Lodging

Looking at the outside of the Paradise Motel is like being transported back to the 1950s, when the single story motel was king. Owner-owned and managed, this property is a clean, no-frills place to crash when in Wisconsin Dells.

Paradise Motel in Wisconsin Dells

The rooms are reasonably well-maintained, though the mattresses may seem old to those used to the lush pillowtops of most resorts. Rooms smell a bit musty and even a non-smoking room may smell slightly of smoke. Shower temperature varies depending on if others in neighboring rooms are bathing at the same time and if you do want to wash up, you’ll need to bring your own toiletries. You’ll also need to hike down to the office if you want any ice, but you’ll find the owner to be a friendly gentleman willing to help your stay be the best it can.

Paradise Motel is located in the heart of the tourist corridor, directly across the street from the behemoth Mt. Olympus Waterpark and Theme Park. As such, you may not care that the pool is small and only boasts a diving board and traditional plastic slide, or that said pool is completely packed in the heart of the summer heat.

They also offer charcoal grills and a picnic area for guests to use and have a playground with swing set for the kids. A variety of restaurants are within walking distance and each room comes with a mini-fridge and microwave. It should also be noted this motel is pet-friendly.

Rates for a standard room during the peak season summer months start at $99; the family suites at $159. These rates do include passes to Mt. Olympus for each person in your party, though, saving about $20-$30 per person. Expect to pay about half of that during the off-season, since the 49-room motel doesn’t have an indoor pool or any other fancy amenities.

Those who just want a basic place to sleep while vacationing on a budget in the Dells and don’t mind the older qualities of this property should consider this motel for their stay. Tbose used to more modern hotels might be more comfortable sleeping elsewhere.

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Paradise Motel and Suites
1700 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-254-7333

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[Photo courtesy of Paradise Motel]

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Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Hyatt Regency O'Hare photo by Nancy D. Brown

I was using my Frequent Flyer miles to travel from San Francisco to Chicago, Illinois. As such, I wouldn’t be landing at O’Hare Airport until 1:30 in the morning. At least it was a non-stop flight. I checked my bag (on-line because it’s $4 cheaper) with United Airlines and boarded the plane. I’d like to give a personal shout out to Michael Lawson at the Hyatt Reservations call center for helping me with this reservation. Much better alternative than sleeping on the floor at the airport!

Fast forward to the baggage carousel where all the luggage from the direct flight had been claimed, except my bag. You guessed it, my duffel bag was no where to be found.

Shuffling off to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Airport shuttle bus, I told myself that my bag would be waiting for me at the hotel in the morning. The Hyatt set me up with a comb, toothpaste and toothbrush and off I went to room 2806, tired and flustered.

Hyatt O

I picked the Hyatt Regency O’Hare location for its proximity to the airport and because they offered a complimentary shuttle that runs 24/7. If you live in the area, you may be interested in their Park, Sleep and Fly “Explore” package. The promotion includes parking for up to 14 days free and runs until December 30, 2009.

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Gets a Facelift

The property has recently undergone a $64 million transformation in all of their 1,096 guest rooms.  I appreciated the noon checkout time and the comfort of the Hyatt Grand Bed with the pillow-top mattress. My Regency Suite room rented for $480, not including internet access. There was Wi-Fi available in all of the public areas.

Lost Luggage Tips

My luggage still hadn’t shown up the next day. I left a note with the front desk with my next hotel address, said a little prayer and walked to the Blue Line to take the train to downtown Chicago. I’ve since written a post on lost luggage tips on my website.

Hyatt Regency O’Hare 1 (847) 696-1234

9300 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018

Although it wasn’t supposed to open until next month, the new Paradise Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas is already accepting bookings.

Paradise Tower Guest Room at Hard Rock Hotel Vegas

This stylish new addition to the hotel has a different vibe than the original building, which is still in use. The original rooms, in the main building, are rather standard with smallish marble-accent bathrooms. Decor consists of beige walls with purple, green and tan accent colors throughout the room’s fabrics, bedding, etc. Each room also featured french doors that opened up to faux balconies that aren’t really large enough to step out on.

This new tower features rooms that are a little more dramatic, with chocolate brown and gunmetal grey-black being the predominant colors. White bedding adds a crisp focal point, while subtle designs in the wall are used to create a more modern, sleek effect to the overall look of each room. Floor to ceiling windows offer either a pool or mountain view and all rooms feature Wi-Fi, 42″ plasma TV, and a Bose CD stereo system.

The new tower’s rooms, priced higher than the older standard guest rooms (on average about $20-$40), are already close to sold out for the month of August, though according to a press release, there are still 11 guest rooms, 10 pool suites and the 3,500-sq-ft penthouse suite that are not completed and not offered for guest use at this time.

The 490-room Paradise Tower is part of the HRH’s on-going $760-million expansion project which has already seen an expansion of the popular pool area, as well as the Joint at the Hard Rock concert venue. Still to come is the 375-suite Harmon Tower (no relation to the CityCenter’s upcoming Harmon Hotel located on the Vegas Strip) in December.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4455 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89169
702-693-5000

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Elements Hotel in the Mission is hipster paradise.

San Francisco knows no bastion of hipness cooler than the Mission.

Traditionally a Hispanic neighborhood, it retains its ethnic charm while also becoming known for great bars (swanky and divey alike), lipstick lesbians, art, murals, and food — both nice restaurants and cheap eats.

Medjool is the city's only rooftop lounge

Then there’s the weather. In a city that is perennially foggy, the sun shines bright in the Mission.

Aside from at the Mission Dolores, there aren’t loads of tourists milling about this neighborhood, nor is there much in the way of lodging. But upping the hipness quotient is the Elements Hotel which claims two floors above the Mediterranean restaurant Medjool and below San Francisco’s only rooftop bar, (also run by Medjool). So, as you might figure, the location is pretty much Party Central.

It’s called a hotel and you can reserve private rooms but they also offer men-only and women-only dormitories that contribute to a hostel-like vibe. The walls are brightly painted and rooms have private bathrooms.

Hipness has a price, and it’s cheap! Double private rooms with queen beds are $30 per person (two person minimum); twin privates have two bunk beds and also cost $30 (two person minimum). Dorm rooms are $25 per person.

Linens are included all rooms, even dorms. Private rooms have televisions. A dark, spare hallway space is considered the “Internet Lounge” but there is free wi-fi access throughout building. Continental breakfast is gratis and served on the rooftop deck which is not to be missed. The website promises movie and game nights and rooftop parties. Thus, Elements is probably not the best choice for families, early risers, older folks, or the cranky.

The surrounding neighborhood is a mix of Spanish-speaking grocers, dilapidated movie houses, hip bars (Bruno’s, Lazlow, Doc’s Clocks), burrito joints, and dollar stores. Foreign Cinema, one of the city’s best and most unique restaurants — think organic, locally-grown heirloom tomatoes while watching Fellini on a giant outdoor screen) is next door. With the money saved at Elements, treat yourself to Foreign Cinema’s legendary brunch.

Elements Hotel

2524 Mission Street

San Francisco, CA 94110

(866) 327-8407

Photos by Lisa Dion

When you think about the Hampton Inn and Suites, you probably think about the standard Hampton Inn you see on the highway in small suburbs. However, if that’s the first thing that comes to mind, then you’ve never been to the Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

The Hampton Inn and Suites Greenville Downtown Riverplace Hotel stands above many hotels of its kind, and especially stands above other Hampton Inns. The recent revitalization of downtown Greenville brought with it new and sleek hotels, including this Hampton Inn. This Greenville hotel is the central point of the Riverplace business district, which overlooks the Reedy River and is adjacent to the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, the outdoor amphitheater and Wyche Pavilion. Its location, sleek interior and beautiful exterior architecture makes it the perfect spot for visitors to Greenville.

Downtown Greenville's Hampton Inn and Suites at Night

Hotel guests to Greenville’s downtown Hampton Inn and Suites are immediately attracted to the outdoor balconies that overlook the Reedy River. Spring and Summer are the best time to stay at the hotel, as guests can enjoy relaxing on the balcony while listening to live entertainment at Wyche Pavilion and the outdoor amphitheater. There’s often live entertainment outdoors along the Reedy River Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Rooms Opening up to Downtown Greenville

Guests are drawn to the stylish, comfortable inside of the Hampton Inn and Suites as much as they are to the outside. Amenities and services include an on-site fitness center with up-to-date equipment, complimentary hot breakfast and free high-speed Internet access. You can expect the ultimate in comfort when you lay down with Hampton Inn’s renowned Cloud Nine Beds by Serta.

With its location in downtown Greenville and overlooking the Reedy River, you can expect to pay a little more than a typical Hampton Inn. Rates begin at $126 for a king bed and go up to $229 for a suite with a whirlpool. Although you’ll be paying in the higher range, try getting one of the balcony rooms looking out over the Reedy River and downtown Greenville.

Photos courtesy of the Hampton Inn and Suites Greenville Downtown Riverplace by Scott Holloway.

Hampton Inn and Suites Greenville Downtown Riverplace
171 Riverplace
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
864-271-8700

The 32-story Intercontinental San Francisco is worthy of a James Bond film location.

If James Bond had an assignment to take down the enemy in San Francisco, this is where you would find him.

Tall, sexy, and technologically sophisticated, this 32-story hotel even has a name worthy of Double-O-Seven — InterContinental.

Perhaps you’d find that Bond had done the unthinkable and switched from his signature vodka martini after sampling one of the 200 grappas from Bar 888’s extensive collection in the hotel lobby.

If he needed to call a meeting with his fellow agents, there is 43,000 square feet of the most technologically-advanced meeting space in the city to do so — featuring Cat-6 fiber optics, T3 Internet connection, and dedicated conference room bandwidth.

When JB needs a more casual rendezvous spot, Club InterContinental is a laid back business lounge on the sixth floor that offers five meals daily, cocktails, and business and VIP amenities with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

Special agents don’t get a lot of downtime and they work odd hours, but in this line of work it’s crucial to stay in top shape. For this, James has the state-of-the art, 24-hour fitness center, indoor lap pool and heated Jacuzzi

Nearly every space features floor-to-ceiling glass.

Of course, there are times when a spy needs to be on the downlow. The I Spa is the perfect place for him to duck away in a dark, aromatherapy-scented room get a very expensive treatment — from an Ayurvedic balancing massage to table Thiatsu to “cupping release.” Bond will surely emerge rejuvenated and ready to continue his mission.

There are always lovely ladies in any Bond’s tale. When it comes time for Halle Berry, clad in lingerie and a jet pack, to come crashing through the floor-to-ceiling glass into James’ suite, (one of the hotel’s 550 guest rooms), she will be taken by the airy spaciousness of the rooms, the marble and wood accents, elegant muted color scheme, and 42-inch flat screen.

And, one detail she is certain to remember is the exquisite feel of of rolling around in Frette linens.

Intercontinental San Francisco

888 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94103

(888) 811-4273

Photos by Lisa Dion

The Gold Coast in Las Vegas - King Bed Room

A few weeks ago I reviewed The Orleans in Las Vegas and gave it a thumbs up. This is why I’m excited to alert you, the reader, of a great deal being offered at this hotel and its sister Vegas property, The Gold Coast.

From now through September, not only are there rates as low as $32 for some midweek dates (Sundays through Thursdays), but there is also a third night free for most of these dates.  That means you could nab a three-night stay for as low as $64 (plus tax and a $5/night resort fee). Pair that with some of the cheap air fare sales certain airlines are having right now, and you could have a really great quick trip to Vegas for under $200 per person.

Both hotels are older hotels, but far from dives. It’s just they aren’t as sleek and new as other properties, so they offer lower rates to encourage people to book with them. And when in Vegas, all you really need from a hotel room is a clean place to sleep and freshen up, right?

The Orleans in Las Vegas - 2 Queen Beds Room

The Orleans, as I reported earlier, is a New Orleans-themed hotel located on Tropicana Ave, just west of the Excalibur and MGM Grand. The Gold Coast is located on Flamingo Ave, west of the Strip, but adjacent to The Rio and across the street from The Palms. If I had to describe the theme, I’d say just old Vegas – lots of lights and such. Both properties do offer free scheduled shuttles to the Strip, and free parking, if you self-drive, as well as all the basics like pools, dining, etc.

To book, look for the “Summer Specials” rate on the reservations page for The Orleans and The Gold Coast. Free nights are expected to sell out quickly, so I would suggest booking asap. Weekends are included in this promotion for select dates, but expect the rates to jump quite a bit higher as Fridays and Saturdays are traditionally pricier in Vegas. I would also recommend checking the index pages on both sites before booking as both hotels sometimes run limited spur-of-the-moment unadvertised discounts that could drop rates further.

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The Orleans Hotel & Casino
4500 W. Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
800-ORLEANS (800-675-3267) or 702-365-7111

The Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
4000 W. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
800-331-5334 or 702-367-7111

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For an animal lover, walking into the lobby of the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells can be a bit unnerving. As the hotel is themed to resemble the hunting lodges of the American West, the lobby is full of animals. Whether they were real or not, I honestly didn’t want to know. The antler chandelier and totem poles were an interesting touch, though.

Great Wolf Lodge Lobby in Wisconsin Dells

Check-in was quick and I had a Family Fireplace suite on the parking lot side of the hotel, facing away from Interstate 90/94. The room featured a fully working fireplace and a seating area separated by a small partition wall from the two queen beds. There was also a wet bar area with a sink, microwave and fridge near the entrance. The bathroom was pretty standard, with no-brand toiletries. The room was spacious and clean; the bed comfortable. I did notice, however, the room and many of the common areas showing signs of age and normal wear-and-tear.

For families with small kids, I would consider going with a Wolf Den suite or a KidCabin Suite, which are slightly more expensive than the style of room I had. But the extra price is worth it because both of these suites feature a separate room-within-a-room area for kids to sleep and play in, with bunk beds. This way kids get their own fun place while mom and dad can still keep an eye on them.

Great Wolf Lodge Family Fireplace Suite

I was traveling during the peak season, which is the summer months from Memorial Day until Labor Day, so my room was $149.95/night plus tax on a promotional discount (base rate for this style of room, according to the website is $229.95). This was one of the most inexpensive suite options, which can go up to $459.95 for the 3-bedroom Great Wolf Loft condo. Expect rates to be lower off-season. They also tack on a $5/night resort fee (which I personally detest) year-round. At least parking is free.

Great Wolf Lodge is a family-friendly resort, and each room comes with daily passes for the property’s indoor and outdoor theme parks. Other resort amenities include a day spa for adults, a fitness center, a restaurant and a convenience store. Wi-Fi is also available.

Also fun for kids of all ages is the newly opened MagiQuest, an interactive game area that combines video games and role-playing in a multi-level adventure. Think Harry Potter meets Dungeons & Dragons with interactive video walls. There is a $14.99 fee for each player’s magic wand and $9.99 per visit charge to play the game.

The resort neighbors the Tanger Outlet mall, where shopaholics can nab some great deals. Other Dells attractions are a short five minute drive away. There are also several restaurants within a short walk of the resort (you have to stop at Culvers and try the butterburgers and flavor-of-the-day fresh-made custard).

It should also be noted that Great Wolf Lodge is a lodging chain with twelve locations in North America, and this review only covers the Wisconsin Dells location.

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Great Wolf Lodge
1400 Great Wolf Drive
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
Phone: 800-559-9653

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Omni Royal Crescent in New Orleans

Strolling the French Quarter and enjoying a beignets at Café Du Monde are two great reasons to visit New Orleans. So how about a third reason?

How about a special deal at the Omni Royal Crescent for $69 a night? That’s a savings of at least $100 per night, as the rate is also good on weekend stays.

To sweeten the deal, the Omni is even throwing in free breakfast for two daily. There’s also a package upgrade available that includes parking for $84 a night instead of $69 (parking is normally $28 a nght).

The fine print basics:

• This deal must be booked by July 31, 2009.
• Travel dates are valid through September 30, 2009.
• A two-night minimum stay is required.

To book the room-only $69 rate, use promotion code OMNIZOO. To book the deal with parking for $84, use the promotion code OMNIZOO2.

Omni Royal Crescent King Bed Room

The Omni Royal Crescent features 97 renovated non-smoking guest rooms and suites. In-room amenities include custom-made mattresses, coffeemakers in-room safes and a plush robe for use during your stay.

Other on-site amenities include Dress It, a gourmet burger bar, a fitness center and a rooftop sundeck.

Also be sure to sign up for the Omni chain’s Select Guest loyalty program (it’s free) to take advantage of perks such as free Wi-Fi in your room as well as public areas like the lobby or lounge areas, complimentary bottled water the night of arrival, and the ability to earn free nights on future stays.

The Omni Royal Crescent is two blocks from the French Quarter in the Arts District. It’s also a short walk to many galleries and museums, as well as popular Canal Street.

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Omni Royal Crescent Hotel
535 Gravier Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Phone: 504-527-0006

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Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Silver Reef Hotel, Casino and Spa

After a night on nearby Lummi Island, sharing two twin beds in a stuffy room without air-conditioning, I was looking forward to having a luxury hotel room all to myself. I was planning to sleep late and wake up to a leisurely breakfast of homemade waffles and fresh fruit.  The Silver Reef Hotel in the small community of Ferndale, Washington exceeded my expectations with a friendly, helpful staff and spotless hotel.

While I’m not drawn to smoke-filled casinos, I was pleased to find the entrance to the 101 deluxe room hotel situated around the corner from the slot machines and gaming tables. As a guest of the hotel, I stayed on the sixth floor, a secure floor requiring key card entrance to the entire hotel level. The executive level entitled me to Diamond Executive King Room, #604, that rented for $149 Sunday – Thursday and $169 on Friday and Saturday nights. Diamond Executive Suite #601, one of four suites equipped with a whirlpool tub, mini bar area, and plush robe and slippers, will set you back $279-$299, unless you are a high roller guest of the casino.

Silver Reef Diamond Executive Suite

I loved that the hotel had a spa and indoor swimming pool on property for the non-gamers in the group. Rather than slipping on the plush robe and enjoying a bubble bath in the tub with the sea salts that were left tucked in the towel, I opted for sleep on the ultra-comfortable Sealy Posturepedic mattress.

DESSERTS GALORE

I did enjoy a fancy Chocolate Rockettes molten lava cake that evening in the Steakhouse Restaurant on property. The intimate restaurant is known for table-side service preparation. “We offer customer service the way it used to be,” said Sales Manager Randi Axelsson. 

 Every dessert, no matter how fancy, was priced at a reasonable $8. Too bad Pastry Chef Audrey Hursch lives so far from San Francisco. I would follow her anywhere for the peanut butter cookie creation.

Bananas Foster Prepared Tableside

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Silver Reef Hotel, Casino and Spa 1 (866) 383-0777 ext. 254

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA 98248