Resort Talk

Sheraton Resorts Expands Abroad

I just read a news release that reported that Sheraton is expanding its resorts to include 12 hotels in China. The brand plans to open other resorts in Indonesia and in the Middle East. There are some benefits to seeing a brand that you recognize when you are traveling abroad. You have an idea of what to expect when you see that familiar name, and when the resort is part of an international chain, you can usually expect to have multilingual staff to help you. Although it is great to say in local hotels and resorts, too, sometimes you really want the familiarity of home in a foreign country.

I think that it’s even better when the hotel is decorated and styled in a fashion similar to buildings in the country you are visiting. Some resorts include native foods in the on-site restaurants, which is great. Although some guests tend to believe that when they visit an international resort that is based in a foreign country, you should definitely expect some differences in the resort. After all, you are traveling to a different country. You shouldn’t necessarily expect that place to be the same as the resorts in your hometown. Small touches, like large comfortable towels, like the ones that you might be accustomed to if you are American, electric outlets that you can use for your electronics, or staff members who speak multiple languages certainly can make you feel more comfortable when you are away from home. You might have a better chance of having some of these amenities when you choose a resort chain that you recognize.

Take a Peak at Universal Orlando's Resorts

Three On-Site Hotels for Your Stay

The Universal Orlando’s Resort offers guest three different accommodations on-site. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a luxury hotel with cobbled walkways surrounded it. This hotel replicates structures in Italy. Rooms range from 450 square feet to the 3,215 square foot Presidential suite. Spa lovers would probably wish to book some time at the hotel’s Mandara Spa. Those of you who are traveling with kids might wish to consider booking kids’ suites, which contain either bunk beds or twin beds for young travelers.

Next, the Hard Rock Hotel has a huge sandy beach and a pool that features underwater music. Hot tubs, volleyball, cabanas and a fitness center are some of the amenities that you’ll find at the Hard Rock Café. For the kids, the Hard Rock Café has a game room. There is also a kids club for an additional hourly fee of $15. Meals are also $15.

One huge benefit to staying at these on-site hotels is the ability to bypass the usual lines at some of the attractions. Once you have paid your admission to the theme park, you can show your keycard at some of the participating attractions and forget about the lines for the general public. You can use water taxis and shuttles to get where you would like to go between the theme parks.

The Loews Pacific Resort has an island theme. The hotel’s décor is reminiscent of a tropical island. Guests who are looking for extra pampering can have massage services in the hotel’s private massage room. Keeping with the island theme, the hotel has Luaus, and periodic Aloha Fridays with plenty of food, drinks, and music.

Take Her to a Resort for Valentine's Day

Many men are perplexed when it comes to choosing the a Valentine’s Day gift that their loved one will truly love. Although teddy bears are cute, and candy can satisfy a sweet tooth, I think that a romantic getaway to a resort is the perfect gift for that special day.

You can go all out and reserve a room in a resort in a place that the two of you have always wanted to visit. Can you imagine, telling her that she needs to pack her bags, because the two of you are spending the weekend in a resort on the beach? She would be thrilled.

Throw in a couple’s massage or other spa services that you think that she might eny, and do not forget to get her some jewelry. This killer combination of surprises will satisfy most women. Just be sure to check the reviews for the resort ahead of time. If you haven’t booked the resort yet, you need to act quickly, because many other savvy men will have the same idea.

Because Valentine’s Day falls on weekday this year, you might need to book your stay for the weekend before that special day, especially if your significant other works during the week. You should also keep in mind, that some women simply do not like surprise trips. They want to prepare for trips, especially beach trips. So, depending on your significant other’s personal style, you might want to give her some hints, so that she can go shopping in preparation for the trip.

Considerations for Choosing a Resort

When considering a resort, I look first at the amenities. I love it when the resort is romantic with well-placed lights. I also like it when the resort is lavishly landscaped with flowers, trees and shrubbery. For beach resorts, I love it when the accommodations sit on the shore, so that I have access to rock-free white sand. I enjoy learning about the specific amenities at resorts that target families or singles. For example, some resorts offer childcare or kids clubs. Singles resorts often have cool games or other entertainment. It is also appealing when a resort has a unique flavor. For example, I like it when a resort has a similar or the same architecture as other buildings in the region.

I like to explore the area that I am visiting, but sometimes I just want to hang around the resort and relax. Whether or not I wish to explore the area, depends on the place that I am visiting. If I hadn't visited the region before, I would probably want to see some of the sights outside of the resort.

Finally, I like to have several different options for meals, especially if I am not planning to leave the property. When choosing a resort, check the hours that the restaurants open and close. Ask if room service is available at all hours. I love it when resorts have online menus, so that I can see if I like the food. I like to sample the cuisine in the region, but I also like to have a few familiar foods to enjoy. I enjoy when resorts give guests access to meals 24 hours a day. Especially if I am in a different time zone, I want to be sure that I could grab something to eat during off-peak hours.