Category Archives: News & Updates

Women’s History Month

Women are under-represented throughout history.

Around the globe, we are present in every industry and facet of life.

We’ve had to fight for our rights.

Thanks to the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women for celebrating the first “Women’s History Week” in 1978!

Then in 1987, Congress designated March as “Women’s History Month,” and since then, the National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes the yearly theme.

2020’s Women’s History Month theme is Valiant Women of the Vote.  The theme honors women who fought to win suffrage rights for women and for those who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.

Treat Yourself

  • Bear Mountain, NY: Be kind to yourself – feeling stressed? Take a breathe and slow down

Traveling to escape the city? Bringing your pet? Celebrate 2020 with 20% off your lodging accommodation for two or more nights and 20% off one lunch or dinner in Restaurant 1915, located in Bear Mountain Inn. Room discount available on accommodations in the Overlook Lodge or Stone Lodges. To reserve, please call the hotel directly at 845.786.2731 or Bear Mountain Inn.

  • The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, FL: Prioritize time with yourself, organize your to-do list

Enjoy a unique stay beside the world’s deepest freshwater spring. Hiking trails, boat tours, swimming. Visit The Lodge at Wakulla and book now!

  • Big Sur, CA: Spend time alone – journal your thoughts, walk in nature or enjoy a cup of tea

Use your vacation day to unwind and experience nature. Take a weekend out to visit “mini-Yosemite”! As a Lodge guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to all three state parks in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Check room availability here.

Facts about Females

  • The world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji, was published in Japan around A.D. 1000 by female author Murasaki Shikibu.
  • The first country to grant women the right to vote in the modern era was New Zealand in 1893. It wasn’t until 1920 that women got the right to vote in the USA.

Valentine’s Day

Here at Guest Services, Inc.

We appreciate your time

Be our valentine

Valentine’s Day, or St Valentine’s Day, is celebrated every year on February 14. It’s the day when people show their affection for others by sending cards, flowers, or chocolates with messages of love.

But where did valentine’s day come from?

Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage because he thought married men were bad soldiers. Valentine felt this was unfair, so he broke the rules and arranged marriages in secret. When Claudius found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death. In jail, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, and when he was taken to be killed on 14 February, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine.”

Enjoy a Sweet Treat!

  • Traverse, Breckenridge, CO

Take a trip to the Centennial State! You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and spectacular romantic sunsets as you dine on delectable dishes that are prepared fresh daily. Make a reservation today 

  • Restaurant 1915, Bear Mountain, NY

Not interested in the big apple? Keep on going past Manhattan, past Yonkers, and you’ll reach the wooded Bear Mountain State Park. Enjoy a tasty piece of locally sourced meat at Restaurant 1915 & Blue Roof Bar.

  • Homestead Restaurant, Big Sur, CA

When you dine at our Restaurant and Bar, you dine surrounded by redwoods. You can enjoy either inside or while relaxing with a glass of local California wine or craft beer on the outdoor patio that overlooks the Big Sur River. Redwoods are waiting!

  • Sculpture Garden, Pavilion Café, DC

Come hungry, leave happy. Whether you’re hungry for snacks, meals or shareable plates, we have it all! Come and grab a bite before you walk around the National Mall. Call us at 202-289-3361

Valentines Around the World

Wales – Residents of Wales celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and men traditionally gift women with hand-carved wooden spoons. The tradition is based on the notion that Welsh sailors carved designs into wooden spoons while at sea to bring back to their lovers at home.

Japan – In Japan, women make the first move on Valentine’s Day. They give men gifts; a popular gift being honmei-choco, homemade chocolate. Men return the gesture on March 14. Known as White Day, men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection

Your Next Vacation

Are you ready for a vacation? Today, January 28, is National Plan Your Vacation Day!

Spend some time away from the city lights and daily frenzy!

Here are your top 15 Guest Services, Inc. vacation destinations. From pet-friendly lodging to snowy recreations.

  1. The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, FL: Enjoy a unique stay beside the world’s deepest freshwater spring. Hiking trails, boat tours, swimming. Visit The Lodge at Wakulla and book now!
    wakulla springs
  2. Everglades Florida Adventures, FL: We offer a 10,000 Islands tour so you can see a variety of birds, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife native to Florida. Whether you go on your own in one of our canoes or kayaks or join our guides as we show the beautiful and mysterious Everglades nature will reward you with its treasures. Book your 10,000 Islands Tour!
    boat tour
  3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, FL: If you’re coming from the West coast or chilly North, plan your escape and visit mermaids down south! Mermaid Shows are scheduled 365 days a year, at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Seating is on a first-come basis). Learn More! ?
    kayaking in weeki wachee
  4. Rainbow Springs State Park, FL: One of Florida’s largest springs, the headsprings of the Rainbow River starts in this beautiful 1,472-acre park. Rainbow Springs State Park is open 365 days a year to dazzle and delight your entire family! Plan your visit!
    rainbow sprnigs
  5. Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park, FL: Flamingo Adventures is the ONLY place in the USA where you can stay in a Houseboat, Eco-Tent (now OPEN!), or both as your one-stop adventure spot! Feel free to bring Buddy or Daisy at no charge while you camp in an Eco-Tent under the palm trees or hook up your RV to the group site. Reserve now!
    eco tents
  6. Bear Mountain, NY: Traveling to escape the city? Bringing your pet? We have a limited number of canine-friendly guestrooms in our Overlook Lodge.  To reserve, please call the hotel directly at 845.786.2731 or Bear Mountain Inn.  Our pet fee is $45 for the first night and $5 for each additional night
    Bear Mountain Inn
  7. National Mall, DC: Come out and visit our Nation’s capitol! Get ready for an active day while visiting the Sculpture Garden or National Gallery of Art or paddling the paddle boats at the Tidal Basin.
    national mall kiosks
  8. Giants Ridge, MN: Giants Ridge has 35 downhill ski runs, over 60 km of Nordic ski trails and a snowboarding terrain park for all your tricks! We offer a variety of lodging for you and friends! Visit Giants Ridge to find the right accommodation for you.
    giants ridge
  9. Echo Bluff, MI: Explore the Sinking Creek by fishing pole or the Current River Trail by boots while you bring your pet companion for the journey. Be sure to call ahead for one of the pet-friendly cabins and pay the pet fee $20 per dog, per night, two dogs maximum. Reserve a lodge room, cabin, or campground today ?
    echo bluff lodge
  10. The Lodge at Breckenridge, CO: Canine companions are welcome so long as they don’t jump on the furniture, don’t go for a walk in the fitness center or treat themselves to a spa day! It costs $30 per night for up to two dogs. Treat yourself and loved one(s) to an outdoor adventure or couples retreat.
    lodge at breck
  11. The Lodge at North Cascades, Stehekin, WA: While there’s so much great outdoors to explore, from Lake Chelan to the Cascade Mountains at your footsteps, there’s only so much hotel lodging for your furry friend. Pet fees are $25 per day (plus tax) per dog, for a maximum of two dogs. Book with us today!
    lodge at stehekin
  12. Mount Rainier National Park, WA: Have your snow gear ready? We have cross country skiing, guided snow walks, and snow tubing! Start planning your stay at the National Park Inn today and enjoy the mountains.
    mount rainier
  13. Big Sur, CA: Use your vacation day to unwind and experience nature. Take a weekend out to visit “mini-Yosemite”! As a Lodge guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to all three state parks in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Check room availability.
    big sur
  14. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Naples, FL: Stay at DoubleTree Suites for the comfort, amenities and great location to Miami and the Everglades National Park! It’s only a 1.5 hours’ drive. It is the perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Miami scene.
    double tree naples
  15. Boating In DC: Ready to experience DC on the water? We’ve got kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailboats, rowboats, dragon boats, boating lessons, yoga classes, monument tours and more! After spending the day as a tourist at the museums, float around the national mall and row in the memories ?
    boating in dc