A few weeks ago, the folks at IHG invited me down to Orlando to preview the debut of their newest hotel addition to MCO and to learn a bit more about their new Avid hotels brand. The Avid at Orlando International Airport is a new-construction, 91-room hotel that’s less than two miles from the Orlando … [Read More…]

I took a trip to Morocco with the kids and some extended family members in August, where we spent two fun days on a budget in bustling and scorching-hot Marrakesh. We then parted ways with my parents to spend the next 4 nights with friends at the luxurious Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in El Jadida … [Read More…]

A couple weeks ago, the folks at Hilton invited me to a media event to preview some of the rooms and tour the new Conrad New York Midtown (formally The London, also Hilton). The all-suites hotel is centrally located on 54th street between 6th and 7th Avenue in vibrant midtown Manhattan, featuring iconic Central Park … [Read More…]

I’ve been visiting Asheville frequently these past few months thanks to a new business venture (which admittedly, is the reason for the hiatus on blogging). Asheville is a fun city with a great food, art, and so much history – it truly feels like a second home to me. I’ve stayed at a number of … [Read More…]

I’m happy with the addition of another impressive and accessible “Vegas-style” casino on the East Coast, so allow me to share my first impressions (teaser: totally blows any of the Atlantic City properties out of the water). Those who know me know I love my casino fix, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity … [Read More…]

I just returned from a good friend’s beach wedding and a 3-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in The Bahamas. I previously visited this resort for four nights over Thanksgiving in 2017 with my family and had a blast. I really enjoyed returning to the 1,800-room mega-resort with a Vegas-style casino and beautiful grounds, but … [Read More…]

I recently took a 3-night family trip to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, which has been on my radar ever since it opened in November 2017. The 78-room, 48-suite resort felt super quiet and relaxing during our stay. Upon arrival and being greeted by a beautiful open lobby featuring a koi pond with lily pads, while … [Read More…]

Joining Polaris lounges in Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Newark (EWR) and Houston (IAH), United’s much-anticipated 5th Polaris lounge in Los Angeles opens its doors to the public tomorrow on Saturday, January 12, 2019, Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the lounge during a media preview event. If you’ve been to a … [Read More…]

Puglia, Apulia as some call it, is very special to me. Not only is it a hidden gem region located on the “heel†of Italy, it’s also my birthplace. Additionally, the Puglia region of Italy is home to some of the best beaches in the world, produces most of the wine and olive oil in the country, … [Read More…]

In conjunction with my participation in the SPG Amex Fall Challenge campaign, I received Marriott points to use for a 2-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach over Halloween weekend. Fall Challenge Accepted I’ve always been a huge fan of Starpoints (now Marriott Points post-merger), and I’ve been a Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card … [Read More…]