Hotel Reviews

W Barcelona Review

The super hip W Barcelona is not only an architectural wonder, but also a trend setter in hotel amenities and design. My husband and I stayed a week at the W Barcelona for our 5th Wedding Anniversary. We were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the hotel was. Pictures don’t do it justice, so I’ve included their promo video below! The exterior structure looks like a giant sail, cruising on the Mediterranean. It reminded me a bit of the world famous Burj Al Arab, only way more affordable! Upon entering the lobby your senses will be filled with sights, sounds and textures, fully stimulating your senses. True to W form, everything is bright vibrant colors with lots of lighting effects for the ultimate cool. The walls near the elevator are a cool 3D pinned wall paper that is just asking to be touched (seen sparkling in the video). The front desk staff are very friendly and get you checked in very quickly. (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Inn on Biltmore Estate Review - Disneyland for the Luxury Traveler!

Tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina lies one of North America's finest hotels - The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn is located on the Vanderbilt's 8,000 acre estate in the heart of Asheville. Southern hospitality and extravagant luxury are combined for a lavish experience.

The hotel is located on the estate of America's most famous house, The Biltmore House. The world famous Vanderbilt Mansion which has been used in countless films and productions such as Hannibal with Anthony Hopkins and Gary Oldman, Patch Adams with Robin Williams, Richie Rich with Macaulay Culkin, Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis and Madeleine Stowe, and Mr. Destiny with James Belushi and Michael Caine just to name a few - click for a full list of all the famous movies and TV shows filmed here. The estate also is home to the famous Biltmore Concert Series (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Cruise Review - MSC Mediterranean

I was going to wait to release this article, but with recent events I think the cruise industry needs a little pick me up. Cruising is much safer than flying or driving and much more pleasurable! While there is a lot to be said about traveling to a country, renting a car, staying a week or two and getting to see the places off the beaten path as well as the top tourist destinations, sometimes you just don't have the time! When you don’t have weeks to spend in other countries and want to get the most out of your vacation, cruises are for you! The benefits of cruises are that you get a small sample of the port destinations without the hassle of having to worry about transportation, hotel, food – which are the most expensive part of traveling. The money and time you save far exceed some of the disadvantages of cruising such as, small cabins, sea sickness, crowds, lines and dated ships. MSC Cruises does the best out of any cruise line to minimize these inconveniences and make the experi (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Review - The Celebrity Playground

Within the past 10 years Atlantic City has gone through a revitalization. With hot new hotels and remodeled existing hotels the city has gone back to being America's Playground and the celebrities have returned to play! One of the most successful hotel revitalizations is Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. In 2006, to keep up with the newly built Borgata, the hotel went under a complete rehab adding an expanded VIP poker room, luxury shopping, elegant restaurants, hip night club, luxurious spa and super stylish hotel suites. The result is a stunning blend of old and new Atlantic City that has brought stars from all over the world!The Harrah’s now echoes the newly built hotels of Las Vegas by appealing not only to gamblers but also to luxury vacationers who require more than just slot machines. My husband and I stayed in the Marina Tower which is for VIP guests. While all the rooms in the hotel are nice, the (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center Review

The charming hotel, Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center in the Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego, California is definitely a hidden gem! Built in 1913, it was San Diego’s first high-rise luxury hotel with one of the fastest elevators during that time. Don’t believe me, just look at the plaque inside the elevator which still has its original wrought iron door that you have to pull shut and push open to get in and out. You can see all of the floors as you ride the old fashioned elevator up and down the 10 story building which has 99 guest rooms and suites. If you’re looking for a great view of the city and bay, just take a quick elevator ride up to their Harborview Rooftop Terrace where it’s lined with tables and benches for you to see the breathtaking views. I myself enjoyed a few glasses of wine while looking over the San Diego skyline illuminated by moonlight! Ahh sounds romantic, huh? Too bad I was moping from my Ravens (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Port d Hiver Review

An eclectic blend of an East Hampton Mansion and a Luxury Cuban Villa, Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast Inn is a destination on to itself. Pronounced "port de vair" meaning port of the winter, Port d'Hiver is one of the most luxurious accommodations available on the eastern shore of Florida. The ambiance is so relaxing you won't want to leave and you will be planning your next visit before you even check out.

           Located right across from Melbourne Beach, Port d'Hiver is a restored historic house formerly called The Pink House. The original home was built around 1916, a weathered plaque found (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Amalfi Hotel Chicago Review

Located in the heart of Chicago, the dog friendly Amalfi Hotel has to be one of my favorite hotels I've ever visited. Though not considered a 5-star hotel, the service, décor and amenities exceed that of the 5-star hotels I have stayed. The only thing that is holding them back from a 5 star rating is their lack of a pool, but with so much to do in Chicago who needs a pool? I'm not alone in this opinion, compare the Yahoo Rating and Trip Advisor rating of the Amalfi compared with (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink

Chateau d Etoges Review

Nestled in the rolling hills of the champagne region of France stand an elegant castle called Chateau d'Etoges. I had the privilege of visiting the estate with my husband, last summer. We drove through the beautiful country side and after stopping to ask better directions, arrived at a small medieval village. The chateau rose gloriously from the small skyline of red-roofed buildings. As we parked the car a few large chickens ran past reminding us just how far from the big cities we really were. (read more)

Posted in : Hotel Reviews | permalink