Grand Plaza Hotel Beachfront Resort
5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
(727) 360-1811
(727) 360-1811
Great location right on the beach. Stayed for a wedding and got to see almost all of the property, from the top floor penthouses, other suites, regular rooms, ballrooms, all of their dining areas, and the pool area. Decent place for the price point. Food and service were good. Event was handled well and all guests were happy. We had an ocean view room which made for a sunny stay all day . Decent three star quality.
Best,
~S
Best,
~S
The Westin Chicago North Shore
601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 777-6500
(847) 777-6500
Nice hotel with modern amenities and accoutrements, all day/night dining/room service from their on site Italian restaurant, many other options right across the parking lot as well. Clean rooms and pleasant touches to make the experience more special (lavender oil on bedside table, power blocks on nightstand and desk). Ivan the bellman shined my shoes up really well and promptly delivered them to my room, he also kindly remembered/greeted me at multiple passings. Breakfast was on time and tasted great except for the pot of coffee. Everyone has been polite and helpful.
Best,
~S
Best,
~S
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago
100 W Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 437-3344
(847) 437-3344
Great service thus far, room not 100% cleanliness wise, but nice place/staff. The cafe bistro is a convenient amenity. Bathroom pretty dated and kind of dirty upon arrival. The bistro has pretty good food based on our order of the pub burger, brussel sprouts, margherita flat bread pizza, and Caesar salad. Also a small convenience shop in the lobby and plenty of nearby options.
Meandering Moose Lodging
14677 E Cabin Spike Rd, Talkeetna, AK 99676
(907) 733-1000
(907) 733-1000
Family owned & operated, Meandering Moose Lodge is located in the quaint, yet quite unique little town of Talkeetna, comprised of a small downtown area with a few bars/restaurants/gift shops (lax open alcohol container laws!), gorgeous scenery around the three intersecting rivers, many lakes and streams, plus of course, nearby access to Denali. The owner, Kathy, and her daughter were extremely accommodating regarding our very early arrival of 9am after flying into Fairbanks on a red eye and driving the 4 hours to Talkeetna. Upon the previous guest's check out, they had our room (the suite upstairs in main house) ready to go by 10am! A quick complimentary offering of basic breakfast and we were in bed shortly after catching up on zzz's. Having worked in hotels/hospitality, this extra attention to us and our particular situation went a LONG way, setting the pace for an unforgettable experience wonderfully catered to by the Meandering Moose family. The property consists of winding trails looping through the cabin-dotted property, with the main office building having a few single rooms such as our own. Community style kitchen, living, and bathrooms (except our suite upstairs with its own private bathroom and soaking tub!) Laundry facilities on site. Local recommendations and literature to point you in the right direction. Great conversation and people to encounter! This could be a quiet retreat to yourselves or an engaging community style getaway stay...whatever you want to make of it! Will gladly return someday when back in Alaska! Thanks so much!
Best,
~S
Best,
~S
Glamping in Sherwood, Oregon
Belmond Napasai
65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
+66 77 429 200
+66 77 429 200
Infinity pool beside the setting sun over the sea...ahhh!
From arrival to departure, the courteous, ever-smiling staff/management never faltered in the ways of customer service and hospitality, and they are truly what makes Napasai the most special of places on Koh Samui, if not the entire planet! The architecture and atmosphere are authentic while still up-to-date feeling. Our secluded Sea View Villa was such a romantic and cozy respite from the nearby restaurant facilities (3 options to choose from right on site!), freshwater pool, bar/recreation/gym area, refreshing spa and private beachfront atop a gorgeous, sprawling property with its own farm, garden countryside, and convenient location to town/markets.
Our private bungalow that stared into the ocean
Upon our eventual arrival at Napasai, we were so warmly greeted by the staff with delicious lemongrass tea, check-in was at a relaxed pace after a long few days of travel and expertly executed from the front desk to our room escort by Ann. Olga and Irina from the Experience Concierge desk were so helpful even weeks in advance of our trip, helping to plan outings on and around Anthong National Marine Park, Koh Tao and the other surrounding islands, and providing great suggestions for local restaurant suggestions and points of attraction throughout our stay.
Jen enjoying all the cabana time she could
The F&B Manager Eszter was not only one of the most joyful and jubilant employees encountered in Thailand, but she was also extremely helpful in the pre- and post-arrival preparations to help celebrate my girlfriend's birthday, orchestrating an amazing private beach dinner with palm frond hearts, flowers, candles, and an altogether miraculous symphony of service with the assistance of servers Goong and Toy (who were wonderful at every other crossing as well, like at the daily breakfast buffet where kind smiles such as Aoy's greet you each and every morning with the same unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction). The other F&B manager Jan (congrats again on the baby-to-be!) was also extremely affable and cordial in providing culinary suggestions on and off-property. The activities manager Lek was very friendly and conversational whenever approached, providing professional, yet down-to-Earth service regarding the water crafts, sports, and area information. Pan, the Spa manager, and her team of angels, some being Yui, Piam, and Ya, were phenomenal in their services, melting away our pains with Thai, face, foot, and neck massages and perfectly pampered by their manicures and pedicures.
Me utilizing one of the resort's numerous included amenities
We had the pleasure of being invited to a classy, poolside cocktail hour during which the General Manager Jerome introduced himself and sincerely engaged with numerous guests in small-talk. Lastly, but definitely not least, the bartenders Jom and Aff made quite the impression on us both, offering intriguing small-talk and 5-Star service without an overly stuffy air found on some similarly situated resorts. They were an absolute blast to be drinking with and served by! Bom was another reoccurring smile that never failed to put the same smile on our faces upon passing. Kad and Joy from the bar/pool area are also names I noted as exceptional employees, amongst the many others! With the final whole-hearted bell and chauffeur assistance from Ton, our trek from Napasai to Samui Airport was complete and no greater a sense of elation and satisfaction sensed from us could have been experienced as we embarked upon our journey all the way back to Carpinteria, California.
Esczter, Ann and I know another name I have forgotten from the Front Desk truly made this one of the most memorable trips of our lifetimes...we shall not soon (or ever) forget any of your wonderful personalities and pleasantries during our stay... Please contact me in Santa Barbara should you ever find yourself this way. Until next time.....
Best,
~Sam & Jen
Esczter, Ann and I know another name I have forgotten from the Front Desk truly made this one of the most memorable trips of our lifetimes...we shall not soon (or ever) forget any of your wonderful personalities and pleasantries during our stay... Please contact me in Santa Barbara should you ever find yourself this way. Until next time.....
Best,
~Sam & Jen
Belmond Maroma
Carretera Cancún-Tulum KM 51 Punta Maroma, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
+52 998 872 8200
+52 998 872 8200
Only Belmond can orchestrate such a Dreamscape that allows guests to both escape and adventure in the most sumptuous of beachside locations catered to by the most personable and attentive of staff! Having a high level of expectations from our previous travels, this reaction of mine is no easy feat to accomplish.
As you trek down the winding, forest laden road that leads to Maroma Resort & Spa, you arrive at this tropical paradise greeted by warm smiles and a refreshingly chilled house margarita...they've been waiting for you! Fabiana whisked us away for checkin, a perfectly personalized property tour that fully informed us of all that we needed to know, and an escort to our suite that was beautifully prepared for our arrival with amenities including a fruit, cheese, and meat plate plus a bottle of red wine. Fabiana remained extremely friendly and helpful throughout the duration of our 6 day stay, always remembering our names and waving/saying "buenos dias" with the brightest of smiles! Anna in Reservations/Concierge was also an immense help figuring out all our pre-arrival arrangements such as transportation, planning special dinners, events on property and off site as well. The Front Desk at this property (and most others) truly does set the stage for success, and Maroma undoubtedly knocked this step of hospitality out of the ballpark!
As you trek down the winding, forest laden road that leads to Maroma Resort & Spa, you arrive at this tropical paradise greeted by warm smiles and a refreshingly chilled house margarita...they've been waiting for you! Fabiana whisked us away for checkin, a perfectly personalized property tour that fully informed us of all that we needed to know, and an escort to our suite that was beautifully prepared for our arrival with amenities including a fruit, cheese, and meat plate plus a bottle of red wine. Fabiana remained extremely friendly and helpful throughout the duration of our 6 day stay, always remembering our names and waving/saying "buenos dias" with the brightest of smiles! Anna in Reservations/Concierge was also an immense help figuring out all our pre-arrival arrangements such as transportation, planning special dinners, events on property and off site as well. The Front Desk at this property (and most others) truly does set the stage for success, and Maroma undoubtedly knocked this step of hospitality out of the ballpark!
The grounds and rooms are spectacular, a beautiful beach on one side and lush forest on the other with a decent amount of semi rural wildlife. 3 pools, 3 restaurants, 24 hr room service, a waterfront activities station and Playa Del Carmen only 25-30 mins away. Great location to getaway, while still retaining the option to get out and adventure! We dove in cenotes, climbed Cobá and walked the streets of nearby towns.
Our first night consisted of a pre-planned, candlelit, private dinner on the beach tended to by Fernando who worked with the chef to accommodate our varying preferences of cuisine to produce an altogether miraculous dining experience. Fernando made an appropriate presence and provided outstanding service, suggesting wines, explaining courses and making sure we all had as much fun as possible!
Our first night consisted of a pre-planned, candlelit, private dinner on the beach tended to by Fernando who worked with the chef to accommodate our varying preferences of cuisine to produce an altogether miraculous dining experience. Fernando made an appropriate presence and provided outstanding service, suggesting wines, explaining courses and making sure we all had as much fun as possible!
Adrian took special care of us the following day at breakfast/lunch and again on numerous other occasions when we were fortunate enough to have him as our server. Joanie serving beverages at the beach was also a wonderful help, promptly bringing us the many beverages we ordered while basking under the beautiful sun -- beach service also is sprinkled with spontaneous visits with mouthwatering treats like coconut sorbet and mango/hibiscus shaved ice -- always when most desired surprisingly!
Room service was always spot on with a consistently minimal 30-35 min delivery time and always setup with such sophistication by servers such as Federico who came to know our room number very well (haha!). The restaurant hostess Elsa was more than a delight everyday/afternoon when heading in for a meal, kindly remembering who we were and automatically making the rest fall in place. Her kind words and smile were an extremely warm welcome every time all the time!
Room service was always spot on with a consistently minimal 30-35 min delivery time and always setup with such sophistication by servers such as Federico who came to know our room number very well (haha!). The restaurant hostess Elsa was more than a delight everyday/afternoon when heading in for a meal, kindly remembering who we were and automatically making the rest fall in place. Her kind words and smile were an extremely warm welcome every time all the time!
Who can forget THE one and only Freddy from Freddy's Ceviche Bar!?!...boasting not only a wide variety of delectable ceviches and other light bites, but also the largest tequila selection around and an all star staff that is amazingly affable and inviting. Freddy was and always will be an invaluable asset to Maroma. Manuel seemed to tend the bar during our prime drinking hours and time after time he was there ready handed to pour another Akumal draught or dish up another of their many complimentary bar snacks. Edgar for breakfast was another outstanding character amongst the illustrious staff, along with Sergio at the beach.
Our last dinner was a mix of every menu on property, which they gladly accommodate (El Sol, El Restaurante, Cantina, and Freddy's menu). Jose was our phenomenal server this time around (as if they weren't all individually fantastic) and boy did he make for an unforgettable experience. Moses the busser and the food runner whose name has slipped my mind sadly were also big contributions to the whole meal, removing finished plates and bringing the next ones in magical unison with our appetites....mind readers is what they are!!
When the depressing time to leave came during our final minutes in paradise, checkout was made simple by Lola who was donned with daunting task of making sure my extensive bill was accurate. Upon quick review, all of my credits and billing were correct, and I was wished a fond farewell by the agent and her Front Office Supervisor Alejandro who made sure everything was finalized with perfection.
Hats off to you all at Belmond Maroma. I cannot wait to return!
Best,
~S