Some of Our Favorite US B&B's.

Bed & Breakfasts in major, and some minor city destinations seem reserved only by the select few of us. When have you last reserved a B&B? Was it for an occasion? Anniversary? Face it, like me you think of the consistent convenience a hotel chain offers. Like a restaurant chain that serves comfort food uniformly across the country, we go there because we hesitate to step into the local flavor. Bed & Breakfasts often allows the lodger a stay in history rubbing elbows with the locals in a way that deepens the experience. And as most provide the comforts of a hotel (AC, WiFi, Maid, Cable TV etc) and a breakfast that simply can not be beat by any hotel, maybe it's time to reconsider a B&B for your next business or leisure trip?
Here are some of the favorites in the US we have in our files:

Morgan State House, Albany New York
http://www.statehouse.com
The Morgan state House Inn is an excellent example of late 19th century elegance and design. It has been restored to provide the most unique accommodations in the Capital District. Voted "Best in the Capital/Saratoga Region", The Morgan State House is an Inn honoring the European tradition. Our beds are our signature. Feather mattresses, down comforters and soft cotton sheets provide the ultimate nights rest.

Anniversary Inn, Salt Lake City Utah
http://www.anniversaryinn.com
Here's a unique place. Plan a little adventure, without the airfare, in the Mysteries of Egypt Suite or the Arabian Night's Suite. Sleep in a treehouse in our Swiss Family Robinson Suite or watch a movie on the big screen while lounging in back of a pick-up truck in Rich's Drive-In. They have two locations in SLC, and one in Boise. They have two in Salt Lake, one in Boise, Idaho and another in Logan Utah. One of the best B&B's we have ever come across. Certainly one of the most unusual.

The Governors House, Charleston SC
http://www.governorshouse.com
You could argue that Charleston and Savannah are the capitals of Southern B&B Charm. There are many. And all have some rich history to share. Among Historic Charleston inns, only Governor's House Inn offers the rare pleasures, aristocratic comforts and romantic grandeur of a pre-Revolution National Landmark combined with legendary Charleston hospitality.

The Gastonian, Savannah GA
http://www.gastonian.com
The Gastonian, located near Forsyth Park, consists of two adjoining Regency-Italianate-style mansions built in 1868. Today, The Gastonian is a four-diamond, award-winning bed and breakfast inn, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the finest places to stay in the world. Its intimate 17 guest rooms are uniquely furnished and named after prominent Savannah natives such as Flannery O'Connor, Juliette Gordon Low and Mary Telfair. All guest rooms have working fireplaces. Guests are given personalized breakfast menus, and can choose either a silver tray service or may join other guests for family-style breakfasts. A complimentary selection of tea, hors d'oeuvres and wine, is served each afternoon. Desserts and cordials are served in the evenings.

Elves Manor, St Louis MO
http://www.elvesmanor.com
Much more than a room with a view, Elves Manor is an entire house all your own in St. Louis’ most urbane and cosmopolitan historic neighborhood, the Central West End. As a 21st century “alley house” or latter-day “carriage house,” Elves Manor continues the St. Louis tradition of a dwelling built at the rear of the lot line, behind the main house–the main house in this case being a 1904 Tudor Revival cottage located within the West Pine-Laclede National Register Historic District.

Do you know of some special B&B's? I'm sure you do and we'd love to hear from you. http://www.thecarltonfiles.com/contactUs.php

Your Client's Use Of Smartphone While Traveling: SURVEY RESULTS

Our online survey conducted in July and August 2010 titled, "Your Client's Use of Mobile Device", where we asked several questions regarding your use, or clients use, of smartphone apps when traveling has netted some results we would like to share with other professionals.

From the responses we received the following net results:

- Respondents were mostly business professionals, executive and personal assistants; corporate travel agents.
- More than 2/3's of our respondents currently travel more than 5 times a year.
- 82% travel for business reasons, with 40% traveling for 1 - 3 days and 19% for more than 5 days.
- 80% use a smartphone for reasons other than email and voice mail.
- 37% use an iPhone, 33% use a Blackberry.
- 8% use an Android.
- 15% stated "other".
-Use of smartphone:
19% for maps
15% for tracking itinerary
14% for finding local businesses
11% Things to do while in a location
9% Entertainment

89% of the respondents approved of and were "more than likely" to purchase a service such as The Carlton Files that deliver all of the functionality of destination management and information, such as maps, local businesses and services, best entertainment, bars, restaurants, emergency information and more.
See a pdf of the survey here: The Carlton Files.

The Best BBQ in Texas

Texas is a big state, where a big appetite for BBQ has evolved. Through our research, and contributions we have compiled a list of the best barbeque ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other BBQ be found in the great state of Texas. We are of course sure there is more, and we may not cover those towns in our database. If you know of others please do drop us a line:

Salt Lick BBQ
18001 Farm to Market Road 1826
Austin, TX United States of America 78619
Telephone: (512) 858-4959
http://www.saltlickbbq.com

Stubb's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
801 Red River Street
Austin, TX United States of America 78701
Telephone: (512) 480-8341
http://www.stubbsaustin.com

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q Inc
101 W Commerce St
San Antonio, TX United States of America 78205
Telephone: (210) 229-9519
http://billmillerbbq.com/

County Line Barbeque
111 W Crockett St Ste 104
San Antonio, TX United States of America 78205
Telephone: (512) 327-6748
http://www.countyline.com/

Hickory Hollow Restaurant
101 Heights Boulevard
Houston, TX United States of America 77007
Telephone: (713) 869-6300
http://www.hickoryhollowrestaurant.com