Comfort Inn Buena Vista, Florida

Just for Florida and Georgia residents, the Rosen family of hotels is offering their low-cost, high-quality hotels as a respite for your shopping excursion to Orlando.

They’re offering $39.99 per night rates now through the end of January 2010 (some blackout dates apply) with a VIP coupon book from Orlando Premium Outlets as well as an Orlan-Dough Mega-Value coupon book with more than $3000 money-saving offers.

Hotels on International Drive and in Lake Buena Vista (near Walt Disney World) in their “Shop and Stay Package” include:

Quality Inn International
Rodeway Inn International
Quality Inn Plaza
Comfort Inn Buena Vista

Stay in one of these hotels, and leave your car parked. The I-Ride Trolley will take you up and down International Drive in an air-conditioned trolley to all of the restaurants and shopping destinations and back to your hotel for $4/day. Guest rooms at each hotel feature a kitchenette area with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, cable TV with Showtime®, and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Photo courtesy Rosen Hotels

With a reputation for providing “everything in one place,” Gaylord Resorts are a fabulous choice any time of the year, but at Christmas the four hotels (located in or near Washington D.C.; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee) are transformed into a fanciful world of thousands of twinkling lights, colorful trees, over-sized wreaths and ornate details that provide a breathtaking view from every direction. Atriums inside each of the four resorts feature a wonderland of lighted icicles, towering Christmas trees, and illuminated fountains with choreographed shooting waters that dance to Christmas melodies.

Christmas decor in the Gaylord National atrium

Christmas decor in the Gaylord Texan atrium

The resorts’ signature holiday attraction, ICE!, is hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice by more than 100 artisans from Harbin, China (a city known for its master ice carving skills), who travel to the U.S. each year to work on the displays. A Read More »

The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, a lovely hotel on Central Florida’s Treasure Coast, is offering a romantic Valentine getaway for threesomes. That’s a Valentine’s Day weekend special called Pooch n’ Smooch for couples traveling with a pet (or pets). Package incudes:-

Vero Beach Hotel & Oliver

•Pampered Pooch Picnic at the Dog Park with a basket that includes a picnic blanket, two wine spritzers, organic treats for mom and dad, dog treats, ball, water and a collapsible dog bowl, and a clean-up bag.
•Turn down amenity of Champagne and homemade doggie treats from local pet boutique, Hearth & Hound.
•$5 donation to Indian River County Humane Society.

If you want to make your pet feel extra-special, package upgrades include a couple’s photo shoot with your pet on the beach, and/or two Kimpton bathrobes and a dog bed.

The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is a Kimpton Hotel, which makes it a pet-friendly hotel (see Kimpton’s pet policy). Oliver, the hotel’s pet director, will be at hand to ensure that you and your pet(s) enjoy a comfortable stay.

Use promo code POOCH if you’re booking online, or call 1-866-602-VERO and request the Pooch n’ Smooch package.

Photos courtesy Vero Beach Hotel & Spa/Kimptom Hotels

Info: 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL  32963; (772) 231-5666; www.verobeachhotelandspa.com/

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Hotel Urbano, an artsy new boutique hotel in Miami, Fla. is celebrating it’s grand opening by offering first night’s stay at a $20.10 rate during January 2010.

Hotel Urbano, Miami

Urbano, located in Brickell Avenue, offers 65 guest rooms spread over 3 floors with walk-in showers and some snazzy interior design, with views of either the pool or the city, and some rooms even have their own Lanai.

The four cabanas, the fire-pit and the bar alongside the outdoor pool offer a good place to chill out after a hard day of tramping around in  Miami.

For the artistically inclined, Urbano is even more of an exhibitionist, partnering with the Art Fusion Galleries of the Miami Design District to display new exhibits at art receptions which will be held at the hotel.

Urbano’s Dec 5 launch doubled as an Art Basel celebration party at the Art Fusion Galleries. The hotel says even the food and drinks offered by their full-service restaurant & bar are all “inspired by Miami’s eclectic art scene.”

The $20.10 rate is applicable for January stays only, and only for the 1st night. $159 for the remaining nights on a city view room. Upgrade to a pool view for an additional $20 per night or get your own private Lanai for $60 more per night. Minimum 2-night stay required. Use promo code SPECIAL.

Photos courtesy Hotel Urbano

Info: 2500 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33129; (305) 854-2070 or (888) 657-3448 for reservations; www.hotelurbano.com/

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December, especially the holidays, is notorious for great weather all around Florida. Below is a list of some of the best hotel deals and specials from across the state.

Orlando
Buena Vista Suites
1-800-537-7737
ONE-BEDROOM SUITE SPECIAL – Rates from $89.95 for December 2009
FLORIDA RESIDENT SUITE SPECIAL – Rates from $80.95 for December 1-24, 2009

Nick Hotel
866-377-0314 & ask for CVB 3rd night free w/ $75 resort credit
Stay two nights, get the third night FREE – $75 resort credit for food and entertainment on property
Book by December 7, 2009. Valid for new reservations only. Stays based on limited availability now – February 11, 2009.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
(407) 390-6664 (Free for Fall)
From $99/night through Dec. 31, 2009
* Deluxe room accommodations – buy two nights, get the third night free
* Upgrade to premium room based on availability
* Champions 9 – the resort’s lighted, par 3 pitch & putt for two adults
* Phone call from the concierge to assist you with making plans

Read More »

We all, at least I, dream of staying in the Presidential Suites in the best hotels. It’s the ultimate in luxury. Because it is a top international travel destination, Orlando does not lack in the luxurious possibilities of staying in an upscale hotel suite.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Presidential Suite

Boasting EIGHT Presidential Suites, the Swan and Dolphin Resort sets itself apart. Each of the eight suites features a parlor measuring over 1000 square feet, two-story suites (Dolphin), and a “Personal Pantry” from which to order so you’re stocked up in your suite before you even arrive.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard | P.O. Box 22653 | Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
888-828-8850
Read More »

Orlando Pet Friendly Hotels for Pet Friendly Family Vacations

The family pet, for many people, is just another beloved member of the family.  So naturally, the family vacation needs to include a pet friendly hotel.  Orlando, Florida offers a variety of pet friendly hotels to choose from if you plan to bring your pet along on your Orlando vacation.

Pet Friendly Hotels In Orlando

Quality Inn Plaza Orlando on International Drive – the Quality Inn accepts pets under 50 lbs for a $10 fee per night, per pet.

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel – Dogs of all sizes are welcome for a one time pet fee of $25 per room. Guests must have a health certificate for each pet obtained within 10 days prior to arrival.

Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel – With direct access to Universal Studios, this is a Loews Hotel. The Loews chain has a “Loews Loves Pet” program and a Holiday program specifically for pets.

Red Roof Inn Orlando Convention Center – This pet friendly hotel is adjacent to the Orlando Convention Center. One well behaved pet is allowed per room.

Crestwood Suites Disney Orlando – This Orlando hotel accepts pets under 20 pounds for a fee of $15 per night or $50 per week.

Sheraton Safari Hotel Orlando – If you have a larger dog, this may be the best pet friendly hotel in Orlando for you. Dogs up to 80 pounds are allowed.

Best Western Orlando East Inn & Suites – A pet friendly hotel in Downtown Orlando, small pets are allowed here for $20 per day.

Country Inn And Suites By Carlson Orlando Airport – A pet friendly hotel near the Orlando airport, this hotel allows dogs up to $75 for a one time fee of $150.

Comfort Suites Universal South – This pet friendly hotel offers a free shuttle to Universal Studios and Sea World. This is a great choice if you more than one pet as they allow 2 pets per room for $49 per stay.

Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

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

World's Largest Cruise Ship - Oasis of the Seas

The world’s largest cruise ship is in the water and set to reach Port Everglades on November 11, and Fort Lauderdale hoteliers may have a lot to gain.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas features 16 decks, 2,700 staterooms, and an open-air “Central Park” in the middle of the boat.  To say it’s big, even by cruise ship standards, would be an understatement.

Tourist officials in Fort Lauderdale are hoping that the big ship’s arrival will mean more people staying in Fort Lauderdale hotels.

Read More »

Susan G. Komen

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach is partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, to help raise funds for the global fight against breast cancer. On January 30, 2010, the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure takes place in West Palm Beach, Florida. Throughout the month of January, guests of the oceanfront hotel are invited to book a special pink package, “Sweet Dreams for the Cure,” and help support the cause, as The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach will be contributing 5% of room proceeds from the package to the foundation. The offer includes overnight accommodations, as well as: Read More »