Guest Travel Writer MPT, Portland OR: Call me sentimental. Call me ancient. You'd be right on both counts. My favorite four hotels in San Francisco are the Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, Palace and Westin St. Francis.

OK, so they're among the oldest hotels in the famed Bay City, but are still wonderfully multi-star, luxurious places to meet, sleep, drink, dance, romance and dine. All list current room rates starting at about $400 a night, but before booking, check every possible source for discount deals.

A random first choice happens to be the Mark Hopkins InterContinental, celebrating its 90th birthday this year. It’s perched atop Nob Hill, across the street from the equally classic St. Francis. If you get a room with a big window or balcony overlooking the city and the bay, spend time sipping a drink just to enjoy the magnificent views, both day and night.

Your travel4seniors.com editor and spouse recently viewed this alphabet soup sign. The railroad depot display spelled out is  Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwilliantysillogogoch. We won’t dare to try to pronounce it in native Welsh, but in English it means "Mary's house in the hollow of the white hazel rapid whirlpool at the church of the red cave."

If you’re considering a river or ocean voyage this year or next, and want the best deals, check out Viking’s latest deals. You have until April 30 to book cruises that perfectly fit your plans and pocketbook.

Just a few examples include two for the price of one with free airfare on some 2016 European river cruises. Others are for 2017 European, Caribbean and North American river and ocean cruises that include free airfare and other savings.

For more info and booking, go to vikingrivercruises.com and/or call 1-800-304-9616

Despite appearance of sheer panic, all was OK. As pictured from a recent cruise, the ship’s pool’s glass window below the water line is perfect for snapping scary senior scenes.