Lodging

A view of the Animal Kingdom Resort Lobby

As a Walt Disney World Mom, I’ve been to quite a few of the properties on site at Walt Disney World, but I have to admit that my family’s favorite is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the newer Walt Disney World hotels, and as you may guess, it’s located closest to the Animal Kingdom. As a result of that, it’s a little further from the other resorts, which was one of our concerns before we got there – and a concern I often hear from other families.

When my family went, we flew through Orlando International Airport and took the Disney Magical Express. Because of that we were able to bypass baggage claim and headed right to the Magical Express counter. The airport was actually much more crowded than I expected, and it took a while to navigate through the airport. There were quite a few lines at the elevators which extended the journey. I generally find that if you travel during peak hours, it can take a while to get from the airport to the resort.

The view from our savannah-view room

Animal Kingdom Lodge is built on a 33-acre wildlife preserve with three savannahs, and over 30 species of wildlife. We had booked a savannah view room, which meant that we’d be able to see animals outside our porch door. This definitely did not disappoint! I think our kids actually preferred watching the animals to going to the parks! The room itself was clean and nice, but a bit on the small side. Because we didn’t spend much time in the room, it wasn’t a problem at all.

While we were there, we ate at the buffet restaurant, Boma, and swam in the pool. Boma was lots of fun – it’s got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. Despite the fact that the food is African, there are plenty of choices for children also. We ate breakfast and dinner there. The pools are also great. My kids did prefer the heated baby pool, but the larger pool is wonderful.

Bus service was easier than expected. With only one bus stop at the resort, the buses traveled quickly, and the time to the resort was very quick. The buses were never too full either.

Most evenings, we wandered around the resort, checking out the various animals. Each savanna has different animals to see, so even if you have a savannah view room, it’s worth walking around. We saw an amazing assortment of animals – every single day!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing resort, and it’s likely that your whole family will love the experience!

Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-7429

Standard rooms range from $240 (value season) to $515 (peak season) per night.

Photo credits: Jodi Grundig

When I came back from Costa Rica, I couldn’t stop talking about the sloths that I got to meet. Most of my friends who have been to Costa Rica admitted to being jealous: Sloths, unlike howler monkeys that line Costa Rica’s tree branches the way pigeons line the building facades of New York City, are harder to spot.

Sloths aren't lazy

For a guaranteed encounter with these animals, which I swear must have been the inspiration for most of Jim Henson’s work, check out the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica and the Avarios del Caribe Hotel, located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica (near the town of Limon). A local family adopted a sloth that was displaced by local development. It climbed a telephone pole, thinking it was a tree, and suffered burns from the electricity. The family named her Buttercup, and she is still a fixture at the Sloth Sanctuary, sitting perched in a wicker chair in the outdoor dining area.

Rates start at $74 for a room for one. Depending on how many amenities you want, expect to pay about $13o for a room for four. Rates include breakfast. Note that this lodge was created to help offset the costs of taking care of the rescued sloths; when I visited, the staff was nursing about 20 babies and four adults.

Email slothsanctuary@gmail.com for reservations. The Avarios del Caribe Hotel is located in the Limon Province, 11 kilometers north of Cahuita, on the Southern Caribbean Coast.

Special thanks to the Sloth Sanctuary for the adorable sloth pic.

It seems lately, there’s been an explosion of resorts using social media to disclose deals and contests for those that follow or fan them. Add MGM Grand Las Vegas to the mix.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Lion

For several months, the resort has been utilizing Twitter to send out last minute discounts, but now it’s asking followers to Tweet their sins for a chance to win a free room night.

To enter, simply follow @mgmgrand on Twitter, then Tweet a sin along with the hashtag #mgmsin. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Here’s an example of how to use a Twitter hashtag for those unfamiliar with it:

Tweet your sins to win free night at MGM Grand Las Vegas #mgmsins

The resort says that you don’t need to direct the sin Tweet at them, it just needs to have the hashtag so they can find your Tweet when picking a winner from the multitude of sins. The “sin” also doesn’t have to have anything to do with the resort or even Vegas. You just need to confess a sin of any kind.

As opposed to most viral campaigns, MGM Grand Las Vegas is allowing multiple entries. Tweet as many sins with the hashtag as you’d like and each one counts as an entry.

Each day from now until November 26, 2009 (that’s Thanksgiving Day), the resort will award one free room night to a winner picked at random from all sins Tweeted with the hashtag. Unfortunately, this one is open to U.S. residents age 21 and over only.

For more details on the contest and a handy way to Tweet your sins, visit the MGM Grand’s contest page.

I love this resort. It’s got a great location at the south end of The Strip in Las Vegas, and there’s so much to see, do and eat, you could easily spend a couple of days without even leaving the property. Not to mention, there’s nothing better than a free night in Vegas!

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MGM Grand Las Vegas
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-891-1111
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[Photo: Michelle Snow]

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

Long favored by high society, The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara is where the elite meet. Located in exclusive Montecito on Butterfly Beach, the Spanish Colonial treasure is a place for romance, relaxation or serious power meetings.

I was staying at the Biltmore as a guest of the Alaska Media Roadshow and in for some serious power meetings. The movers and shakers of Alaska Tourism were in Santa Barbara to meet with west coast travel writers to update us on all things related to Alaska’s recreation wonderland. I’m a huge fan of Alaska and look forward to king salmon fishing whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Termination dust (the first snow fall) has recently sprinkled powder sugar on Alaska’s mountain tops and resort owners and cruise operators were getting their last taste of California sunshine before a cold Alaskan winter sets in.

While I didn’t get a chance to visit the 11 room Peter Marino-designed Spa at the Four Seasons, I now have a reason to return to the Biltmore for some VIP treatment.

Four Seasons Biltmore Deluxe King #420

My room, #420 a deluxe king, had a  special rate of $299. Check the website for internet specials. All rooms have internet access, but unfortunately, they charge $10 per day. Guests have access to the recently renovated Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Beach Club across the street, in addition to the fitness center.

One of the perks of the Four Seasons is the complimentary shoe shine service. I always request a shoe shine to see if they can deliver by the next morning and I’ve never been disappointed.

After a day horseback riding in Kauai, I asked the St. Regis Princeville Resort to shine my shoes, and they delivered, as well. Hopefully, the next time I’m at the Four Seasons, I’ll be wearing flip flops relaxing poolside without my laptop.

Photos courtesy of  Nancy D. Brown

Four Seasons Resort 1 (805) 969-2261

1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Not all dudes yearn after the guys-only Vegas blowout vacation. Any why should they? Get creative on your next mancation, aka vacation with the guys. Instead, try fishing in Mexico, skiing and snowmobiling in Wyoming or golfing in South Carolina.

Boca Paila Fishing Lodge in Riviera Maya, Mexico
During the day, catch snook, tarpon and Culebra snapper, then lounge on the beach drinking Tequila on the rocks as the sun sets. Trips to the nearby Mayan ruins can also be arranged. This small resort caters to only 18 guests at a time, so expect a low-key experience. Rates start at $385 a night based on double occupancy. Price includes three meals a day. Call 01-52-984-155-00-12 or email info@bocapaila.com.

A rustic fishing lodge in Mexico

A short walk to daily entertainment: fishing

Togwotee Mountain Lodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Dubbed the ultimate snowmobile lodge, this outpost in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, caters to the winter sports set, offering access to skiing, snowboarding and more. Prices start at $119 for a half day snowmobile rental ($169 for a full day) without a guide (based on the rate for a beginner snowmobile). Guests are encouraged to bring their own. Rooms start at $140 plus tax, based on double occupancy. Cabins start at $190 plus tax; cabins have three beds and offer a taste of winter camping. For details, call 866-278-4245.

Snowmobiling in Wyoming

Opt for a cabin for the next boys' ski trip

Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston, South Carolina
The Ocean Golf Course offers views of the Atlantic at each of the 18 holes. And, this course will host the 2012 PGA Championships. The three-room villas start at $270 per night. If golfing, drinking Bloody Marys and walking the beach aren’t enough to fill your days, you can always wrestle gators. Call 800-654-2924 for more details.

The Ocean Course

Special thanks to Boca Paila for the inviting lodge photos, Togwotee Mountain Lodge for the crisp shots of winter fun, and to Kiawah Island Golf Resort for the inviting shots of the resort and golf course.

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

A scene from South Pacific at Hilton Kauai

 The Hawaiian Islands have played host to many Hollywood productions, yet the Garden Isle of Kauai will forever be remembered as Bali Hai. Each week a Kauai production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is re-told for visitors to the island in a dinner show at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue, Hawaii.

Based on the Broadway show that won nine Tony Awards, including best musical and best score, South Pacific is a love story set in an island paradise during World War II.

Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas falls in love with Emile, a French planter living on the island. At the same time, Lt. Joe Cable falls in love with a Tonkinese girl. Both people learn that love triumphs over prejudice.

Hollywood film star Mitzi Gaynor, who played Nellie in the South Pacific movie, was recently in Kauai to celebrate the Golden 50th Anniversary of the movie’s release. In fact, Gaynor was in the audience the evening of September 30, 2009 when the local cast performed South Pacific. The Hawaiian Association of Performing Arts (HAPA) puts on this live musical under the direction of Producer Alain Dussaud.

Hilton Kauai Lobby, Nancy D. Brown

In its sixth year, the show takes place Wednesday evening at 5:30 and includes an “all you can eat” Hawaiian buffet. Ticket pricing also includes gratuity and parking.

While I didn’t stay at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort during my visit to Hawaii, I would like to come back to Kauai and experience the deluxe five-story oceanfront resort with its flume and lava tube water slide.

Photo of South Pacific set from the Hawaii Assoc. of Performing Arts site. Hilton Kauai Beach Resort Lobby photo courtesy of Nancy D. Brown.

Hilton Kauai Beach Resort 1 (808) 245-1955

4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, Hawaii 96766

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Claremont Resort and Spa, Nancy D. Brown

The Claremont Resort and Spa was the place my grandparents liked to go for fancy occasions. Does a 30 year high school reunion count as a fancy occasion?

The last time I visited the Claremont, it was in need of an update. Like a plastic surgeon speaking to an interior designer, “we tell our clients they will have a refreshed look; more timeless with less wrinkles.” 

From the looks of some of my high school classmates, it appears that both the Claremont and some fellow students have benefited from a face-lift. I, on the other hand, still have the same hair style from the 1980’s.

 Enough about me, the Claremont Resort and Spa is the Grand Dame of Berkeley. Perched like a queen in the East Bay foothills, the Claremont has “good bones” and a fabulous location looking out to the San Francisco Bay.

Claremont Spa Elite Rm. #800

One of my girlfriends found her room, #121, a Classic King that goes for $189, listed on Expedia for $159. That rate was cheaper than the price our high school scored for a block of rooms, thus proving that shopping around on-line is the best way to find the lowest rate. My other girlfriend stayed in room # 800, a Spa Elite Room on the spa floor. Her room rented for $210, had two beds, a window (that opened) overlooking the pool and was larger than the Classic King room.

The Spa Elite Room is 15 years old and has a jetted tub in the large bathroom. Remember, this hotel has been around since 1915, so not all of the rooms are large.

The Claremont is so hip that they have their own blog and are on Facebook and Twitter. Like the high school class reunion, it’s good to check in every so often.

All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Claremont Resort & Spa  1 (510) 843-3000

41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA 94705

I love Las Vegas and one of my favorite places to stay is Mandalay Bay. But I don’t get to do it often since nightly rates tend to be $100 or more even on a weeknight, pricing it twice as expensive as, say, the neighboring Luxor.

So imagine my surprise when I received an email that the golden resort that anchors the south end of The Strip was offering rooms starting at just $66 a night through January 31, 2010.

Want to stay at Mandalay’s sister suite resort THEhotel at Mandalay Bay? This same package starts at $89 a night.

And that’s not all! Not only do you get the low rate, but the deal comes with a $25 resort credit (good on dining and entertainment), 30% off Disney’s Lion King tickets, 50% off a suite upgrade, 2-4-1 lunch at House of Blues, and a Buy-1-Get-2nd-50% off discount on spa treatments.

Now, there is a two night minimum with this package, regardless of which property you stay at, but that still puts a stay at this great Vegas resort priced less than you’d normally pay for one room-only night.

Lest you think this is one of those hard to book promo deals, I found several weeks of the $66 rate in November and December 2009. January 2010 only has a few nights at this ultra-low rate, but there are also several dates priced at a still amazing $70 or $80 rate.

To get this deal, visit Mandalay Bay online (click the Book Room Reservation button) or call 877-632-7800 and use promotional code PRFCT1 for Mandalay Bay or PRFCT2 for THEhotel. There is a similar package on the resort’s website using promo code PRFCT3, but rates start at $89 a night with that one, so definitely try the other two codes first.

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Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
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[Photo: Michelle Snow]

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Mt. Makana from St. Regis Princeville, Nancy D. Brown

After watching the DVD of South Pacific, I can’t shake the Bali Hai song from my head. Bali Hai was calling to me. And what better place to watch the sunsets of Mt. Makana, also known as Bali Hai, than from the bar in the newly renovated St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai?

In the interest of transparency, I must confess that I was a guest of the 201-room, 51-suite St. Regis Princeville. I was in Kauai on a press trip hosted by the Kauai Visitors Bureau to celebrate the golden 50th anniversary of the release of South Pacific.

St. Regis Princeville Gets $100-million Facelift

Deluxe King Ocean View Room #414

I hadn’t returned to the Garden Isle since my honeymoon over 23 years ago. While the natural beautiful of the island and its beaches and waterfalls hasn’t changed much, the St. Regis Princeville Resort, having recently completed a $100-million renovation, has traded in its grass skirt and shell necklace for an evening gown and fresh water pearls. Guided by the Hawaiian concept of the Ahupua’a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature, the St. Regis Princeville Resort utilizes native dark wood floors, ceilings of natural woven matting and soaring glass panels that open to the sea.

Golf and Horseback Riding

While golf fanatics can putter between two 18 hole courses, the Prince and Makai designed by Robert Trent Jones,  you’ll find me horseback riding at Princeville Ranch Stables, followed by a dip in the infinity pool overlooking Hanalei Bay.

Hand Blown Murano Glass Chandelier

Steeped in Hawaiian heritage, overlooking the north shore Napili Coast, the area was once referred to as the “City of the Prince” after a royal visit from Prince Albert, son of Hawaii’s King Kamehameha IV.

 If you want to experience living like royalty, try the St. Regis butler service. Available to guests staying in a Prince Junior Suite, St. Regis Ocean View Suite, Bali Hai Signature Suite, Presidential Suite or the Royal Suite, the St. Regis butler service will unpack your bags, arrange dining and activity reservations and make sure that your every need is met while you enjoy the royal treatment.

For exclusive getaways,  such as the Quintessential Princeville Experience, or twitter offers, check the website. The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a member of Starwood Hotels & Resorts which means you’ll receive the best available rate – guaranteed. My deluxe king ocean view room rents for approximately $700-$800 daily, not including $14.95 for daily internet access.

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

St. Regis Princeville Resort

5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Kaua’i Hawaii 96722

Think you have to travel to the South Pacific to enjoy over-water digs? Three Caribbean resorts in Bermuda, Panama and Belize bring the rustic, romantic fantasty of sleeping seaside within reach—geographically, at least.

9 Beaches, Bermuda
Note that 9 Beaches calls the nine over-water rooms the “paradise pier” cabanas. Rates start at $390 per night in the low season (Sept 7 – Nov 30), and $490 per night during the high season.
Call 866-841-9009 for more details.

Over-water cabanas at 9 Beaches, Bermuda

Punta Caracol, Panama
This tucked-away resort on Colon island, Bocas del Toro, Panama, aims to reconnect guests with nature with their over-water bungalows. Choose from nine rooms set over water at Punta Caracol. Rates start at $316 per night during low season (May 16 – June 30 and September 1 – December 15), and $374 per night during high season (Dec 16 – May 15 and July 1 – August 31).
Call (00) (507) 6612-1088 for more details.

Punta Caracol over-water resot in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Cayo Espanto, Belize
This San Pedro resort redefines luxury, catering to every whim of their guests, who are asked to fill out a survey describing their dream meals and more so that the resort can have the specific vintage of Champagne, flavor of gelato and more. But, fulfilled wishes over water will put you back, specifically at rates starting at $1,195 per night.
Call 888-666-4282 for more details.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Special thanks to 9 Beaches for the charming shot of their over-water set-up, Punta Caracol for such a lovely sunset shot of their property and Cayo Espanto for the lovely aerial.