Kids Clubs and Suites: Our Secret to a Relaxing All-Inclusive Family Vacation
We took our five-year-old twins to Villa del Palmar Cancun, booking a spacious two-bedroom suite for a stress-free all-inclusive stay. The resort excelled with its shallow pools, a vibrant kids club featuring mocktail classes and top-tier a la carte dining. It’s the perfect, high-value getaway for families seeking convenience and quality in Mexico.
Marriott vs. European Boutiques: When is the Points Redemption Actually Worth It?
On our trip to Paris and Naples, I utilized Marriott Bonvoy points for redemptions averaging 50,000 points per night. I found great value in the central locations and excellent breakfasts. Highlights included receiving a "courtesy room" for a post-flight nap in Paris and enjoying rooftop views in Naples.
Le Meridien Denver: Pretty basic, but aren’t they all?
Centrally located near the convention center, this Le Meridien offers a basic experience with small rooms and no executive lounge. The brand is underwhelming compared to standard Marriotts.
JW Marriott Essex House: Great new lounge, great location but rooms are very hit or miss
The JW Marriott Essex House offers an unbeatable location facing Central Park and a standout executive lounge with excellent breakfast and snacks. While the rooms meet standard brand quality, upgrades and views are inconsistent regardless of elite status. It remains a preferred choice over the nearby Ritz-Carlton for value.
The Pacific Suite at the JW Marriott Union Square San Francisco
This high-floor corner suite offers great views but lacks a separate living area, featuring an inefficient, hallway-heavy layout.
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean 14 Years After Our Honeymoon
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean the first time since our honeymoon 14 years earlier, we found the resort conveniently located but showing its age. While the butler service and dining (specifically the Indian restaurant) remained highlights, the rooms felt only partially renovated. They noted small pools and a mediocre beach compared to other Caribbean destinations. Ultimately, they concluded that the dated facilities no longer justify the price, prompting them to seek different operators for future trips.