A dream wedding on the beach at the Ritz

Do you dream of a beach wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico, but push away the idea because you think you can’t afford it?

Well keep dreaming, because maybe you can … if you have it at one of these five hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun; The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; and The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino!

This could be your magic event!

Seriously, there’s no catch. If you meet the requirements, the Ritz-Carlton will give you a complimentary wedding ceremony that includes:

• Ceremony Location
• Wedding Specialist
• Wedding Concierge
• Minister
• Signature Bouquet
• Signature Boutonniere
• Signature Location Décor
• Complimentary three-night first anniversary stay

So what are the requirements? Book your wedding by December 20, 2009, and have it between May 1 and December 20, 2009.  Just make sure to invite at least 25 couples, because you also need to book 25 rooms, for at least three night. The destination wedding details are all spelled out on the Ritz Carlton site, but it really is that simple.

If any day in your life deserves the kind of white glove treatment you get at the Ritz, it’s your wedding, right? And if you’re going to drag your guests halfway around the world to watch you and your beloved exchange vows, it better be somewhere gorgeous.

The Ritz-Carlton Cancun

I would be happy to go to an event at the Ritz-Carlton Cancun, and yes that’s a hint to my brother who just got engaged. The rooms are gorgeous, with the to-be-expected 400 thread-count sheets and flat screen tv, plus rainforest showerheads and gourmet espresso machines in every room. Then there is the location! Perched on the edge of the Caribbean, the white sandy beaches and azure waters are breath-taking. Not to mention, you’re on the Mayan Riviera, where you can see pyramids, snorkel and drink endless margarita-on-the-beach drinking.

In fact, maybe my husband and I need to renew our vows — who wants to come to a wedding?

Photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Panama City Beach

Thinking about some fun over Spring Break this year? Many young people head over to Panama City, Florida, for a week or weekend filled with fun in the sun. If you’re thinking about a trip to Panama City, check out these hotels – they’re all close to the action and will be clean and comfortable places to stay. Enjoy – even if you’re a last minute planner, you should still be able to snag some rooms at one of these three hotels.

Days Inn and Ramada Inn

These hotels form a combo of almost 340 rooms, and there were still rooms avaialble as of this writing. You’ll love the jacuzzi that connects the two hotels as well as the awesome waterfall! Your room could have views of the gorgeous beaches down below.

Boardwalk Beach Resort

This hotel has an awesome location, with a pool that overlooks the water. You can now stay in condominums as well. The beach is the largest private beach in the world – it’s over 11 football fields long! This hotel is definitely Spring Break Central.

Holiday Inn Sunspree

Yet another hotel which falls under the “location, location, location” category. Sugary-white, soft sand will be only steps away from your hotel room door, and this hotel is arguably the nicest in Panama City. It’s a little bit of a walk to all of the clubs, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to retreat to your hotel and get away from all the craziness. Don’t get the wrong idea though – this hotel is definitely in the middle of it all.

Photo Credits: hanzinuah

South Beach in Miami, Florida

I’ve written about Hotel Indigo before – the one here in Atlanta – and anybody who read that post knows how much I adore that hotel. It’s so pretty and fresh and clean looking, and it even has a cute little bar and lounge area off the lobby which is a fun place to hang out.

Well, I just found out that Hotel Indigo Miami Lakes opened earlier this month, and as I’m planning a trip to Miami in the near future, I am very excited about this! The hotel has 86 rooms and it used to be the Don Shula Golf Club. I have to admit, all the palm trees surrounding the hotel give it a very inviting feel, and the tropical colors remind you of how close you are to the water. This hotel has a restaurant on site called Phi, which looks great. There’s a pool, too, which is even more of a must for Florida hotels than here in Atlanta; Florida summers feel like you’re walking around in a boiling sponge most of the time. And check out the location – right next to the championship Senator Golf Course and the delectable Don Shula Steakhouse. You’ll be pretty close to South Beach too.

I learned something new about the Hotel Indigo brand, too – they offer something called Seasonal Renewal. In the hotel’s public areas, changes will be made to the scents, music, artwork, murals and signage four times a year to complement the changing seasons. How neat!  That means that even the most frequent visitors will have something to look forward to on their next visit.

Three more Hotel Indigo’s are set to open later this year in Miami Beach, St. Petersburg and Ft. Meyers, so stay tuned for info about those as well.

Photo Credits: Heather0714,

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room