Hotels

Downtown Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re planning a fun weekend (or week!) in Atlanta, you’ll be happy to know that the city has plenty of budget-friendly hotels which are clean, welcoming and in good locations. There are so many fantastic restaurants and nightlife options to explore, as well as numerous museums and art galleries, that saving some money on the hotel stay really can’t hurt! Check out some of these budget-friendly Atlanta hotels for the next time you plan to be in town. Just remember – it’s easy to spend over $250/night for a downtown Atlanta hotel, and spending anything less than about $115/night is not recommended in most cases, as you either won’t want to be in the neighborhood or the hotel won’t be that great. There are always exceptions though, such as these fine choices:

Glenn Hotel

This cute boutique hotel is in downtown very close to the CNN Center and the Aquarium. The rooms are modern and cozily decorated, and there’s a good restaurant onsite. Prices are in the $150 range now, but go up quickly as springtime approaches. So book soon!

Highland Inn

I’m partial to this hotel because it’s in my neighborhood, the Virginia Highlands. It’s very close to a lot of great restaurants and nightlife options. There are 80 rooms, and since the hotel was built in 1927, the building has a lot of charm – and I mean that in the best way possible. Prices are fantastic here – singles are about $90 and suites that have queen beds are only $110! This hotel is one of the city’s very few exceptions to the “don’t pay under $100/night” rule I try to follow.

Renaissance Atlanta Downtown

The outside is definitely not very impressive, and there’s nothing to fancy about the inside, either – but you’ll find really clean, reliable accommodations here. And a great location! You can easily walk to things like the Fox Theater and the Georgia Dome. Rates are around $120 per night currently. The rooms are pretty big, and there’s a swimming pool.

Amerisuites Downtown (Hyatt Place)

You can’t beat the price for this hotel’s location, free wi-fi and free breakfast. The famous Margaret Mitchell house is a short walk away, as are the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. Again, nothing terribly fancy here, but you’ll pay around $100 with tax, which is a very good deal in the downtown area, given the location. Clean and comfortable go a long way.

If you’re planning a vacation, or a short trip, check out Atlanta flights.

Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia

Photo Credits: RCD, terra2055

Midtown Atlanta, Georgia

Keep your eyes out for a spectacular new hotel which is underway in Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia: the Mandarin Oriental. It’s a $285 million project which, when completed, will be a combination luxury hotel and a condo tower. The structure will be over 700 feet tall, making it Atlanta’s tallest building to be built in over 15 years! About 190 of the rooms will be hotel rooms and the remaining 90 or so will be residences. There will also be over 10,000 square feet of retail space constructed.The enormous building will take at least 30 months to finish, and it’s projected to be completed toward the second half of 2011.

I can only look at pictures of the project for now, but it looks really beautiful. Yes, it’s very tall, but I think it be be a beautiful addition to Atlanta’s already pretty skyline. There are six levels of parking being built in the structure, so hopefully parking won’t be a problem!

I don’t know how much hotel rooms are going to cost, but as it’s being billed as a luxury hotel, and it’s located in a fantastic Midtown location, I imagine rooms will start at well over $200/night. The hotel rooms are rumored to be designed as some of the largest in Atlanta. I’m particularly excited about the luxurious spa which is being built inside the hotel!  The residences being built are apparently going to be be sold for between $5 and $6 million! We’ll see what effect the market has on those prices.

Photo credits: thombo2

Nanford Guesthouse, Oxford

I’ve been dreaming of a trip to England, but I keep hearing horror stories about the hotel rooms. First it was that article about the scary things you’ll find in a budget hotel room. Now TripAdvisor has released their annual list of the ten dirtiest hotels in Britain.

Let me tell you, when they say dirty, they’re not talking about porno mags stuffed under the mattresses. If only it was that innocent. But no. Tiny, flithy rooms, where you’ll find other people’s leftover pills on dirty carpets that are never vacuumed by the brutish thugs who run the place. And of course, the blood stains. The horror!

Seven out of the ten are in London, with one each in Brighton, Manchester, and Oxford — home of the Nanford Guesthouse, which has the dubious honor of appearing on the list for the third year running.

Of course, they’ve only had the list for three years.

Just to be fair, TripAdvisor also shares the love internationally, naming the worst hotels in America, Italy, Spain and France.

Which American hotel made the cut? The Hotel Carter in New York City, conveniently located near Times Square. UpTake users give it a big two stars out of ten, so no complaining when you get there and find a dead prostitute in the bathtub.

Disneyland

This economy is really tough, and many families are struggling to make ends meet and still sneak in a family vacation this year. Disneyland is by no means a cheap vacation, but it can be done more cheaply than many people realize. The first thing to remember is that there are many hotels within walking distance of Disneyland which can save money on exorbitant parking fees and the extra money the Disney hotels charge for being “on-site.” In fact, in many cases, the following hotels are actually closer to the park itself than some of the “on-site” hotels mentioned on the Disneyland website! And most of these are between $85-$130/night, depending on the season.

Carousel Inn and Suites

This one’s within easy walking distance of Disneyland – it’s right across the street. There are two and three bedroom suites, so it’s great for families. The rooftop swimming pool is perfect for summer! Free parking, and free breakfast.

Howard Johnson Plaza

Just a clean, simple and easy place to stay within walking distance of Disneyland. Free parking again, as well as free high-speed Internet access. There’s a pool and hot tub, too. Take advantage of the on-site restaurant and save your money for the Disneyland money traps!

Candy Cane Inn

This is a really cute property. The more expensive rooms allow you to have breakfast in bed. It’s very close to Disneyland, definitely walkable. Free parking again, a hot tub, and free breakfast in the morning. One of my favorites for sure.

Alpine Inn

This place tries to make you feel like you’re in a ski resort, which is kind of neat in the middle of summer. It’s incredibly close to Disneyland, about a 1-minute walk. It’s really clean, parking and breakfast are free and you can bring your laptop – high-speed wireless Internet is available, though they charged a small fee the last time I was there.

Fairfield Inn Anaheim

Nothing too fancy here, but this one’s also within walking distance of Disneyland. It’s a little more pricey thank some of the others, but you can use the fitness center at the Anaheim Marriott that’s 1/2 a mile away, there’s free parking and you get high-speed Internet access. There’s a pool and hot tub too.

Disneyland Chip'n Dale statue

Photo Credits: Dave Q, LDCross

W Hotel in Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia

I just heard about the grand opening party for the new W Hotel in Buckhead near downtown Atlanta, Georgia, which happened on January 23. Wish I could have gone! The entire hotel was apparently designed by “Queer Eye’s” Thom Filicia, and the interior has been described as being shabby chic. Room choices are named either “Fabulous” or “Wonderful,” which I thought was kind of cute. It appears from descriptions of the grand opening party invitations, as well as from the few photos I’ve found, that there is somewhat of an Asian theme as well. Very cool!

There’s a rooftop bar called Whiskey Blue, the view is supposed to be amazing. I’ve also heard there’s a huge rooftop patio outfitted with large, comfy sofas, and that Thursday nights are the hot night to go. The Buckhead area has a ton of classy restaurants and a huge, spectacular (if pricey!) mall, so there’s lots to see and do right around the hotel. The hotel offers a ton of different pacakges to help customize your stay, too, and they’re offering some great specials in January and February.

Sound like I have a new place to check out this Thursday! I’ll report back with my findings.

Photo Credits: W Hotel Buckhead site

Hotel Riu Caribe

If you hate feeling nickel and dimed when you’re on vacay, consider all-inclusive Hotel Riu Caribe’s airport transfer package, which includes free transport to the airport and back for just $120 a night at this Cancun hotspot.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

LA-bound? Check out the Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s Biltmore Classic package. For $159 a night, enjoy a discounted room rate plus your choice of free valet parking or free breakfast. Since you’re among the beautiful people, use the parking and pick up an extra-dry nonfat cap for breakfast.

Pool-side view of the Residence Inn

And finally: your kids have begged for a trip to Orlando, but you’re afraid your daughter will get into the princess thing, and then it’s a short trip until a $20,000 Super Sweet Sixteen party where she’s crying because her Lexus is the wrong color.

The alternative? Residence Inn Orlando’s Sea World package! It’s only $109 per night and up, and includes SeaWorld tickets for two adults and two kids plus breakfast daily. Perfect for a budding marine biologist.

Courtesy of Kimpton

The Muse Hotel in Manhattan is pretty, you guys. And they’re doing special things for Valentine’s Day.

Starting at $199 per night, The Muse is offering little things that will make you love them. These little things include:

• Late check-out times
• Hot chocolate and marshmallows at bedtime
• Romantic NY movies on your TV like Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• A guide to romantic places to make out. I’m serious! Okay, well they said “steal a kiss,” but still.
• A map of secret spots in Central Park … wait a minute, that’s just dirty, Kimpton, what kind of a show are you running?
  

  Courtesy of Kimpton

Kidding, kidding. But check this out. Meet Ginger (right).

Ginger is “Director of Pet Relations” and works side by side at The Muse with owner/concierge Lauren Myerson. that’s right. They’re pet friendly. They even have a “Pampered Pooch Package” wherein they spoil your dog for you.

I read about the package. Please, someone. Take me to The Muse and tell them I’m your dog. Kthx.

Are you one of the lucky rich folk who have so far remained unscathed by the economic downturn? If so, then you practically owe it to yourself to celebrate with a stay at the best hotel in the country.

And what great timing! Forbes just announced this year’s winner of the official bragging rights honorific “Top Hotel in America”: the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

San Ysidro Ranch Resort, Montecito, California

The grounds are simply gorgeous. The Ranch is located in Montecito, in the wine country just south of Santa Barabara in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range foothills. It’s so romantic that John and Jackie Kennedy chose the resort for their honeymoon.

Cottage at San Ysidro Ranch

The property is made up of 41 suites and cottages, each with a king sized bed, luxury linens, robes, slippers, baskets of goodies, maid service twice a day, private entrance, fireplace and/or patios.

The Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch

As you would expect from the Top. Hotel. In. America., the restaurant is world-class. Chef John Trotta uses vegetables and herbs grown on site, and (as all good hotels should) The Stonehouse has a full bar.

Interesting side note: Billionaire owner Ty Warner is the guy who owns Ty Inc., the company that makes Beanie Babies. So in a way, this hotel is supported by children who collect stuffed animals.

What about rates? Well, it’s a luxury resort, so brace yourself. The lowest rate I saw was $650/night, when you book for multiple nights. Single nights in the suites were in the $1,000+ range, but again: this is The Best.

Yosemite in winter

Yosemite in the winter is simply beautiful. Many people come here to camp and hike during the warmer weather months, but there is something magical about this grand national park in the colder months.

Snowy meadows, frozen peaks and the quiet can be incredibly conducive to romance or just a great way to recharge your batteries. Whatever you decide, there are many ways to enjoy the Yosemite Valley.

Our stay at The Ahwahnee in January was overall so relaxing and a wonderful time. We had thought about waiting until February and enjoying a Valentine’s escape to Napa, but decided instead to experience Yosemite in snow.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a splurge compared to other lodging options in or near the park, but worth it if you can swing it.  The architecture and magnificent façade are amazing to see, especially for the first time. There is a grandeur about this stately hotel. No wonder presidents and royalty have stayed here.

Snowy peaks above

Did you know that The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, which feature Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point? This beautiful hotel has the warmth of a mountain ski lodge but on a grander scale. The interior rooms have Native American motifs and accents with natural wood furnishings.

View from Ahwahnee Hotel ground floor

This AAA Four Diamond hotel has 123 handsomely appointed guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites and 24 cottages. We stayed in the main building in a guest room and found that we ate most of our meals in the grand dining room.

With the chilly air and icy roads, I quite enjoyed staying indoors and staring out the enormous windows at the fabulous views, with a warm drink and book. However Badger Pass is not too far if you prefer to go skiing and the hotel can help with arrangements.

Inside the main dining room

Other types of lodging around Yosemite National Park are available during the winter and summer months but you will need to check ahead of time to see what roads are open, besides availability – I suggest you check directly with Yosemite National Park.  Booking directly with the park may also save you money or get you one of their seasonal packages or other sweet bargains.

Discover your inner Ansel Adams and no matter when you go or where you stay, don’t forget to take your camera!!

Photo credits to sfcphotography

Times Square New York City

I’ve always thought of New York City as the perfect city for lovers. There’s so much to see and do, so many places to take romantic strolls, cute little candlelit restaurants. It’s pretty chilly in the city for Valentine’s Day most years, but that just means more time spent snuggling in a cozy New York City hotel for the weekend! These hotels are pretty posh, so they’re a good choice for a real splurge for maybe one night:

The Inn at Irving Place:

Rooms are still available for Valentine’s Day as of this writing, and a nice Queen room will cost you about $445 plus tax. But, you get to stay in one of New York City’s most beautiful bed & breakfasts. The beautiful townhouse dates from the 19th century, and it’s located just south of Gramercy Park. You can relax with an in-room massage and with a complimentary (yay!) breakfast in bed.

Hotel Elysee

It must be the economy, because I can’t believe there are still rooms available here for $250 a night on Valentine’s Day! Treat yourself to an amazing Continental breakfast every morning and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres during the week from 5-8pm. Surprise your loved one with many fun “extras” such as a dozen roses and a nice bottle of champagne. Now we’re talking! This hotel has routinely been rated one of New York City’s best small hotels – and it’s located in Manhattan – so snatch it up while you can.

Mansfield Hotel

This beautiful hotel has lots of classy “Old World” touches like spiral staircases, coffered ceilings and sleigh beds. It’s close to Times Square and many of New York’s best attractions. As of this writing, there are still rooms available for $260 per night, which is amazing for that part of town. Broadway shows are just a short stroll away as are some of the city’s finest restaurants. The interior is dark and cozy – you feel as though there should be cigar smoke wafting around but thankfully, there is not. Coffee lovers — there is a 24 hour espresso, coffee and tea service!

Valentine's Day candies

Photo Credits: Zoonabar, Butterfly Sha