Hotels

Spending the night in a hotel before your flight might help you save money at the airport.

Airport parking is expensive.  Long term parking can cost as much as $25 per day at airports in major cities like Chicago, which would add an extra $175 to your budget for a week long vacation.

Granted, you could always ask a friend to drive you to the airport and pick you up when you return home, but that’s difficult to do if you live an hour or more away from your nearest airport.  You could find an off site lot and pay a little less, but you’re still looking at $5-$10 a day plus an extra shuttle ride back to your car after you get home.

Another option may be to check into a nearby airport hotel.  Many airport hotels offer free parking with an overnight stay and free shuttle rides to and from the airport.  If you have an early morning flight, spending the night at a conveniently located hotel the night before can also give you a couple of extra hours of sleep and reduce the risk of you missing your flight due to unexpected traffic delays.  If your return flight is scheduled to land late in the evening, you may be able to get free parking in advance of an end-of-trip overnight stay.

Of course, if you’re looking to save money on parking fees by spending the night in a hotel, you’ll want to check that the hotel doesn’t charge for guest parking.  Look around for hotels near the airport you’ll be flying out of and call to confirm their parking rates and shuttle availability.

Photo credit lrargerich on Flickr.

Brussels Belgium

Ah,  Belgium. The beer, the chocolate, the scenery, the lovely people. If you haven’t been, you should go soon, even if the Euro is beating up the dollar a little bit! It’s a gorgeous, friendly country with much to recommend if you love art, beer, french fries, waffles and chocolate. Here are some wonderful hotels in two of Belgium’s most charming cities.

Brussels

The capital city is a bustling center of commerce, with many things to see and do! A large number of hotels to choose from in all price ranges. Here are some to get you started.

1. Sofitel Brussels Europe

At the center of the European quarter, a very classy and quite expensive hotel. Many attractions are nearby.

2. Radisson Blu

Another pricey one, with an Art Deco Motif, that’s close to all the action. Service is second to none.

3. be Manos

60 rooms, close to the Eurostar terminal. Awesome design on the inside.

4. Chambre en Ville

This charming hotel is a converted 19th century house. There are only 4 rooms and a studio if you are staying for more than 15 days. It’s only a 15 minute walk from many museums and is quite inexpensive at around $90/night.

5. NH Stepahie

This is a well-equipped business hotel only five minutes from the city center. Rooms run about $90/night.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges

Bruges is in the Northwest corner of Belgium. It’s the capital and largest city of West Flanders in Belgium’s Flemish region. It’s an astonishingly beautiful and quaint city, Truly, the city resembles those perfectly painted little miniature houses you can buy at Christmastime, and indeed, when you walk around the city, you will see painters meticulously touching up the paint on all the buildings.

1. Hotel Fevery

This hotel is certainly not as grand as some of Bruges’ most expensive hotels, like the ridiculous  Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce (if you have the means, you absolutely must stay there), but it has a nice location. It’s only a few minutes walk from the main Market Square and from the Grand Canal. They serve local beers at the hotel!

2. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce

Since I mentioned it already…might as well discuss it. This boutique hotel is at least $250/night, and some rooms are almost $600/night,  but it without doubt one of the most gorgeous and romantic hotels I ever set foot in (and that’s all I did – walked in and looked around).

3. Adornes Hotel

Lovely location right on the canal, and the pretty pinks and yellows of the facades make me smile. There are 20 modestly appointed rooms, but they are all very comfy. The Continental breakfast here is, of course, better than anything you’ll find at US hotels.

4. Hotel Ter Duinen

You will never forget the Royal Breakfast buffet here. The hotel is situated on one of Bruges’ most beautiful canals.

5. Flanders Hotel

This charming hotel is truly close to everything. There’s a pool, a wonderful breakfast, and it’s a hotel that might be more suited to Americans than some of the others because it has more of an “American” feel to it – it’s hard to pinpoint. Beautiful sculptured gardens.

Photos: Wolfgang Staudt, Amanito

Southern Snow - Yes, it Snows in the South!

I found this article, by the AJC (Atlanta Journal Constitution) interesting because I live in the South and I really want to hit the slopes this year! The article makes a good point – while the West may have more and bigger mountains and ski ares, there are plenty of ski areas and ski hotels and lodges to choose from here in the South – and yes, it most definitely does snow. Check them out!

1. Smokey Shadow Lodge, North Carolina

You’ll stay in a rustic looking, historic lodge made out of stones and logs that’s close to the Cataloochee Ski Area, one of the most popular in the region. Rates are $75-$135 depending on type of room and the season.

2. Sydney James Mountain Lodge, Tennessee

It’s family-owned and situated near a pretty stream near downtown Gatlinburg. You’ll be very close to the Ober-Gatlinburg Ski Area – and this is the closest ski area to Atlanta.

3. Chestnut Ridge Country Inn, West Virginia

This hotel is close to the famous Snowshoe Mountain Ski Area in West Virginia – it features the largest vertical drop in the region! The inn itself is perfectly situated – close to skiing and close to town and other attractions.

4. The Azalea Inn – North Carolina

It’s cute, comfortable, highly rated and the closes B&B to Sugar Mountain, which offers 20 slopes for all types of skiers. What more do you need?

5. The Log Cabin Motor Court

It’s only 5 miles away from downtown Asheville’s many shops, restaurants, cafes and antique shops. You can go night skiing at nearby Wolf Ridge.

World Class Golf @ Hotel Principe Felipe in Murcia Spain

Are you looking for a vacation that includes lots of warm weather and golf or maybe tennis? If you are wild about golf and want to get away from the cold this winter, right now you could stay at this five-star Spanish resort and play unlimited golf for seven days at about $450 per night. Staying here at the Hotel La Manga Club Príncipe Felipe is definitely a luxury but for many it might be the perfect getaway regardless of the price.

There are two types of accommodations within La Manga Club, both ideally placed to make the most of the resort’s facilities: The gorgeous five-star La Manga Club Hotel Príncipe Felipe or the comforts of the self-catering apartments and guestrooms at nearby Las Lomas Village. While we were there in November, the mild temperatures had everyone out walking the paths through the extensive resort property. We had only one morning of fog that caused the morning tee off to be delayed a little, and to cause a few to pull on a sweater. Otherwise, our week in La Manga was a wonderful Spain vacation with the family. Read More »

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 »

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - New York

Christmas is barely three weeks away, and if you’re like me, one of the greatest joys of the season is admiring beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You can find all sorts of them displayed in outside environments, but don’t forget to duck inside some hotels! Christmas is an incredibly busy season for most hotels, and many go to great lengths to provide awe-inspiring Christmas displays. Check out some of the following hotels for their gorgeous Christmas trees this season – they’re perfect opportunities to add a little holiday cheer to your family or romantic outing.

What other hotels do you have to add? Please comment!

Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA - Christmas Ice Skating!

1.  The Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego, California

I used to visit this hotel’s beautiful tree every year when I lived in San Diego. It’s usually around 50 feet tall, and is decorated with the pretties ribbons, bows and ornaments. By the way, did you know that the country’s first outdoor, electrically lit Christmas tree was at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1904? The hotel has a grand tradition of Christmas trees. You can go ice skating, too, at this hotel – outdoors, overlooking the beach and ocean.

2. M Resort Spa and Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada

This resort is brand spankin’ new, and on December 12 it will unveil an 109-foot tall White Fir Christmas tree. That’s really, really big – to provide some perspective, the Rockefeller Center tree is generally around 80 feet tall, so this one towers over that!

3.  The Inn at Christmas Place – Piegon Forks, Tennessee

I blogged about this hotel last year because it was so unusual – it’s Christmas here year-round! You can even request a room that has your very own Christmas tree. You’ll see Christmas throughout this Victorian themed hotel, all decorated differently.

The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Roosevelt Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana

This hotel was devastated during Hurricane Katrina, and after$145 million in renovations, it is finally open again to the public and is featuring its gorgeous Christmas displays once again, including a host of Christmas trees.

Photos: Ewen and Donabel, armatoj, infrogmation

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 »

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 »

When you’re in town for the cool weather, incredible light decorations, visiting family, or all of the above, save yourself some time and heavy-duty cooking and treat yourself to a mouth-watering Christmas Dinner or Holiday Buffet at a local Orlando hotel.

Below are a few of the best Christmas buffets available along with a sampling of their buffet menus:

Caribe Royale
SALADS
Mixed Green Salad with Choice of Dressing
Grilled Sirloin & Haricot Verts, Wild Mushroom Salad
Brandied Seafood Salad

ENTRÉE
Sautéed Breast of Chicken topped with a Morel Sauce
Stuffed Clams Fantasy, Shrimp, Scallops, Clams, Coriander White Wine Sauce

CARVING STATION
Black Pepper and Herb Crusted New York Strip

DESSERTS
Freshly-prepared selection

$37.00 Adults
$15.00 Children Ages 3 – 9
Children under 3 Eat Free

December 25, 2009 – 3pm to 9pm
In The Tropicále Restaurant

Reservations Required.
Online » or call 407-238-8020

Caribe Royale Orlando Hotel
8101 WORLD CENTER DRIVE | ORLANDO, FL 32821 | 407-238-8000

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JW Marriott
Traditional-style carved ham and turkey
Seafood stations
Champagne and Wine Bar
Children’s delightfully fun buffet

Live Entertainment and a visit from Santa from 12 – 2pm

December 25, 2009 – 12pm – 4pm
Citron

$70 Adults
$30 Children

Reservations: 407-206-2400

JW Marriott
4040 Central Florida Parkway | Orlando, FL 32837 | 407-206-2300

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Celebration Hotel
BRUNCH
An Assortment of Composed Winter Salads
Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Berries
Citrus Poached Salmon Smoked Salmon Array

ENTREE
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Dutchess Potatoes
Oven Roasted Cornish Hens with Pearl Onion Demiglace

KIDS’ BUFFET
Chicken fingers
Macaroni & Cheese
French Fries

December 25, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Plantation Room

$49.95 Adults
$19.99 Children (ages 3-12)

Reservations: Book online

Celebration Hotel
700 Bloom St. | Celebration, FL 34747 | 407-566-6000

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Rosen Centre
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BRUNCH 2009
Marinated Grilled Vegetable Salad with Fresh Dill & Feta
Cheese & Fresh Fruits Displays
Peppered Sirloin of Beef  With Au Jus & Creamy Horseradish
Wild Mushroom & Cornbread Dressing

December 25, 2009 – 11:00am – 5:00pm
$39.95 Adults
$16.95 Children (ages 4-12)

Reservations recommended, call 407-996-9840 ext. 3593

Rosen Centre
9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819

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Grand Bohemian Hotel
Merry Christmas at The Boheme 2009 – A Brunch Celebration
Duck Confit, Wild Rice and Cranberry
Waffles with Whipped Cream and Assorted Fruit Toppings
Snow Crab Legs Chilled and Steamed
Hand Carved Clove Studded Virginia Ham
An Array of Christmas “Petite Cakes” and Pies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Fruits

December 25, 2009
$49.95 Adults
$19.95 Children 4-15 (Under 4 are free)

Please call 407.313.9000 for reservations

The Boheme Restaurant at Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 South Orange Ave. – Orlando, FL 32801

If you know of, or if you have, a Christmas dinner buffet at a hotel in the Orlando area, please leave a comment below including the link to the buffet.

Happy eating!

*Photo courtesy of JW Marriott

Hotel Monteleone

The elegant Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans’ French Quarter has been run by the Monteleone family since 1886, and is well known for its excellent customer service. It’s extremely convenient—just walking distance from some of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks and attractions.

The Monteleone’s 600 spacious guest rooms and 55 suites include traditional décor, high ceilings, marble and granite bathrooms, comfy robes, coffee makers, high-speed Internet access, large-screen cable TVs and more. Rates start at $209 per night.

One of just three hotels in the Unites States that has been designated a literary landmark, the hotel is featured in the works of Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and Eudora Welty. Looking for a little more excitement? As with many New Orleans hotels in the French Quarter, the Monteleone claims a handful of “permanent residents” in the form of ghosts.

The hotel is one of the few luxury hotels in the state that offer services for your canine best friend, including a mat with water bowls, a bag of treats and a map of pet-friendly spots in the Crescent City.

Read More »