Retirees Offered ‘Quest for the Best’

National Retirement Concepts is observing its 10th anniversary under the direction of Janet Lampert, who describes her tours as “a quest for the best.”

The tours are intended to help persons over the age of 50 inspect Sunbelt areas for full-time or seasonal retirement.

“We think that by combining a leisurely vacation to Sunbelt areas with visits to retirement communities, our clients are able to make informed decisions about where to relocate and whether to invest in property upon or before retirement,” Lampert said.

Neither Lampert nor her organization have any financial interest in the retirement properties on the tours, which have six destinations: North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Arizona and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. Each tour lasts eight days and seven nights. Transportation is by van or mini-coach; groups are limited to about 15.

Lodging is at such hotels as Sheraton and Holiday Inn. All tours include a daily American breakfast, four lunches, get-acquainted and farewell dinners, local sightseeing, brochures and a meeting with a community representative to answer questions on the local cost of living, taxes, real estate and other subjects.

Prices range from $645 to $679 per person, double occupancy, or $806 to $889, single occupancy. Rates vary with seasons.

Lampert attempts to find roommates for single travelers if requested. Prices exclude air transportation between home cities and the destinations, but Lampert Tours will assist with travel arrangements. As many as nine departures are available on some tours throughout 1991.

Lampert also provides “Gift of Travel” certificates for persons who wish to present one of the tours as a gift.

National Retirement Concepts is a member of the National Tour Assn., which insures deposits and prepayments from bankruptcy and mishaps.

For more information, contact Lampert Tours, Dept. MT, 1454 Wieland Court, Chicago, Ill. 60610, (800) 888-2312.

Mature travelers looking for a hideaway hotel can enjoy the Grand Hotel in San Pedro, which looks like a historic Victorian inn and is amply furnished with antiques in individual rooms and in the public areas. Until Dec. 30, the four-year-old hotel is offering senior travelers a rate of $69 per night for one or two persons.

The rate includes a cocktail and buffet breakfast each day. Regular rates range from $80 to $90 per day. The $69 rate applies to persons over age 60 or members of AARP.

The Grand Hotel features lounge entertainment, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and is near the world cruise terminals, Catalina Island terminal, Queen Mary and other attractions.

For reservations or a brochure, call (800) 225-3135 or write to San Pedro Grand Hotel, 111 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro 90731.