hotel/resort review Archives - Page 2 of 14

Staying Off the Strip: JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa

February 18, 2014 by The Mom Jen 13 Comments

Las Vegas luxury can be found on and off the strip and we discovered it staying at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Located just about 15 miles from the airport in Summerlin, the JW Marriott offers beautiful grounds, top of the line accommodations, spa amenities, golf, on-site gaming, choice of 11 restaurants and so much more. Away from the traffic and the hustle and bustle, it’s a great location to stay and enjoy Vegas, but be away from it all at the same time!We arrived after a evening flight and check in was smooth, it was great to hear that public areas and the lobby offer free wifi, so I checked into all my social media while preserving my battery. We opted for self parking so we had a short drive around the property closest to where we’d enter the Palms Tower. Two towers of 469 rooms and suites, the property is substantial yet accessible. We parked and walked partially through the Promenade which holds the majority of the property restaurants and made our way to our suite.

We enjoyed a large suite with separate living area with couch, meeting/dining table, bar, and second bathroom. Our sleeping area held a lush bed with Marriott Revive bedding with down comforters that were like sleeping on a cloud. I always have the best rest in Marriott resorts around the country! The bathroom held a jacuzzi tub, separate toilet/shower areas and ceiling fans circulated air above the beds for added comfort. The view from our room was spectacular at night, with part of the strip in plain view! We were eager to explore the next morning! As much as we wanted to run a bath, then drape myself in a hotel robe and eat the chocolates left for us in the soft bed in our room, we had only one night and were starved!

I love casino action and had an itch to gamble, so we walk down through the Promenade and found the Promenade Cafe sitting at the entrance to the Rampart Casino floor. It was a casual spot and open 24 hours, so at 9pm, it wasn’t abnormal for us our post flight attire and our tiredness to blend right in. We had the sweetest (pregnant) waitress who we loved chatting with who filled us in on the best deal of the restaurant! $10 each for an appetizer, entree, and dessert to fill our bellies and that we did! The food was good and we took the desserts to go because we were full, and they were amazing both in presentation and in flavor!Calling it a night, we were eager to tour the grounds and enjoy the resort a bit more in daylight.

Just as we’d suspected, the sunrise was spectacular, views for days!We had to get outside, I mean it was a cool low 50’s morning but the sun was shining bright, we were awed by the stunning landscape and manicured grounds!The palms just give tropical-esque beauty to this oasis in the desert!Creeks, waterfalls, and lush greenery surround the hotel, promenade, and casino. Also noted was the scattered heart art about the property that I learned was an homage to children from St. Jude’s Hospital.

Each three-dimensional, 5-foot sculpture represents a local artist’s interpretation of a child’s heart, contrasting the dreams it holds with the challenges that cancer and other diseases pose. A reminder of childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, the sculptures serve as a means to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

3 of the pieces have been permanently donated to JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa.

We went and enjoyed breakfast at Ceres in the Spa Tower. With a buffet option as well as a delicious menu, we sat indoors and peered out to just constant beauty. My husband chose the bagel and cream cheese route while I went for the signature breakfast croissant. The flaky crust sandwiched fried eggs, bacon, avocado, and tomato (chose no cheese) and it was huge and so good. I know the two of us could have shared and I wanted to save half for lunch, but alas, I ate the entire thing!

Following that amazing meal, I needed some exercise, the pool was closed for the season and I actually totally forgot to bring a suit for the hot tub, so bocce ball it was! Sunshine on us, we played best 4 out of 5, then played again until that itch to head to the casino came back!A few dollars less than I came with, it was check-out time. Our stay at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa was short and sweet, and you can guarantee we will be back to that very location on our next trip. My husband loved that it right on our way to Red Rock Canyon, I loved just about everything else about it! With everything on site, you wouldn’t have to leave the property on a vacation, short of heading to a show. It’s the Marriott name you know and love with a step up in luxury and a whole lot of options! Book your reservation at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/.

Our stay and meal was hosted, all opinions our own.

Palm Springs in the Winter: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort Review

February 7, 2014 by The Mom Jen 9 Comments

I realize us Californians don’t have it anything like those across the nation as far as winter weather. It’s what you’re used to and our central California dry, cool winter has our family wanting to be modified snowbirds in the winter. Just after ringing in 2014, we packed up our car for a road trip down to Palm Springs to enjoy some mid-to-high 70’s weather! Our destination was the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, and during our 3 days and 2 nights there, we were doubting ourselves that it was actually January!

In the shadows of the Santa Rosa mountains, down the road from the towering 10K foot Mt. San Jacinto, and adjacent to the Indian Wells Golf Course, the Renaissance Esmeralda is paradise among palm trees in the heart of Coachella Valley! The exterior was so beautiful we couldn’t wait to park and head inside! Customer service at the Renaissance Esmeralda was top notch, it’s no wonder it’s an award winning resort and spa 10 years running. I was able to check in a bit early, they were friendly and helpful with maps and restaurant suggestions. The lobby is on the second floor and the staircase heading down is even beautiful!

My daughter asked short of 100 times how soon she could change into her swim suit once we arrived. She had seen the photos on the website, but her mouth went agape when we saw the pools in person. The resort has 3 heated pools, one with a sandy beach for the little ones to enjoy! There’s a waterfall in one section, unfortunately you can’t play in it and from what I hear that water is cold! There are two whirlpools nestled in semi private cabana area with great views.With a bar in the middle of the pool area and many waiters ready to help, you can order food and drinks poolside to enjoy out in the beautiful weather!Now back to the rooms, we were only in there a split second to change before the pool! With 560 rooms in the resort, our executive suite was large with a sitting room and bedroom with a lovely king bed and we got an adjoining room for the kids with two queens. The girls were happy to share one of the beds and they had plenty of space. Our rooms had balconies with views of the mountains as well as the pool area, at night when the pool is lit up, it’s so pretty! With 3 televisions in 3 rooms, our short down time had everyone happy with what was on the tube. I loved the desk area to get some work done, and each room had a large bathroom with plush robes, dual sinks so we all could essentially get ready together. There’s some neat art in the separated-by-a-door toilet area by means of wall paper with old Palm Springs area homes. I took one look and immediately thought of the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby era.

My hubby and I enjoyed some before dinner drinks in the large sitting room while the kids dried off from the pool fun.

Our first night we had dinner as a family at Cava. With patio and indoor seating, we dined inside to a full menu with plethora of choices as well as a great kid’s menu. Soup, salad, burgers (shared), and sandwiches were just right for our evening after a day in the sun!

We dined the next morning at the same spot but chose a sunny poolside table. Coffee, juice, and fruit smoothies started our morning as well as my husband and son sharing a breakfast burrito (it was plenty large and perfect to share) and the girls loved their pancakes. I enjoyed bacon and eggs cooked to perfection with potatoes that were crispy and seasoned with a slight kick.

On-site there is also a Zagat-rated Italian restaurant, Sirocco, Glo Lounge has cocktails and small plates and dining in the evenings outdoors around the firepits. Glo Sushi Bar is available, as is Cafe Biscotti both in the grand lobby areas.

After breakfast we toured the property and learned about Camp Oasis, a kid’s club that children aged 5-12 can attend for a fee during the day or evening with fun events and activities planned throughout. Resorts with these features allow families to spend quality time together and apart, even if it’s just for a few hours while mom gets a pedicure at Spa Esmeralda!

Some evenings during the summer and warmer temperatures, outdoor movies are shown by the pool, a spot you can literally watch from. Due to winter, the movie planned for our weekend was moved into a conference room as informed by the pleasant staff at reception.The property is gorgeously lit up at night. The palms and pool are highlighted with areas where you can enjoy a cozy fire! My daughter and husband basically had the pool to themselves at night.Views from our room were spectacular.Sunrise made for amazing photo opportunities.Our getaway down south proved to be a perfect pick me up of the cooler California weather up where we’re from. It was hard to believe it was January, but we took full advantage of the warm temperatures! If you’re in the Indian Wells area, staying at Renaissance Esmeralda is a great family location that will put smiles on everyone’s face year-round! For more information, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pspsr-renaissance-esmeralda-indian-wells-resort-and-spa/.

Our two-night FAM experience was hosted, gratuities and opinions were our own.

Sleep in a Teepee in Washington: Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast, & Barn Review #VisitYakima

November 14, 2013 by The Mom Jen 8 Comments

When I received my Yakima Valley itinerary of course I looked up each item right away beginning with my accommodations. Where you rest your weary head is so important on these busy media tours, I really needed to know where I was staying. Day 2 showed me staying at Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast, and Barn. Well, okay that sounds amazing and then I looked it up and saw that I was going to sleep in a teepee! At first I was a bit nervous, my husband was in the room and I told him, “honey, I”m going to sleep in a teepee in Washington, in October.” “Cool it’ll be just like camping back in the day!” he said and frowned a little because he wasn’t joining me! I read a little more about it and I found it was more like glamping and I’ve done that before, so now I was just plain excited!

We arrived at the property in Zillah, Washington and immediately I fell in love with the views. Evening sunset was stunning with Mt. Adams in the background. We met Terry Fewel, husband to Innkeeper, Pepper who was away at the moment and he showed me around my home for the night.

The private 20-foot teepee exuded romance with cloud-like beds with fluffy down comforters, luxurious amenities, and it was too bad my husband was two states south!

Just outside my tent flap I had an amazing swing that looked out as far as I could see, I imagined my love sitting next to me sipping wine, or possibly taking an afternoon nap, what a gorgeous spot!On the other side of the walking path a full campfire ring, bbq grill, chairs, firewood, and even more views awaited me.

The location is indeed a working ranch and the decor reflects it so wonderfully, including Pepper’s artistic touches on the floor of the teepee. Inside you’ll also find many comforts for your stay, a chair, mirror, mini-fridge, fans for warmer weather, hair dryer, cooking tools for the bbq and campfire, a S’mores kit in the fridge, towels and flipflops for the shower…did I mention the shower yet? Well, it’s outdoors, open air, take a look:I wanted to use it so badly in the morning but the crisp 39 degree air sent me only to the kitchen for coffee and right back to my bed! But, how can you not fall in love with all the added special and unique touches?I originally worried about the cool evenings and staying warm. The blessing in the teepee was indeed electricity to run the electric blanket! Dually regulated for both sides of the bed, I may have laid diagonally at night just to absorb as much warmth as possible. With all the heavy blankets, the Ralph Lauren robe, and the electric blanket I was so, so toasty even on that October evening! Restrooms are scattered around the property and are the most immaculate and fresh smelling outhouses on the planet, scented soaps and potpourri to top it off.

Breakfast is included with your teepee stay on the ranch and boy was it amazing. First a hot orange glazed roll came out with juice, water, and hot coffee for me as I took in the morning views!That would have been plenty, but then a delicious fruit and cheese platter was next! If I was a morning wine-o, I would have indulged with that beautiful spread. But, alas another course of an herbed egg quiche, 3 types of potatoes, and bacon rounded out my meal. Pepper joined me in conversation and I wish she’d sat down with me to enjoy her meal. Her warmth and hospitality and knack in the kitchen just had me falling in love with Cherry Wood. I don’t know if I would want to stay anywhere else when I return to the area! With a full belly, I walked around to grab one last glance before my 3rd day in Yakima Valley began.

For a nominal fee, you can take advantage of the site’s Twilight Tubs in the open air with Cherry Wood’s own scented bath salts. How romantic is this to share with your loved one and perhaps some local wine!

You can also book reservations to take a guided ride through wine country on one of the ranch horses with a gourmet lunch along the way (they are independent of the stay). Pepper’s beautiful daughter Tiffany is the Trail Boss in this family establishment. What was also really touching is how most of the horses on the ranch are rescued by Pepper, pulled from abusive, desperate, and unhealthy situations, saved from slaughter and restored back to health, happiness, and used on the wine trail rides if possible! What a wonderful place in every aspect!

Wine rides are year-round weather permitting, lodging in the teepees is April-October, so make your Spring reservations now! To read more, visit http://www.cherrywoodbbandb.com/ and plan your next visit in Washington’s wine country!

Lake Tahoe Lodging: The Ridge Tahoe Review

October 21, 2013 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

My girlfriends and I have been getting together once a year for a getaway for about a decade now and it’s a weekend that stays in my heart for weeks after. This group of us all once lived in the same town but because of jobs or family needs have moved to different parts of the US. It’s a weekend I look forward to every year and one that I hate to miss. This year we packed up and headed to one of my favorite spots, Lake Tahoe and stayed at The Ridge Tahoe for a long weekend.

Overlooking the Carson Valley on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, I’ve seen the views to be pretty spectaular. When we arrived we learned that the smoke from the Tuolumne Meadows fire near Yosemite was impacting the area, and the views were obscured yet still very fascinating! Looking toward the Carson Valley below:

Looking toward Lake Tahoe:The four of us settled into our luxurious 2 bedroom condo. The large living space allowed us to be able to move around and feel comfortable all while coming together to enjoy meals, coffee, or conversation.The glare from the near white-out smoky conditions during the day had our drapes drawn and the fans blowing. Not normally having the temperatures rise too high in the area, the condo did not have air conditioning. Though it wasn’t hot per se, the conditions had us wanting our windows and doors shut and the smoke out. Needless to say, the rooms got stuffy and we utilized the 3 fans provided to circulate air. It was hard missing the cool crisp mountain air that Lake Tahoe usually boasts.The fully equipped kitchen with microwave oven, dishwasher, full-sized refrigerator, oven, small appliances, dishes and utensils, and cooking necessities are always a plus for our getaways. We invite the opportunity to shop and cook for ourselves to save money and there was plenty of room and amenities to do so. The bedrooms have everything you need for a relaxing getaway whether it be for girlfriends, family, or romance. The views from the rooms are stunning (on normal conditions) and we absolutely fell in love with the Sleep Number Beds! With dual controls, the four of us had the ability to find and choose the best number to fit our sleeping mode! Over the course of the 3 nights, we could change our numbers to find out what worked best and I’m definitely a 40 on the spectrum where the other girls were enjoyed a more firmer mattress. I still think about that bed and think that’s one luxury I’d like to bring home with me!Though we didn’t catch the main event, we spied out our dining room window the setup for a wedding and also caught part of what seemed to be the rehearsal. It’s undoubtedly a gorgeous spot with lovely photo opportunities! Pool and jacuzzi time was something we took advantage us on site. Fire pits as well as gas barbecues are available to take your dinner outdoors!The Ridge has so many other outdoor activities plus Elevation Spa to pamper yourself but also has many organized activities on site that you literally get a booklet with all the necessary info upon check in:

Evening with the Chef Cooking Series. Hosted by Executive Chef Stephen J. Moise every Tuesday from 4-9PM.

Craps Classes
Glass Painting Classes
Group Snow shoe and Trail Hikes
Movie Nights
Tennis Instruction
Water Aerobics
Skin Care Classes
Teenager Skin Care Classes
Cooking Demonstrations
Wine Tasting Classes
Group Rock Climbing
Bingo Nights
Stretch Classes
WallyBall Mixer
Scarf Making Class
Pilates
Zumba
Dance off Challenge (with X-box)
SO MUCH MORE!

If you’re looking to head down to Stateline, the booklet includes a full casino shuttle schedule!With a restaurant, small grocery/souvenir store, deli, and bar on site, you can really never leave the resort during your stay. My friends and I enjoyed a meal at The Hungry Bear Restaurant which allows elegant dining in a casual atmosphere. The menu has something for everyone with delicious desserts to round out your meal. There is indoor and outdoor seating and because of the smoke we dined inside but had a gorgeous sunset view!The Ridge Club Deli serves a more casual fare all day long with indoor and almost-outdoor seating. We enjoyed a variety of goodies for breakfast one morning that included traditional bacon and eggs, cinnamon rolls, fruit, and quiche!Aside from the air conditions, our stay at The Ridge Tahoe was lovely. All the amenities were ideal for our group of ladies and it’s definitely a place we’d stay again when in the area. To learn more about The Ridge Tahoe, visit http://www.ridgetahoeresort.com/ and enjoy all that Lake Tahoe has to offer, year-round!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions our own.

Santa Cruz, CA: Chaminade Resort and Spa Staycation

October 15, 2013 by The Mom Jen 9 Comments

With three children that often have us in different directions for school, sports, and scouts, my husband and I realize our kids have busier social lives than we do. Not only are our weekdays full through rushed dinners every night, but our weekends fill with even more hours of events and activities. If it means driving a half hour north up the coast, we will welcome a staycation that allows us to getaway and reconnect. Recharging our batteries was just what we needed when we visited the Chaminade Resort and Spa overnight in nearby Santa Cruz.Among the redwoods and eucalyptus groves, Chaminade is a premier resort location where you can experience both a lovely mountain retreat while being just minutes away from the Pacific Ocean! I’ve been visiting Santa Cruz since I was little, heading to the beach, the Boardwalk, and the malls. Little did I realize how much enjoyment I could get with an overnight just up the mountain! We arrived early in the day and our room wasn’t quite ready so we took some time to walk around the property. Trees galore, flowers in bloom, the surroundings were gorgeous, the view somewhat obscured by the afternoon fog and clouds. We received a map of the property that included three walking trails to explore ranging from .5-1.75 miles, the shortest encircling the main lodge. The property sits on 300 acres and is pet friendly for dogs 40lbs or less. Dogs are permitted to walk thru designated common areas while on a leash. No, we didn’t bring a pup with us, but I know some couples/families love to travel with theirs so it’s a great thing to know! Not properly shoed, hubby and I decided we’d stuck around the main lodge area and discovered Linwood’s Bar and Grill.Indoors or out, we had the choice of seating and with the temperature cool outside, pulling up to the bar near a fireplace sounded cozy and perfect. Cosmopolitans and beers were enjoyed while we caught our favorite baseball team on television, already relaxation was settling in! Again, for those who enjoy traveling with pets there’s even Linwood’s Pooch Patio Menu for the pampered pet!Around 4pm, I checked back in at the front desk and our room was ready. The chill in the air had me wanting to get into that heated pool and jacuzzi, so I was eager to change into my suit. We were thrilled to be greeted to a lovely treat compliments of the resort.Our room was cozy, we had a two-room suite with gorgeous views into the woods, fall colored-theme decor, and wonderful amenities including a turndown service and chocolate! I’ve been finding that coffee makers are not always the norm anymore in resort rooms (sometimes you just have to ask) but I love when they are there, they just make me smile!We changed and headed to the pool. With the opportunity to enjoy some food and cocktails, we passed since we just indulged at the bar, dinner was ahead of us, and we had more wine to enjoy later! But, the option is always a nice added touch.Families and couples alike surrounded the pool as the sun finally made it’s way from behind the clouds. When on a getaway, just the two of us, we really focus on eachother and you’d think the squeals and noise would bother us, but we can really tune it out. We joined a crowd in the jacuzzi and the heat warmed us through and the day just kept getting better! We cleaned up for dinner and headed back to Linwood’s. We started our meal with some local Monterey County wines, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.My husband enjoyed a house salad and I had a soup that I’ve been dreaming about since our trip. Carrot ginger was bright and had such a comforting feel, that combined with some homemade bread could have been a meal alone. Alas, I ordered more comfort food in the house-made spinach and cheese ravioli with a toasted walnut creme. My husband ordered the Grilled Black Angus New York steak with bleu cheese crumbles that melted into every bite. I kicked myself for not ordering the same though I continued to pick at his plate and potato gratin! Never enough room for dessert, I promised the waiter I’d be back for the Lemon Curd Tart!

When I come back for that dessert, I’ll also love spending some time at the Spa at Chaminade, a complete day-spa destination. Our Santa Cruz getaway was a success, though it was hard to leave in the morning back to reality. It does make it nice that our travel back was short and we have the memories to remind us how important connecting as a couple is!

Our stay and meal was hosted, all opinions and gratuities our own.