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Behind the Scenes With Suzette: Navigating Travel Insurance

As I wrote previously, my colleagues and I have invested a lot of time learning about the various travel insurance products available. While similar on the surface, they have nuances that can determine whether or not they provide adequate coverage for a client’s particular trip. So I am amazed that anyone would book a trip and simply click a box saying they will purchase the insurance offered by that supplier.  (But at least they are buying some form of insurance!)

My clients tend to fall into two groups:

> Those that understand the value of travel protection, and expect me to send them a quote as soon as they’ve booked their trip.

> Those that say they have never purchased it because they’ve never had to cancel a trip, or it’s not worth the money.

First, I don’t know anyone who has a crystal ball that guarantees no unexpected emergency will happen that could cause them to cancel. Second, many clients are surprised to find out how inexpensive insurance can be.  (The rule of thumb is 5-7% of the trip cost, and families pay even less on policies that include free coverage for children.) And there are many other benefits offered besides trip cancellation coverage which can make having a policy pay off.

Zodiac boat on snorkeling tour in Hawaii

Reimbursement for dropping personal items in the ocean can recoup the costs of an insurance policy. Take it from my personal experience! (Photo credit: Ryan Mack)

♦ Expert Tip ♦
Buy a policy as soon as you make any payment on a trip, otherwise you can lose out on coverage
for pre-existing conditions or financial default. You can add more coverage
as you book other components of the trip. And be sure you
understand all the terms and conditions to qualify for that coverage.

What do my colleagues and I learn in training sessions and updates from our insurance reps?

  • How do we ensure clients are covered for pre-existing medical conditions, and what is considered a pre-existing condition?
  • How do we ensure clients are covered for financial default, and how is “financial default” defined?
  • How is “family member” defined?
  • What documents are needed to file a claim successfully?
  • Which suppliers offer “cancel for any reason” coverage and what are the terms?
  • What upgrades are available for unique situations not normally covered: pregnancy, a cancelled wedding, an ill pet, civil disorder?
Vacation home in Bodega Bay with view of ocean

Bliss in Bodega Bay, California.

♦ Expert Tip ♦
Losses related to a home, villa, or apartment rental booked directly with the owner are not ususally covered.
The booking must be made with a travel supplier, which include the companies travel advisors work with.

There are also travel packages that offer vacation protection plans with coverage that may be better than traditional travel insurance policies.  For example, one of my clients was able to cancel their trip with less than 24 hours notice when COVID-19 was just starting to spread, and they didn’t want to be out of the country, because they had “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage. Most insurance policies cut off this benefit 48 hrs or more prior to travel. This can be an important factor in determining the best way to book a client’s trip.

It’s true that there are some things travel insurance doesn’t cover. In fact, I was quoted in a Forbes article on this topic. While it doesn’t cover cancellation for pandemics or government restrictions, a traveler is generally covered if they get coronavirus or fail a COVID-19 test. And you definitely want coverage if you fall ill and/or are quarantined in a hospital or hotel while traveling. Some destinations now require visitors show proof of insurance and coverage for quarantine expenses and medical evacuation.

♦ Expert Tip ♦
If you don’t need or want trip cancellation coverage, buy a barebones policy
to get the other benefits including coverage for medical expenses, medical evacuation, baggage damage/loss,
24×7 emergency support, and more. This is especially recommended when traveling
to a destination that may require large advance payments for treatment.

Traveleres on Lindblad expedition in Svalbard viewing polar bear on ice floe

Cruising in a remote location? You need travel insurance to cover evacuation from the ship to the nearest medical facility, and medical evacuation coverage to pay for transportation to the hospital of your choice.  (Photo credit: Lindblad Expeditions client on Svaldbard polar bear cruise)

When it comes to travel insurance, most travelers don’t know what they don’t know. Our job as professional travel advisors is to know what questions to ask our clients, so we can recommend the products that would provide the best protection for their specific needs.

Disclaimer:  The information presented here may not apply to all travel insurance products, and can change at any time. Contact the insurance provider to answer technical questions about benefits, exclusions, and conditions of any of the insurance they offer.

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Why You Should Be Planning Holiday Travel Now

Supply vs Demand
The holidays have always been a popular time to travel, but now more people than ever are choosing to travel instead of exchanging presents. Popular destinations that typically require 2 weeks or more to experience, like Australia, New Zeland, and Africa, often start booking two years in advance.

Safari vehicle viewing giraffes

Wildlife!

Minimum Night Stay Requirements
If you want to stay less than 7-10 nights at a resort, your choices drop significantly. The early booking bird may get to check out early, too.

Family skiing in Utah

Powder!

The Best and the Cheapest Go First
This rule of thumb applies all year round. You can wait to see if there are any last minute “deals,” but it likely won’t be the best rate you could have had. And if you want the best suite at a resort, you may find there’s a waiting list a year in advance.

Munich Christmas market

Decorations!

Special Requests
Many of our preferred partner hotels will guarantee requests like connecting rooms or a particular location, but they are first come, first served.

Family ziplining in Costa Rica

Adventure!

You Can’t Find It Online
Many properties will not allow holiday bookings on their website due to the complexities of managing high demand and booking restrictions such as designated arrival dates. I work with my personal contacts on the sales team, who may know of inventory available that the front desk agents can’t see, and can prioritize my clients on waiting lists.

Jet skis and kayaks at Four Seasons Bora Bora

Toys!

Large Groups Have Limited Options
Since villas and private homes are all unique, they take more time and care to book.  The holidays also bring peak rates with stringent cancellation penalties.  You want to be sure you are booking with a reliable supplier who has personally vetted the properties, and provides support to call since there’s no on-site staff to address problems.

Multi-generational family wine tasting in Italy

Wine!

What sounds better:  Knowing where you are spending the holidays before spring arrives?  Or scrambling to find whatever space is available next fall as you deal with all the other impending holiday tasks? Contact me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com to get started now!

Happy family on beach at Turks & Caicos

Happiness!

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Spectacular Spring Break Savings!

“I don’t really care about saving money on my vacation.”  Said no one ever.

If you want to plan a spring break getaway, NOW is the time to book. I have been able to find some great early booking values, most of which are only available  because of our agency’s preferred status with a particular resort, or through a tour operator who only works with travel professionals.

Here is a recap of the savings I found for clients in the past week:

$11,000 savings on a multi-gen family vacation – Grandpa wanted to take his kids and grandkids to Florida in April, so he needed to book a combination of rooms and suites.  This was the amount saved over the rate published on the resort website after applying a Virtuoso discount and an exclusive 4th night free offer.

One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
One of the beautiful oceanfront pools
Lucky kids!
This same family could have stayed at another resort offering a 50% discount on ALL junior suites booked in combination with a 1 BR suite. It would have totaled to >$1000 per night savings over the published rates. What a great deal for families who want a connecting room for the kids, and suites have kitchenettes as well!

This beach!
Hawaii Villa Savings – I found a Book Early offer for March on 2 and 3 bedroom Maui villas through a supplier who only works with travel advisors.  The client is saving thousands of dollars since they needed multiple villas for their party.
Space, privacy, and your own plunge pool

Views of Lanai from a practically private beach.
Haleakala – One of Maui’s spectacular natural wonders.
$1500 savings on a 1 Bedroom Suite – The same tour operator also has Book Early rates on hotel rooms and suites at many resorts.  This luxury resort is my favorite for families on Maui!
A waterslide, swim-up bar, adults only pool, huge spa,
award-winning restaurants, and a gorgeous beach.
And this view!  What more can a family ask for? Well…
…How about complimentary breakfast every day?
(A Virtuoso amenity exclusively for my clients.)
I was even able to find a great deal for a client traveling to Europe over the holidays:  a 200£ savings per room per night for New Year’s Eve. And they will get the Virtuoso amenities which include daily breakfast and a 100 USD equivalent hotel credit.

This room is worthy of a special occasion.
This place will be hopping on NYE!
To be frank, there generally there aren’t a lot of Christmas “deals” to be found.  I do have the advantage of knowing suppliers that often have rooms blocked at a below market rates.  But inventory is limited, so the early bird has the best chance to score one of those rooms.

Even if you end up paying the published rates,  remember that you still get a better value when I book you, because of our preferred agency amenities, such as daily breakfast for two, upgrade on arrival if available, and resort credits.

It’s understandable that many travelers want to wait until after the holidays to start planning trips for next year. But it’s likely the best offers will be gone by then.  Imagine how relaxing it would be to not only have your spring break travel planning out of the way, but also know you have saved yourself a lot of money! 

So give yourself the gift of a more restful holiday season by sending an email to suzette@family-treks.com, and from there I’ll do all the work!

I’ll take this image over sugarplum fairies dancing in my head any day.
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Six Trips Which Should Be Booked at Least a Year in Advance

Some destinations require advance planning due to limited availability, high popularity, or both.  Often the best options book up early, and in some situations there may be only one good option!  If any of these are on your list for 2017, you should start planning now.

African Safari   

The best Africa lodges and tented camps are small and intimate, often less than a dozen rooms, so there isn’t much space to begin with.   Safaris are popular for family reunions or celebration trips, so it’s not uncommon for one group to book the entire property.   Families should note that lodges might have only one family suite which can sleep 4 people, otherwise you will have to book two separate rooms.  

Who says you have to rough it while on safari?

The other key to a fantastic safari is having the right guide, and the most knowledgeable and respected ones are booked year round.  Even the escorted tours, that generally stay in larger lodges, are fully booked a year out. 

My client’s South Africa wildlife encounter.

Alaska


Due to a short travel season and high demand, hotels are booked to capacity every summer. The problem is exacerbated when cruise lines block chunks of hotel space far in advance, and I’ve had to reach in my bag of insider tricks to get even one room for my clients.  Wilderness lodges are small, and I know at least one in Denali that is already sold out for most dates in summer 2017.   

This beautiful lodge, built by the owner, has only 14 rooms.
Lucky family got a clear view of Denali!

Want to travel on an expedition cruise so you can get up close to nature?  They carry less than 100 passengers so you have to grab your spot early.  You can find space on large ship cruises on fairly short notice, but the options will be limited.  Your choice of cabin location or itinerary may not be available. In my experience, the best rates and perks come with booking earlier rather than later.

My clients got up close to a calving glacier on their Lindblad cruise.

Tuscany Villa


Yes, there are lots of villas available at any given time if you are searching on the internet.  But if you want to book a property that you know has been vetted by a reliable source so there will no unpleasant surprises on arrival, you need to plan early.   And if you want one with everything on your wish list (a pool, near a quaint town, centrally located, etc.), all the more reason to plan early.  Those villas you see available in April for summer travel?  There’s a good reason they are still on the market.  

Wine-tasting with a fabulous view.
An easy day trip to Florence

Iceland


Its popularity has skyrocketed for travelers seeking adventure, especially as it’s considered one of the safest European destinations.  Unfortunately the tourism infrastructure has not kept up with demand, so hotels and our preferred tour partners are heavily booked. Reykjavík is a decent sized city, but finding accommodations in the countryside can be quite tricky.  And when you find yourself in a remote location with limited resources, you definitely want to be traveling with someone reliable.

Clients captured this gorgeous double rainbow on their epic family adventure. 


National Parks

The national parks are always popular, especially with families, but even more so as travelers prefer to stay close to home rather than venture out of the country.  Because of the convenience and historical aspects, staying at a lodge within park boundaries is highly desirable, so even the most modest accommodations book up early. 

Can’t get much closer to the Grand Canyon rim than by staying at El Tovar
A little chilly on top with the residual snow,
but great weather for a hike into the canyon

This year’s centennial celebration increased demand, and I expect spillover into 2017 from travelers who got locked out this year.  Guided hiking and cycling trips are especially popular with active travelers, but their set departure dates mean you have to book early.

There is much more to Yellowstone than Old Faithful!

Any Destination Over the Holidays


It’s not uncommon for the top beach and ski resorts to have waiting lists more than a year in advance.  And most have strict minimum night stays, so you need to make sure you’ve blocked enough vacation time. The best rooms and suites (and guaranteed connecting rooms for families) are always the first to be snatched up.   

Ski out right from the terrace at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
The new Four Seasons Ko’Olina on Oahu does not have
a waiting list for the  holidays. Yet.

Imagine how happy and relaxed you would be to know you have the trip of your dreams planned out a year in advance. And research shows that the anticipation of a trip is what makes us happiest, so why not extend that feeling as long as possible?


Whether you plan to travel next week or next year, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com and we’ll get started setting up something for you to look forward to!

Our Amalfi Coast visit
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One of a Kind Family Celebrations

We’re coming up on graduation and wedding season, so today’s post is about celebration trips.  Here are my top suggestions for a one-of-a-kind trip to celebrate a special occasion or milestone birthday or anniversary.
                  
My criteria:
– It’s multi-generational, with accommodations and activities suitable for all ages
– It offers unique and exceptional experiences in the destination
– Meals are included or there is ample onsite dining.  No hassles figuring out what to do for dinner!
– There is a supervised children’s program or ample activities for kids
– It requires minimal advance planning on the travel organizer’s part.  Just book it, show up, and have a fantastic time!
Lindblad Expedition Cruise–  No casinos or nightclubs, instead travelers get up close to wilderness and wildlife.  Great destinations for families are Alaska, Baja California, and the Galapagos.  There’s hands on learning for everyone, kayaking and snorkeling right off the boat in warm waters, and intimate, personal service since ships have less than 100 passengers, and most less than 70!  There is no minimum age on family sailings, and kids under 18 get $500 off.
Virtuoso amenity:  $25 onboard credit on all sailings, additional credits and exclusive discounts on select sailings.

You won’t have this view of glaciers calving
 from a traditional cruise ship.
If they were any closer they’d be swimming with them!

Alaska Wilderness Lodge – This is another trip perfect for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, the land version of an expedition cruise.  Expert guides and naturalists lead activities such as hiking, fishing, bear watching, and glacier climbing during the day, and then you have downtime or educational presentations at night.  The type of activities vary greatly by location and time of year, so research is key to find the best fit.  And advance planning is a must, as it’s not uncommon for them to book up a year or more in advance for peak periods.

Wilderness doesn’t mean roughing it- fresh crab!
Relaxing after a full day of activity

Caribbean Villa Resort – There are lots of private villas and homes available, but if you book one that’s part of a resort, you get the benefits of both worlds:  the services & amenities of a luxury hotel, plus the space and privacy of a home away from home. It’s the perfect compromise if you have some who want to relax beach or poolside, and others who want to be on the go. It’s also a good option for families with very young children. 

  
5 bedrooms and more available!
Great gathering spaces

Check out:


Round Hill Jamaica – 26 private villas, 100 acres of lush gardens, a pristine crescent beach, and complimentary children’s program starting at age 3
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 spa credit
Early check-in/late check-out

Private pool (and lawn) with a view
Fun for little ones

Escorted Family Tour – This is a great option if your family wants to see as much as possible in a limited amount of time, but doesn’t want the hassle of managing travel logistics. These small group tours visit popular sights in destinations ranging from national parks to European cities to Africa.  Families get lots of quality time together,  but also get to socialize with other adults and children. (Great for families traveling alone!) Most widely known is Adventures by Disney, but Tauck and A&K also offer family departures.  Active families should check out cycling, hiking or multi-sport trips with Backroads 


Adventures by Disney in the Southwest

Guest or Dude Ranch – What’s the difference?  A very simple distinction is that guest ranches offer ala carte activities and more flexible check in /out dates,  where a dude ranch is all inclusive, generally runs Saturday to Saturday and has scheduled trail rides. But every ranch is unique so again, this is a trip that requires careful research to find the right match. Guests can do as much or as little as they want, so it suits a variety of interests and activity levels. Accommodations range from lodge rooms to large private homes to luxury tents.  And don’t worry about it being too rustic, gourmet dining and other resort-style amenities like a pool and spa are often available.

Heading out on the trail
Learning to rope

Check out:


The Resort at Paws Up – A guest ranch in Montana’s gorgeous Big Sky country, with 28 luxurious vacation homes and 30 luxury tents with private baths and a Camping Butler.
Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers
Early check-in, late check-out, subject to availability
A $300 activity credit
Bottle of wine in room on arrival

Private luxury at Paws Up

Brush Creek Ranch – An all-inclusive luxury dude ranch on 30,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness in Wyoming. Rates include on site activities and trail rides, and the Lil Wranglers program for ages 4-8. Ages 9 and up can participate in most ranch activities.

Virtuoso amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people
Choice of complimentary Cattle Drive, Scenic Float, Premium Fly Fishing or Wing Shooting Experience for 2 guests
Early check-in/late check-out

Wyoming scenery
Imagine waking up to this view!

If your group is large enough, you can buy out an entire property or tour. This is the ultimate celebration trip, completely private and customized, something to remember forever!

Are these choices overwhelming?  No worries, just drop me a note at suzette@family-treks.com and I’ll help you design the perfect celebration for your family.
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The Fairmont Kea Lani – A Little Slice of Heaven on Maui

Kea Lani means “white heaven,” and it doesn’t take long to see how perfect this name is for one of my favorite resorts on Maui.  Whenever I walk into the Fairmont Kea Lani’s beautiful lobby, the Mediterranean style architecture and expansive, lush landscaping makes me feel like I’ve just entered paradise.
 

Aaahh!

Here are some of the other reasons I, and many of my clients, love the Kea Lani:
It’s the best suite value on the island.  All the accommodations are800 sq ft one bedroom suites, and the starting price point is comparable to standard rooms at other hotels.  Other properties have a limited number of suites so they charge premium rates.  The entry foyer and bathroom are also very spacious, so there’s plenty of space to store bags, snorkel gear, etc.

One Bedroom Suite (king or two doubles plus sofabed)

Spacious lanai with views of Molokini and Kahoolawai
It’s in a quiet but convenient location. Wailea is a serene, country club setting, with much less traffic than Kaanapali or Lahaina, but there are still many restaurants and shops just a few minutes away.  A stroll along the oceanfront pathway leads to other resorts, offering lots of dining options in walking distance.  In Kihei, just 10 min away, is a shopping center with a full size grocery store and Hilo Hattie’s. 
 

Oceanfront lawn

It’s elegant but laid back.  Everyone can feel at home at the Kea Lani.  Service and accommodations are five star, but nobody is pretentious.
It works for everyone.  There are 3 swimming areas to accommodate all ages: an adults only pool, a two level family pool with water slide and swim-up bar, and a wading pool for little ones.  There are plenty of public spaces, so families can feel comfortable letting their kids play on the lawn and in the pool, while couples can find a quiet spot to relax (including a hidden hot tub).
 

Family pool, water slide, swim-up bar & grill
Adult pool
Lots of lawn with ocean views,
 plenty of chairs for everyone

It has a great beach. The beautiful crescent beach is public, like all beaches in Hawaii, but since there is no public parking nearby, it gets little use by non-hotel guests.  There is good snorkeling right off-shore, and it’s common to see turtles.
 

Polo Beach

Complimentary outrigger canoe experience
Oh, those villas! If you want more space and some of the conveniences of home, like a private plunge pool, full kitchen and washer and dryer, then book a 2 or 3 bedroom villa.  There is a large lawn in front, with plenty of space for kids to run around, and the beach is a just a few steps beyond.  They are perfect for larger families, multi-generational groups, or couples traveling together.
 

Oceanview villas
Villa living room and kitchen
Villa plunge pool


(You can read a testimonial from one of my clients in the the April issue of Virtuoso Traveler.)
Here’s how you can get even more value at the Fairmont Kea Lani:
Register for a Fairmont President’s Club number.  There is no charge, and you get extra benefits including free high speed internet (an upgrade to business premium at the Kea Lani), discounts in the spa and store, complimentary use of bikes, and in-room delivery of Reebok shoes and apparel, yoga mats, and stretch bands.

Let me book your stay so you receive Virtuoso amenities.  These include daily breakfast for two, an upgrade on arrival (based on availability), and a welcome gift valued at $100.  Plus my fantastic contacts at the resort will personally take care of your reservation, and ensure you have a great suite.

Buffet breakfast
For help planning your Hawaii vacation, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

Another day in heaven ends

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Enchantment Resort– The Perfect Place to Gather the Family

On our way back from the Grand Canyon last February, we spent a night at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, a place that has been on my bucket list for a while.  And I was not disappointed, except that we could only stay 24 hours.
There are so many things to love about Enchantment:
* The stunning location, tucked into a red rock canyon, with its own private and direct access to hiking trails.  It’s just a short walk among cacti & red rock to a pretty spire.
* The destination spa offering everything from traditional skin care & massage treatments to health & wellness consultations. Their menu is fun to read with entries likeFlower Essence Bath, Blue Corn Body Polish, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation, and Astrology with Crystals.
* Free onsite activities including pitch & putt golf, tennis, cycling and bocce ball.  
* Organized adult & family activities from yoga and nature walks to stargazing and watercolor painting.  (Check out the calendar!)
 * Camp Coyote to entertain and educate kids age 4-12, with theme days like Earth Friendly Tuesdays and Solar System Saturdays.  
* The cool architecture and authentic Native American decor – terra cotta tiles, adobe style structures, exposed wood beams, woven blankets and pottery.  
This is a fantastic, destination resort for any family, but it’s especially perfect for multi-generational reunions, or families traveling together.  The casitas are a great value, offering plenty of space & privacy, and all the comforts of home.  Ours had a small but fully equipped kitchen with dining table, and a large living room with a fireplace.   The patio had a gas grill, fireplace, and another large table, so guests can enjoy the wonderful mild weather year round.
A 3 bedroom casita can sleep up to 8, with a king bed, 2 queen beds, and a Murphy bed in the living room.  (Casitas can also be locked off to form separate 1 and 2 bedroom units.) And no worries about having enough bathrooms. There’s one for each bedroom and another off the living, room, each with a shower & 2 sinks.  
If you are looking for a place to travel with your family, that has spacious accommodations for a group, offers activities for all ages, and is in a beautiful setting, then I highly recommend Enchantment Resort. 
And because they are a Virtuoso partner, my clients receive:
– Upgrade at time of check-in, subject to availability
– Continental breakfast for two daily
– $100 credit for spa services
Combine this with a great deal through April 30, your fourth night free!
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The Most Important Question to Ask When Booking a Vacation Rental

Having rented private vacation homes for over 20 years, and having owned our own for the last five, I offer one piece of advice for families looking for a vacation rental.

Ask this question:  How often do the owners use the property themselves?

Whenever possible, I only book a property that is used frequently by the owners, or is checked upon regularly by them.   That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a property manager, but they should not rely on a third party to be the sole eyes and ears on their home.

These are some of the benefits to the renter:

 – You’ll likely find a fully equipped kitchen, including appliances in good condition, lots of utensils, matching dishes.   Because we frequently spend holidays at our cabin, our renters will find everything they need to prepare a complete holiday feast. 
 

(And hands on owners are also more likely to decorate their homes.  Even if we won’t be using our cabin over Christmas, we’ll make a special trip to decorate it for our renters.)

 
– There will probably be a well-stocked  pantry including a good variety of seasonings and staples like sugar, cooking oil, etc.

 

– There are often extras like coffee grinders, good bar ware, a mixer, toaster oven, etc.  You don’t realize how useful cheese graters are until you’re missing one when you need it!

 

–  Better chance of having comfortable furniture and plenty of pillows and blankets, plus nicer home décor overall and relatively new electronics.  Good quality patio furniture (including sufficient chairs)  and a working grill are a must for warm weather destinations. 



–  Better maintenance overall, which means less chance of an unexpected problem. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a broken dishwasher or wonky TV or DVD player.  Property managers only fix things if they are told they are broken, and renters often don’t speak up.  A hands-on owner is going to notice the little problems and fix them before they become big ones.

 –  In ski cabins, owners often have plenty of racks for hanging up wet clothes and mittens by the fire, trays for collecting snow melt off boots, and a supply of good quality firewood.  Especially important when traveling during winter is an adequate emergency supplies including batteries, lantern, and candles.

 

If the owners have kids you will probably also find plenty of games, toys, puzzles, books, and family movies.


Remember, nobody will take as good of care of a home as its owner.  So that’s a good reason to book through a property management company or a professional travel advisor, so you can ask very specific questions about the care and upkeep of the property, including how often the owners are on site.  

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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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