Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Travel Channel put together a nice video series on what they think are the tip 10 family resorts in Orlando, Florida. This video explores the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Take a look and let us know your favorite Orlando destination!

Dromoland Castle … impressive!

Standing majestically over 410 acres of its own private demesne, Dromoland Castle quietly affirms itself as one of the most impressive and distinguished castle hotels in Ireland – and one of Europe’s most desired 5 Star destinations.

Live like landed gentry at this magnificent 16th century Renaissance bastion of privilege – Dromoland Castle Hotel. Transformed into splendidly regal accommodations in 1962, this historic Ireland Castle hotel offers all the Luxury amenities of today. Tee off on the championship golf course, expertly reconstructed by world-renowned designer Ron Kirby and the legendary J.B. Carr.  Receive professional instruction at the New Golf Academy. Lounge by the pool. Dine on delicious gourmet food. Experience a truly unforgettable stay within the hallowed walls of this regal Irish Castle and delight in the exceptional service and sophisticated features.

Ever warm and intimate, the 99 guest rooms and suites of these elegantly appointed Ireland castle accommodations are truly restful and boast individual personalities, blending period decoration with modern amenities.

Yotel?

Where would I find a Yotel? Inside terminals at London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports (in Terminal 4), and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

The concept is basically this. A Yotel Caters to those with a long layover, these glossy, no-nonsense capsule hotels are small but convenient for business travelers — or someone just looking for a nap and a shower.

This is what you get at a Yotel. A windowless room (about 75 square feet) that looks like a cruise ship cabin — there’s a shower, a TV, a fold-out work desk and an overhead storage rack; Wi-Fi is free. Bonus: a 24-hour room-service menu of snacks and drinks delivered within 15 minutes.

So what does it cost to stay at a Yotel? There’s a four-hour minimum, which costs about $36 for a standard cabin in the London locations. After that, pay by the hour (about $10). Premium cabins are probably better for shares — those start at $57 for four hours.

A skiers dream

Ever have that dream where you just got off a ski lift and hit the softest powder ever! I know there are quite a few skiers out there who know what I am talking about. So to help that dream become a reality, here is a selection of some of the best ski vacation destinations!

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort consists of four peaks – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Aspen Mountain is an advanced skiers’ paradise, with challenging glades and double-black diamond steeps that experts will love. Aspen Highlands has something for everyone, with intermediate cruisers, challenging expert terrain, and great views. Buttermilk is a great learning mountain, but has terrain that intermediates and experts will love, too. Snowmass is renowned for its’ wide, groomed cruisers and its’ uncrowded trails.

Beaver Creek Ski Resort is located in Vail, Colorado. Beaver Creek has 148 ski trails and 16 lifts. Beaver Creek’s terrain is 19% beginner, 43% intermediate, and 38% advanced. With over 1800 acres of great skiing, Beaver Creek also offers two bowls, three terrain parks, and a half pipe. To top that off, Beaver Creek has special ski programs for families, children, adult skiers, adaptive skiers, and nordic skiers.

Breckenridge Ski Resort is four peaks of Colorad’s Ten-Mile range, offering skiers 2,350+ acres of skiing and 152 trails served by 29 lifts. With the highest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge’s ski school offers students an epic mountain experience and an historic downtown – offering endless Shopping, dining and nightlife.

Deer Valley is located in Park City, Utah, with 91 ski trails, served by 21 lifts. Trails are Easier 15%, Intermediate 50%, and Expert 35%. Deer Valley Ski Resort was rated the #1 ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI magazine in 2001 and 2005. Deer Valley Resort is also consistently ranked #1 in dining, guest service, and mountain grooming.

Killington Ski Resort is located in Killington, Vermont. The resort consists of seven mountains, and has 200 trails and 33 chair lifts. Killington has the longest ski season in eastern North America and provides optimal skiing for skiers of all levels. Lessons are available at the Perfect Turn Ski School.

Lake Tahoe is situated on the California/Nevada border and is home to seven ski resorts, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley USA, Mt. Rose, Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows.

The expanse of the skiing at Megeve (France) seems to just go on and on. You could pick up your lift ticket, strap on a backpack of clothes, ski, and hopscotch poma lifts, chairs, trams, and gondolas from one town to another.

Park City Mountain Resort is located in Park City, Utah with 100 trails served by 14 lifts. Park City has 3,300 acres of varied ski and snowboard terrain and is consistently ranked among the top ten mountain resorts in North America for its accessibility, terrain parks, and family programs.

Squaw Valley USA is located in Olympic Valley, California, with over 170 ski trails served by 34 lifts. Squaw Valley USA became world-famous in 1960 as host to the VIII Winter Olympics. Offering 4,000 skiable acres spread across 6 peaks, 16 open bowls, 3 terrain parks, the most advanced lift network in the US and some of the deepest snow in the world, Squaw Valley USA is regarded as having the best lift accessed terrain in the world.

Steamboat Ski Resort is located in Steamboat, Colorado. Steamboat has 165 ski trails served by 20 lifts, and offers 2,965 acres of prime skiing. Steamboat’s terrain is 14% Beginner, 42% Intermediate, and 44% Advanced. Steamboat is known for it’s dry and fluffy “Champagne powder,” which is measured to have 70% less moisture than your average snow and is certainly a pleasure to ski.

Sun Valley is located in Sun Valley, central Idaho. Sun Valley lies on “Bald Mountain,” which has 3,400 vertical feet and 2,045 skiable acres to offer. Sun Valley has 65 varied trails and 14 lifts – Sun Valley’s 65 trails are 36% Easiest; 42% More Difficult; and 22% Most Difficult. Sun Valley has something for everyone – Dollar Mountain, called “the finest teaching mountain in the world’” is a great place for beginners, and intermediates will love Warm Springs. Everyone (including advanced skiers) will love River Run’s variety of terrain, which contains mogul runs, and The Bowls’ have something for everyone’ too.

Vail Ski Resort, located in Colorado, is famous for its powder skiing, with almost 200 trails and 32 lifts. Vail is consistently rated the Number 1 ski resort in North America and recognized among the world’s best. With seven natural bowls stretching six miles wide, powder-filled glades and the most groomed terrain on the planet, Vail offers more fun per square inch than anywhere. “Vail – There’s No Comparison.”

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is located in Whistler, British Columbia. Whistler Blackcomb has 200 ski trails, served by 33 lifts. Whistler Blackcomb offers glacier skiing, the most above-the-tree line skiing and the largest bowls in the North America, and is home to the best parks and pipes in North America.

Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is located in Wilmington, New York, about 13 miles from scenic Lake Placid. Whiteface is a two-time host of the Olympic Games, and has also hosted World Cup freestyle skiing and World Cup snowboard events. Whiteface has 76 trails and 10 lifts, and offers the highest vertical drop in the East. Whether you’re a beginner who will test the gentle terrain or an expert who will face the all-natural, back-country trails called The Slides, Whiteface offers lessons and programs for you. Plus, with such close proximity to Lake Placid, there’s plenty of activities for you to enjoy.

10 places for real comfort in nature

The USA Today recently published an excellent article for people who love the outdoors, but don’t like to “rough it”. Here are the highlights from that article that can help you find a great travel destination and enjoy nature in comfort.

The Boulders Inn
New Preston, Conn.

“The Boulders Inn is one of the most impressive inns in Connecticut — an 1890 Dutch colonial stone-and-shingle mansion built at the base of Pinnacle Mountain about 85 miles from New York City,” Kidder says. “A stately carriage house adjoins the inn, and eight sweet cottages are tucked into the woods nearby. The restaurant is so popular, advanced bookings are required even for guests. The key to the inn’s appeal is a refined air mixed with pleasant informality.” 860-868-0541; bouldersinn.com

Cibolo Creek Ranch
Marfa, Texas

“In no way is this 30,000-acre west Texas ranch, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a typical guest ranch. There are no organized singalongs, staged cattle roundups or other clichés here,” Kidder says. The isolation of this upscale property, originally built for a cattle baron, has attracted the likes of Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Tommy Lee Jones, Randy Quaid and Mick Jagger. Go horseback riding with a wrangler or skeet shooting, then feast on memorable meals. 866-496-9460; cibolocreekranch.com

Libby Camps
Ashland, Maine

“Getting to this lakefront sporting camp in Maine’s North Woods is half the fun — the easiest and fastest way is by floatplane,” Kidder says. “Matt Libby and his wife, Ellen, are the fourth generation of their family to operate the camp.” While Matt spends his day flying guests to isolated ponds for fishing and to primitive outpost cabins for hunting, Ellen busies herself in the kitchen making three meals daily, served family-style. 207-435-8274; libbycamps.com

Denali Backcountry Lodge
Kantishna, Alaska

“Guests at this lodge, in a remote area of Denali National Park, not only get greater access to the highly protected wilderness than most visitors, they get an opportunity to see Mount McKinley,” Kidder says. Located on the bank of Moose Creek, the cedar cabins have running water, private baths, and heat — all rarities for the area. Days are filled with fishing, gold panning, guided hikes for wildlife viewing and mountain biking. 877-233-6254; denalilodge.com

Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tenn.

“This two-story stone inn, topped with turrets and fireplace chimneys, looks like a large Georgian cottage situated on an expansive English country estate,” Kidder says. “The veranda offers a fine view of the farm’s 4,200 acres.” A concierge will help you experience nature in measured doses, along with generous helpings of creature comforts. Go fishing, play croquet, take a cooking class or have a customized farm experience. 800-273-6004; blackberryfarm.com

Sundance Resort
Utah

“Owned by actor Robert Redford, this 6,000-acre resort was constructed from cedar, fir, pine, and stone without disturbing the original landscape so that the wilderness remains front and center,” Kidder says. “No matter what the season, you can find varied activities, from an author series to silversmith classes, pottery throwing, painting and jewelry making. In January, the Sundance Film Festival showcases independent films at the resort and in nearby Park City.” 800-892-1600; sundanceresort.com

Little Palm Island
Resort & Spa

Little Torch Key, Fla.

“Just 15 minutes from the mainland, this resort, with its thatch-roof villas and wind-tossed coconut palms, couldn’t feel more removed,” Kidder says. “Much of the resort’s appeal lies in what it doesn’t have: cars, alarm clocks, room phones and TVs.” Fashioned for couples, the one-bedroom suites are furnished in colonial plantation-style, each with a porch with an ocean view. Spend your days out on the water or swaying in your bungalow’s hammock. 800-343-8567; littlepalmisland.com

Lake Quinault Lodge
Quinault, Wash.

“Surrounded by the lush Olympic National Forest, this old-time retreat is nestled in a cathedral of old-growth firs and cedars,” Kidder says. “The cedar-shake lodge with cheery blue shutters is unpretentious — a sort of grand lady on Lake Quinault. Swim, fish, kayak and play horseshoes or walk in the rain forest, where trees are so large, you could fit your family inside.” 800-562-6672; visitlakequinault.com

Lake Powell Resorts& Marinas
Page, Ariz.

“You can be your own captain and set your own course to explore the blue-green waters of Lake Powell and the red sandstone cliffs of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area when you rent a houseboat from these outfitters,” Kidder says. “Explore this vast lake on the Colorado River and the otherworldly geological scenery — swirling, cross-bedded rock and petrified sand-dune domes — almost pulsating with color beneath brilliant blue skies,” 800-209-8941; lakepowell.com

Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Tabernash, Colo.

“The most private and cushy of the ranch’s accommodations are eight log cabins on a ridge apart from the main lodge,” Kidder says. “Stone fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and lofts or sitting areas, they’re a 21st-century evocation of frontier living.” Though only 1½ hours west of Denver, this Rocky Mountain ranch feels much farther away with its 5,000 acres of meadows and pine forests. 800-933-4339; devilsthumbranch.com

Where to stay in Miami

When you’re looking for accommodations in Miami, keep one thing in mind: the nature and cost of your stay will be determined by the location of your hotel. Within the hazy borders of Greater Miami, over a dozen smaller towns coexist, each with a distinct personality and pace. Visitors are sure to find the perfect vacation spot somewhere within the city; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is, in many ways, the quintessential vacation destination. This strip of land, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offers miles of gorgeous beaches, a wide variety of lodging choices and plenty of Shopping, dining and entertainment options. It is connected to the mainland by six causeways. Families and international travelers often frequent mid-range hotels such as the Golden Sands or the Dezerland Miami Beach Resort, while honeymooners, convention-goers and anyone wishing to splurge can wallow in Luxury at resorts such as Loews Miami Beach Hotel or the Fontainebleau.

South Beach

South Beach lies in the southernmost section of Miami Beach. If you’re wondering where the best parties are, look no further – they’re all here. The only question is, how close do you want to be? If you stay in a place like the National or the Clevelander, you won’t even have to leave the hotel to find yourself in the center of the action. However, at some point amid the Shopping, dining and general revelry that constitutes a stay in South Beach, you may want to sleep. If so, make sure you choose a hotel that allows for it. The Blue Moon Hotel and the lushly landscaped Hotel Impala offer pockets of serenity within the busy rush of central South Beach.

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is on the northern end of Miami Beach. It is the most exclusive district in South Florida, and offers only a few accommodation choices, all of them expensive. While some of the world’s finest Shopping can be found at the Bal Harbour Shops, the main appeal of the district is its stately seclusion. Luxury accommodations there, including the Alexander Hotel, offer every imaginable amenity, including the intangible but priceless one: privacy.

Central Miami

Central Miami is the home of some of the largest, most imposing hotels. Business or leisure travelers who wish to be in the center of the city will appreciate the convenience of the Hotel InterContinental or the Hyatt Regency Miami. Located only minutes from the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace and the Metro-Dade Cultural Center, these hotels can be found in the center of the Financial District, near the Design District.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a charming gated village crisscrossed by canals and covered in lush vegetation. Here you’ll also find the The Venetian Pool, an enormous swimming pool shaped by a coral formation. Another attraction is the Biltmore Hotel, a good home base for visitors who like to combine sightseeing with other activities. Another venerable hotel is the Omni Colonnade, located a block away from the Miracle Mile Shopping district.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is a bustling little arts district, chock full of Shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The Grove is second only to South Beach in energy and activity. Accommodation choices are numerous, and most of them are pricey. The Mutiny Hotel offers great service in beautiful surroundings. The Mayfair Hotel & Spa, located just across the street from the Streets of Mayfair Shopping center, is a study in stately elegance.

West Miami

West Miami offers safe, clean, budget-friendly lodgings, as well as more expensive ones. If people choose to stay here, it’s either to save money or to be close to the airport. If you’re trying to save money, however, note that the only way to get into central Miami is by automobile — and a cab costs about USD20 each way. Most of the quality inexpensive hotels are recognized chains such as the Holiday Inn or the Days Inn. One of the most expensive hotels is the Miami International Airport Hotel, located inside the airport terminal. While the noise of planes flying overhead might be a distraction, this hotel is quite pleasant in all other respects. It’s elegant, comfortable and ever so convenient.

The choices above are just a few of the best options in the most popular districts. There are hundreds of other accommodations to choose from, ranging from rock-bottom to five-star. Whatever you’re looking for in a hotel, there is no doubt that if you look long and hard enough, you’ll find it here.

The Luxor provides energy and a nice bed

The Luxor Hotel and Casino is an amazing modern pyramid that reaches 350 feet into the Las Vegas sky crowned with world’s brightest beam of light. The hotel embodies an ancient Egyptian theme, which includes an entrance guarded by the Great Sphinx of Giza.

The rooms are built on the outer walls of the pyramid that are accessible using their “inclinators” that travel along the inner surface of the pyramid walls. When you first step on to the inclinator, you feel like you are in a normal elevator – until it starts to move. It took me a little time to get use to the side motion, but it provided a comfortable ride to my room. My room was good sized, clean and boasted a large over-sized shower (no bathtub) two queen-sized beds (one king-sized bed rooms are available) and even high speed Internet access. The only complaint I had was the mattresses seemed like 10,000 Egyptians used it before I got there – a little warn and uncomfortable for me.

The Luxor boasts the normal Las Vegas casino, but also has a wonderful variety of other entertainment options. The “Curls Gone Wild” show by Carrot Top is a must see show of wacky prop and original twisted humor. “Fantasy” is a seductive topless adult dance review that features the best showgirls, according to a Las Vegas Review Journal poll, live singers, and comedy. You can even enjoy the “3 Redneck Tenors” as they mix Beethoven, Nascar and lite beer. The Luxor is also home of an amazing IMAX theater that offers amazing picture and sound.

The nightlife at the Luxor is hip, happenin’ and always hoppin’. The LAX Nightclub offers club goers a state of the art VIP experience. Visit the Noir bar while in the LAX to enjoy the latest cocktails and bold concoctions. The Cathouse combines a world-class dining experience with intimate lingerie performers enticing participation from the crowd. Liquidity is at the center of the Luxor and features interactive project screens of water, while you enjoy the energized music mix.

Overall, the Luxor is a great Vegas experience. Nice beds, great atmosphere, and world-class entertainment. The hotel seems to favor the “younger” energy-driven crowd and leaves the “dead-beats” for the others.

Carefreetrip.com gives the Luxor Hotel and Casino out of 5 suitcases.

Disney’s Coronado Springs delivers a Southwest fiesta to Florida

Walt Disney World is always a great travel destination for families. If there is a cleaner theme park anywhere, I would like someone to show it to me. The parks that make up Disney World are nothing but amazing! Providing every kids, there is no age limit, dream and desire. WDW provides a break from the daily reality of life. My wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World and stay a Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

This resort has a Southwest, Mexican theme that provides a fiesta in the middle of Walt Disney World in Florida. This is a a great resort location to relax and getaway – they even provide the hammocks along a wonderful lagoon. There is lots of open space to take a walk, rent a bike, or just enjoy the wonderful Florida sun.

This resort boasts many great restaurants and even boasts a wonderful dish called the smothered burrito at the Pepper Market – you have to try it! It was unfortunate that the staff was not more helpful and accommodating. They seemed more interested in moving people through the lines than delivering your order correctly.

My wife and I love to visit Disney World. If you love the Southwest, you will enjoy this wonderful resort. I just hope they learn who is the guest and provide you better service than what we received.

Carefreetrip.com gives Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort out of 5 suitcases.

The Big Island delivers big time at the Waikoloa Beach Resort

When I heard I was going to the Big Island of Hawaii on vacation, I was looking forward to seeing the red volcano fields and black lava lined coast. I also packed my golf clubs hoping to enjoy a round on a course that promised one of only a handful of coast lined golf holes in Hawaii. After a long plane ride and a short bus ride to the Waikoloa Beach Resort, my Hawaii experience hit a whole new level. I knew we were in for a special vacation when there was a staff member assigned to clean, transport and care for my golf clubs.

Sixty-two unbelievable ocean front acres, seventeen acres of palm-fringed stone-tiled paths, white sand beaches and tropical gardens adorn the grounds. Located along Hawaii’s only naturally-sheltered beach, the resort features calm waters. I found paradise!

A rustic wooden bridge spans the natural pond bordering the beach. Wooden-floored Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge serves Pan-Asian cuisine with panoramic ocean views. I had dinner with my wife and watched the sunset over a calm, deep blue ocean. The view was incredible – so was the food!

The pool complex includes a sand-bottomed children’s pool with a 90-foot water slide and an infinity-edged pool for adults. The 165-foot heated infinity pool includes a Jacuzzi. The activities center rents snorkel sets, kayaks, boogie boards and pedal boats. The center arranges glass-bottom boat, scuba-diving and snorkeling excursions. Then there was the lagoon …

We enjoyed snorkeling like I have never experienced before! Because the lagoon is only available to guests, you enjoy a small group atmosphere while swimming with tropical fish, eels and even sea turtles. Simply heaven!

If all of this isn’t enough, the bi-level 5,750-square-foot Mandara Spa features services including body scrubs, facial treatments, Massages, and pedicures and manicures. The hotel also includes a 12,000-square-foot Naupaka Ballroom. The fitness center offers cardiovascular equipment, weight machines and flat-screen televisions – all state of the art!

After I had been spoiled to no end, I went golfing on the Beach Course. This course was everything I wanted and more! The trade winds provided a daunting challenge, while the lava fields lining the fairways provided a pinball-like game every time someone in my group hit a ball out of bounds.

The crowning glory of the Beach Course is the 502-yard par 5 twelfth—known throughout the islands as the most spectacular oceanfront par-five in Hawaii. Not only is it a challenging golf hole, it’s a great place to watch humpback whales and catch splendid views of the other Hawaiian Islands.

INCREDIBLE! There is nothing more to say.

This resort has something for everyone. From kids to adults, every one will leave wanting more. I have never seen blues like this. I have never seen beaches like this.

Put Waikoloa on your bucket list TODAY! Take the time, spend the money, enjoy yourself! Waikoloa is nothing less than amazing!

Carefreetrip.com gives the Waikoloa Hilton Resort  out of 5 suitcases.

JW Marriott does it right in Las Vegas

Recently I attended a conference in Las Vegas that was held at the JW Marriott. I was a little irritated that I wasn’t staying on the strip – so that I can enjoy the many sites and sounds of the night life. The conference was okay, but the stay was better than expected. My room was equipped with a jetted tub, a rain-flow shower head and a large work area. The view was of a beautiful pool area and near by golf course – fantastic! They even have an on-site casino, if your in to loosing you life savings. The room was big and the hotel provided lots of pillows – a win for my wife. I enjoyed 5 star accommodations and the staff was very helpful when planning my nights and getting transportation to my destinations.

I think the hotel was great, but it was a bit of a downer because of the distance from all of fun and entertainment of Las Vegas. I also would have appreciated a shuttle service to the strip that operated more than 2 times a day.

I would recommend you stay at this hotel if you are looking to enjoy Las Vegas in the slow lane. I enjoyed the amenities, while taking it easy. It is just a short cab ride to the strip if you want to enjoy a show!

Carefreetrip.com gives the JW Marriott in Las Vegas out of 5 suitcases.