Tag Archives: passports

International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

And you thought getting a free pair of mouse ears and some chocolates on your pillow was exciting. Wait until you see the types of goodies some luxurious family friendly resorts around the world are doling out to young guests to impress the entire clan. If you have always treated your child like a prince or princess then you’ll want to check out these ultra-luxe properties that go the extra mile to give kids the royal treatment: FRANCE The Hôtel Plaza Athénée on chic Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris has the market covered when it comes to upscale … Continue reading →

Hotels: How Green is Too Green and Living Like Indy

I’m all about saving the planet. I recycle and do what I can to conserve of electricity and water. And whereas I have never stayed at an eco-friendly resort, I know they exist and applaud their efforts in preserving the Earth. However, I recently ran across an email sent to me from someone who has contact with the Green Hotels Association and I began to wonder: How green is too green? The eco-friendly lodging group has a few tips for travelers like you and me. They recommend that “beyond demanding green services, we well-intentioned travelers should call ahead to request … Continue reading →

Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier

Toys and goldfish delivered to your room, goodie bags at check-in, kid suites, and baby sitting services—now that’s my kind of hotel. Hotel chains such as Embassy Suites and Omni, which consistently rate well with business travelers, are stepping up efforts to please pint-sized guests–just in time for the busy summer travel season. In fact, Embassy Suites (which is a Hilton-owned chain) recently launched a children-only website — embassykids.com — where kids can build their own online drinks and omelets and print out packing lists and coloring sheets. Meanwhile, Omni Hotels has started giving out free backpacks with small toys … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Royal Viewing and Happy Hybrids

I admit I was a die-hard Princess Diana fan. My mom woke me up at 2 a.m. Hawaii time to watch her fairy tale wedding to Prince Charles. I used my allowance to buy special editions of PEOPLE magazine whenever she was on the cover and I went gaga when her boys were born. So when it was announced that a dozens of Diana’s gowns were going to be displayed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in Florida, for a split second I considered making the trip (then reality hit and I remembered that I can barely … Continue reading →

More “Green” Earth Day Travel Ideas

Apparently, it’s not enough for some lodgings to provide “green” guests with simple eco-friendly amenities such as organic cotton sheets and hybrid shuttles, now, just in time for Earth Day, an increasing number of hotels are offering environmentally correct menu options at their in-house restaurants as well. The on-site eateries are serving up organic and locally grown foods, much to the delight of tree hugging guests. For example, in celebration of Earth Day next week Tuesday, Blue on Blue, a poolside restaurant at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills is offering guests a $55 prix fixe menu showcasing organic and … Continue reading →

Summer Lovin’: New York and Las Vegas

Still looking for the perfect place to spend part of your summer vacation? Take a look at why these famous cities should be at the top of your list: NEW YORK So you didn’t make it there in time to see Pope Benedict XVI preside over Sunday Mass, but that’s no reason to by pass the chance to sit in a seat at New York City’s Yankee Stadium, especially since time is running out for you to do so. This season marks the last that sports fans will be gathering in the House that Ruth Built. The 85-year-old Bronx ballpark … Continue reading →

Hotels Going the Extra Mile

Personally, I don’t ever have a problem falling asleep-—no matter what time zone I am in. However, some travelers (especially those who have no hint of narcolepsy) struggle with falling asleep especially when they are in foreign lands. Hoteliers are well aware of this problem and some are now coming to the aid of their guests by offering unique sleep services. Take for example Hyatt’s new Andaz Liverpool Street location in London. For the next two weeks the lodging will host the world’s first “Hotel Reader in Residence.” Need a bedtime story to lull you to sleep? Writer Damian Barr … Continue reading →

Affordable Accommodations in Exotic Locations

How do you spend your travel dollars? Do you pay big bucks flying off to exotic destinations and compensate by staying in budget hotels? Or do you try to find the cheapest means of travel and loosen your budget purse strings to pay for ultra-luxe accommodations? If you play your cards right in the days leading up to the busy summer travel season you could save on both. A number of airlines are offering great travel deals to exotic locations while hoteliers are aiding budget conscious jetsetters by providing package deals. Take a look: INDONESIA Bali’s Desa Seni opened less … Continue reading →

Affordable Accommodations in Europe

With the worth of the U.S. dollar continually dipping in a growing number of European destinations it is up to savvy travelers to make every cent count when touring abroad. One of the ways you can save when traveling internationally is to take advantage of deals offered by lesser-known lodgings. The following hotels are currently providing guests with outstanding savings on standard rooms. Take a look: ITALY Baglio Santacroce is located on a hillside near Erice, Sicily, with sweeping views of Mount Cofano and the Gulf of Cornino. The hotel has 62 rooms that are split between a renovated 17th-century … Continue reading →

Affordable Lodgings in North America

Gas prices are soaring, the price of homes is dropping and the stock market is unstable. For many families the thought of taking a vacation during these tough economic times is simply out of the question. Which is why I’ve been writing a series of blogs on how to travel without going bankrupt. In previous blogs I listed a variety of hotels that are offering incredible savings on rooms–only to take advantage of the deals you would have to journey to the far reaches of the globe. If you are looking to stay a bit closer to home (provided “home” … Continue reading →