Guest Post by Leigh Caldwell of ThemeParkMom.

New Englanders may experience a sense of déjà vu upon checking into Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. After a long flight (or waayyyy longer drive), you arrive at the gates of your hotel at Mickey’s house and it’s a … Martha’s Vineyard seaside home! In Florida! At Walt Disney World!

Martha's Vineyard? Nope! Disney's Yacht Club Resort!

Once you get over the initial feeling that the Yacht Club may be out of place, though, you start to notice just how well Disney has replicated the “summer in New England” feel. This luxury hotel was designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, who is best known for – you guessed it – East Coast seaside homes.

The spacious lobby is your first experience with the hotel’s nautical theme, with wooden floors, lots of brass fixtures and staff members in navy blue blazers. The whole thing has such a relaxing feel that I think I let out an audible sigh or two at the front desk.

The Guest Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

That nautical theme carries through to the guest rooms, which have nautical themed bedding and fixtures. A mirror with a carved “rope” border is finished at the top with a sailor’s knot in the shape of Mickey’s famous ears.

Nautical Mickey in the bathrooms

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club are equipped with dorm-size refrigerators, desks and lots of drawer space. Disney clearly thought through the idea that a family of four might need to unpack a week’s worth of clothes in a guest room.

I was particularly impressed with the double sinks and mirror area of the guest rooms. Double sinks are wonderful for families trying to get up and out early to go to the Walt Disney World theme parks.

One of my biggest complaints with hotels in general is the precious little space allotted to spread out your makeup and other necessities on hotel bathroom vanities, but that’s not the case here. There is a wide ledge and shelves under the sinks to store toiletries.

Of course, there are 34 resort hotels at Walt Disney World. Why choose a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort?

Lakeside at Disney

In my opinion, there are two major things that distinguish the Yacht Club from other resorts on Disney property.

Location, Location, Location

First, is the hotel’s location. The Yacht Club and its siamese twin, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, sit on the shores of Crescent Lake. That means EPCOT’s International Gateway Entrance – the one nearest the “World Showcase” area of the theme park – is just a walk or short boat ride away. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also accessible by boat, and Disney’s Boardwalk, with restaurants, carnival games and nightclubs, is directly across the lake, just a short walk or boat ride away.

Buses will take you to other Walt Disney World recreation areas, but this proximity to two of Disney’s theme parks and the many choices for food outside of the park at the Boardwalk make Disney’s Yacht Club one of the most convenient places to stay at Walt Disney World.

Taking A Dip

But the best part of this hotel? The pool. Well, it’s more than a pool, really. Stormalong Bay has three lagoon areas, including one for younger kids. There’s a life-sized shipwreck there, with water slides built into it. The bottom of the pool is covered in sand, which makes it completely unique in my book. I’ve never seen anything like it.

There is a full slate of activities planned each day at Stormalong Bay, including sand-castle building contests, dance parties, karaoke and kid’s crafts. On the “beach” built on the shore of Crescent Lake, there is a campfire every night, followed by a movie shown on a large, outdoor screen. If you choose to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on your next Walt Disney World vacation, be sure to schedule a day to stay at the resort and play in this amazing recreation area.

The biggest drawback I saw at the Yacht Club is one that carries through nearly every Walt Disney World hotel: These places are sprawling, and that means there could be a lot of walking between your room and the lobby. Be sure to look for alternate paths. While I had to snake through four hallways to get to my room from the hotel lobby, my walk was significantly shorter when I went down the nearest stairwell and cut across the pool area to get there.

The Yacht Club hotel is considered a “deluxe resort” at Walt Disney World. It offers a health club, spa and restaurant choices from a quick bite to a formal steakhouse. Prices start at $335 per night.

Do you have several thousand dollars lying around to spend on an extravagant night of pampering?  Me neither.  But someone in the United States is enjoying the life of luxury.

Here’s where they’re doing it…

10 Most Luxurious Hotels in the US

Enjoy everything from camping to beachfront property at the nation’s top luxury hotels.

1. Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at Palms in Las Vegas

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has built a reputation as the decadent playground for celebrities in Las.  At $40,000 a night, their Hugh Hefner Sky Villa provides the ultimate luxury for playboys and playgirls alike.  Or, for a mere $4,000 per night, you can connect with your inner child in the Barbie Suite.

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA

The Peninsula Beverly Hills (image courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel Group)

Naturally, one of the world’s most luxurious cities needs a place for the visiting Pretty People to lay their head.  The Peninsula Beverly Hills property offers simple luxuries – like complimentary wireless internet and private poolside cabanas.  Of course, Pretty People shouldn’t be expected to rely on front doors – which is why several of the rooms here come with private entrances and guaranteed “discretion”.

3. Halekulani – Honolulu, HI

Halekulani in Honolulu Hawaii - the Vera Wang suite

I suspect everything in Hawaii feels luxurious.  But if you want to step it up a notch, pick a hotel whose name means “house befitting heaven”.  You can go big with an ocean view suite, or settle for a basic room at the Halekulani for just a little over $400 per night.

4. The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, IL

Private rooftop terrace at Peninsula Chicago

The most luxurious street in Chicago is Michigan Avenue, and The Peninsula Chicago is located in the heart of the famed Magnificent Mile.  The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide gourmet dining and a chance to rub elbows with Chicago’s elite.

5. The Peninsula New York – New York, NY

A dining room inside a hotel room at The Peninsula New York

Are you getting the impression that The Peninsula Hotel Group specializes in luxury hotels for the privileged masses?  The New York property is no exception.  Everything about this hotel says luxury – from it’s prime 5th Avenue location and glass enclosed rooftop pool, to the oversized rooms (unheard of in Manhattan) and 450-count linens.

6. Mandarin Oriental – New York New York, NY

Mandarin Oriental and Central Park in New York City

A suite with a connected room at the Mandarin Oriental will cost you about $3,000 per night.  What you’ll get for the money is the opportunity to enjoy sweeping views of Central Park, 5-star customer service, and access to a world-class spa and fitness center.

7. Four Seasons New York New York, NY

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s home to so many luxury hotels.  And it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Four Seasons.  Guests who stay in the Ty Warner Penthouse will pay $34,000 a night to enjoy a view from the top of the city as well as a personal trainer, butler, therapist and a private chauffeur.  Of course, a chauffeur isn’t much use without a car – so the hotel throws in unlimited use of either a Rolls Royce or Mercedes Maybach.

8. The Setai – Miami Beach, FL

The Setai - Miami Beach, FL

The Setai is located in Miami’s famed South Beach district and offers privileged sun worshipers luxury on the beach.  The Setai is a favorite destination for celebrities visiting South Beach.  An ocean front suite will run you about $2,400 per night.  Throw in “complimentary breakfast” and you’ll spend $3100.  I assume the eggs are magnificent.

9. The Point – Lake Placid (roughly), New York.

The Point - former Great Camp of the Rockefellers

Guests of The Point enjoy luxury before they even arrive in the form of a ride from a private jet.  If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll need to wait until you’ve paid for your stay to receive directions to this exclusive hideaway.  The Point was originally built as a Great Camp for the Rockefeller family – and it retains that prestige and opulence to this day.

10. Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Need a break from home but can’t bear to live without the familiarity of a full staff?  Then the Mansion at MGM Grand is the perfect hotel for you.  Enjoy celebrity neighbors, personal butlers, and an indoor swimming pool while you’re being pampered in the lap of luxury.  Oh – and leave behind $5,000 for the night when you go.

What are the odds I can save some money by booking one of these hotels on Priceline?

Hotels in Los Angeles are offering special rates for Michael Jackson fans who want to attend the King of Pop’s Memorial service at the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7th at 10 am.

Staples Center, Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with the Michael Jackson fan club to make arrangements for out-of-town fans. Initial estimates suggest that at least 750,000 people are expected to be in Los Angeles for the Memorial service. 

The Staples Center held a lottery for 17,500 free tickets, and received 1.6 million registrations, with over 1 billion hits on their website. 

Hotels in Downtown LA offering special rates include the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Wilshire Grand Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Hotels close to LAX include the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Radisson Hotel at Los Angeles Airport and Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

In the Hollywood and Universal City area the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City are offering special rates.

Each participating hotel’s special offer is detailed at http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/michael-jackson-memorial.html and includes a special promotional code to redeem at the time of booking.

A note of warning – even if you have a place to stay in downtown LA, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to attend the memorial service. The free tickets have already been handed out, and LAPD has made clear that only ticket holders and credentialed media will be allowed in or even anywhere near the Staples Center.

But if you want to experience a Michael Jackson themed trip, then you could make use of the special rates at one of the aforementioned hotels, take a chance with the Staples Center, and also attend the other events being organized in LA to honor Michael Jackson.

On July 9th, Universal CityWalk will become “Universal Moonwalk” with Southern California’s largest public outdoor celebration of Jackson’s life. The GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA has extended its exhibition of Jackson’s most iconic wardrobe pieces, Jackson’s star is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jackson filmed his “You Are Not Alone” video at the Pantages Theatre and of course, STAPLES Center is where the public memorial for Michael Jackson will take place.

Staples Center photo by liangjinjian; Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel photo by B.D. Solis 

4th of July Fireworks

guest post by Sherry Gray

It’s that time of year again, when the sky explodes with Fourth of July fireworks, an exuberant visual celebration equaled only by New Year’s Eve displays. Americans have celebrated their Independence with fireworks every year since 1776, and the stirring sight never fails to impress even the staunchest among us. To celebrate in comfort and style, consider staying at a hotel overlooking the grandest displays in the country.

Known for their lavish celebratory style, Macy’s sponsors New York’s incredible fireworks show over the Hudson River. For an unbeatable view, two hotels stand out:

New York City Fireworks by Macy

New York’s Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park offers a panoramic view of the Hudson and overlooks the Statue of Liberty. Package prices start at $375 per couple, and the luxury is legendary.  Details that make the Harbor View room the best choice in the land include an in-room telescope, the Statue of Liberty captured in handmade chocolate, and a pair of ferry tickets to Ellis Island. Since President Obama has promised that Lady Liberty’s torch will reopen to the public on July 4th for the first time since September of 2001, this year’s celebration will be extra special.

A new contender for the view is the W Hoboken. Across the river on the New Jersey side, the W boasts a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline from Frank Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken. With package prices starting at $249, it’s a little easier on the wallet.

Fireworks in Washington DC

Where better to celebrate the nation’s independence than in the Capitol? The most luxury for the best value can be found at the Willard InterContinental Washington. Built in 1850, this elegant colonial style hotel is known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania Avenue’ and is listed with the national registry of historic places. It’s also a prime location for viewing the fireworks over the reflecting pool at the base of the Washington Monument.

Another great Fourth of July destination is the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.   With room prices starting at just $150 per night, you can soak up the historic ambiance in luxurious style, attend a free concert, visit the Betsey Ross house and check out the Liberty Bell.

Mount Rushmore by day

Few sights are as impressive as the annual fireworks extravaganza over Mount Rushmore. The Roosevelt Inn, located at the base of Mount Rushmore offers close proximity at a very reasonable rate. For the best view, they advise a trip to the Grand Terrace at the visitor center inside the park.

Fireworks in Florida

For fireworks on any given day of the year, the best destination in the U.S. might be the Royal Plaza in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Some of the most technologically advanced fireworks on the planet light up every night, launched from both Disney World and Epcot Center, making Lake Buena Vista the center of the daily celebration. At around $100 per night, the Royal Plaza offers affordable luxury and gets bonus points for being a Green Lodging hotel, one of the first area hotels to undertake environmental initiatives designed to protect Florida’s natural resources.