hotels Archives - Mom's Guide To Travel

Apr 08 2016

2016 Presidential Race Heats Up With Captain Obvious

It’s obvious that the 2016 Presidential Race is on every voting age American’s mind (most little kids could care less). What isn’t obvious is who will win this hot contest. At this point, it seems like it’s anybody’s race except that there’s one candidate hanging in the wings, watching, taking notes, and running for President, literally: Captain Obvious.

He loves travel, supports hotels at great prices, and has some good jokes. I don’t know about you but that makes him the obvious choice for me.

How hotels(dot)com and Captain Obvious won my vote

Let me tell you, I’ve used hotels(dot)com at least 5 times in the last 8 months to find quick options for hotels from Maryland to Costa Rica. As a matter of fact, this time last year I was searching the site for a place to stay in Costa Rica for my sister and me.

I had read about several beautiful resorts online when I was researching properties that offered hot springs. I checked prices directly on resort websites but something told me I could probably find better rates elsewhere. This is the normal part of my trip planning process – I search multiple sources before I make a decision.

This is where hotels(dot)com came into the picture. #TrueStory. They are one of several booking sites where I do my research. The site offered ample photos, reviews, and a rewards program.

It’s like they knew that I needed a room because the resort that was at the top of my list just so happened to have a deal on it. Score!

Just like Captain Obvious with this Presidential race, I couldn’t run fast enough to book our room. As a matter of fact, when it comes to a good deal on hotels, I could probably take him in a race. But I have to say, he got jokes. You should see some of his funny tweets throughout the whole presidential race.

You HAVE to see what jokes he had for other states. So far D.C. and NY are the funniest that I’ve watched.

Hilarious!

Back to my experience (cause obviously someone else loves the spotlight)…When I got to Costa Rica, there was no issue at the front desk as happens so often when people book rooms at what they think are great rates only to have to deal with drama in-destination.

It was my first time using the site to book a room. That’s how the booking engine and Captain Obvious won my vote.

Race for President

I can’t give you advice on who to vote for – well, actually I can but you do you (God help us all). However, I can give you advice on a good place to search for hotels based on my personal experience.

Who did I use when I booked a hotel room for my son’s sleepover birthday party in January? Hotels(dot)com.

Where did I get a sweet deal on a last-minute getaway for my Valentine’s birthday? Hotels(dot)com. This deal was that much sweeter because it was at a Kimpton hotel in Alexandria, VA nonetheless. Just sayin’.

Choose who you wanna choose when it comes to booking hotels (or picking Presidential candidates). For me, there’s an obvious choice.

About Hotels(dot)com

Hotels(dot)com is supporting Captain Obvious during the 2016 Presidential race because they believe in simplicity as much as he does – and he’ll need a place to sleep at night. They’ll be providing him with running shoes, socks, shorts and everything else he needs for his run.

They see the presidential race as a creative opportunity to utilize Captain Obvious as a way to be a part of, share in the broader cultural experience and to engage.

Feb 22 2016

12 Chain Hotels That Make You Feel Right at Home

Warm tones and Comfy Chairs

This post about comfy chain hotels originally appeared on the Hipmunk Tailwind blog.

The great thing about chain hotels is that they can feel welcome, no matter where you go. You can pick your favorite based on the service, the amenities and the restaurants, knowing that the same standards will be consistent. And these aren’t “cookie-cutter” hotels, either: each is a different experience. Here are our picks for great chain hotels.

1. Fairmont, Pittsburgh

This prime downtown location is close to everything: Heinz Hall, Monongahela Incline and PNC Park. Relax in the health club, sauna or steam room. Large 430 sq. ft. rooms include a minibar, coffee maker, LCD TV, high-speed Internet and comfortable bathrobes. Get Hipmunk deals at the Fairmont Pittsburgh.

2. Hyatt Place, Charlotte

See the NASCAR Hall of Fame or enjoy the nightlife at the Hyatt Place Charlotte. TheHyatt Place is central to all the delights, and offers rooms with separate sleeping and living areas, 42-inch TV, coffee/tea maker, mini-fridge and free WiFi. Eat anytime at the 24/7 Gallery Menu and Market.

3. Hyatt French Quarter, New Orleans

This historic Hyatt puts you right in the heart of the city on Bourbon Street. Elegant non-smoking rooms feature HDTV and luxury bath products, and you can request a balcony room. Best of all, the rates are reasonable, even during Mardi Gras.

4. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia

Theatre and art lovers will love this hotel, located in the theater district and close to Rittenhouse Square. Dine with spectacular views in the 19th floor restaurant, and work out on the indoor running track. The luxurious rooms feature marble baths, sweeping views and 42-inch TVs.

5. Hotel Arts, Barcelona

Five-star luxury in a 44-story skyscraper right on the Mediterranean. This hotel is spectacular for its location, superb service, beautiful rooms and luxury spa. Barcelona mixes an enchanting blend of Spanish and Catalan culture, including fabulous markets.

6. Aloft Hotel, Minneapolis

If you like airy rooms with oversized windows and a hip urban location, you’ll love the Aloft. It’s in the trendy Mill District, near all that the vibrant Minneapolis arts scene has to offer. Rooms feature flat-panel TVs, free Wi-Fi and mini-fridges.

7. Radisson Blu Agua, Chicago

This is a sleek hotel with minimalist, elegant décor right on the lakefront. There’s a helpful Concierge Service to help you get around. Back at the hotel, relax in the beautiful Lifestyle Garden. Your Business Class room includes an espresso machine, fresh fruit delivered daily and use of the business lounge.

8. Hyatt Regency Resort Spa, Maui

Enjoy the gorgeous views of historic Lahaina from your own lanai. Or splash into the huge 750,000 gallon pool, complete with a 150-foot lava tube slide surrounded by grottoes and waterfalls. You can sight see while the kids live it up at Camp Hyatt Maui. And naturally, there’s 40 acres of beach and two championship golf courses nearby.

9. Sheraton, Salt Lake City

Love to ski? Try the nearby world-class slopes, some with kid-friendly and beginner trails. You can choose from two room options: The Sheraton Club, with upgraded baths and great views from the Club Lounge, or the Salt Lake Lodging, with traditional rooms.

10. Sheraton, Seattle

Panoramic city views and luxury suites are on offer at this Sheraton. The indoor lap pool overlooks Elliott Bay, and there’s a fitness center and health club. Your room has Sweet Sleeper® beds with pillow top mattresses and premium bedding.

11. JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

All the rooms are colorful and comfortable, but if you’re in a group, splurge on a suite here, because it’s certainly worth it. This hotel is very close to the L.A. Convention Center.

12. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

You’ll think you’re in a boutique hotel at this downtown Ritz-Carlton. It features 123 large guest rooms, a heated rooftop pool with fabulous views, luxury beds and baths, and bath butler and bath menu services. And if course, you’ll love Wolfgang Puck’s WP 24 restaurant.

Sep 05 2013

Save Money With The Sheraton New York Times Square Renovation Special

Every once in a while I have to do my civic duty and let y’all know about a travel promotion that I think you may like. This past weekend I went home to Brooklyn to visit my family over the Labor Day weekend. Although we usually stay at my sister’s in Queens, my husband would much rather rest his head at a hotel in the city. Novel idea, and I like his thinking, but I prefer to spend my travel dollars in destinations that aren’t called “home”.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big promoter of staycations and staying in New York is still exciting and tons of fun. When I’m not giving advice to tourists about how to avoid being annoying tourists, I feel like a visitor myself. I’ve rested my head in some pretty nice hotels in Manhattan in the past, but these days, what I consider “nice” is the hotel that’s helping me keep dollars in my pockets.

Well, this October and November, if we decide to take a quick getaway to New York for our anniversary, we’ll have to give the Sheraton New York Times Square a twirl. They have a neat promotion going on right now where they’re rewarding guests for home and personal renovations. Different, right? But why?

Sheraton New York Times Square Gets a Face-lift

And to celebrate the completion of their $180 million top-to-bottom face-lift of their own, the Sheraton New York Times Square is offering hotel guests who have recently gone through a renovation of their own – whether a home remodeling or any type of cosmetic procedure – a $50 per stay Makeover Celebration Credit. Overnight guests simply present a valid receipt at check-in showing at least $150 in home renovation projects or personal cosmetic procedures to receive the credit.

General Manager Mark Sanders notes, “We are celebrating our hotel’s complete renovation and showing a gorgeous new face to Manhattan. The Sheraton New York Times Square wants to share the excitement by offering a $50 credit, showing our guests that we applaud their own makeover investments in their homes, apartments and personal self-improvement. We look forward to hearing many entertaining makeover stories from our guests.”

The $50 per stay credit is valid once per trip; valid on two-night stays on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October 2013; and will be credited upon check-in at the hotel. And don’t try to get over just so that you can get the credit. Home improvements and makeover procedures must have occurred within six months of check-in date and cosmetic procedures must be in-office medical procedures.

For more details, go to www.SheratonNewYork.com and click “Offers” or call the hotel directly at 212-581-1000. You have 1,781 newly renovated rooms to choose from if you decide to go for a stay like we’re considering. As far as our makeover investment, I don’t think we’ll have any entertaining makeover stories unless our plumber decides to do something off-the-wall, like not charge us a plane ticket for his services.

May 16 2012

Review: Courtyard Marriott – Frederick, MD

For Mother’s Day, my husband surprised me with an overnight stay at the Courtyard Marriott in historic Frederick, Maryland. This area is one of my favorite local places for a day trip.

We’ve stayed at dozens of Marriotts over the years and have been pretty happy with their brand of mid-priced select service hotels like the Courtyard. I’m a big fan of their new lobby configuration that they’ve been rolling out to Courtyards since 2008.

NEW-STYLE LOBBY

The open layout of the area is laid back and inviting. The modern decor, mixed with the use of plants and a water sculpture set the tone for the space. These elements balance well with the technology you see floating around in the form of the 42+ inch “Go Board”, the computer stations, and the flat screen televisions. Cozy booths, called “pods”, have personal televisions in them, ideal for remote control tyrants.

Besides the pods, there are several other seating options in the Bistro dining area: high-top cafe style seating against an elongated linear table, standard table seating, and bar seating. The Bistro serves Starbucks, drinks, and a tasty selection of appetizers and desserts. My hot-wing connoisseur of an 8 year-old happily devoured his half dozen wings and I relaxed with a lemon pound cake buried beneath a mound of strawberries and whip cream.

The lobby area has a few options where you can either surf the internet, watch television, or tuck yourself away with a book. Adjacent to the far side of the lobby, just outside, is exterior seating complete with a fire pit, great for meeting other guests or listening to someone serenade the flames. We had the “pleasure” of listening to a guitar player that night practicing his craft.

OTHER AMENITIES

Standard to the hotel and nothing overly impressive, you’ll find the pool, hot tub, and 24-hour exercise room, also on the main floor. One thing that I must point out that did impress me was how well of a job the cleaning crew did keeping the hotel spotless, smelling fresh, and well-stocked with towels in the pool and exercise areas. When the latter detail is ignored, as I’ve seen in other hotels, it drives me insane.

THE ROOMS

From the earthy colors of the linen wallpaper, to the nature photography in our room, to the plush bedding, the atmosphere was relaxing. The air conditioning unit had its moments, churning loudly at its cycling points but it’s the only criticism that I have of the hotel.

In all, a stay at the Courtyard Marriott Frederick makes for a peaceful getaway on Mother’s Day or any day, if you’re in the area.

Oct 17 2011

Grand Caymanian Resort Review – Cayman Islands

In July, our family of four stayed at the Grand Caymanian Resort in the Cayman Islands. The property is situated on the North Sound of Grand Cayman about 15 minutes from the airport. The resort’s location was serene and removed from tourist congestion.

Transportation
Taxi service to the resort cost $40 for our family. The resort didn’t offer airport pick-up service for its guests, something that took us by surprise. The resort does offer a shuttle to different attractions and transportation to the local market, however you’re on someone else’s time. Management politely suggests that guests rent a vehicle if interested in touring the island fully.

Amenities:
A scuba shop
A c-store
24-hour access gym
An onsite restaurant
Two pools, including a kiddy pool
Tennis court
Water sports
Private beach access complete with hammocks, beach chairs, and a pier

The Villa
We stayed in two connecting villas that had a lock-off option. We put our boys in the larger villa and stayed in the one-bedroom villa, keeping the doors open in between the two. The larger-sized villa included a full kitchen complete with a refrigerator, microwave and stove; a washer and dryer unit; a 6-person dining table, couch and love seat, an entertainment unit, a double-entry balcony over looking the pool, restaurant, and beach, as well as a large double-vanity bathroom. Our smaller villa offered a kitchenette, a desk, small couch, and a private balcony as well.

One of the things I loved about having the connecting villas was the separation of space and the extra room for the kids to run around and explore. The other pluses that worked well for my family were the in-suite washer and dryer and the full-size kitchen.

Criticisms of the Grand Caymanian:

In my opinion, here are some things I think the Grand Caymanian needs in order to count itself as a true 4 star resort:

A proper gym complete with free weights, a television, towels, and in general, more state of the art exercise equipment

Personalized activities for kids

Updates/Modernization to the decor of its older villas

An expanded concessions store

Airport shuttle service for guests or some equivalent

Most importantly, wi-fi service in all rooms. Using the business office or lugging my laptop down to the lobby to use the service was a grand inconvenience. When I’m on vacation, most of my computer time is done late at night when everyone is asleep – leaving my villa in the dark to get internet service is not an option and a deal breaker for me when deciding to be a repeat vacationer at a resort. Hopefully the new owner will see the value in providing this service for their (mainly) American guests in the near future.

Wrap-up
There are plenty of things that the Grand Caymanian does right for its size: its hospitality and offering on-site water sport amenities. Guest activities like the free coconut-picking demonstration and paid in-pool scuba diving training can keep guests entertained for a spell but for the most part, you will need to go off-site if you’re looking for more action. Notwithstanding mom’s critical eye, my little family had a great time at the resort swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the Caymanian sun.