This is WDW (Weekend Destination Wrap-Up) Daily News’ section for our reviews and recommendtions. We will focus on various destinations, hotels, entertainment, and even some product reviews. Our goal is to help provide our readers with some firsthand reviews that might help them in deciding future vacations.
Recently we had the opportunity to visit Anaheim, California for the opening of Disneyland’s STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE. We knew we wanted to stay close to the Disneyland Resortarea without breaking the bank.
Family-owned and family-friendly THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL was a fantastic choice. The location was terrific as it is just a few blocks away from the main gates of the Disneyland Resort property. We were able to walk the distance in under 15 minutes although it really seemed faster because we were so excited to get to the park. If you plan on coming to town for a convention, the Anaheim Convention Center was just a few blocks the other way Harbor Boulevard. If shopping and dining are more of an interest to you, the Anaheim GardenWalk is literally next door to the hotel. Again, you just can’t beat the location of THE KINGS INN ANAHEIM HOTEL.
When we checked in, we were greeted by the friendly, professional staff at the front desk. Walking in and being welcomed by a smile goes a long way after a tiring day of traveling. Our room was ready so we were quickly on our way. The hotel features 173 newly renovated non-smoking rooms and guest amenities like a free daily breakfast, free wifi, a laundry facility, a refreshing pool and a relaxing hot tub. We did not have a car, but there was plenty of free parking for those who drive in for their stay.
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Recently we traveled to San Antonio, Texas for a wedding. Because we had never been there before, we were excited for the adventure. We knew that we had to stay near the famous River Walk, and there was no better choice than the Hotel Valencia.
Located on a quiet part of the River Walk, Hotel Valencia is in the middle of the action but is still relaxing and tranquil. The style blends Spanish Colonial and Modern Mediterranean. This is definitely NOT a chain hotel that looks like every other hotel in town. Hotel Valencia has a historical feel with every modern amenity.
The doorman greeted us with a smile right away when we walked up the steps. The entryway literally made me say, “Wow.” We took the elevator up into a gorgeous lobby area. The front desk staff was super friendly as well as professional and helped us get checked in very quickly so we could be on our way.
With all of the exciting happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort this summer (Toy Story Land) and in the near future (Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge), it is important to start thinking about your vacation accommodations. Wyndham and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Complex is the ideal choice.
Located literally across the street from Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment, the Wyndham and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Complex is a quick walk to great Disney fun.
Recently I was able to start my summer vacation in the best way possible….a trip to the Disneyland Resort in California. After a long school year, it was an amazing way to relax and unwind. As Disney fanatics, we always want to stay as close to the parks as possible. We found the ideal location in Anaheim with GRAND LEGACY AT THE PARK.
Located literally across the street from Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney shopping, GRAND LEGACY AT THE PARK is just minutes away from the fun and excitement of the parks. At a leisurely pace, the walk may take 10 minutes. We were so pumped to get there I believe we made it in 5! Many area hotels boast “minutes from Disney.” GRAND LEGACY AT THE PARK really is that close.
When we arrived from the airport and long day of traveling, we were warmly greeted by the friendly and professional staff. Check in was very quick, and we were on our way to our room. With multiple room choices, there is something for all traveling parties. From 2 and 3 room suites to classic rooms, GRAND LEGACY AT THE PARK has the perfect room for you.
This past weekend we traveled to Chicago to do some post-holiday shopping in one of the best locations in the country…Michigan Avenue. This area has over 400 retailers and more than 275 restaurants. This is a lot to take in so it was wonderful to have an amazing place to rest our heads after a long day of walking, shopping, and eating. THE WHITEHALL HOTEL is located one half-block west of Michigan avenue and just east of Rush Street.
THE WHITEHALL HOTEL is “Chicago’s True Independent Boutique Hotel.” The location was perfect, and the service was wonderful. We were greeted right away by the friendly and professional staff. Check in was a quick process, and we were soon on our way to our room on the 15th floor. Be aware that the elevators are pretty small so if you have a large family/group or multiple suitcases, you may need to take more than one trip. Our room was quite spacious and had plenty of room for our luggage and purchases.The room included a mini-bar. A small warning with this system. There are sensors that automatically charge the room if you move the items…even if you don’t actually consume it. The bathroom was large and we both had plenty of space on the counter top.
THE WHITEHALL HOTEL has 24 hour security (always important in a big city), a business center, a fitness center, a lounge, and two restaurants. If you like Italian or Chinese food, be sure to take advantage of the in-house dining. The history of THE WHITEHALL HOTEL dates back to the early 1900s and the Prohibition Era. Multiple renovations through the years have modernized the hotel and made it an iconic historical hotel in Chicago. This is not a “cookie cutter” chain hotel at all. The furnishings are sophisticated and elegant yet still cozy and comfortable.
THE WHITEHALL HOTEL is perfect for anyone traveling to downtown Chicago for vacation, business, a weekend of shopping, or if you are in town for a sporting event. I cannot wait to go back in the summer to explore the city and enjoy the accommodations of this historic hotel in the heart of Chicago.
This past week we traveled north from Florida to see a Broadway show and take in the sights of New York City. After driving for about 16 hours, we were pleased with the convenience and location of the RED ROOF PLUS+ SECAUCUS-MEADOWLANDS hotel. Located on the Hackensack River and within minutes of the bright lights and excitement of Times Square, Broadway, and all of New York City’s finest attractions, this hotel was just what we needed. It was easy to find, even at night, and had plenty of free parking. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful when we checked in. The process was quick, and we were on our way to the room in no time. The room had clean, modern decor and was quite spacious. I will say it was literally freezing outside (windchills were in the single digits) so were disappointed to walk into a cold room. It took a while for the heat to really make a difference so we stayed bundled up for the night. The front desk, however, was very accommodating and offered us some extra blankets. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and we all slept well. There were plenty of convenient outlets for all of our chargers and technology. I hate when hotels have outlets behind the bed. Not the case at RED ROOF PLUS+ SECAUCUS-MEADOWLANDS. The microwave even had outlets on the front. That is a major positive in my opinion. In the morning we got a cup of free coffee in the lobby (there is a Dunkin directly across the street if you desire a “fancier” coffee drink) and were on our way into New York City. RED ROOF PLUS+ SECAUCUS-MEADOWLANDS is only 1 mile from the Meadowlands Sports Complex: MetLife Stadium, which is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, and the Meadowlands Racetrack. Other nearby attractions include New York Red Bulls soccer, Meadowlands Exposition Center, Medieval Times, Great Falls of Paterson, and Liberty State Park. It was a quick drive into the Times Square area from this location as well. This hotel is just right if you are looking for economical accommodations but still want a big city experience without the prices of New York City. RED ROOF PLUS+ SECAUCUS-MEADOWLANDS will be on our recommendation list for anyone going to the Big Apple.
We just got back from the most wonderful vacation. As part of this trip, we had the opportunity to stay at the amazing HOTEL EDISON New York City. You simply cannot beat the location of the hotel. If you want the action of Times Square, if you are coming to town for a Broadway show, or even if you just want to explore the city, then HOTEL EDISON New York City is the perfect choice.
We were greeted by the very friendly and professional staff the minute we walked in the door. Everyone was so eager to help us check in and get settled. The lobby was beautifully decorated for the holidays. I was impressed by the security that checked room keys before anyone was allowed onto the elevators. That really gave me a sense of comfort, and I knew this hotel really goes above and beyond for their guests.
Our room was on the 21st floor so we were able to get a very cool view of the hustle and bustle of the city. Our room was very spacious with a sitting area that had a sleeper sofa and its own TV. We also had a king bed that was so comfortable after a long day of walking and shopping. The bathroom was large and had great lighting. My one complaint is that I would have liked another layer or two of paint on the frosted door. It was little too bright at night and not quite as private as I would have preferred. Other than that, I loved the accommodations.
HOTEL EDISON New York City has over 800 signature and classic rooms to choose from so be sure to check out the photos on their website to see what room will work best for your travel party. If you have a lot of technology with you, then you will be glad to see all of the outlets and docking stations throughout the room. I love when hotels have easily accessible outlets, especially by the bed.
Other amenities include a fitness center, business center, valet parking, expert concierge service, dining, and a complimentary managers’ reception every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. We were there on a Thursday so sadly we did not get to enjoy this event.
With our love of Broadway shows, I am sure we will be back to NYC in the near future. When we return, we will definitely be staying at the HOTEL EDISON New York City. The location, accommodations, and professional staff are unbeatable.
