Amazing Hotel Sweets – Part 2

These hotels are offering fantastic sweets with their suites this holiday season!

A life size gingerbread house at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Santa comes for a visit at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

 

An impressive canned food drop-off station at the Hyatt Regency Savannah
 
 
North Pole Station at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver


The Kerry Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai spent over 200 hrs creating this amazing house
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s massive candy castle

  

Beautiful entry in the “Once Upon a Time” gingerbread contest at the Sheraton Seattle
 
A hotel within a hotel at The Dorchester in London

 

Wishing Happy Holidays and Safe Travels to All!

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Amazing Hotel Sweets – Part 1

Any time of year you can book one of these hotels’ suites, but only during the holidays do you get to enjoy these sweets! 

Here’s the kickoff to my annual gingerbread house photo gallery.

IP Casino Resort Biloxi

Pastry chef putting finishing touches on gingerbread village at Rosewood Sand Hill

 

Over 6000 bricks of gingerbread used at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge! (Pastry chefs below.)


 

Chocolate house at the Runnymede on the Thames



Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s replica of the Seattle Great Wheel



Snow village at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe



The Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC




Replica of the CN Tower at the Ritz Carlton Toronto
And one from a floating hotel:
237 Square Foot Gingerbread House on the Disney Dream
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Top 5 Paranormal Hotel Hot Spots

Experience this season’s top paranormal tourism hot spots and rub elbows with century-old ghosts! Here are five hotels that really get into the “spirit” of Halloween, including two Virtuoso member hotels.

The Grove Park Inn (Asheville, NC) has had a ghost roaming its halls for over half a century. She is referred to as the Pink Lady because of the flowing pink gown she wears. It is believed that this young woman was a guest in Room 545 in the 1920’s and that she either jumped or was pushed to her death in the Main Inn’s Palm Court, five floors below. New reports of her sightings still occur, especially by young children. Some say they just see a pink mist, others a full apparition of a young long-haired beauty in a pink gown.

La Posada de Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM) has a rich history dating back to 1882 when a Santa Fe Trail merchant, Abraham Staab, built it as a three-story Victorian mansion for his family. When Julia, Staab’s wife died in 1896 at the age of 52, her presence continued to live on throughout the home. Today, the Staab House at La Posada de Santa Fe retains its original structure and is home to a cozy bar and Suite 100, which used to be Julia’s bedroom. To honor her, the hotel staff makes sure to invite her to parties held in the house and greet her when they enter her bedroom.

The Homestead (Hot Springs, VA) is one of the oldest resorts in America (built in 1766) and has a long history including reports from the 14th floor located in the resort’s oldest wing. As the story goes, in the early 1900’s, a woman was set to be married at The Homestead but on the day of her wedding her husband-to-be ran out and never returned. The bride became so distraught that she took her own life. Now her spirit roams the 14th floor of the resort asking guests and staff for the time with hopes her groom will return.  Families take note, the resort just opened Allegheny Springs, a 2 acre waterpark including two 100-foot water slides and a 400-foot lazy river.

** VIRTUOSO AMENITIES**
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two
$100 Outdoor Activities credit

Omni Mount Washington Resort (Bretton Woods, NH) hosts the ghost of Caroline Foster, the wife of railroad tycoon and the resort’s builder, Joseph Stickney. Visions of an elegant woman in Victorian dress are often spotted in the hallways of the hotel, but perhaps the most common sighting of the beloved Caroline is in room 314, where guests report seeing the vision of the woman sitting at the edge of their guest bed. This year, guests can get in on the scares with a new Haunted Canopy Tour offered October 26 and October 27 where you can zip through the trees during the early evening hours and expect to be spooked by ghouls, goblins and more.

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort (Antigua) is an all-inclusive luxury resort located on the private island of Jumby Bay which takes its name from “jumbie,” Antiguan colloquial for “playful spirit.” In Antiguan culture, it is considered taboo to pass by graveyards at night for fear of becoming entrapped by Jumbies, spirits of persons who have become trapped in a state of limbo or purgatory who remain near their grave sites until they have served enough time to earn a place in heaven. The small island of Jumby Bay has an old graveyard near the main beach dating back to the 1700s.

** VIRTUOSO AMENITIES**
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
$100 Spa services credit


To learn how you can have the family vacation of your dreams (rather than a family vacation nightmare), contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Disney’s Aulani Resort – I Tried Not to Like It

I know this sounds bad coming from a family travel specialist, but I have to confess that spending a week at Disney’s Aulani Resort on Oahu was not my idea of the perfect Hawaiian vacation. I do love Disney, I think have fantastic cruises and resorts. But having been to most of the Hawaiian islands, I have become a bit of snob about this destination, and had trouble wrapping my brain around a Disney-themed resort in my beloved tropical paradise.
So when our in-laws suggested we vacation there together, I had mixed feelings. But I quietly reprimanded myself as I would one of my children, saying I should be very thankful that we even get to vacation in Hawaii.

Disney must put something in the lemon & lime-infused water that they hand you on arrival, because I wasn’t in the lobby more than 10 minutes before I knew I was going to love the place. The décor was stunning, an elegant nod to Hawaiian culture. And the service was one would expect at a luxury hotel. When the greeter noticed the front desk was busy, he commandeered a concierge desk so that we did not have to wait to check in, then apologized that he was not as fast & efficient on the computer as the regular front desk staff.

Disney excels at attention to detail. Every single day I discovered something new, and it’s impressive that many of the details are not there to wow the guests, but to pay tribute to Hawaiian culture. I highly recommend every guest take one of the hotel tours so they can also appreciate these details, from the clever use of coconuts in the Makahiki dining room, to the symbolism of the artwork in the lobby.

I could write pages about all the fun things at Aulani, but since blogs are supposed to be short & concise (not my specialty), I will summarize my favorite things:

The lazy river – It was reasonably long & interesting with caves, fountains, and a fun waterslide. The pool area is undergoing expansion this fall, so there will be even more places to play next year.

The room – Nice details including under bed storage for suitcases and loose items, good shelf space in the bathroom, a balcony with 2 chairs & side table, and beautiful Hawaiian décor (with tasteful Disney touches including a vintage Mickey Mouse lamp).

The beach – Complimentary umbrellas and boogie boards, and a pretty & safe lagoon.


The activities – Each evening a resort guide was placed in our room, much like the activity guide you find on a cruise. There were a variety activities for all ages (most complimentary), including arts & crafts, cultural tours, and evening storytelling & movies. My daughter got to make a woven bracelet, a feather flower and turtle necklace.


The food – Every venue, from poolside dining to the signature oceanfront restaurant, was very good. A nice souvenir is an insulated travel mug, which can be refilled with soda or coffee at stations around the property.


Menehune Adventure Trail – Kids and adults can enjoy a high tech scavenger hunt with a specially programmed iPod that interacts with various features at the resort. There are multiple “trails” so there’s always something new to try. We made fire shoot out of a rock, sunk an island in the koi pond, and made musical instruments play on their own.


An oceanfront, two level, infinity hot tub – Need I say more?

And one other feature I have to mention, though my kids were too old for it, is Aunty’s Beach House. This is the complimentary kids’ club for ages 3-12, and I have never seen anything like it. It is actually a full size house (over 5000 sq ft), with kitchen, playroom, computers, movie room, backyard, even a garage with workshop!

There is so much more I could tell about Disney’s Aulani Resort, and the island of Oahu. If you’d like more information or assistance with planning your own family vacation to Hawaii, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com.
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Ritz-Carlton News Flash: Summer Deals

I had to pass along these offers I just received from Ritz Carlton. These are great values if you are planning a late summer or early fall stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Jamaica

All inclusive “Family Escape to Luxury” starting at $449 per night.   Includes meals and beverages for two adults and two children (under 12), taxes, service fee, and wireless internet.
Why it’s great for families: They offer a variety of beach activities to please all ages, including sailing, hobie cats, kayaking, and snorkeling.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
“Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3” starting at $259 per night, and includes internet access.

Why it’s great for families: Kids don’t have passports yet but you want to try something more “exotic?” Puerto Rico is a true Caribbean gem, but is as convenient to travel to as any other US destination.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
“Comfort You” starting at $249 per night in an ocean view room.  Includes breakfast for two daily and a $100 resort credit.

Why it’s great for families: Parents of infants can book an Itzy Bitzy Baby Room which has all the conveniences of their nursery at home: crib, changing table, even miniature hangers for baby clothes.



The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
“Intrigue You” starting at $449 per night, including fifth night free and daily breakfast for two.

Why it’s great for families: They offer a Kids Sailing and Windsurfing Camp weekly from Wednesday to Sunday for children ages 7 to 12. Instruction is provided on a variety of equipment, including Hobie cats, windsurfers, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and Optimist Prams.* Students receive a U.S. Sailing Level 1 Certification booklet to track their progress.
*I had to look that up. It’s a dinghy.



The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
“Cayman Splash” starting at $299 per night, including fifth night free and $100 resort credit.

Why it’s great for families: The first RC property to offer the exclusive Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. Guests of all ages are introduced to natural wonders and rich cultural traditions through unique Caribbean eco-tours.



Rates are available until October 31, 2012. All rates are based on double occupancy unless otherwise mentioned. Rates do not include taxes, service fee and/or resort fee, unless otherwise mentioned. Rates do not apply to groups and are subject to change until reservation is confirmed.

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Ten Fun Facts About the Arizona Biltmore Resort

I recently visited the Arizona Biltmore hotel in Phoenix, and was “wow’ed” by not only it’s beauty, but it’s history. Here are some fun facts I learned on my trip:

1. The only existing hotel in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design
2. Second largest gold leaf ceiling next to the Taj Mahal 

 

3. The Wrigley family (of chewing gum fame) owned & operated the hotel for 44 years
4. A scene from Waiting to Exhale was filmed in The Wright Bar

5. Wright’s serves diners homemade cotton candy at the end of the meal

6. Irving Berlin penned “White Christmas” by the Catalina Pool
7. This was also Marilyn Monroe’s favorite pool
8. They have a “Tea Sommelier”

 

9. Nancy Reagan always stayed in a villa with a view of her parents’ nearby estate
10. All Presidents have stayed here since Herbert Hoover in 1932, except for Barack Obama (so far).

This is beautiful, historic property which is perfect for a family vacation or family reunion.  Accommodations range from standard rooms and suites to 1 & 2 bedroom villas.  Kids will love the large, grassy open spaces, and fun pool with waterslide.  All ages can enjoy fine dining, a family-friendly atmosphere, and lovely indoor & outdoor public areas with firepits and comfy couches.

 Clients who book their stay through me are eligible for Virtuoso amenities, which include:

– Daily continental breakfast for two
– $100 food & beverage credit at Frank & Albert’s
– Upgrade to next room category, based on availability*
– 4 pm late checkout, based on availability


* If possible, Virtuoso guests will be upgraded to a Club Room in the Ocatilla building. 

For more information, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

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El Tovar, a Grand Canyon Gem

What’s better than a visit to the Grand Canyon? Spending the night there in the El Tovar Hotel.


Though it’s >100 years old, I walked into the hotel with the same anticipation as if entering the latest & greatest modern luxury hotel. I had heard about it for years & knew it was a ‘must do’ which actually made me worry that I had overly high expectations. But I was not to be disappointed.

I have to admit I am biased. I LOVE the historic grande dames of the National Park system. Exposed knotty beams, taxidermy on the walls, Native American prints…I just eat it up. And the employees are always so happy to be there (who wouldn’t be??), so service is always good.  And the location? Getting any closer to the rim would be downright dangerous!

Booking a room at El Tovar can be tricky business. As is common with older properties, rooms are smaller than in modern hotels, they are inconsistent in size, layout, amenities, and bathrooms & closet space tend to be modest. We spent a little more for an oversize room, which in fact turned out to be about the size of a standard hotel room. There were 2 queen beds, a single chair, an armoire, and a small closet. Cozy for a family of four, but clean and comfortable with modern bedding. The bathroom was relatively spacious, and fixtures were new.

We did luck out in a couple ways: we had a large balcony (shared with another room), and we were on the second floor. The latter had two benefits: fewer stairs to navigate in a hotel with no elevator, and a common area just down the hall with a TV, piano, fireplace, and tables and chairs that overlooked the lobby. At the end of a full day of hiking & sightseeing, it was nice to have a place to read a book, play cards and games, and even enjoy a meal delivered by room service.

The hotel also has many suites, each with different bedding and amenities, and some that sleep 5 or 6.  I obtained the suite information with all the details so that I can help my clients pick the best one for their family. 

 

You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy one of its finest features: the beautiful dining room which features a private room built just for President Roosevelt. A casually elegant setting, guests can feel comfortable in dress clothes or jeans, and enjoy fantastic food and friendly service. (Insider tip: Don’t bother to ask about corkage fees, as you can’t bring your own wine to restaurants in Arizona.)

As is true for accomodations in most National Parks, El Tovar books up very far in advance, especially for peak vacation periods, so it is imperative to plan ahead.
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Hotel Les Mars: Romance in Wine Country

No matter how much we love our kids, parents need some time alone, too. For our anniversary this past fall, my husband and I escaped to the wine country north of San Francisco. Our favorite place to stay is Healdsburg, because of the charming town square filled with cafes and shops, and the dozens of fantastic wineries just a short drive away. And no matter what time of year we go, the scenery is spectacular, and we never run into the traffic or crowds that are often found in Napa Valley. I personally prefer fall, though, because the weather is mild and the vineyards are showing off their fall foliage.

The choice of where to stay was easy: There is nothing as elegant or romantic as Hotel Les Mars, just a few steps off the main square. A Relais & Chateaux property, it was built from the ground up in the style of a French chateau, so everything from the headboards to the library bookcases were handcrafted to complement one another. We truly felt we were back in Provence, especially with Old World touches like a skeleton style room key on a tassel, which was really an electronic key card.

Our room was absolutely gorgeous. A small foyer led to nice sized room with a canopied four poster king bed. Each room has a fireplace, its own wireless router, iPod station, bookshelves & armoire, TV, and DVD player. The bathroom had a spacious rain shower and, in keeping with the European authenticity, a bidet. Antiques can be found throughout the hotel; in fact the desk in our room was the oldest item on the property.


Rates include a delicious continental breakfast of pastries, yogurt, granola, juice, fruit, and coffee. Each evening we put the room service order form outside our door, and the next morning we enjoyed it in front of our fireplace, lounging in soft, fluffy bathrobes.

The staff was well trained and ready to do whatever it takes to please a guest. We were greetly warmly when coming or going, and they made sure we always left with plenty of bottled water, which we really appreciated after visiting a few wineries. We also enjoyed chatting with them and other guests at the evening wine & cheese reception in the library.
I also want to note an amenity that summer visitors will appreciate when temperatures soar: a swimming pool. It was small, but retained the French ambiance of the hotel, and would be the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Les Mars. I am happy to share with my clients my personal wine tasting guide, or for those who would like to do something extra-special or unique, I can arrange a day to remember: a private winery tour, yacht charter, cooking or photography classes, hot air ballooning, and more.

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Last Minute Luxury from Rosewood Resorts

Great family vacation values are to be found this summer through all the luxury Rosewood Resort properties. Their “Summer with Rosewood” promotion includes either a complimentary night or special room rate including breakfast, for travel through September 30, 2011.

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, offers the 5th night free, or if you pay for 5 nights, the 6th and 7th night free. Their acclaimed children’s program espouses environmental appreciation in the Children’s Grove, a 2,500 sq. ft. facility boasting a miniature Caribbean chattel house, dress-up parlor, arts and crafts center, shipwreck, outside play area and many other exciting tropical activities. A complimentary children’s Pirate Party and buffet is held every Monday, and even teenagers have their own private space.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a desert beach resort in Los Cabos, offers suites starting at $515/night including breakfast and butler and concierge service. Though known as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, Las Ventanas also welcomes children of all ages and offers items such as cribs, changing tables, baby baths, and more for parents.

Additionally, several Rosewood properties offer even more values exclusively for clients of Rosewood Elite agencies:

* The Carlyle’s Suite Deal package includes limousine transfers from any airport in the New York City metropolitan area, one 60-minute massage, and breakfast buffet for two daily. Located in the trendy Upper East Side, the hotel’s spacious suites offer a ‘home away from home’ for families with separate sleeping and living room areas, and a kitchenette for simple meal preparation. And throughout 2011, The Carlyle will extend to all Rosewood Elite Agency guests complimentary cover charge for two and $50 cocktail credit at Bemelmans Bar.

* At Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, receive a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking with the Rosewood Escapes package, as well as Virtuoso amenities which include daily breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit, free internet, and a tequila amenity. Facilities for children include the complimentary Toolok Kid’s Club for ages 3-12, a TV & Game Room, and an Arts, Crafts & Board Games area. Babysitters or parents can relax with children <3 in the Soft Room. * At all-inclusive Jumby Bay in Antigua, book a guaranteed Pool Suite for $1150 ($375 off rack rate). Rate includes welcome amenity, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, beverages, house wine and cocktails by the glass, afternoon tea, water sports, fitness center, croquet field, putting green and children’s program, Manager’s Cocktail Party and Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Exclusive rates are also available for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom villas.
For more information about exclusive rates and amenities for families, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.
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The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Ski Paradise for Families

Today I am going to write about a amazing ski resort. Now it may seem strange that I am covering this topic when most people are pretty tired of cold weather and eagerly waiting for summer. But the fact remains, if you want to plan a family ski vacation for next Christmas or winter break, you need to think about booking it now!

There are many great ski destinations, but I have admit I am biased towards California, and specifically Lake Tahoe. The views, great weather, and abundance of local activities are hard to beat. And now families have a great option for a luxury ski vacation which will please all ages: The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

This relatively new resort (opened December 2009) was not quite what I expected. It being a mountain lodge, I anticipated a rustic décor, including knotty pine, antlers, and Native American textiles. The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe does rely heavily on outdoor themes, featuring wood, water, and granite throughout the property, but it’s done in a simple, modern style with clean lines and earth tones.

Despite its modest size, only 170 rooms & suites, it offers all the services & amenities of any large resort. And perched high on the mountain above Northstar Village, it has spectacular views and true ski in/ski out access. It is literally surrounded by ski runs, and from every vantage point in the hotel (fitness center, spa, meeting space, rooms, or club lounge), skiers can be seen zipping down the slopes.

My favorite feature is the ski valet. Guests check their gear with the valet for the duration of their stay, then when ready to ski simply call ahead to have everything ready & waiting for them. Even their boots will be warmed up! Beginning skiers can hitch a ride with “The Sherpa” to mid-mountain for lessons or to access easier trails and the cross country area. (I really like cross-country skiing at Northstar. Because the trails are up on the mountain, you can get great views easy on the easy trails.)
After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in the The Living Room, with floor to ceiling windows, a large central fireplace, and bar. There is a fire pit on the terrace, with live music occasionally, and guests can purchase a s’mores kit. And the family pool is maintained at 92F in winter, offering comfortable swimming year round. For guests who want to go out, a gondola runs to the Village for shopping, dining, ice skating, and more entertainment. Staying in? Try the “Experiential Shower” in their beautiful spa, which is included in the resort fee.


All rooms are spacious, but best for families are the one bedroom suites, which have a king bed, and separate living room with sofa bed. And there are two full baths with showers, making it easy for the whole family to get cleaned up quickly after a day of skiing. All the suites connect to a room with 2 queen beds, great options for larger families, or those traveling with grandparents.


The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is also a great warm weather destination, with plenty of outdoor activities in the area, from fishing & kayaking to hiking and cycling. You can even take the ski lift to the top of the mountain!

To get the best rates and amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and an upgrade (based on availability), contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

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