Having the opportunity to stay at a hotel to experience its every intricacies is really the best way to write about what’s good and what can be improved upon, and to give potential guests an insider’s take on a resort. I was provided a two-night’s stay at CoCo Key Water Resort for me and my family to relax and play for a weekend. I’m nothing if not honest, so I’m going to tell you the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.

We arrived on Friday afternoon to check in and our room was ready for us. I will say there were a few hiccups during the first hour or so of the stay, but the manager on staff, Howard, took VERY good care of us. I saw him interact with several other hotel guests as well, so I know he wasn’t just playing it up for me as a member of the travel media. I got a very good sense that the staff and management are available and ready to help solve any problems immediately.

Queen-size beds at CoCo Key, Orlando, Florida

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If you’re allergic to the odd microbe or two that usually get left behind inspite of the best efforts of the minimum-wage maid, then you want to take refuge at the Doubletree Universal Orlando – they’re offering an entire floor of PURE® Allergy Friendly Rooms.

PURE rooms at Doubletree Orlando

That’s 24 brand-new PURE rooms which create an allergy-friendly environment and remove up to 98% of bacteria and viruses.

Bill Worcester, General Manager of The Doubletree Universal, said that his hotel is proud to be the first hotel in Orlando to offer these rooms capable of taking care of the needs of guests with asthma, severe allergies or chemical sensitivities.

So what exactly is a PURE room? Apparently its a 7-step purification process – the room is treated to remove allergens and irritants from all surfaces, fabrics and air flow. Once all the squatter bacteria, dirt and mold have been kicked out, a high ozone shock is administered which takes out any lingering odors left behind.

A shield and an air purifier is then installed, along with a hypo-allergenic mattress and pillow encasements, to prevent the return of the bacterial Jedi.

The 742-room Doubletree Orlando is located at the Universal Orlando Entrance. The King Bed Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Universal Orlando, plush-top king beds, flat screen television with cable, coffee/tea makers, mini refrigerators, a safe and a lot of other stuff which you’re never going to use.

Hotel amenities & services include free wireless internet in public spaces, a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, fitness center, shuttle to Universal Orlando and Seaworld and an airport shuttle, 5 restaurants/bars/lounges plus a Starbucks in the main lobby, a gift shop and ATM, self-laundry and valet dry cleaning. 

Photos – PURE & Doubletree Orlando

More info: www.doubletreeorlando.com/ & www.pureroom.com/

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There are dog kennels and doggie day care. And then there is the Best Friends Pet Care At Walt Disney World.

Hotels are not just for people.

Apparently.

Disney World for your dog and cat.

I’m serious.

Every pet owner needs their Fido and Scratchy, but most pet owners leave their pets back at home with their trusty vet at the standard kennel. Some vacationers bring their pets along to Orlando to stay back at the hotel.

But for some lucky puppehs and kittehs, vacation starts when Mommy and Daddy drop them off for their spa days at Walt Disney World.

Luxury for your pet.

Pet Resort Hotel at Walt Disney World, Orlando

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Paging corporate robber barons who got crucified last year for having fun on the shareholders’ dime - Are you looking for a nice comfy 4-star hotel cheap enough not to get you in trouble with your shareholders?

How about if we throw in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a sugar sand beach, night-vision googles and a pirate ship regatta?

Cardboard Boat Regatta at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

If this sounds like your kind of corporate junket, then we have just the right place for you - the 133-room Vero Beach Hotel & Spa in Vero Beach, Fla., which is offering a ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ package with accommodations starting at $99.

You get to choose one of the following complimentary perks:-

1. Moonlight Turtle Walks where you can stalk turtles wearing cool night-vision googles.
2. Cooking class on the beach, where the Chef teaches you how to cook a local catch with exotic South Florida flavors.
3. Cardboard Pirate Ship Regatta, where your team gets to build a life-size cardboard ship and race against other teams.

As for the meeting space, your options include the Shoreline Room, an oceanfront banquet space and patio for up to 70 guests; the Executive Board Room for meetings up to ten; and Cobalt restaurant’s private dining room for up to 35 guests.

Oliver

The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is eco-friendly (Green Seal certified) and pet-friendly (Oliver – Director of Pet Relations, is available to answer questions regarding paws, licking or barking).

One last thing – if you feel the urge to visit the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, then hold on to your ticket stubs, because the Vero Beach Hotel will give you a free room upgrade if you can show your Universal Orlando ticket stub.

Photos courtesy Vero Beach Hotel/Kimpton Hotels

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

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