hotel/resort review Archives - Page 9 of 14

Tahoe City: Granlibakken Lodge Review

October 31, 2011 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Now that Fall is upon us, the leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, but travel is still high on our list! We typically head to Lake Tahoe during the summer, that’s the time of year best suited for our whole family for biking, swimming, and hiking. But, a few weeks ago we got the chance to visit Tahoe City’s Granlibakken Lodge and had an amazing stay and weekend doing almost all of those summer activities and more!

Located about 5 hours from home in a picturesque valley minutes from the lake and south of Truckee, Granlibakken is a year-round spot for business or pleasure. The resort encompasses 74 wooded acres with the sweet sugar pine scent filling your senses as your explore the grounds. 5 tennis courts, outdoor heated pools (wading pool for kids)/spa and saunas, nature trails, bike rentals, a ropes course, and a par course will keep your family active all year, with cross-country skiing, practice ski hills, and a snow play area in the winter. With over a dozen ski areas within 30 minutes, this is a wonderful choice for your next vacation.

Lodging
With many choices such as bedrooms, studios, or suites, our family of 5 stayed in a Granlibakken’s townhouse with two bedrooms and loft that fit us all perfectly!

With a full living room and comfortable seating, the family had the chance to enjoy a movie in, rest after a long day in the mountains, and feel the openness of the floorplan. Just above the adjacent dining room and kitchen, the loft with a queen bed was a perfect spot for my near-teenage daughter. Her own television, desk, and door (!) kept all her belongings in one spot and gave her just enough privacy that she needed.

The townhome had the most incredibly comfortable furniture. The seats around the dinner table were soft leather and the couch was super cushy, with warm sherpa blankets in the closets, the 35 degree nights were snuggle time! The view from the back patio (with table and chairs) is in the above bottom right picture. The fall colors were amazing and the quiet about the resort made for peaceful evenings and great morning walks!

The townhome amenities were just like home, decor was beautiful for a mountain residence, art and modern touches surrounded us. The granite countertops in the kitchen were gorgeous, I was happy to warm up to tea in the evening, during the summer fans are available in the closets. Two full bathrooms were enough for 5 of us and bonus for the 3 flatscreen televisions, all were equipped with their own Blu-ray player!

Dining

Eating family style in the dining area reminding me of my college days, more especially this weekend because a group from UC Davis was holding a conference on the grounds and many had their UCD sweatshirts on! The food was delicious and served buffet style in the morning, lucky for guests this meal is included in your stay! Think bread pudding, quiche Lorraine, cheese blintzes, breads, pastries, cereals, eggs, pancakes, bacon, fruits, yogurts, and so much more! I’ve never seen my kids eat so much!

Dinner was just as abundant and delicious. The buffet is different each night, there are themes, Mexican (sometimes with Mariachis included!), Italian, BBQ, and more, salads are always available, vegetarian options too! Prime rib, NY steaks, chicken, red pepper coulis, stuffed zucchini, baked potatoes, bread, soups, there is no need to leave the grounds during your stay with the offers on site!Lighthouse Spa
Remember when I said the resort area is quiet and peaceful, why not build on that thought with a spa treatment from Lighthouse Spa. The Spa at Granlibakken offers three relaxing treatment rooms, including an area for multiple treatments and parties, a cozy waiting area and a refreshing outdoor deck in the midst of the Sierra. You’ll love the experience of a blissful retreat for all of your special occasions, weddings, or wellness weekends. I had the amazing opportunity to have a reflexology treatment on my feet. Never done this in the past I swore I never would fall asleep and with the music so calming and low, the perfect temperature of the room and the view of the ski hill out my window, I admit my masseuse said I was OUT! After coming too, I felt the relaxation overflow, that light-headed feeling of being rested and calm. We talked about the stressors my body expressed and ways to deal with them. Why I haven’t treated myself more often to spa treatments is beyond me, everyone needs to do it at least every few months! The Spa offers:

• Massage Therapy
• Skin Care
• Manicures & Pedicures
• Body Waxing
• Body Therapy & Healing Treatments
• Ayurveda Health & Wellness

I asked my masseuse to tell me how much she loved her job and she says she especially loves it when another masseuse pays back in trade and she gets her turn! I don’t blame her!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, including two breakfasts, one dinner, and a spa treatment (I did pay gratuities). All opinions are our own.

California Bed and Breakfast: Pacific Grove Inn Review

October 11, 2011 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

Living on the central coast, there are many wonderful places to stay. About an hour south of home, you can be in the seaside town of Pacific Grove where the accommodations move from hotels/resorts to quaint bed and breakfast cottages and boutique-style hotels that make you feel like you are home yet away from home. Recently, we stayed at the Pacific Grove Inn, a combination boutique hotel with the intimacy of a bed and breakfast.

Pacific Grove is located on the northern most tip of the Monterey Peninsula, at the entrance to Monterey Bay and is considered to be the “Butterfly Town USA,” also holds festivals such as “The Good Old Days Celebration.” The beautiful coastline on Ocean View Boulevard is almost rivaled by the old, yet graceful Victorians that line the town’s streets.

Located on a quiet corner just a few blocks from historic downtown Pacific Grove, the two houses express a beautiful architecture that dates back to the history of the town. Between the main house and the Tuttle house where we stayed there’s a small parking lot that keeps your car off the street, making it easy to access your ride or getting your luggage to and from your room. Around the property there are many places to sit and relax, chat, have a drink, or meditate, the property being amongst a normal neighborhood adds to the feeling of a homey non-huge-resort atmosphere.The main house is where the comforts come in. After check-in, about 4pm you are treated to a lovely wine and appetizer hour. Wines from California are featured in a red or white for your liking and there is also fruit-infused water and tea available for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic drink. Fruit plates, crackers, cheese, and other creative hors ‘d ourves are offered for the lenght of an hour. Two rooms are available to sit in, the parlor has a grandfather clock and china cabinet to admire while looking out the picturesque windows looking out to the ocean in the distance.

The dining area has a dinner table available to sit amongst the other guests family-style, both rooms have direct access to the parking lot, the main house rooms, the reception area and the front door. Also in the dining room you’ll find a cabinet of family-friendly VHS movies to check out on your honor for viewing in your room. During our stay we met the new General Manager who happily greeted all guests enjoying the appetizers, sharing some personal stories, history of the area, as well as inquiring about our lives. The manager’s easy personality felt like you were visiting with family, aTnd had wonderful information for guests on places to dine, visit, and explore. Just before turning in you can enjoy freshly-baked cookies and milk in the dining room, or grab a few and take them back to your room with a movie.

Blending old world charm with modern day luxury, our room was cozy but had everything we needed for our stay including a balcony with two chairs and a table. Here you can enjoy your wine or cookies, chat with your partner and enjoy the weather. At a distance we could see the ocean on the beautifully fog-free evening of our stay. The fireplace in the room makes for warmth during a cooler evening or just added romance for your night. Aside from the patio chairs, the room has two chairs for seating if you don’t want to lounge on the bed. Bathrooms are small with a compact tub/shower, a smaller person could enjoy a bath and then wrap themselves in a warm towel from the heated towel rack.

The Victorians and the decor reminded me of something you’d see in Grandma’s home when you were growing up. The patterns, wallpaper, and decor is antique looking and (purposely?) out-dated but the linens felt like you were in a 5-star resort. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud, not to mention the immense quiet throughout the night. With two rooms close by on our floor I half-expected to hear everything the neighbors were doing including conversations which was not the case!

For 2 hours in the morning, there’s a gourmet breakfast included with your reasonably priced stay. Pancakes with homemade jams, bacon, freshly made breads, fruit, coffee and juices, along with dry cereal made for a full house when I arrived. My husband needed a couple more moments of shut-eye, so I enjoyed coffee then took some treats back to our room. The staff (the GM, the chef, housekeeping, and Maura) were pleasant and even with a snafu that occurred, it was all handled with class and grace. We enjoyed the Pacific Grove Inn, the stay was like staying with family or your best friends, who wouldn’t enjoy that?

Our stay was hosted, all opinions are our own.

Oahu: Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Our stay in Honolulu was coming to an end quickly and we wanted to savor every last minute. The 3rd resort we stayed in on our recent trip to Oahu took us to the Outrigger Luana, Waikiki (*the property has changed ownership and is now under Aqua Hotels & Resorts as the Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites). Overlooking serene Fort DeRussy Park, you’ll find the pace unhurried and mood relaxed. But it’s only a short 5-10 minute walk to the rolling surf at Waikiki Beach and busy central Waikiki, including Waikiki’s most exciting shopping promenade, Waikiki Beach Walk. Though you do still get a city feel when you look out your balconies and see the highrises, you also feel away from it all amongst the park and outer edge of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

For two nights we enjoyed a one bedroom ocean view room with kitchen on the 9th floor. Our view from the kitchen window and living room balcony was so peaceful and serene we could almost hear the waves crash! Not looking down into the inner workings of a nearby building we instead could see the unique shape of the swimming pool and surrounding area from our bedroom balcony, it was a nice change. With the ocean so close, the pool area can have those times of the day where you feel like you’re the only one there.

We took advantage of that time shortly after checking in. With chaise lounges abound and an open available cabana, we all took some time to enjoy our new hotel and it’s luxuries. The pool was fabulous for diving and jumping in with an 8 foot depth at one end. Also the steps and shallow are were great for my youngest still learning to swim without floaties! Adjacent to the pool area, you can bring your own goodies to use for grilling on the barbecues available to guests. Having the full kitchen you can save some money by shopping at the local store and dining in if you wish! Also if the heat gets too much for you outdoors, the hotel also has a nice air conditioned fitness center, lit up by the floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the pool.

$25 per day, you have unlimited in and out access with valet parking. The drivers were always so friendly and helpful even offering to buckle my youngest into her seat! At the entrance of the hotel you have the Protea Cafe serving breakfast, thin-crust pizzas, smoothies and cocktails daily from 7am-2pm. In the lobby you have fresh water infused with fruit and chips for snacking, I always got smiles and happy vibes from the staff walking in and out. Also, you can check out complimentary boogie boards and other various beach toys that my kids were thrilled about. We use them here in California each beach trip and we didn’t have to purchase one or spend extra money at a beach kiosk for renting.

The room was huge and great for all of us. The couch in the living area opened up to a bed, which when placed in front of a television is our kids’ dream! The recliner in the living are was huge and wide and was the choice of my son for his bed for the two nights! Separate air conditioners in that room and in the master bedroom helped keep all of us at the right temperatures. Our bedroom was large and airy, crisp white bedding on the best bed of our trip, loved it. The balcony out our bedroom was a nice respite after a long day!

For more information on Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites visit, http://www.luanawaikiki.com/.

Our stay was hosted in exchange for honest review.

South Lake Tahoe: Lakeshore Lodge & Spa Review

September 13, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

South Lake Tahoe is beautiful year-round. I’ve been going since I was 8 years old and when you first step out into the mountain air, the delicious smell of sugar pine just floods my senses with memories. Skiing and sledding in the winter, boating and mountain biking in the summer, it is a location that everyone can enjoy! We were lucky to head up last weekend, to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall and the weather was exciting, warm nights, warm days, thunder, lightning, hail, rain, we got a little of all seasons in 3 days.

With all the wonderful places to stay, we had an amazing experience at the Lakeshore Lodge & Spa. Known as the only all lakefront property, you can stay here with all the amenities you look for and enjoy in a world class resort for an affordable price with location, location as a primary catch. We stayed in a lakefront, 1-bedroom condo that opens up to the lake out the back patio. You have a concrete patio with table and chairs, a bit of lawn, sand, then 20 steps to the water, our Saturday morning view was stunning.

In our condo, you have all you need to prepare and cook a meal on your own as well as clean up. A dining table for 4 is adjacent to a living area with plenty of seating, an ultra comfortable couch that opens to a bed, as well as a wood burning stove for those cool Sierra evenings. Our sliding glass doors offered a unmatchable view of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the property’s pool and spa. The bedroom is small but efficient with a king bed, chair, dresser and tv. Our bathroom would work well for couples or a family with separate toilet/shower and vanity area separated by doors. For a couple the condo was all we needed to enjoy our lover’s getaway.

Each morning in a 3 hour window, you can head to the lounge adjacent to the lobby and enjoy muffins, pastries, juice and coffee, included in the price of your night’s stay. Also in the lounge you will have access to a computer and printer to find your favorite local activities or learn about your dining selections. A daily newspaper is available as well as reading material to check out. The pool and spa offer a gorgeous setting out onto the beach, a volleyball court, and the lake beyond. After a 2.5 mile hike, my husband and I took a dip in the hot tub mid-afternoon to relax our muscles. Also onsite is the Elements Spa offering full-service facials, a redwood dry sauna, massage therapy, renewing body treatments, and packages for you, a group of girlfriends, or as a couple.

Groups (family reunions), business meetings, weddings, and retreats can be hosted at the Lakeshore Lodge in the private meeting room. We witnessed a wedding party and wedding on site as we lounged on the private beach. It was so beautiful and the privacy of not having the public allowed on the beach makes the location appealing and personal. The two times over the weekend we strolled and dipped our toes in the lake there was maybe only a handful of guests around! Picnic tables and barbecue grills are available making your stay feel like home as much as possible. The grounds are kept nicely as we constantly saw maintenance keeping the property up, even sweeping the sand and grass areas with a broom!

Lakeshore Lodge is within walking distance to Safeway on Hwy 50, the bowling alley, plenty of great dining areas and directly behind a CVS pharmacy for all your needs. Just a 5 minute drive to the stateline, and 15-20 minutes from our hike at Emerald Bay, it’s really an ideal location. Lodge rooms can be found for under $100/night, some with kitchens, and the condos are 1 and 2 bedroom, even one with a personal hot tub within. I had only one concern is that on ground floor, I heard each footstep, door closing, and kitchen noise of my upstairs neighbor, late at night and early in the morning. If you are a light sleeper like I am, ear plugs may help. Check out the Lakeshore Lodge, perfect and roomy for couples and families or girlfriends, you’ll enjoy your next Tahoe stay to the fullest!

Our stay was hosted in exchange for an honest review.

OHANA Waikiki Malia Resort Review

September 8, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

When choosing a location to stay on the island of Oahu with your family, the OHANA Waikiki Malia is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of Honolulu, just a 15 minute walk to the beach, and 5 minutes from shopping, the city bus stops right out front of the hotel to get you to your next activity. The hotel may not host luxuries like a spa or a pool, but the rooms, view, and location will have you hooked once checked in.

For our family of 5 we had two adjoining rooms with two double beds in each. Having all of the kids in their own bed was relaxing and important to them after a long day of excursions, beach, and the sun. We were thrilled to have a very clean room with all the basic amenities that was comfortable and something we looked coming back to each evening.

Renovated in 2010, the guest rooms have a tropical leaf themed bed cover on the plush Serta beds and cherry-toned woods in the custom headboards, dressers, and vanity. The custom wood pieces are complemented by granite countertops on the bar/coffee area giving an modern Hawaiian feel. The bathrooms are perfect with a detachable shower head making baths for little ones easier to manage.

The balconies sported fabulous city views with the ocean peeking behind the buildings. The space itself didn’t allow for a chair or sitting, but the sliding door and adjoining windows did offer plenty of light during the day and a beautiful lit scenery at night. We stayed over a Friday night and were excited when we had a spectacular view of a fireworks show southwest of our room.

Being midpoint on our trip, it was time for laundry to be done and an oversized washer and dryer was available on the 5th floor. For under $10 we refreshed our clothing and especially our swimwear that takes a beating with moisture, salt, and never really drying out.

The hotel security is reassuring as you need a key card once in the main elevator to get to your floor. The lobby is very helpful in every aspect and there were a few times we needed our keycards reactivated and security and privacy was always considered by checking ID. The parking garage is also secure with in and out access via a parking attendant. Be careful as the driveways are really narrow! Parking is $20/night.

Families will enjoy this aspect of the OHANA Waikiki Malia, it sits adjacent to an IHOP restaurant (with door leading into the restaurant from the hotel). Perfect for my kids aged 12, 10, and 5 with simple tastes of comfort foods, for certain afternoon/evening hours, kids eat free with an adult purchase! Perfect for parents who want to ensure kids are eating meals they like at reasonable prices, you feel good not having to eat gourmet each day.

Honestly, none of us missed not having a pool on site. If we wanted to, we could visit other OHANA/Outrigger hotels in the area with our room key, but it was the part of our vacation where we headed up to the North Shore during the day so we generally were just in the hotel to sleep. My husband teases that none of the hotels should have pools with the biggest warmest pool, the ocean, at our fingertips! I tend to agree! Overall, save your money for excursions and souvenirs, save by staying at a quality location like the OHANA Waikiki Malia!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, all opinions are our own.

« Previous Page
1
…
7
8
9
10
11
…
14
Next Page »