First of all Happy Valentine's Day! Now to my request: I would like to go to the beach this summer with my boyfriend, a classical pianist. The problem is that he can only take the beach for about 2 days, and then he gets antsy for a piano. It's a problem for us, since I would love to stay on the beach for 10 days! So I wonder if anyone knows of a beach house that comes with a piano. It can be anywhere in the world (although we don't have a lot of money). He's in Germany, and I'm in New York so we are thinking of the coasts of Long Island, Connecticut, or Spain, or Italy! Can anyone help?

Renting as an option if all else fails?

If you change your mind and would consider the mountains please contact me.

rada

Thank you Rada - we're considering all options!!

You mean renting a piano? I would consider it but my boyfriend wants to play a grand, not an upright and i don't think we could afford to rent a grand. Thank you for the idea. Hmmmm - maybe he'll break down and let us rent an upright.

Bette,

My advice would be to identify some destinations where you would like to go, and then contact churches and schools (especially universities if you're looking for a grand), and ask if they'll allow him to use one of their pianos while you're there. I've had excellent luck with this approach when traveling.

Excellent idea on contact schools, churches, etc.
To that you might consider an ad in the local Craigslist under "Musical Instruments". I scored a very nice practice situation that way once on one of the coastal islands of Georgia.

Thank you Legal - that is a GREAT idea. Maybe they even have spots they offer for retreats...

Dear Seeker - that is also a great idea! I haven't explored Craig's List on this topic and that is probably a worthwhile site to check out. Thank you. thanks to all for these good ideas. (the coasts of Georgia and Louisiana and North Carolina I hear are beautiful - never been)

I think I know just the place for you. I bought a DVD from "Scott 'The Piano Guy' Houston" a couple weeks ago and was checking out his website www.scottthepianoguy.com and they have vacation rentals on the west coast of Florida with pianos ... take a look at the website and see if it sounds good.

Book a penthouse suite on either Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. They come with lovely grand pianos.

Oh my Gosh, thank you so much Efriis! I am going to jump on it. I will let you know what I find! Great great find.

Dear Ocgypz:

Thank you so much for another good suggestion! That is something I never even heard about. I think it might be a little out of our budget, but I'm going to look into it. Never been on a cruise and have always been curious about that experience. (I just hope the boat doesn't hit a reef...)

Hi Bette,

I just went to get the link for you:

http://www.scotthouston.com/store/Scott-s-Beach-Home/

As it sounded quite nice (for my family) when I read it. But I see in the photo what looks like a digital piano which may not be good enough for your boyfriend's skill level as he sounds quite accomplished. I'm not sure if they have a house with a real piano in it...you may want to give them a call as they may be able to help you find what you are looking for. Please let us know how things go.

Best, Erik

There is a place called the Sunset Marquis in Hollywood. Give them a call or look at their web site. A very high end place.

Dear Erik - thank you for looking at that house rental in Florida - I checked it out and you're so right - my BF would never go for an electric piano. He's even uncomfortable with uprights! (He's a little nuts, this is why I love him) The place looks otherwise pretty nice, and the owner seems very cool. ANyway - THANK YOU ERIK!

Hey Rafterman -

I checked out the Sunset Marquis and it looks like we could afford to go to the bar, buy one drink (and split it) but not much more...

I am however buying lotto tickets and when I win, that place is incredible. Thank you for the suggestion!