Tag Archives: passports

More Exotic Budget Hotels

In my previous blog I asked how much is too much to spend on a hotel room. Depending on where you are staying I would guess most travelers would be willing to drop about $150 for a decent room in a safe location. Which is why you might be surprised to learn that some of the world’s most exotic vacation spots offer incredible savings on hotel rooms. Take a look at the following cost saving accommodations. They might just have you considering a spring fling to the tropics. INDONESIA For just $150 per room per night you can enjoy a … Continue reading →

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 →

Budget Hotels—-Less Buggy More Beautiful

Did I ever tell you about the time I was forced to stay in a motel near the Honolulu International Airport (my flight was delayed and the airline bussed us to the nearest lodging) and ended up sharing my room with a family of cockroaches? Yes, it was a budget motel. But, no, I didn’t expect to be encroaching on the roaches’ space. Budget properties are known for their… well, hmm… how should I put this? Basic accommodations. But, that was then. Now some low-price chains are trying to shake their cheap image and replace it with a chicer one. … Continue reading →

Celebrity Owned Hotels

I write a lot about actors, actresses, and musicians in the POP CULTURE blog and one of the trends I have been recently taking note of is the huge number of celebrities who are dabbling in other ventures, including real estate. And I’m not just talking about multiple homes, but many A-list Hollywood stars are adding hotels to their real estate portfolios. For instance did you know the B-52’s Kate Pierson owns the Lazy Meadow Motel in New York’s Catskills? And Clint Eastwood is the proud owner of Mission Ranch in Carmel, California? In fact, the award-winning actor enlisted a … 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 →

Can You Still Get a Hotel Room in China During the Olympics?

Sure… as long you aren’t looking in Beijing. The host city of this summer’s Olympic Games expects 1.5 million visitors from around the world to descend upon the area during the month of August. Four- and five-star hotel rooms, which typically sell for around $350 per night, are going for up to 10 times that amount. Or should I say were going for that amount. According to most hotel managers in Beijing, rooms for the month of August (the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, will be celebrated from August 8-24, 2008) sold out more than a year ago. In fact, … Continue reading →

Are You Traveling to Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration?

If so good luck trying to get a hotel room… Actually, there is some good news on the lodging front, though if you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. during inauguration week there are a few things you should keep in mind… First, if you have not solidified your travel plans you need to do so ASAP. Many hotels in the D.C. area are already booked. Sure, the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2009, is a year away, and the guest of honor is still unknown, but that certainly hasn’t stopped travelers from making sure they won’t be left out … Continue reading →

Hotel Happenings: The Big Apple, Chocolate and Trump

February is typically a slow period for New York City lodgings, which means Valentine’s Day lovebirds looking for great deals on hotel rooms can score big this month. (After all, nothing says love more than discounted rates if you live on a fixed budget.) During the entire month of February the city’s tourist board, NYC & Company, is running a new promotion that showcases more than a dozen luxury hotels in Manhattan. It’s very simple: you pay for two nights and get the third free at 17 participating hotels. Plus all guests will receive a VIP package at the Saks … 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 →

Travel Tidbits: Passport Alternatives and New York’s Revamped Tourist Attraction

If you are planning a trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean this year take note: The State Department says it will begin accepting applications February 1st for passport cards as alternatives to passports for Americans traveling to the aforementioned destinations. The wallet-sized cards, which will be available to U.S. citizens by this spring, will cost $45 for adults and $35 for children. That’s cheaper than a regular passport, and adults who have passports will have to pay only $20. However, the passport cards will only be accepted for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and … Continue reading →