Guest post contributed by Kevin Caldwell, a traveler who enjoys sharing his experiences with others. He also built
grandoleopryhotels.com to help travelers find affordable hotels near the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Reading a novel set in a European 1920s summer takes you to wonderful places. You can practically see the lovely water, taste the exquisite cuisine and feel the bubbly champagne rolling down your throat. Unfortunately, traveling to Europe is quite expensive, especially during the more popular travel months of the year. However, you can remedy this problem by visiting the Pridwin located on Shelter Island, out east on Long Island.
Back In Time
Upon driving up to this beauty, you'll immediately be transported back into time with modern amenities of course. The lobby looks nothing like the stark, cold lobbies so many hotels have. Instead, it is delicately adorned in soft blue and white shades really bringing you back to a different era. Shortly upon entering the Pridwin, you'll realize that many of the employees are from Europe. Once again, the scene is set for that perfect vacation. The Pridwin has three separate floors. Please be advised that no elevator exists in this hotel, so please ask about special accommodations if one of your guests is unable to tackle the stairs.
The rooms are not overly large, but they are clean, comfortable and well-kept. The size of the rooms really does not matter though as you won't be spending much time in it at all. The pool is open from the morning until the early evening hours, and lunch is served for a couple of hours. You're also able to order drinks from the bar, and the servers will run them out to you. Take a dip in the pool and then get a tan as you enjoy a pina colada or margarita. Going for a swim is not a necessity at all, and many guests simply sit poolside watching others splash around as they themselves enjoy an excellent novel and a cold refreshing beverage.
What else is there to do but sit at the pool all day? Well, the Pridwin is located right on the beach. The beach is small and private, so you need not worry about lugging supplies all over the beach. Although many people do stay at this hotel, it's not overly large so you aren't fighting for space on the beach. You also have the option to go kayaking or paddleboarding. The attendants are stationed on the beach to help you with the equipment and to show you how to use it properly and in a safe manner.
Food That Cannot Be Beat
Meals at the Pridwin simply cannot be beat. The breakfast buffet includes both hot and cold items, and a special usually exists. One of the favorites is a "make-your-own parfait" station, at which you can put on whatever toppings that you want. If you choose not to have lunch at the pool, you can eat in the restaurant. Both indoor and outdoor dining options exist, with most of the guests choosing the latter. Dinner is simply exquisite and finer food will likely never enter into your mouth. Specials vary by day, but you can be sure to always find something delectable on the menu.
A beautiful bar sits just inside the doors leading to the outdoor dining area. Sit at the bar itself, or relax on one of the comfortable couches. If wine is your specialty, the Long Island Wine Country is not too far away. You'll need to take a quick ferry ride over to Greenport or the Hamptons, depending on which wineries you would like to visit. Greenport and the Hamptons are both very nice areas to walk through during one of your days of the stay. You might choose to dine in one of these places as well.
For whom is the Pridwin suitable? The answer is pretty much everyone. Many families go there, and their children enjoy days spent splashing in the pool and playing at the beach. You'll also see a number of couples ranging in age. Not too many young couples frequent this establishment. Although it is much less expensive than a vacation to Europe, the price is still on the higher end. For those who are able to afford a vacation to the Pridwin, it is truly an enjoyable experience.
