hotel tips

10 All-Inclusive Resorts Worthy of the Name

There are all-inclusive resorts and then there ARE all-inclusive resorts. The difference lies in the details; going above and beyond the standard amenities. These ten hotels are the best of the all-inclusive resorts that offer fun and exciting ways for travelers to indulge. World-class food, beautiful décor and fantastic activities to be had — and everything built into one single price-per-day, making planning out your budget a simple feat. From Cabo to Cancun and back again, these are the ten all-inclusive resorts that are truly worthy of the name.

  1. Zoetry Paraiso de la Riviera Maya (just south of Cancun)
  2. Marival Residence & World Spa, Riviera Nayarit (just outside of Puerto Vallarta)
  3. Half Moon, a Rock Resort (Jamaica)
  4. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
  5. Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic
  6. Dreams Tatum Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya (just south of Cancun)
  7. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa, Cabo San Lucas
  8. Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
  9. Parrot Cay & Como Shambhaia Retreat, Turks & Caicos
  10. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Cancun

If you would like to visit any one of these ten incredible all-inclusive resorts, let us make it happen. Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land vacation request-a-quote form and allow us make this dream vacation a reality!!

The 10 Best Romantic Hotels in Rome, Italy

Perhaps you’re in Rome on your honeymoon. Or even with a new love. You might have chosen the eternal city to rekindle your love life or as the place for a marriage proposal. Either way, you’re coming to the right place. Love is in Rome’s DNA. Put simply, Italians LOVE love!!

Rome has a wealth of hotels with varying styles, spread across the historical center, beyond and catering to all budgets. But it can be hard to sit through all the endless options and if you’re travelling for love, you’re bound to want something special. So here are 10 of the best when it comes to style, comfort, luxury and of course — romance.

  1. The St. Regis Rome
  2. Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
  3. Hotel Hassler
  4. The First Luxury Art hotel
  5. Boscolo Exedra
  6. Boscolo Palace Roma
  7. The Westin Excelsior, Rome
  8. Boscolo Aleph
  9. Plazzo Manfredi
  10. Boutique Hotel, Trevi

If you’re looking to book your next romantic getaway to Rome, please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land vacation request quote form and let us make this trip of a lifetime a reality!!

The Top Five Luxury Al-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

All-inclusive resorts used to be synonymous with buffet overload, bottom-shelf drinks and boorish behavior. Times have changed, and today’s all-inclusive resorts have continually raised the bar in effort to attract a well-heeled clientele. Top of the line all-inclusives now offer such luxe perks as butler service, pillow menus and private plunge pools. Here are five of the finest in the Caribbean.

1. Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa (Grenada)
2. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
3. Hard Rock Hotel & Resort Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
4. Curtain Bluff (Antigua)
5. Palm Island Resort (Grenadines Archipelago, Grenada)

To book your next vacation to any of these exotic all-inclusive resorts, please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or submit a land vacation request form and let us plan your next exotic all-inclusive getaway today!!

 

The 10 Hottest Hotels in Miami

Miami’s temperatures may be rising, but this city’s hot reputation is thanks to its scene as much as its sunny weather. From the beaches to the bars, from the restaurants to the clubs, Miami is home to a slew of hot spots — and many of the most desirable party destinations are in the area’s gorgeous hotels. Here are the top ten picks for the hottest hot spot hotels in the “Magic City”.

  1. Delano Hotel
  2. The James Royal Palm
  3. The W South Beach
  4. Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach
  5. Clevelander Hotel
  6. The Shore Club
  7. SLS Hotel South Beach
  8. The Standard Miami
  9. The Tides South Beach
  10. Mondrian South Beach

Want to make Miami your next “hot spot” vacation? Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land vacation request form and let us make this special getaway a reality!!

The Six Best Caribbean Resorts for Families

The Caribbean has some of the best sands and the friendliest family resorts. At these six diverse properties, you and your children can encounter dolphins, ride horses in the surf, snorkel through schools of tropical fish, learn sailing or simply sit and chat.

  • Atlantis Paradise Island (The Bahamas)
  • Club Med Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
  • Half Moon Resort (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
  • Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort (Just South of Cancun, Mexico)
  • Coconut Bay Resort (Saint Lucia)
  • Beaches Providenciales Resort (Provo, Turks & Caicos)

With this harsh winter 2014 season in full swing, let us plan your next family vacation to one of these six wonderful destinations. Please call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us an air/land vacation request form so we can make this next family getaway a memorable reality.

The 20 Best Hotel Breakfasts In America

Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. Why not make it the GREATEST meal of the day at one of these 20 fine hotel properties, which are considered the best in America:

  • The W Austin Hotel (Austin, TX)
  • The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill (Rosemary Beach, FL)
  • The Little River Inn (Little River, CA)
  • The Standard Hotel (New York, NY)
  • The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
  • The Four Seasons Hotel (Saint Louis, MO)
  • The Peninsula Hotel (Chicago, IL)
  • The Washington School House Hotel (Park City, UT)
  • The Modern Honolulu (Honolulu, HI)
  • The Dunhill Hotel (Charlotte, NC)
  • The Marriott Courtyard Portland City Center (Portland, OR)
  • La Fonda On The Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
  • The Stonewall Jackson Inn (Harrisonburg, VA)
  • The Hay-Adams Hotel (Washington, DC)
  • The Fairmont Hotel (San Francisco, CA)
  • The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV)
  • The Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston, MA)
  • The Four Seasons Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
  • The Brown Palace Hotel (Denver, CO)
  • The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, TN)

Call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request so we can satisfy your vacation palate at one of these great hotels!!

How To Get Hotel and Airline Upgrades

Get Upgrades When Traveling

Everyone deserves to enjoy VIP treatment on vacation. After being stuck in small, cramped airplanes, bad weather or a terrible hotel room, it’s nice to enjoy the perks of an upgrade. These tips will help you make the most out of your travel, whether it’s for business or leisure, everyone deserves to know how to get hotel and airline upgrades!

Be Nice to Receive an Upgrade

One of the simplest and easiest things you can do to receive a hotel or airline upgrade, is to be polite and friendly to the desk clerk. Even if you just want a bigger bed, better view or to be placed as far away from the ice machine as possible, just ask. Being personable, friendly, polite and courteous will definitely give you a better chance than if you are pushy and unpleasant.

Book Hotels and Airline Tickets Over the Phone

While most of the time people are now using sites like Expedia, Kayak, or Travelocity to book their airline and hotel packages, it’s better to do these things over the phone. Making a personal connection with the hotel staff will allow you to mention any special circumstances you may have that could actually lead to an upgrade. Anniversaries, first time visiting the city, birthdays or romantic vacations are sometimes available for upgrades! If the staff can match an actual human with the reservation name, they’ll be more likely to help you out and give you a few extra perks.

Sign Up for Frequent Traveler or Stay Card

Since you’ve already made a personal connection with the staff from the hotel or airline, ask about frequent traveler or stay cards. Frequent travelers are much more likely to receive upgrades and staff will be more likely to fulfill any special requests. The more you show brand loyalty to a certain hotel or airline chain, the more you’ll benefit. Also, the next time you stay at the hotel you love, ask to talk to the manager and tell him why you like the hotel so much. From there on out, you’ll always have an outstanding relationship and get the best vacation treatment.

Book an Early Flight and Board Late for Possible Upgrades

Since there are generally fewer passengers on early flights, there is less competition for seats. Check in a few hours before your flight and you might be one of the first passengers to put in an upgrade request. If that doesn’t work, try to board your flight as late as you possible can. When you board the plane late, there is a better chance for coach to be oversold. Well-dressed passengers have an advantage when it comes to this kind of upgrade technique, so make sure you dress sharply if want to try and get an upgrade this way.

Book Hotel Rooms on Slow Days

If you travel to a hotel during low-occupancy time, you are more likely to get an upgrade. Unlike on airlines, hotels are more willing to bump you up to a vacant suite or other amenities you might not normally receive. If you’re traveling to a business hotel on the weekend, the staff will be more likely to upgrade you to try to impress you and gain future business.