Lodging Tips

Top Las Vegas Hotels for Singles

As you may have seen in the hit film The Hangover, Las Vegas is a popular destination for young singles—especially for bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you’re visiting for a party or just with a few friends, here are the best Las Vegas hotels for singles:

The Signature at MGM Grand
Thanks to great prices and access to hot nightclubs like Studio 54 and Tabu ultra lounge, the Signature is a favorite with singles visiting Vegas for a night on the town. The MGM Grand Spa and huge pool offer plenty of opportunities to recuperate the next day.

Bellagio Las Vegas
Despite the super upscale interior, the Bellagio is surprisingly affordable. It’s also in a great location. The hip, young crowds in Vegas know that this hotel makes a great romantic rendezvous point. Even if you’re not staying at the Bellagio, head to The Bank to brave the dramatic, eye-catching dance floor.

Wynn Las Vegas
For a more luxurious getaway, singles head to the Wynn Las Vegas. The Wynn feels like an upscale theme park, and nightclubs Tryst and Blush inspire scorching hot nights in Sin City. If you’re partying on a budget, go off site to eat. The dining options at the Wynn are truly amazing, but they’re not inexpensive.

Two Unique European Vacation Destinations

Looking for unique places to visit on your European vacation? These two destinations offer plenty of history and stunning architecture. Bring your camera and don’t forget to sample the local food.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Located on the Adriatic Sea, this Croatian city welcomes visitors with extremely reasonably-priced hotels and resorts. Visit Old Town and walk along city walls and fortresses. Enter the main Old Town city to shop for trinkets and souvenirs.

Many of the attractions are operated by friendly, eager youths from the local area. Some dress in authentic costume to “guard” the gates of Old Town.

If visiting in the summer, plan on very hot weather. Wear layers and a hat, and remember your bathing suit. Nothing compares to swimming in the cobalt blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Eze, France
Located outside of Nice in the South of France, the small cliffside village of Eze immediately transports you to another world. Thanks to narrow streets and sidewalks, you can only walk through the village. It lends a “trapped in time” feel that’s absolutely enchanting.

Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds, since the village is small. Try staying in Nice or Monaco and traveling to Eze for a day trip. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the cliffs.

Hawaii Vacation: Insider Tips

It pays to have some insider tips when planning your Hawaii vacation. Make the most of paradise with these hints from savvy travelers:

Get the Go Oahu Card. This ticket gets you admission to over 30 attractions. If you’re planning on hitting sites like the Sea Life Park and Grand Circle Island Tour, you can save up to 55%. This is great for families and travelers who enjoy structured tours. If you’re more spontaneous, skip this deal.

Book a helicopter tour. While you’re in Hawaii, make the most of the absolutely stunning sights. Book a tour by helicopter, such as the Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour that takes you close to the Kilauea volcano. You won’t regret it.

Attend a Luau. Nothing represents Hawaii vacation fun as much as a traditional luau. Make reservations ahead of time and enjoy a full evening of entertainment and food. At the Royal Lahaina Luau, cooks present an entire roast pig for the guests’ enjoyment.

Splurge on a resort. You’re going all the way to Hawaii. Make your vacation complete by staying on a resort property. The staff will help you find the best sights, and you’ll have access to the most upscale, relaxing amenities.

Family Friendly Activities in Myrtle Beach

While Myrtle Beach hotels are perfect for simply relaxing at the seashore, the local area also provides upbeat activities and adventure for families on the go. Here are some attractions to check out on your Myrtle Beach vacation:

Family Kingdom
This water-themed amusement park is located right on the seaside. With a lazy river, thrilling slides, and smaller slides for young kids, the park offers a fun alternative to swimming at the beach. Not into getting wet? Check out the amusement park rides, including the new Freefall.

MagiQuest
If you’re traveling with preteens and teens who love adventure, fantasy video games, and stories like Harry Potter, take an afternoon to beat the heat and hit MagiQuest. The “world’s largest live action game” marries the storylines of traditional fantasy video games with the theatrics of live theater.

Wild Water and Wheels
This expansive water and adventure park gives active families plenty to do. With go-karts, big water slides, and a “not so lazy” river, it gives families a great way to spend the day in Myrtle Beach. This is also an affordable option, with tickets at less than $30 a day.

Brookgreen Gardens
Looking for a low-key activity? Visit Brookgreen Gardens, with more than 300 acres of gardens, sculptures, and educational facilities. The paths are smooth, making it a good destination for those traveling by stroller or wheelchair.

See the City in Style with Boutique New York Hotels

The latest hotel fad in New York City brings a touch of luxury and personal attention to hotel accommodations. New York Hotels aren’t known for being spacious, but it’s hard to beat the location. New boutique hotels in NYC make the most of city-sized spaces, with modern design, eye-catching art, updated amenities, and great food.

With pricing generally falling between budget hotels and luxury hotels, these boutique destinations are affordable ways to vacation in the city. Check for specials in the off-season and on weekdays or look for specials when booking multiple nights.

Boutique hotels can be found in nearly every region of Manhattan. The closer you get to Times Square, the more “touristy” the accommodations may be. However, some Times Square hotels, like the recently updated Klimpton property The Muse, manage to stand out in a sea of chain hotels.

When choosing your property, look for a hotel in a neighborhood that matches you vacationing preference, whether you’re traveling for shopping, dining, or visiting iconic museums. Check to see if the hotel has on-site dining (key for late night room service) or specials like breakfast or free wireless. Many boutique hotels have great perks. The recently opened Eventi treats guests to a complimentary wine hour.

New York Vacations: Tips for Visiting the City

Heading to the Big Apple? Here are a few tips to make the most of New York Vacations:

Narrow your options. It’s impossible to see all the sights in New York City. To avoid getting overwhelmed when you arrive, choose a few must-see events and activities. Be specific when making plans. For example, many visitors plan to visit Central Park and then discover that the park itself is very expansive.

Stay flexible. This seems to contradict making plans. But the truth is, your itinerary is just the foundation for your trip. You may end up wandering around and discovering restaurants and shops you’d never heard of. Be willing to be a little flexible and you’ll find the right balance between too planned and too spontaneous.

Travel smart. Get a public transportation pass as soon as you arrive. This will get you onto the subway quickly and easily. Try downloading subway map apps to your smartphone to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing public transportation system. Leave room in your budget for taxicabs, especially when traveling back to your hotel in the late evening.

Dine on the fly. Eat small meals frequently throughout the day. New York City offers some of the finest food in the world—and we’re not talking gourmet dining. From French fry stands to gyro shops, you can sample delicious and inexpensive treats throughout your trip. Just budget for at least one fancy meal at an iconic restaurant you can only experience in the city.

Disney Vacations for Every Traveler

The Disney resort properties are so numerous and expansive, it can be hard to decide where to go on Disney vacations. Try this quick guide for picking the right lodgings and attractions when you visit the Walt Disney World resorts.

Traveling with Small Children
Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom can’t be beat when it comes to family-friendly fun. Most of the rides are appropriate for small children, and many accommodate infants on laps. With plenty of shade, great parades and shows, and reasonably-priced food, these iconic theme parks are a must-see when traveling with young kids.

Traveling with Older Kids and Tweens
Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort has a great mix of activities for adults and nature lovers and thrilling rides for older kids. Don’t miss Dinosaur, the scariest ride on the Disney properties. While not appropriate for very small kids, it will thrill even the most jaded teens.

Traveling with a Big Group
Thanks to the expansive property and huge variety of attractions and dining options, Epcot is the best option for big groups with a wide age range. The slow rides accommodate small children and infants, while the gardens and international exhibits satisfy adults and older members of the group.

Thrilling Attractions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles isn’t all about sexy beaches, glamorous shopping, and celebrity sightings. The area also offers some of the West Coast’s best theme parks. Here’s a rundown on where to head when you’re vacationing in Los Angeles hotels.

Knotts Berry Farm
This may be the nation’s oldest theme park, but it’s still a great place to visit with the family. Hit the big coasters early in the day before the lines get too long. This place can get hot in the summer seasons, so consider visiting when the weather is milder. Don’t miss the GhostRider, a thrilling wooden coaster.

Disneyland
The original Disney theme park features the icons you know and love, from Cinderella’s Castle to Space Mountain. Look for Los Angeles hotels within a decent driving distance or stay on one of the Disney resort properties, with accommodations ranging from budget to luxury.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
More appropriate for teens and young adults, this theme park focuses on rides, rides, and more rides. Hit some of the nation’s best coasters and thrilling attractions. As with any popular theme park, lines can get long at peak hours and seasons. Head to the park early to ensure a spot on your favorite rides.

Three Must-See Things to Do in Washington DC

Heading to our nation’s capital? Look for Washington DC hotels near these must-see attractions.

Go Monumental
Few attractions are as iconic as the monuments in Washington DC. Splurge on a guided tour or tour bus so that you don’t have to bother with parking woes. During the summer months, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning. Have a favorite site? Come back at night to see the pale marble lit up and shining brightly.

Spend a Day at the Museum
The Smithsonian Institution is expansive enough to spend an entire week exploring. Decide what you want to see ahead of time. Kids will love the Natural History Museum while adults may have more appreciation for vintage clothing and national treasures. Take a break for a quick hotdog picnic outside.

Travel Back in Time
Take a day trip across the Potomac to Old Town. History buffs will swoon over the historic churches and shops. Visit an old apothecary, tour famous homes, or shop for antiques. Wear comfortable shoes and go on a walking tour along the original cobblestone streets formerly frequented by the likes of George Washington and John Adams. Traveling with tweens? Try a ghost tour to keep them engaged.

Where to Stay
The Westin Washington DC is affordable without sacrificing quality. If you didn’t get enough walking in, hit the on-site gym before bedtime.
The JW Marriot Washington DC is a great family-friendly hotel with a pool, babysitting services and 24-hour room service.

Find the Best Key West Hotels for a Weekend Getaway

Want to hit paradise for a quick weekend away? Visit Key West. Perfect for singles, a girlfriend’s getaway, or a romantic mini-vacation, the Keys and Key West hotels offer a variety of entertainment and recreational activities in a conveniently walkable location.

Ready to plan your getaway? Begin by arranging your transportation. If you live in South Florida, make the scenic drive. If you’re heading down from the Gulf coast of Florida, try taking a high-speed ferry such as the Key West Express. You can fly in to Naples or Fort Myers and take a ferry down, or you can take a connecting flight right into Key West.

For a quick weekend trip, skip extended stay rentals and apartment-style hotels. Go with a traditional resort. Ask the resort staff to help you book activities, and don’t forget to schedule some relaxing spa services. Key West resorts offer dining and swimming on site, making them the perfect option for relaxing between whirlwind sightseeing and shopping.

Where to Stay:

• The Key West Marriot Beachside Hotel offers a convenient shuttle to take you right to the action downtown.
• Casa Marina resort was built in 1920. Don’t miss the private beach.
• Doubletree Grand Key resort is pet-friendly, and features environmentally-conscious design.