I just returned from the Now Jade Riviera Cancun in Cancun. The staff and the Kids Club were fantastic; my 6 and 4 year old loved every part of the club. The rooms were great and spacious. The first floor (more…)

Overall, Now Jade Riviera Cancun is a great value for the money. The resort has 565 Jr Suites divided into 5 room categories. The Preferred Club rooms are larger and offer fantastic views and locations closer to the beach and the quiet pool. There are two large pools both with swim up pool bars. (more…)

We stayed at the Great Parnassus Resort & Spa in Cancun from June 25, 2010 to July 2, 2010. The reason we chose this hotel is because we were taking our kids ranging from 3 to 20. I liked (more…)

My family and I visited Disney World the second week of December and stayed at the Ft. Wilderness Resort Cabins. If you enjoy the experience of a log cabin, but want the comforts and convenience of staying at a Disney onsite property, then consider this resort. (more…)

I just got back from the newly branded Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. My thoughts are this…….very big (1700+ rooms) but plays much smaller, giving you the feel that the resort is not crowded at all. We were there when they were at 100% and you would never know it. The beach is incredible; the (more…)

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is more beautiful now than the last time I was out there. Everyone is very friendly at this property. The casino and night life are great for any age and the beaches are fantastic with white powder sand that never gets hot on your feet. (more…)

In September, I returned from a wonderful three nights/four days at the Club Med Cancun Yucatan. Set on a beautiful beach and architecture of the Maya theme, this resort offers something for everyone. Stepping into the open air reception area, greeted by a smiling face, a cool drink and iced towel, what more could one want? (more…)

On each of our vacations, we take time to explore other resorts, as the information we gain helps us to choose a resort that is in line with our clients desires. The Dreams Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya, is one of the newest Dreams Resorts location. The resort is as (more…)

We are travel consultants specializing in Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. The RIU Palace Paradise Island hotel in the Bahamas is a beautiful hotel with friendly staff. (more…)

I just returned from 5 excellent days at the new Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (more…)

I just recently returned from an 8 night stay (combination convention and pleasure) at the Westin Seattle. It is outstanding in service and amenities. (more…)

I visited Los Cabos, Mexico with the Los Cabos Tourist Board in November 2010. We stayed at the Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe beachfront resort. It has 547 suites and is located in San Jose del Cabo. The resort is about 25 minutes from the airport (more…)

This was my first visit to St Lucia and I wasn’t disappointed. The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT, which is an all inclusive family resort, includes a daily spa treatment. The drive from the Castries George F.L. Charles airport is about 30 minutes (more…)

On each of our vacations, we take time to explore other resorts, as the information we gain helps us to choose a resort that is in line with our clients desires. We were hosted, on our latest trip, by Secrets Maroma, owned by AM Resorts, so we thought it only best to tour within their resort line of Dreams, NOW and Zoetry. (more…)

Recently I was honored to be invited to stay and explore the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa as part of an educational experience. We arrived later in the day and we found the staff to be so friendly, offering us a cool towel and tropical drink. We were quickly escorted to our room and settled in. (more…)

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a wonderful resort for families, singles, and couples. They have so much to offer for everyone. I recently have stayed here with my family. The rooms are average size with most of them having pool views and several having ocean views. (more…)

Riu Palace Tropical Bay is a fabulous resort that is focused on their guests from when you first walk in the entrance of the resort. I was greeted by a staff member who handed me a cool washcloth and a refreshing tropical drink. (more…)

My family and I, 2 adults and 2 children (ages 10 and 2), stayed at Beaches Turks & Caicos on September 4-12, 2010. This was our 3rd visit to the property, but our first visit since the new Italian Village opened. It was truly one of the best vacations we have had in a long time. For the length of time we spent, we had not encountered any issues with service, food or accommodations. There was no shortage of activities or relaxation. (more…)

In September, I stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This resort is set along a beautiful stretch of beach. The staff and the food were excellent. Their nightly shows were typical island shows but still fun to watch. (more…)

I just returned from the RIU Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, Jamaica where we spent 4 nights there on Aug 21-25. The front desk staff on arrival is excellent. We arrived too late for dinner reservations for the 1st 2 nights and ‘Cloyd’ (like Floyd with a C) took it upon himself to get us reservations for the 1st two nights. He got us a good room and was always smiling. (more…)

As a Travel Agent for Travel Leaders and an event planner, I can tell you firsthand about the Azul Sensatori Hotel in Riviera Maya from both the group and the individual perspective. I had two groups visit the Azul Sensatori Hotel, one an incentive group, and one a friends and family trip. I escorted both groups. From start to (more…)

Nothing compares to the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. This resort offers impeccable service, beautiful grounds, and a fabulous beach with a great location. The service was five stars from the pick up at the airport to all the staff at the JW Marriott.

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Once you arrive at the Half Moon in Jamaica, you are immediately captivated with the elegance, splendor, and exquisite layout of the property. You can be on this property for a week and still feel secluded in your own space. This property stretches across 400 acres and is truly a stately Jamaican oasis offering 398 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, including (more…)

We stayed at the Azul Sensatori Hotel in Riviera Maya for an entire week with a 4 year old who didn’t want to come home, so I can tell you this hotel is fabulous for kids! The Azulitos kids club here is the best equipped I have ever seen. The place is always immaculate and everyone there is so friendly. It never felt crowded and the kids were always busy with some activity if they wanted. You can also (more…)

I stayed at the Somerset on Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos July 15-18, 2010. The transfer from the airport to the hotel took about 20 minutes; upon arrival at the resort after a quick check-in I was given a tour of my one bedroom ocean view suite. The suite had a large living area with plenty of seating, state of the art electronic equipment for listening to Caribbean steel drums while enjoying your (more…)

I LOVE the Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The resort is less than 20 minutes from the thatched roof of the Punta Cana Airport. You know immediately when your plane lands that you are in paradise. Dreams Palm Beach is top of the line and is on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Bavaro Beach. (more…)

I was fortunate to participate in the Vacation.com conference in Orlando this past June. I stayed at the Orlando World Center Marriott as they were the host hotel for the convention. Not only did they do a fabulous job with our convention, but the entire experience was delightful. Someone greeted us upon arrival and directed us to the check-in area. Everything at check-in was handled efficiently and accurately. (more…)

I have been going to Aruba for over 20 years and there is nothing like the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino. You cannot beat the service or the friendliness of the staff. Unlike some of the hotels in Aruba, as soon as you walk into the open-air lobby of the Hyatt Regency Aruba you feel like you are in a Caribbean Island. (more…)

!Fantastico! On May 25, 2010 we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico. With our three sons present we renewed our wedding vows with a gorgeous setting and a fabulous wedding staff to assist us with everything. (more…)

I recently attend an industry meeting at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, formerly the Sheraton Yankee Clipper. I was greeted by a mannerly and professional bellboy who parked my car. The entrance to the hotel was impressive and the meeting space was excellent. The food that was served was (more…)

Think you can’t afford the Waldorf? Look to the tropics and think again. Thanks to the newest promotion to herald fall in Puerto Rico, luxury properties all over the commonwealth carry surprisingly low price tags. (more…)

From June 18 - 26th I traveled to Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa with my husband and 2 kids, ages 12 and 8. I am a travel agent, so I have been to other properties owned by AM Resorts. I think Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya was fantastic. (more…)

Maybe you can’t pronounce or locate this Caribbean hidden gem but that’s all the more reason you must visit the island of Curacao, the “C” and largest of the lovely ABC islands. Curacao (Kora-sow, rhymes with cow) is one of the hurricane-free region’s best-kept secrets, and with beautiful resorts like sister properties Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino and Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club, it’s easy to see why. (more…)

Well, I’m back from our stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando! Great hotel and especially worth its gold with the Universal Express pass that comes with any onsite hotel stay. Lines at all parks were long and we just whipped right thru and onto the ride or show! Universal Express is valid at all rides except the new ones- Harry Potter Forbidden Journey and Rip Rocket roller coaster. An onsite stay also allows you to charge anything at any of the parks back to your room and also any purchases can be delivered back to your onsite hotel, so no lugging your purchases around for the day. (more…)

My husband and I recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. Every part of the process during our stay, from a quick check in to breakfast on our last day, was positive. The service was excellent, with smiles and a quick “can I help you” whenever I had that “where am I” look on my face. (more…)

Keep the Disney hotels, the Hyatt Grand Cypress is the best place to stay in the area. For over 20 years the Hyatt Grand Cypress has been the leading hotel in the Orlando area, and after a total renovation, completed at the end of last year, it is not going to lose its place anytime soon. (more…)

As a travel agent at Classic Travel I would like to tell you about my favorite resorts in the Riviera Maya. Location and beach are very important to me so when I visit I stay at one of the Iberostar Resorts. There are 5 resorts to choose from and you get exchange privileges with each resort (including a day pass to Iberostar Cozumel and Iberostar Tucan& Quetzal). (more…)

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. From the moment you walk in the lobby you are surrounded by beauty and luxury. The reception staff adds to that feeling of hospitality and are among the most welcoming I have ever encountered. (more…)

The Iberostar complex in Jamaica is made up of 3 hotels - The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. These hotels are a great getaway for just about anyone. The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall being the DELUXE property is great for couples or singles wanting an upscale adult’s only experience. (more…)

We did a walk through of the Iberostar Tucan & Quetzal property just to see the beach because we had heard it was not that great. The day we visited, the beach was lovely! It still seems wide, deep and clean. From the beach, you have to walk through pretty mangroves to get through the property. (more…)

I can not say enough nice things about the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. For the price, the value is excellent. The hotel is a 5 star property, deluxe and elegant but low key. The service from the time you arrive at the portico, to the ground staff, everyone is so pleasant and customer service oriented. (more…)

It is well worth your while to upgrade to the Royal Service at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana. The Royal Service area is a little oasis within a huge resort. The Royal Service section is a two story building with lovely rooms that surround a small swimming pool with fusion music piped in at a low decibel. It is not a pool for laps, but for a refreshing dip when you want to get off the lounge chair. (more…)

The Iberostar Paraiso del Mar is the more moderate property on the same site as the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo and the Iberostar Paraiso Maya. Actually the rooms were not much different than the rooms at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, same size room with a slightly smaller bathroom, and a single sink. The pool area is large and the beach was nice. (more…)

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is the premier property on Kanapali Beach. The property is located at the end of the kanapali beach walkway, which extends from the Sheraton Maui Resort to the Hyatt Regency Maui. (more…)

I would definitely recommend the Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya for any traveling family. This resort was formally the Paradisus Riviera Cancun and is located next to Excellence Riviera Cancun. The resort was just under new ownership at the end of April 2010 (more…)

The Iberostar Paraiso Maya shares a pool with its sister property, Iberostar Paraiso Lindo but offers much nicer rooms and furnishings. The soft goods are updated and are in soft neutral colors. The bathroom has a separate shower/tub and double sinks. There is also a sofa with pull out double sized bed in the sitting area. (more…)

I recently stayed at Occidental Grand Aruba right on Palm Beach. This hotel is in a terrific spot on the beach, mid way in the high rise hotel zone. The rooms are nicely appointed with marble flooring and the restaurant choices are very good. The casino there is a hot spot and (more…)

Two weeks ago I spent a weekend at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. I thought the resort was terrific. My room was large and beautiful, the bathroom spacious with two sinks, separate commode, separate tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Each room also has a golf cart included to get you around the resort. (more…)

It is well worth your while to upgrade to the Royal Service at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana. The Royal Service area is a little oasis within a huge resort. The lovely rooms surround a small swimming pool with fusion music piped in at a low decibel. It is not a pool for laps, but for a refreshing dip when you want to get off the lounge chair. There is a special section (more…)

Riu Palace Riviera Maya is your typical Riu hotel with the dark Spanish accents and traditional Spanish décor. It is a little nicer than the Riu Palace Mexico, since it is newer and a little more updated. The rooms are the typical junior suites with nice bathrooms with double sinks and nicely tiled baths with a shower in the bathtub. They do have rooms that can be locked off at the entrance for families (more…)

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Riu Montego Bay, opened in August 2008, a quick two mile transfer from the vastly improved Sangster International Airport and just three miles from Jamaica’s “hip strip” downtown nightlife. (more…)

If you love beautiful white beaches this place has the best! While staying at the Hilton Barbados, I had the opportunity to see a nest of turtles hatching and marching in single file to the Caribbean Sea! The staff, rooms and food are great at the Hilton Barbados and you won’t be disappointed! (more…)

The entire Barceló complex located south of town but north of Tulum, is a very large complex that is made up of several Barceló properties. I guess the nice part is there is a lot of variety available. The Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe gives you many a la carte choices to choose from without a limit. The beach at the Barceló Maya Palace (more…)

If you love to golf or just want a serene getaway, the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a wonderful place to go! There are so many things to do in Arizona to keep you busy while on vacation or if you just wish to relax in the large lazy river pool by day and dine at one of the many restaurants on site the (more…)

The beach at the Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is really, really nice. It has a super kids club, very similar to that of the Dream Puerto Vallarta and the Dreams Cancun. Plus it has the same format with no reservation required at any of their restaurants. The hotel is divided into the Dreams section, (more…)

The Occidental Grand Punta Cana Resort is a well maintained and very nice family friendly resort. This is a very clean resort with well kept grounds. The staff is friendly and always willing to help. A friendly “Hola” greeting is offered from the gardener to the manager every time you meet someone. (more…)

I just returned from an amazing, long weekend at the Atlantis. Four days is not enough to do everything and relax. This is an incredible hotel with rooms to fit any budget and taste. Think of this property as 6 resorts in one: Beach Tower, Coral Towers, Royal Towers, The Reef, The Cove, and the Harborside Resort at Atlantis. No matter which section you choose everyone has (more…)

I recently stayed at Circus Circus in Las Vegas for 6 nights in May 2010. Circus Circus is still the budget level hotel although they have made some upgrades. The bedding in the rooms is newer and they have a small refrigerator available in the room at a cost of $15 per day, but we were never charged. (more…)

We stayed at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island in the Bahamas for 3 nights and it could not have been better. The room was lovely, and the property is conveniently located near Atlantis if you wish to go there for the day. Breakfast was good and plentiful. (more…)

The Iberostar Paraiso Lindo in Riviera Maya is a moderate plus choice for families. The rooms at the resort are adequate. There is a refrigerator stocked with water bottles, cokes and beer in the room as well as a coffee maker with a gallon of bottled water to use in it. (more…)