Most guests at the Phoenix All Suites West Hotel in Gulf Shores, Alabama would be surprised to learn that this Gulf-front hotel is actually a high rise condo development where each unit is individually owned. When not in use by owners, the condos are offered for rental by an on-site management company.

Living room and fully equipped kitchen

The approximate 640-square foot units are one-bedroom suites featuring a king size bed in a separate bedroom, a sleeper sofa in the living room, and a set of bunk beds for young children in the entry foyer. Additionally, the each of the units have a fully equipped kitchen and one and one half baths, making them more like a home away from home than a hotel room. Located in the center of the beachfront community of Gulf Shores, Alabama, each suite also features a balcony that offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. Other amenities include free covered parking, a large outdoor pool, and an on-site laundry room. Read More »

I consider myself “lucky” to have had the opportunity to stay at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV. Granted, I was 5 months pregnant at the time with my first baby, so I was happy to be anywhere before the baby arrived. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a STELLAR place to stay. Locate within the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Resort property is the modern-day, luxurious (but not-over-the-top) THEhotel.

Over-sized one-bedroom suites populate the 43-story hotel right on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. With the access to all of the amenities of Mandalay Bay including the Shark Reef Aquarium and Mandalay Bay Beach, guests can escape to the luxury of their 725+ square foot suites. On-site at THEhotel is The Bathhouse, a European-style spa with elite clientele. The Bathhouse spa is adorned with slate walls, exotic baths, and the ultimate in relaxation services.

The Bathhouse Spa at THEhotel, Las Vegas, NV

Current room rates start at just $120/night, suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, separate living and bedrooms, and 42″ plasma televisions. Bathrooms are decorated with marble-top counters and separate tubs and showers.  These well-appointed rooms are perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Sin City, staying on the Strip with access to all of the best amenities of a large resort.

3970 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Photo courtesy: THEhotel

Nick Hotel in Orlando, Florida, is the perfect destination for a family with young children ages 4-13 years old. If you fall outside of this demographic, please do yourself and your sanity a favor, and don’t go. That said, if you do have children ages 4-13 years old who have even the slightest inkling of who is any character on any Nickelodeon show, make your reservation today.

Nick Hotel, Orlando, Florida

Seriously. Read More »

La Casa del Tio Dach may be advertised as a hostel and a bed and breakfast, but it’s really an exquisitely restored historic house filled with artwork and antiques that just happens to welcome guests. The house was built in 1890 by the Paz Ferraez brothers, who were well-known grocers in Merida, capital the State of Yucatan in Mexico. When the last of the original brothers passed on, the property was handed down to nephews who decided to restore the home to its former glory and convert it to a bed and breakfast.

Historic Hostal La Casa del Tio Dach in Merida

Named in honor of one of the uncles who built the home, La Casa del Tio Dach has five rooms that offer configurations ranging from two and four beds to an eight bed dorm. Each of the sparkling clean rooms has an ensuite bathroom and is furnished with modern, quality furniture and upscale linens. The $120 peso per night rate (less than $10 USD) includes towels, in-room wireless Internet, fan, 24-hour hot water and reception, as well as a delicious continental breakfast of fresh fruit, pound cake, and coffee. Read More »