Lodging

Feeling too old for the boozy celebrations and cardboard top hats that seem to be standard on New Year’s Eve? Afraid that if you stay home you won’t stay awake until midnight? Instead, why not kick off 2010 by getting a headstart on your resolutions? Everyone seems to have at least one promise about treating your body better in the coming year. Check into a spa for a relaxing celebration that will leave you invigorated.

Celebrate 2010 with a massage

California

The Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa is offering discounted rates on December 31 starting at $229 per room. This rate is valid until January 3, 2010, for those who mention the code “Eve.” Price includes drink tickets, complimentary shuttle and tickets to the Wine Train Station party. After such an affordable evening, book a treatment (not included in package) such as the Napa Cleansing, Salt Glow Scrub or a massage. Call 707-253-8600 for details.

Napa Valley Marriott Hotel
3425 Solano Avenue
Napa, CA 94558

Florida

Amelia Island Plantation is offering a special deal: Book the two-night, three-day “Retreat from Reality” package and choose four pampering treatments: Relaxation Massage, Pure Facial, Sweet Island Wrap, Sweet Sugar Glow, Paradise Manicure and Pedicure combo. Couples massages also available. A variety of yoga classes are held on site. This package starts at $311 per person (double occupancy) in a resort-view room. Call 888-261-6161 for details, or check out aipfl.com.

Amelia Island Plantation
6800 First Coast Hwy.
Amelia Island, FL 32034

New Mexico

Celebrate the New Year at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Their celebration package includes dinner and champagne the night of, as well as breakfast in the morning. To attend the Hyatt’s party, rates start at $349 for the night. Or, should you want a quieter evening, book the “Tamaya Experience” package, which start at $309 for the night, and includes 25% discount on spa services. Additional nights cost only $129. Call 505-867-1234 for more details.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
1300 Tuyuna Trail
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, USA 87004

Special thanks to the Napa Valley Hotel and Spa for the calming photo.

Sanibel Island is a popular Florida vacation destination on the southwestern coast of the state. In December, it will welcome its first Marriott-branded hotel when the Sanibel Harbour Resort becomes the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa Exterior

In addition to the name change, the resort will undergo a series of renovations that are expected to be complete by 2011. Among these are the upgrading of rooms in the Sanibel and Captiva Tower rooms with new bedding, flat screen HDTVs and more.

Located on an 85-acre private penisula, the resort offers waterfront rooms, an on-site spa with three pools, and free Wi-Fi property-wide, among other amenities. There’s even a private yacht, the Sanibel Harbour Princess, that offers nightly sunset dinner cruises and a Sunday brunch.

In addition to family vacationers, the resort hopes to appeal to business travelers to the Fort Myers area with 11 meeting rooms encompassing 45,000-sq-ft of meeting space. Also, with the resort now a part of the Marriott family, members of the Marriott Rewards program can earn points towards free stays.

The Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa is currently offering weekend specials for December with rates as low as $129 a night.

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Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive
Fort Myers, Florida 33908 USA
239-466-4000 / 800-767-7777

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[images courtesy Marriott]

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Crown Princess photo Nancy D. Brown

If you long for the flavor and feel of Italy, but your budget doesn’t include a European destination, consider a cruise on the Crown Princess. Holding 3,080 passengers, this jewel of a ship from Princess Cruises is a floating resort of sorts.

I didn’t  consider myself the typical cruise customer, as the average age on my Western Caribbean cruise was about 55, yet I found myself adapting quite well to the idea of packing my suitcase once, while visiting four different exotic ports of call.

Our cruise began in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and sailed to Princess Cays, a private beach resort; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico during this seven day tour. Unlike land-based resorts, our ship was able to avoid an encounter with Hurricane Ida as Commodore Giuseppe Romano made a slight adjustment to our itinerary.

While the ship doesn’t sail to Italy, the crew had a large Italian contingent, including the two Giuseppe’s. Commodore Romano, who oversees the entire 17 ship fleet and Executive Chef Giuseppe Pollara. From the piazza-styled atrium to the Michelangelo, DaVinci and Botticelli dining rooms, Italian touches are reflected throughout the ship. Speaking of dining, guests will not go hungry with the wide array of restaurants featured on the ship. I’ll review Sabatini’s Italian restaurant and the Chef’s Table dinner on the restaurant blog. One final note about food on the ship; pace yourself. The average cruiser gains from 7 – 10 pounds on a typical cruise. Italian pizza from a wood fired oven is available from 11 a.m. to midnight on the lido deck 15. Ciao!

My Room with a View

Crown Princess Mini-Suite With Balcony D301

I’ve only cruised a couple of times, but I’ve sailed enough to know that the best location for a good night’s sleep is mid ship, preferably with an ocean view. On the Crown Princess, nearly 900 staterooms have private balconies (80 percent of all outside cabins.) As a guest of Princess Cruises on the first ever Twitter Press Trip, I landed on Deck 9 in stateroom 301 a mini suite on the Dolphin deck.

Floating Resort with an Ocean View

If you are new to cruising or simply wondering if you will be bored on a cruise ship, I offer these tips.

There is a nine hole putting course and golf simulator on board

Watch Movies Under the Stars at the outdoor movie theater

Take in an evening show or watch an art auction

Relax in the adult-only Sanctuary

Watch the world pass by from your balcony or one of 14 bars on the ship

There are four swimming pools – including one swim-against-the-current pool

There’s a sports court and jogging/walking track, as well as an ocean-view gym (where else can you get that besides San Francisco?)

Get stoned, a hot stone massage, at the Asian-inspired Lotus Spa

Spend some time in one of the largest casinos afloat

All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

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

At first glance, Amelia Island seems like many of Florida’s beach towns: a two-lane quiet road running parallel to the swath of white sand separating sea from the homes all eager to maximize the views. Palm trees dot the yards, but there’s not nearly a canopy of trees to speak of; just sun and sand, sea and sky.

But head to town and it becomes clear why Amelia Island is so popular. It’s far enough north that accents bring that lingering drawl to the locals’ speech. And the downtown, well, we wouldn’t call it booming but the ice cream and fudge shops stay open until 10, live music plays at the Mexican joint, the glow of twinkle lights on side streets beckons passersby to try the outdoor dining (Cafe Karibo is a favorite for its cheap, healthy and inventive fare.)

And The Addison, a charming bed and breakfast, takes advantage of all the charm of the downtown area.

The Addison

Room three is popular among honeymooners and elopers not only for the big bed, but the private porch outside.

Room Three

Breakfast is served downstairs. Should you choose, dine outside and enjoy the patio. The Addison also offers a nightly wine and cheese hour for guests.

The outdoor dining area

The property is available for a small wedding should you choose to book all 15 rooms. The Addison is more popular among those who elope and wish for a quiet ceremony and simple, romantic weekend escape.

The Addison also offers use of bikes to its guests to explore the surrounding areas.

Rates start at $165 per night during the week and $205 per weekend night.

614 Ash Street
Amelia Island, FL 32034
800-943-1604

Photos by Brooke Morton.

The Waldorf Astoria has chosen Orlando, Florida, as the site of its newest luxe property, which opens October 1, 2009. To celebrate, the hotel will offer guests free nights and upgrades. Book four nights for the price of three, for a total of $671. Room rates start at $224, but with this offer, the room rate per night is only $168. Should you choose to stay at least five nights, the hotel will elevate your booking to the next highest category of room.

A room at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando

The property, ideal for business travel and family vacations, boasts The Spa by Guerlain offering treatments indoors and outdoors, a Rees Jones designed golf course, private cabanas poolside and more. Expect the same excellence that made the New York City hotel such a landmark, but in a destination where warm weather is always in season.

To enjoy these special room discounts and upgrades, book accommodations by October 31. This deal is valid for travel October 1 through December 24, 2009.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, Florida, 32821
407-597-5500

Photo courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria.

It’s going to be a while before the fantasy of booking a room in outer space or on the moon becomes a reality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still geek out for the night here on Planet Earth.

Here are my picks for five of the coolest sci-fi themed lodgings where you can indulge in the fantasy of staying on another world or in space:

Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia

1] Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, Tunisia

The name of the hotel may not ring a bell, but if you’ve ever watched Star Wars, you’ll recognize it as Luke Skywalker’s childhood home on Tatooine.

And if you ever happen to be trekking around the North African country of Tunisa and find yourself in the city of Matmata, you can stay at the Hotel Sidi Driss starting at only $10 a night (approximately). Breakfast of coffee and Tunisian bread is included in this price, too.

[6070 Matmata Ancienne, Tunisia; phone (05) 230005]

[photo: scottrobers/Flickr]

Capsule Inn Akihabara in Tokyo

2] Capsule Inn Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Fancy sleeping on a spaceship? The Capsule Inn Akihabara may be the closest you’ll get for now.

For 4000 Yen a night (approx. US$45), you basically get a private sleep pod with a TV, radio, and an alarm clock, with bathrooms being shared amongst the other pods occupying the same-sex segregated sleeping floors.

My first thought on seeing the photo of the pods was the ship scene from The Fifth Element. Unfortunately, having Leelo or Dallas Corbin as neighbors isn’t guaranteed.

[6-9 Akihabara Taito-ku Tokyo 110-0006 Japan; phone (81) 03-3251-0841]

[photo: Capsule Inn]

The Hobbit Motel in New Zealand

3] The Hobbit Motel in Woodlyn Park, New Zealand

Feel like you’re transported to The Shire in Lord of the Rings by spending the night in one of these two Hobbit habitat-themed rooms. Each unit sleeps six with two sets of bunks and a double bed in the separate living room area. Also included in each unit is a kitchenette and private shower/bathroom facilities.

Short men with big hairy feet not included in the nightly rate of NZ$195 (approx. US$) for double occupancy, with an extra NZ$15 for each extra person.

[1177 Waitomo Valley Road, RD7, Otorohanga, New Zealand; phone (64) 7-878-6666]

[photo: The Hobbit Motel]

Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida

4] Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, USA

This is probably the only lodging that requires scuba gear to get to your room, and that’s because it’s totally underwater.

For $375 per person/per night, you get accommodations in the pod (named after Jules Verne), use of dive gear, unlimited dives and both dinner and breakfast. You can also earn PADI certification for an additional $150 per person. Other packages also available.

It’s not cheap, but if you’ve ever wanted to sleep under the sea, this is the only lodging currently available to do so.

[Key Largo Undersea Park, Key Largo, FL USA; phone 305-451-2353]

[photo: Jules' Undersea Lodge]

FantaSuite Hotel in Burnsville, Minnesota

5] FantaSuite Hotels in Burnsville, Minnesota and Dodgeville, Wisconsin, USA

Ok, so technically only one suite in each hotel has a sci-fi theme, and granted, they are pretty cheesy. But the Space Odyssey suite at the Burnsville location and the Tranquility Base suite at the Dodgeville location are both themed as the Gemini rocket’s landing on the moon, complete with a capsule-themed bed and lunar rock walls.

Rates start at $149/night (Burnsville) and $174/night (Dodgeville) for these fantasy suites.

[250 N River Ridge Circle, Burnsville, MN 55337 USA; phone 800-666-7829]
[3658 State Road 23 North, Dodgeville, WI 53533 USA; phone 800-666-7848]

[photo: FantaSuites Hotels]

Honorable Mention:

Full Moon Hotel in Baku

The Full Moon Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan – This hotel is still being built, but in artistic renderings, the exterior looks a lot like a certain space station made popular in the original Star Wars trilogy of films.

No word if your concierge will be a Dark Lord of the Sith, but if you’ve ever wanted to sleep onboard the Death Star, you can do so (sort of) when this hotel eventually opens.

[photo: Heerim Architecture]

If you’re visiting Orlando, Florida, on a work trip, odds are you’ll need Wi-Fi to check email. Here in the City Beautiful, why not spend as much time working on your tan as working on that proposal? At these pools, multi-task with sun, snacks and maybe even a daiquiri.

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando – Free WiFi
Bonus: Special pool speakers keep the mood rocking—even underwater.
Rates start at $274 ($184 for Florida residents.)

5800 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-503-7625

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center – WiFi fee included in the daily resort fee of $15
Bonus: A spot between the two pools has Wired access.
Rates start at $139

6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
407-586-2000

Gaylord Palms Resort

The Peabody – WiFi fee included in the daily resort fee of $15
Bonus: Enjoy the march of the Peabody ducks at 11 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. as they parade through the lobby.
Rates start at $95

9801 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
407-352-4000

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort – WiFi costs $9.99 for a 24-hour period
Bonus: The pool boasts 12 waterfalls, two water slides and a swim-through cave connecting the two pools.
Rates start are $119.20

One Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32836
407-239-1234

Special thanks to mrkathika for the lively shot of the Gaylord Palms Resort.

Hotel and resort bars, often serving as epicenters for the properties, allow you to scope out and mingle with your fellow travelers. In the Disney area, you’re guaranteed an international crowd. In downtown Orlando, you’ll meet businessmen from across the country; you may hear accents, but probably not other languages. It adds up to more travel for your money if, with one trip, you meet globetrotting characters with wildly colorful stories. !Salud!

3. Red Fox Lounge in the Best Western Mt. Vernon, Winter Park, Florida
Beloved by hipsters and low-key locals, this bar is perhaps best known for Mark Wayne and Lorna Lambey, the lounge singers who take the stage starting at 8 p.m. every night but Sunday.

What to order Dirty martini
Average drink price $5.50

111 S. Orlando Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-647-1166

2. Todd English’s Blue Zoo Lounge in the Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Kissimee, Florida

Disney's Blue Zoo Lounge

Ultra chic, hip and modern, it’s the kind of bar best appreciated if you have a padded expense account.

What to order Zooberry
Average drink price $13

1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
888-828-8850

1. Bosendorfer Lounge in the Grand Bohemian Hotel, downtown Orlando, Florida
The elements that define a memorable hotel bar—stiff drinks, a steady of supply of suited strangers whose business seems just intriguing enough, and bartenders who know when not to ask your name—converge at this dimly lit, uber classy bar. Like a good cocktail, the Bosendorfer lounge always delivers the right mix of people to keep the night interesting.

What to order The Boheme, Rhapsody in Red
Average drink price $9 (martinis are $12)

325 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-313-9000

Special thanks to MarkHillary for the inviting shot of the Blue Zoo Lounge.

McKenzie House. Photo by Donna L. Hull

When Marcheta Keefer of the Alachua County Visitor’s Bureau invited me to visit Gainesville to experience “inner” Florida, I had a hard time turning my attention away from the powdery white sands of Florida’s Gulf Coast. But once Marcheta dropped me off  at  Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast, I succumbed to its Victorian charm.

Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast is actually a collection of Victorian homes. There’s McKenzie House and Cushman-Colson House, plus McKenzie Gardens and four cottages on a lane behind the main houses. Giovanna Holbrook and her daughter, Cornelia, have managed to provide beautiful and comfortable accommodations, while restoring and preserving a part of Gainesville’s Victorian past.

Isadora Room. Photo by Donna L. Hull

The cherub-themed Isadora’s Room ($135 weekday/$170 weekend) on the third floor of McKenzie House provided my headquarters for three days of exploring the Gainesville area. Like all of the rooms at Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast, antique furnishings and gleaming hardwood floors set the scene. Paintings of cherubs floated on the wall above my queen-size wrought iron bed. The large bathroom included a one-person jacuzzi tub. But my favorite element was the adjoining sitting area with decorative fireplace and built-in window seat. In the late afternoon, I’d pull out my laptop and connect to free wireless internet as the sun streamed through the room’s stained glass windows surrounding me in a golden glow.

I was glad my room included a climb up two sets of stairs after enjoying the full breakfast included in the room rate. Guests choose from hot and cold dishes served buffet style in the spacious kitchen of Cushman-Colson House. Cornelia Holbrook’s crepes are a favorite. A formal dining room, breakfast room or outside tables provide the place to put your plate.

My window on the world. Photo by Donna L. Hull

It’s an easy walk from Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breafkast to historic downtown Gainesville. The area offers shopping, dining and stage productions at the Hippodrome State Theatre located in the former Federal Building. A quick drive to the University of Florida campus brought me to the Florida Museum of Natural History where I strolled through the peaceful Butterfly Rainforest. On another day, I ventured the 15 minutes to Paynes Prairie State Preserve for a hike to see alligators.

In the afternoons, guests gather again at Cushman-Colson house to compare their day over complementary wine and appetizers. Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast attracts a mix of tourists, business travelers and parents of University of Florida students, leading to lively discussions on the shaded front porch.

Yes, those Florida beaches are nice. But discovering “inner” Florida introduced me to culture and adventure mixed with Victorian charm. I’d say that’s a good combination.

Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast
625 East University Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32601
(352) 373-6760
1-800-595-7760
Rates from range from $90 for a single/double room to $245. Prices include full breakfast and a complimentary wine and cheese hour.

All photos by Donna L. Hull

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet