A King Suite at the Comfort In and Suites Plattsburgh

When I travel, I generally look to find nice hotels with unique amenities.  While I do stay in chain hotels frequently, I don’t always expect to find anything especially unique in them.  So I was quite surprised to see all of the wonderful family-friendly amenities during our recent stay at the Comfort Inn and Suites Plattsburgh in the Adirondacks.

We traveled to Plattsburgh, in the Lake Champlain region of New York, over Christmas break to visit Ausable Chasm and to ski, and stayed in a king suite – pictured at left.  The suite, which was one large room, included a king bed, a pull-out couch, a dining area with a table, microwave, and refrigerator, and a large bathroom with a shower and whirlpool bath.  The room itself is huge, and offered plenty of room.  Everything is very new, and extremely clean.  The only issue I’d have about the room is the location, which was right across from the weight room and adjacent to the small water park.  Noise wasn’t a huge issue, but we could definitely hear sounds from both locations.

The hotel amenities are the big draw here though.  The aforementioned small water park is perfect for little ones.  It includes two water slides and a splash area.  My five-year old son and my seven-year old daughter absolutely loved it, and wouldn’t leave.  But, as much as they loved the pool, they loved Champy’s FunZone even more.  It includes an indoor miniature golf course, a two-lane bowling alley (sized for kids), and loads of arcade games.  The Comfort Inn and Suites Plattsburgh also offers a full exercise facility, which is complimentary for hotel guests.

Comfort Inn and Suites
411 Route 3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.562.2730

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay at the Comfort Inn and Suites.  All opinions are my own.

Lounging by the San Juan Marriott pool is far better than shoveling snow

Do you like to be the center of attention, or at least, in a place that’s the center of attention? Let the newly renovated Red Coral Lounge at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino be your excuse to get out of the cold this winter, and on a plane to Puerto Rico.

The lobby lounge is the focal point of the hotel, right in the center of its lobby. It’s a place where you can enjoy live local music with a cocktail, or relax in a corner and have a private conversation. The rich, earth tones and wood finishes are highlighted with vibrant colors and metal accents that keep the lounge at the center of attention. Even the lobby artwork, created by renowned local artists, is part of the new look.

But the hotel isn’t just the Red Coral Lounge. Once you’ve spent your time there, you can enjoy meals in the La Vista Latin Grill & Bar or Ristorante Tuscany & Wine Bar. Prefer dining by the beach? Pick the La Isla Beach Bar and Grill for when you’re lounging at the pool or getting some sun on the beach. Ready to try your luck? Head into the casino to see if you can go home with some winnings.

Even your room at the San Juan Marriott is a place you want to be—and with the San Dollar package, you can get your fourth night for free. The package also includes free daily breakfast for two at La Vista Restaurant, and is good through April 30, 2012.

Now, what’s the reason to stay at home in the cold this winter?

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino 787-722-7000
1309 Ashford Ave., San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico

Photo courtesy of San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Related post:
Puerto Rico Hotel Review: San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino

The Exterior of the Colonnade Hotel

The Colonnade Hotel, which just completed a $25 million renovation, is offering a fun winter discount promotion through March 31, 2011.  The Frosty Friday promotion, now in its fifteen year, is popular with visitors to the city who often make repeat visits year after year.  Guests traveling on the promotion receive a reduced rate on the Friday night of their stay – the rate is based upon the temperature at 5:00 p.m. on Friday as measured by the National Weather Service . So, for example, if the temperature reads 20 degrees (very possible, here in Boston), guests will pay $20 for their Friday night stay and a special rate of $295 for Saturday night.

The Frosty Friday promotion includes a double occupancy room, the choice of two tickets to either the Old Town Trolley Tour or admission and skating rentals at The Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink, hot chocolate for two at the on-site Brasserie JO, and overnight parking at the hotel.  The package is based upon a two-night stay and does not include taxes.  Call 1-800-962-3030 to book this package.

The Colonnade Hotel is located right in the heart of Boston, in the Back Bay section.  The Shops at Prudential Center and Copley Place are right across the street.  It’s a great hotel destination for a weekend getaway in Boston!

The Colonnade Hotel
120 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116

Photo credit: The Colonnade Hotel

Waterline Restaurant at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf, a hotel conveniently located right on the Boston Harbor, is now offering a Kids Concierge.  Guests to the hotel can now get personalized activity and restaurant recommendations that are perfect for their family.  The Kids Concierge service is complimentary, and guests just need to visit the concierge desk to set up a consultation.  If your family is more interested in exploring the whole city, you can also get a kid-friendly map of the city that highlights local sites perfect for kids.

Looking for a family weekend getaway in Boston?  Check out the family-friendly “Weekends in New England” deal at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.  Rates start at just $159 per night, and are valid through March 4, 2012.  Prepayment is required, and reservations must be made seven days in advance to get this great rate!

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf, which was recently renovated, is just steps away from Faneuil Hall, the Boston waterfront, the New England Aquarium, and Boston’s North End.  Hotel amenities include PURE allergy-friendly rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, valet parking, an on-site restaurant, and more.

Boston Marriott Long Wharf
296 State Street ·
Boston, MA 02109
617-227-0800

Photo credit: The Boston Marriott Long Wharf