Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel

Do you live on the west coast?  Do you travel to Europe and want a better way to make that transfer to the continent? During my most recent visit to Europe, we took our standard nonstop flight from San Francisco International to London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom. However this time, rather than the pricier route, we took a different less expensive flight out of Gatwick Airport to the coast of Spain, adding a day to each end of our trip.

In order to make our transfer smooth, we decided to take advantage of staying at the only hotel located within the South Terminal at London’s Gatwick Airport. The Hilton London Gatwick Hotel is literally on the airport property, and you can walk from within the hotel through a covered walkway into the South Terminal.  However if you are flying from the North Terminal, you have a nice hotel option as well.  Since we were traveling during November and there were thunderstorms, we loved being able to roll our luggage to check in without worry.

How could our stay get any better? We booked our room paying in advance, and saved 20% off of their best rate. And by the end of our stay, we decided to become Hilton HHonors members. Read More »

The Landmark London Hotel reception

One word, posh. If it was convenient, Beyonce or her luggage would stay here. If she didn’t have Beckingham Palace, Posh Spice would stay here. The atmosphere and decor of The Landmark Hotel in central London is truly lavish. Built in 1899 and originally known as the Great Central Hotel, this hotel is on par with The Plaza or The Carlyle in New York.

If we stayed long enough, I imagine we would have seen a sweet little British Eloise roaming amidst the ladies enjoying their afternoon tea. The Landmark London Hotel is a 5-star hotel with more luxurious amenities than I have seen before, starting with our basic room for 550 GBP upto the Lifestyle Suites for 2,700 GBP per night. Really. Our stay gave me plenty of material for my imaginary life as a famous writer.

Given the level of service and beauty of the hotel furnishings we experienced, I am not surprised this hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.  Stay at The Landmark London and you could dine next to a sheik or maybe a regular family like us.  21st century bonus: The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) is the first luxury brand to, not only provide consumers the option of having a carbon-neutral travel experience, but also to make the financial contribution on their behalf to offset their energy consumption. Read More »

The week immediately before and the few weeks after Thanksgiving are the BEST times to visit Orlando on vacation to experience the many theme parks and attractions with some of the smallest crowds of the year. The weather has cooled, the rain has dispersed (not my guarantee), and most kids are in school.

If you happen to be in town for Thanksgiving at the beginning or end of your vacation, there are some fabulous hotel restaurants catering to your Turkey Dinner needs. If you’re an “all-you-can-eat” kind of family, below is a list of the Top 5 tastiest-looking Thanksgiving Day buffet menus in the Orlando resort area.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffets for 2009

Capriccio Grill™ – Peabody Orlando on International Drive
One of the priciest buffets in town at one of the nicest hotels, the Peabody is doing it up fancy-like for Turkey dinner. The nicest of nice foods (most of which I cannot pronounce) include Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage, Pecorino & Beurre Noisette, Apple Cider Baked Smoked Ham & Grain Mustard, and Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Adults $59.50; Kids (6-12) $25 (under 6 is free)

Orlando Thanksgiving Day Buffet – Celebration Hotel in Celebration
Adjacent to Walt Disney World, Celebration, FL, has the charm and ambiance of an old-time neighborhood and city-center with all of the new-world features. The Celebration Hotel is offering a “Florida-style” Thanksgiving buffet featuring Honey Cornbread Stuffing, Granny Smith Apple-Vegetable Turkey with Giblet Gravy, and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce.
Adults $49.95; Kids (3-12) $19.99 (under 3 is free)

Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet – Caribe Royale on World Center Drive
Spend your Thanksgiving dinner in the company of a live Jazz Trio while dining on Shrimp & Crab Cocktail with Remoulade Sauce, Cream of Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup, Tender Roasted Tom Turkey, and a “lavish display of desserts.”
Adults – $39; Kids (3-9) – $15 (under 3 is free)

Garden Grove – Swan and Dolphin Hotel at Walt Disney World
With traditional Thanksgiving dinner fare, the Garden Grove’s buffet includes a turkey and ham carving station, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean almandine and a special kids-only offering.
Adults – $34.95; Kids (3-9) – $15.95 (under 3 is free)

Holiday Grand Buffet – Rosen Plaza on International Drive
Mixing traditional American Thanksgiving dinner accutrements with modern dishes, the Rosen Plaza has planned a tremendous spread including Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, Traditional Roast Turkey carved tableside, Pilgrims Loaded Mashed Potatoes, and Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Adults $31.95 ; Kids (4-12) $15.95 (under 4 is free)

I’m pretty much considering telling my grandma I’ll be a day late to our family Thanksgiving dinner.

photo credit: A Lynch

The indoor pool at the Marriot Courtyard in Niagara Falls

When our oldest son’s hockey coach did his research on the best place for the entire team to stay during a Niagara Falls tournament last year, he analyzed 10 hotels in the area and as a group, we decided on the Marriott Courtyard.

For the group discounted rate we managed to secure, the Marriott Courtyard was at the edge of the main streets leading into Niagara Falls excitement and the kids were in awe of their surroundings. Once done at the rinks for the day, all the families ventured into the museums and attractions at night, and all were within a few minutes walking distance.

The standard room with two queen-sized beds provides ample room for families.

As hockey parents lugging equipment, suitcases, younger siblings and all that comes with them, we were overly impressed with the fact that there was more than enough ample parking in such a busy area of town.  The rooms were enormous of a family of four, and ours came with two queen sized beds.  There was more than enough space to spread out hockey equipment between games and the list of things for families to do is long if you’re so inclined and don’t mind spending a few bucks in this tourist mecca.

The staff at the Marriott was ready for anything.  They were courteous and patient with so many kids running around (we weren’t the only tourney parents there and there were a ton of kids in the hotel).  While they didn’t staff the pool with a lifeguard, the staff that did pop in stopped any kids from horsing around in the pool, employing a hands off policy so you know, nobody drowned.  Knowing how the hockey team likes to play wrestle, I was grateful they couldn’t do it in the pool.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar inside the hotel offered up a breakfast spread that made the boys go wild.  Everything little boys could ever want was there for the taking and the coffee was delicious.

Lastly, the entire staff all seemed to be extremely familiar with the area and were instrumental in getting us to our arenas on time.

We’re looking at Niagara Falls again this year for our hockey tournament and I sure hope we stay at the Marriott again.  It was a 5 star in terms of convenience, customer service and low stress for hockey moms and dads, which is especially good for a 3 star hotel.

Photos credit: Marriott Courtyard

The themed courtyard at the Best Western Cairn Croft in Niagara Falls

When my husband and I were looking for a weekend away during his electrical apprenticeship, money was certainly an issue.  The Man was still in school, after all.  We left the kids with his parents and on recommendation from his well-traveled father (who has worked in nearly every town in Ontario), we decided to stay at the Best Western Cairn Croft.

About a 30 minute walk to The Falls and away from all the noise and people, the Cairn Croft was a clean, inexpensive alternative to anything else we could have found at the lower end of the price point without sleeping with critters.  We checked in, change into dinner clothes and walked down to the main drag.

After spending too much money on dinner at the Spicy Olive (delicious food, but spendy), we took in the sights and a romantic ride on the Ferris Wheel.  By the time we walked all the way back to the hotel, our feet had given up on us.  The stay itself was uneventful, clean and for all intents and purposes, the hotel functioned as it should without any issues.  I would venture to say it was more of a family hotel than anything – given the pool and amenities geared toward kids.  We faced the courtyard pictured above and while people were respectful, it was still noisy with all the foot traffic through there.  The best part?  Walking to our car behind the hotel, late in the evening, and catching a bride smoking a cigarette in her wedding dress.  Klassy!

Now that The Man is a full fledged electrician though?  I expect to stay in the hub-bub next time and in a 5 star.  Value is great, but some days I’d like to pretend we have more money than brains.  If only just for a weekend of pampered bliss.

Photo credit: Best Western

Disney Character Totem Pole in the Atrium Lobby

Planning a visit to the Great West in the near future? Me either. (Oh, how I wish, though.)

Why go all the way to the actual “West” when you can stop in to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World in Orlando? The outside of the hotel is manicured with pine trees, moose statues, and the building appears to be sided with logs from the Great West. Inside the hotel is a GRAND atrium with Disney character totem poles, a ginNORmous stone fireplace, and an actual creek running through with an actual bridge as only Disney can do.

The family and I haven’t stayed a night in the deluxe resort hotel, but we’ve been to the hotel for lunch at their all-you-can-eat BBQ restaurant, Whispering Canyon Cafe. Mucho delicioso, and at Disney World, finding a reasonably-priced restaurant can be a chore.

Outside the back of the hotel is a massive lake where you can rent boats, swim in the creek “reservoir,” and take a stroll on the boardwalk through the forest. There are many decisions you have to make when choosing a Disney hotel (ie. to stay on property or off), and if one of the decisions you’re making involves needing on-site activities that are family-friendly, check out Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, even if it’s only for the day.

Having to fly unexpectedly to Scottsdale, Arizona recently for a family emergency, I found myself scrambling to locate a hotel with enough amenities to satisfy my parents and my wildly diverse siblings with their extended families.  Not being familiar with the area, but wanting to get a hotel with the basics to satisfy me, I can report that the Wingate by Windham in Scottsdale is where I plan to return to whenever I am back in town.

Plush Beds @ Wingate Scottsdale AZ

The Wingate by Wyndham is part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hotel brands that includes Ramada, Days Inn, Travelodge, Howard Johnson and more.

This Wingate is targeted to the business traveler, with a 24 hour fitness room that I used daily, and a well stocked breakfast set up every morning from 6:00 until 9:00. I stuck to the cereal and eggs, but my sister raved about the “make your own waffles”. With the heat, my brother skipped the gym and used the pool. He swam every morning, reporting to me how nice and clean the water was.

Great Equipment & Television in the 24 Hour Fitness Room

They offer great deals for seniors and AAA members.  We had nicely appointed queen rooms for $89 a night.  My room had two queen beds and huge flat screen LG television.  With my sister in a room on one side of me and my mother on the other side, how quiet my room was at night was perfect.

Neutrogena Products & Fluffy Towels

We all agreed that the Moen Revolution showerhead was a nice perk and my father loved how new the ironing board and iron were. He likes a a very sharp crease in his pants. Each room has a single-cup coffeemaker with Wolfgang Puck coffee that comes in handy if you stay up late like my niece or get up at the crack of dawn, like my mom.

With members of my family unable to drive but needing to get to the mall and other destinations, we were pleasantly surprised by their free shuttle service. They have a few vans available from 7:00 to 7:00 everyday, that will take you anywhere you want to go within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Amanda, one of the front desk agents drove us a couple of times and expertly got us to our destination. Given my parents back seat driving and the hundred temperatures, I couldn’t tip her enough.

Make Your Own Waffles!

The Phoenix Airport is too far but the Scottsdale Airport is close enough use their free shuttle.  If you need to print your boarding pass, they have a 24 hour Business Center too with free internet access and printer.  The Wingate by Wyndham in Scottsdale has an amazing staff who offered our family so much warmth. If you travel to Scottsdale for business, a round of golf or maybe a girls spa weekend, this hotel is in a great location off the 101 Loop.

All photos taken by my iPhone.

This lobby smelled like fresh laundry. Pretty nice, right?

My roadtrip buddy, Stefania, and I were excited to realize our itinerary gave us an extra day in Chicago before BlogHer started. We decided to spend the night at a hotel away from the conference so we could see a little more of the city. We had reservations at one property, but were glad to cancel and accept an unsolicited offer from the Best Western River North: a free night at the hotel. And it included secure parking!

Hey, we’re girls on a budget.

We were also coming from a lackluster and disappointing stay at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan, so we were ready to be treated well. Or at least get a clean room. Happily, we got both.

The Service

The good treatment started with the valet, who uttered the now famous question, “Is that a Bentley?” when we handed over our loaner 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

By the way, a tip for anyone who stays at the Best Western River North: always have the valet park. We took the car out later and that garage is insanely small and tight. City parking, and it’s free to guests, so no complaints, just leave the tight turns to the experts. Especially when you have a giant loaner car with an immaculate paint job.

We rolled our suitcases into the lobby, which smelled like fresh laundry. This was both pleasant and fortuitous, because we had a week’s worth of laundry that wasn’t going to get clean sitting in our bags.

As soon as we got through the niceties of checking in, we asked about doing laundry. There are no on-site facilities, and we’d missed the cut off time to have it sent out. We were obviously deflated and disappointed, so the manager said, “Let me see what I can do.”

Long story short, housekeeping did our laundry for us and delivered it to the room. We paid a nominal fee, about what you’d pay any wash and fold service. There was no extra charge for the amazing service.

The Room Rooms Suite

A double room - spacious, clean, just right

There was also no charge for the huge suite they put us in, obviously hoping to impress us with their best accommodations. The wasn’t super fancy, but it was a lot of space, actually perfect for a family on an extended trip.

We walked into a spacious living/lounging area, with furnished with a sofa, coffee table, easy chairs, TV, dining table and chairs, refrigerator big enough to hold actual groceries, a coffee maker, and cups.

Next we walked into the first bedroom, with two double beds, then passed into the “master” bedroom, which had a king sized bed, as well as a desk, mirror and lamp that served as an extra vanity. This was useful because even with all that space, there was only one bathroom, which was rather small. I’d guess that most families would appreciate a second toilet.

Plenty of room to spread out, relax, and get out of each others’ hair. Even get a little privacy!

The Pool and Workout Room

The surprisingly nice indoor, rooftop pool

Because they knew we were writers, and were obviously trying to give us the best service and accommodations possible, I knew I had to do a little spying to get more of the story. I laced up my running shoes and wandered through a couple of floors, on my way up to the combination pool/workout area on the top floor.

The workout room was small but perfectly adequate – one treadmill, one elliptical, some weights. Really all you need in a hotel. The pool was nice, good-sized, with lots of towels, lounge chairs and sitting areas where you could bring up a snack.

Again, it seemed very family friendly. Clean, and nice, but not so fancy you have to worry that your kids are going to break something or annoy the other guests while splashing in the pool.

In fact, almost all of the other guests we saw in the hotel were families. They were very regular looking (no one looked like Victoria Beckham, if you know what I mean, and there weren’t any nannies) with a pack of mostly well-behaved kids, enjoying a summer vacation. And even though they didn’t appear to be writers (hey, you never know, everyone’s got a blog these days) everyone was getting the same calm, attentive service.

The Food

This isn’t a mini-bar and cashews place, but they did have room service available, through the diner next door. Totally reasonable prices — breakfast for two was under $20, including delivery — and fast service. It wasn’t a meal we’ll remember forever, but it was tasty, and still hot when it arrived, which is more than I can say for some $25 room service burgers in my past.

The Verdict

Our stay was as nice as they could possibly make it. Even though it was quite clear that the manager was going out of his way to treat us well, except for the free room it was all in the form of great service, i.e. they didn’t try to do anything creepy like bribe us by doing our laundry for free, or sending booze to our room, not that I ever object to free booze.

In my sneaking around, I saw lots of polite maids, happy families, and clean rooms (you bet I totally peeping tom’d around the housekeeping cart!) The whole thing screamed good value.

Is this a romantic place for a weekend getaway? No. It’s also not right on the water like some of the bid deal hotels, although it’s a few easy-to-walk blocks away. There aren’t any dreamy views, or designer amenities.

It is a clean, friendly hotel, with good-sized rooms, great service, and reasonable rates, in a convenient location. If you are traveling with your kids, and even another family, and want a no-stress, central place to stay, this is the perfect place.

Sunshine Guaranteed for Florida Vacation

Two Florida hotels are guaranteeing the state’s famous sunshine during your hotel stay through Sept. 30.

The Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary and the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra are offering a discounted $99 hotel room rate and the assurance that you will get a free night certificate for a future vacation if it rains more than 0.5 inches on any night of your stay.

The Sunshine Guaranteed package also includes extras such as free breakfasts and dinner discounts.

“We know vacationers are looking for packages like Sunshine Guaranteed- great deals with the kind of valuable extras that make summer travel fun and affordable,” says Chuck Schoonmaker, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra.

Here’s a look at what each hotel has to offer:

Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary

This new hotel opened in January 2009 in Lake Mary, Fla. It has 128 guestrooms, each equipped with Hyatt Grand Beds, separate seating areas and roomy workspaces, refrigerators and flat-panel TVs. Wi-fi and parking are free at the Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and a new fitness center.

Staying at the Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary on the Sunshine Guaranteed package gets you:

* $99 per night discounted room rate
* Free future room night for each day it rains more than 0.5 inches
* Free made-to-order breakfast for up to four guests per room, per night
* $25 gift certificate to Stonewood Grill

You can book online using the discount code “SUNS” now through Sept. 15, 2009, for stays through Sept. 30, 2009.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra

This hotel is at the entrance to the TPC Sawgrass, a golfer’s paradise. It has 127 guest rooms, and all of them have a refrigerator and microwave, which is great for family travels. The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra has an outdoor poll and whirlpool, as well as a free fitness center. Wi-fi and parking are free.

Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra on the Sunshine Guaranteed package gets you:

* $99 per night discounted room rate
* Free future room night for each day it rains more than 0.5 inches
* Free full breakfast for two each day at the Great American Grill restaurant in the hotel
* $25 gift certificate to Cruisers Grill

You can book online using the discount code “P3″ now through Sept. 15, 2009, for stays through Sept. 30, 2009.

If you’re planning a trip, check out Jacksonville flights.

Guest post by Leigh Caldwell.

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.