Readers Recommend

Alaska--Jane Czajkowski, West Covina: “Seward’s Downtown Lodging, P.O. Box 1734, Seward 99664; tel. (907) 224-3939. Fully furnished roomy apartments. New, clean, modern.” Rates: from $75.

California--Ellen Merill, Quartz Hill: “The Esplanade B&B;, 620 The Esplanade, Chico 95926; (916) 345-8084. A beautifully restored Craftsman near downtown and Cal State Chico. Full breakfast, no smoking. An exceptional B&B.;” Rates start at $55 per room.

Japan--Joanne M. Smith, Los Angeles: “The Rickshaw Inn, 54 Suehiro-cho, Takayama, Gifu 506; tel. 011-81-577-32-2890; fax 011-81-577-32-2469. Charming “down-to-earth” Japanese-style inn with kitchen, coin laundry and morning coffee. Friendly, English-speaking hosts, Eiko and Fukashi Setoyama.” Doubles start at $100.