Tag Archives: Single Life

Regal Sun Resort (Formerly the Grosvenor Resort)

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The Regal Sun Resort was previously known as the Grosvenor Resort. After a $25 million renovation, little of the Grosvenor is left to be found here. Although the Grosvenor was a lovely resort, the Regan Sun is even better. All 626 guest rooms and suites have beautiful, brand new furnishings, carpeting and artwork as well as the latest technology to make you as comfortable as possible. Each guest room has either two double beds or one king-sized bed and all have a spectacular view of the city, the pool or the courtyard. Accommodations at this newly renovated hotel include: Pillow-topped … Continue reading →

Luxury Travel: Europe

Last night as I was watching FOX News I saw yet another story on the weak state of the U.S. dollar. I’m as guilty as they are. Looking through the Families.com archives I noticed that I have written about the pathetic downfall of the dollar at least four times in the last few weeks. Re-reading those blogs inspired me to write this one. Far be it from me to dissuade readers to explore Europe simply because it is more expensive than it used to be. After all, some people have money to burn. Especially the person who is holding the … Continue reading →

Las Vegas’ Latest and Greatest Resort

It’s been nearly three years since the Strip in Las Vegas has welcomed a new hotel and The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino plans to make the wait well worth it for guests. The $1.9 billion resort opens its doors to the public this weekend with a massive celebration complete with fireworks, a Diana Ross concert and a private dinner cooked up by the likes of Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and Mario Batali. The Palazzo is now the tallest hotel tower in Vegas (featuring some 3,000 guest rooms) and some say it is slightly more elegant than its iconic sister property The Venetian … Continue reading →

Walt Disney World Dolphin

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The Walt Disney World Dolphin resort is located on Crescent Lake and shares recreational options, convention facilities, restaurants and shopping with it’s sister site, the Walt Disney World Swan. These hotels are not owned by Disney but by Westin Hotels. Through a reciprocal agreement, they are considered Walt Disney World resorts. The Dolphin is within walking distance of Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk and the Yacht & Beach Club. This 27 story, triangular tower with 1,509 units (136 are suites and 77 are concierge rooms) is crowned by two 56-foot dolphin statues. Just a note – if you’re expecting the usual dolphin … Continue reading →

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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This is by far my favorite of all the Disney resorts. The Grand Floridian was inspired by the turn-of-the-century Victorian resorts of the Florida coast. It is complete with verandas, latticework, dormers, and turrets and will easily transport you back to a time when everything about vacationing was elegant. The five-story main building houses the Grand Lobby which is decorated in perfect Victorian furnishings. There is an open-cage elevator and the ceiling is decorated with stained-glass domes and glittering chandeliers. Outside is the Seven Seas Lagoon and a white sandy beach. If the lobby doesn’t transport you, the 900 guest … Continue reading →

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

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Fitting nicely with the Rocky Mountain lodge theme of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the 19th century railroad theme of the Wilderness Lodge Villas. The Wilderness Lodge Villas are a Disney Vacation Club property but you can book a villa as easily as booking a room at the lodge. When you’re traveling with a large family or want the convenience of being able to eat a few meals in without surcharges or having to pick up take-out, the villas are the place to stay. There are 136 villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that range from studio style to two bedroom home. … Continue reading →

The Single Fantasy

National Singles Week runs from September 15-21. This year the National Singles Association is hosting events in Atlanta from September 17 thru 23. Unmarried America is also celebrating singles during the same time period, with what they call National Unmarried and Single Americans Week. “Why the fascination with Singles Week, Courtney? I thought you were happily married? And didn’t you just celebrate an anniversary?” Yes, I am happily married and, yes, we did just celebrate an anniversary, our 12th in fact. But sometimes I have this fantasy of what it would be like to be footloose and fancy free… The … Continue reading →

Nickelodeon Water Parks

If your kids are fans of Dora the Explorer, Diego, Or SpongeBob Square Pants and don’t mind getting water in their eyes (like my daughter does) then I have good news for you. Marriott hotels and the popular children’s TV network, Nickelodeon just announced it plans to team up to create a chain of upscale water park resorts. The move is making headlines for two reasons: First, Marriott is making a major switch in its marketing strategy. The hotel chain, traditionally known for catering to business travelers, is now targeting families. Entering the family-themed vacation business allows Marriott to tap … Continue reading →

Mystery Shopping: Cruises and Resorts

So, you want to shop a cruise or a resort. You’re thinking it would be a great vacation for you and/or your family. Wrong. Cruises and resorts are two of the most detailed shops there are. They do pay very well in many cases, but they require a lot. You won’t be relaxing, you’ll be working. Like the amusement park shops, some of them may allow you to bring your family, so you’ll essentially be working so that they can enjoy themselves. Do not ever schedule a shop like this on a vacation. It’s simply not doable. Mystery shopping is … Continue reading →

Tips for Single Dating

After going through my divorce, I thought I would never date again. Interestingly, I chose not to date for more than six years so I could focus on raising my children. Most of my longtime friends thought I was crazy but in retrospect, this break was the best thing I could have done – for me and for my kids. I started dating one and a half years ago. From then to now, I have met some great people but not “the one”. Two months ago, I was out dancing with my friends who play in a classic rock band. … Continue reading →