprietors) are members of the Seattle Bed and Breakfast Inn Assn. Members rotate responsibility for calls, and if the member cannot take you, he stays on the line and connects you with other B&Bs.;”

Hawaii--Anne Marie Novinger, La Crescenta: “An outstanding B&B; experience on Molokai. A private cottage in a park-like setting. In the refrigerator were fresh brown eggs, fresh papaya and many other good things. Bananas on the lanai. The cottage was spotless. Our host and hostess, Jan and Keaho Newhouse, prepared a delicious dinner for us when we had the misfortune to lose our wallets and money. Tip: Never leave anything of value in the trunk of a rental car! For reservations write to the Newhouses, Kaunakakai, S.R. 306, Molokai, Hawaii 96748. ($55 a night).”

Louisiana--Ted L. Mackey, Beverly Hills: Recommends Monmouth Plantation at John A. Quitman Parkway and Melrose, Natchez, Miss. 39120, and Cedar Grove Estate, 2200 Oak St., Vicksburg, Miss. 39180. “Prices are from $75 to $125, which includes full breakfast, drinks on arrival.”

Oregon--Joyce A. Noel, Los Angeles: “For the traveler who really wants to relax, try Rip Van Winkle’s Sleepy Hollow R.V. Park. For reservations write to HC 85 Box 120-A, Myrtle Point, Ore. 97458. Rates from $8 to $10 per night. The R.V. park is on Highway 42W off I-5 or Highway 42E off Highway 101, between mile marker 31 and 32.”

Canada--Alex T. Holmsen, Monrovia: “By the seaside with a magnificent view, a leisurely 15-minute stroll from town through lovely Beacon Hill Park, is Dashwood Manor, No. 1 Cook St., Victoria, B.C., Canada V8V 3W6. Rates: $45/$95 U.S. double.”

Australia--Eric Teltscher, Rolling Hills Estates: Enjoyed Barula Park, P.O.Box 64, Alstonville N.S.W., Australia 2477. “Rates $85 U.S. per day, including three meals and a happy hour. This is a farm for race horses. It’s also great for people who are looking for typical Australian hospitality. Between Brisbane and Sydney.”

Mexico--Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stearn, Glendale: “Lalo’s Grill and Restaurant on Costera Miguel Aleman, across from Condesa Beach in Acapulco. Fresh oven-baked bread. None better in Acapulco. Prices are reasonable.”

Turkey--Erturvan Kanatsiz, Orange: Enjoyed Saray Otel in Marmaris, Turkey. “Right by the sea. In three-star category with 200 beds, swimming pool, etc., for $35 U.S. per night for three people including breakfast and a fantastic dinner. Contact us for information: Erturvan Kanatsiz, 2108 Orangeview Lane, Orange, Calif. 92667.”

France--William and Mary Paul, Santa Ana: “One of the most charming small hotels in Paris--the Regent’s Garden, 6 Rue Pierre-Demours, 75017 Paris. A four-star bargain at $105 U.S. a night double, including tax, service, breakfast. Three blocks to the Etoile.”

Sweden--Henry and Erika Chary, Rancho Palos Verdes: High praise for Gransholms Garden Hotel, 18 kilometers west of Vaxjo in the “romantic countryside.” About $72 U.S. per night for two, including breakfast.

Ireland--Stanley A. Erickson, Beverly Hills: Kilronan House, 70 Adelaide Road, Dublin. Rates 26 to 40 (about $17.50 to $27 U.S. per night).

Scotland--Bus McNeil, Norco: “Stayed at Ravenswood Hotel, Braemer Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AD3 5RQ, Scotland. Lodging, including a full Scottish breakfast, $22 U.S. per person; dinner tab for my family of four was only $30 U.S..”

Wales--Jerry Thomas, Los Angeles: Praise for a B&B; called Ty Isaf, Llanfachreth, Dolgellau, Meirionydd LL40 2EA, Wales. “Details complete from eyelet sheets to fresh flowers. Breakfast the best we had anywhere. Cost: 12 (about $7.50 U.S.) per person.”

England--Reg Jones, Corona del Mar: “For your readers who have experienced putting strange coins in clumsy machines and then battled through crowded turnstiles only to discover they can’t get to Piccadilly Circus via District Line, use a capital card issued by British Rail and London Transport. They are time and money savers. Come and go, back and forth as often as you wish. Bus hopping is fun too. Sample cost: one week, all five zones in greater London, about $25 U.S.”

England--David and Louise Gish, Upland: “An excellent B&B; near Castle Howard, York and Herriot Country. Rooms with private bath and TV. Rates: 14 (about $8.50 U.S. per person) with English breakfast. Excellent home-cooked evening meals 5.50. Write to Redhouse Wharram-le-Street, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 9TL, England.”

England--Mike and Nickie Godfrey, Granada Hills: “Oak Bank Hotel, Broadgate, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9TA, England. Wonderful countryside views and caring staff. Had lovely room, breakfast and full-course dinner for 28 per person. Also, Cusack’s Glebe, Saint Bury near Broadway, Worcestershire WR1 27PX, England. Rates were 32 for two (a discount if you stay two or more nights). These are two fine B&Bs.;”

England--Catherine Wallace: “A lovely B&B--Kynance;, The Warren, St. Ives, Cornwall TR26 2EA, England. Prices of $16 to $20 U.S. a night includes a huge English breakfast.”