Carefreetrip.com :: Travel Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.