hotel review - Pitstops for Kids

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

October 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation.

The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC:

Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more than half a century. If you happen to catch a glimpse ghost-hunters’ style, you’ll know her by her flowing pink gown. This young woman was a guest in Room 545 in the 1920’s before either jumping or being pushed to her untimely death in the Main Inn’s Palm Court five floors below. Sightings of the Pink Lady still occur, most often by children.

The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA:

One of the top family resorts in Virginia, the Homestead enjoys a long history since opening in 1766. Reportedly, the 14th floor remains haunted to this day after a jilted bride took her own life in the early 1900s. Look for her waiting for her husband-to-be’s return while not enjoying the Homestead’s many recreational family activities.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH:

The Omni Mount Washington is known for its fantastic mountain scenery and outdoor activities, but indoors, the ghost of the wife of railroad tycoon (and resort builder) Joseph Stickney haunts the hallway surrounding Room 314. Visitors to this room have reported seeing the woman sitting on the edge of the bed. To play upon this haunted theme, the Omni is offering a Haunted Canopy Tour in late October, during which families can fly above the trees in the dark, dodging what may be more ghosts…and a goblin or two?

The Peery, Salt Lake City, UT:

The historic Peery Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is a Salt Lake tradition. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel is the oldest in the city and offers a rich history with Prairie-style architecture. Recently remodeled into a luxury boutique hotel this year, the hotel offers modern amenities but the past still haunted the hotel today. Guests have reported saying an old hotel guest still hasn’t checked out and still haunted the elevators. Some guests have even reported hearing bangs and seeing things slide across the floor. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in Salt Lake City where you’re near Temple Square, Capitol Theatre and within walking distance of downtown.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA:

A famed San Diego landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado is know for more than just luxury family vacations. As the story goes, the ghost of Kate Morgan, still haunts the hotel in the form of cold spots and breezes. Morgan checked into the Coronado to meet with her estranged husband, then shot herself on the nearby beach when he never showed. When not seeking out her ghost, families will want to take advantage of the Southern California sunshine and less traditional Halloween activities such a surf lessons and sandcastle building.

Have you stayed in a haunted hotel? Did you check out immediately, or enjoy the thrill of it?

5 haunted hotels to visit this Halloween

Boston with kids: Royal Sonesta Boston review

September 19, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

See and explore Boston from a new perspective, and stay on the Cambridge side! We recently checked out the Royal Sonesta Boston, which offers fantastic Charles River and Boston downtown views while being just a quick car, Uber or T ride from everything you want to do with kids in Boston, from Duck Boats to the Museum of Science to the Boston Children’s Museum!

Royal Sonesta Boston review:

What makes the Royal Sonesta Boston so great for families? First up, it’s located right on the Charles River, and you can step outside and be immediately on a pedestrian path to glimpse the boats and city views. You’re near the red line of the T, too, and there’s plenty of local dining.

Secondly, the pool! The Royal Sonesta has one of the best indoor atrium pools in the city, with views and a bright interior. I love that it’s covered because even in summer, Boston can be temperamental weather-wise. I do wish they also had a hot tub by the pool, but they do have a well-stocked fitness room.

Thirdly, there are plenty of on-site dining choices for when you’ve had a long day in Boston and are ready to stay in. There’s a grab-and-go style cafe and coffee shop serving Starbucks, and in-room dining. There are two full-service restaurants as well. The patio at Royal Sonesta’s Art Bar is our pick…it’s the perfect place to end the day. Their indoor seating has a sleek, modern vibe and is fun, too. At the Art Bar, you have to try the crab cakes and the scallops, and they make wonderful cocktails for the grown-ups.

Lastly, room rates at the Royal Sonesta start at under $200 per night. You can’t do much better even at an airport hotel! You’re getting $400-$600/night views for a family-friendly price in Cambridge.

Rooms:

We stayed in a 450-square-foot suite, which had a large living space, table and chairs, and divided bedroom area with amazing city views, but downgrading to a regular room is still roomy at as much as 250 square feet, and you get to keep the views (and pick from two queens or one king). WiFi was fast and free and easy to log into, and the bathroom amenities were high end. All in all, I felt I was getting a great value for the price (and even coming out ahead) at the Royal Sonesta.

You’re in walking distance of the T, you can easily access Harvard Square, and the river views are amazing. Kids will love watching the Duck Boats go by on the hour! Don’t forget about that indoor pool!

Check out more things to do in Boston!

Lodging near Joshua Tree National Park

August 5, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The first time we visited Joshua Tree National Park, we stayed in Indian Cove campground and spent almost all our time within the park boundaries. We never regret spending time in parks; however, several unique lodging opportunities exist in nearby 29 Palms and by the unincorporated town of Joshua Tree. Looking for lodging near Joshua Tree? Here’s where to stay hear Joshua Tree National Park if you don’t plan to camp.

29 Palms Inn:

On a first drive through the desert town of 29 Palms, it may not be evident that there’s much to stop for. Not so. This gateway to Joshua Tree National Park has a lively, artistic community with fun dining options and an amazing resort at 29 Palms Inn.

Located on 70 acres, 29 Palms Inn is centered around the Oasis of Mara (acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad during the railroad boom). Guests can still walk right up to the oasis (on site) and explore it. The 29 Palms Inn was established in the 1920s, and is now owned by the Grunt family, who run it locally along with the Roughly Manor. Everything about the Inn celebrates the desert landscape, with much of the resort property outdoors. The pool, office, and restaurant comprise the heart of the inn, with sandy walking paths leading around cacti and brush to multiple stand-alone adobe and wooden cabins, rooms, and studios. The dining area is indoor-outdoor, and there’s an outdoor living room space just beside the pool for relaxing in the shade.

Amenities:

We love that sleeping spaces are roomy (perfect for families!) and that breakfast is included. Every morning, guests will find a healthy, homemade breakfast served buffet style. During our visit, we found steel cut oatmeal with toppings, breads and coffee cake, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee.

Lunch and dinner are served (at extra cost) in the same poolside building, featuring produce from the inn’s very own organic garden, Faultline Farm. Picnic lunches are also available to go for $10 each, so you can leave to enjoy the park without stopping for groceries.

Yoga and nature walks are offered on the weekends, and the heated pool is available to guests every day. There are plenty of places for kids to explore and play outdoors, which I appreciate. Hammocks are hung by the garden, and the Creative Center artist studio is located within easy walking distance on site. Here, families can paint a canvas or pottery with artist (and Inn family member) Heidi Grunt.

Lodging options:

Lodging options range from a stand-alone adobe cottage with a complete kitchen, living space, and outdoor patio perfect for a whole family, to single rooms ideal for adults traveling solo. Rates are in the $150 range. Check for latest prices.

Roughley Manor:

Also owned by the Grunt family, Campbell House is very different than 29 Palms Inn, but has the same relaxed vibe and love for the outdoors and nature in common. Founded in 1925 as the Campbell’s Ranch (the Campbells have a history with the Oasis of Mara as well), Roughley Manor was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1994. The manor and grounds are designed in a serene English manor style, with gardens, shade trees, and stonework. While in stark contract to the desert landscape, Roughly Manor somehow just works, creating an oasis of its own for families exploring Joshua Tree.

Amenities:

The manor serves a full breakfast included in the room rate. There’s also an outdoor pool, and acres of landscaped flower gardens, fruit trees, and courtyards to relax in. Kids can play Bocce Ball in front of the manor, as well as chess.

Lodging options:

Most rooms are stand-alone cabins and cottages that dot the property, complete with kitchenettes (microwaves, mini-fridges, and sinks) and bathrooms with tubs. Most have a small porch. Some rooms also are offered inside the manor house, for a total of 12 options. Like the Inn, rates are around $150.

Bonus lodging option:

Families who are adventurous but also ready for a special, spiritual Joshua Tree lodging experience may want to consider the eco-friendly, sustainable earth bag built domes at Bonita Domes. Rented through AirBnb, two sleeping pods in the Bonita Domes ‘village’ anchor an outdoor kitchen, kiva pit, and shower pod. An additional unit is also for rent in the main home.

Bonita Domes are owned and operated by contemporary medicine woman and Joshua Tree resident Lisa Starr. Because Bonita Domes is also Lisa’s home, she rightfully asks for respect and reverence in this special space. We recommend bringing children who are ready for the experience of sleeping in a pod, being tuned with the outdoors, and can appreciate this special place.

Lisa also offers shamanic medicine sessions at the kiva pit, which I was lucky to experience. The session takes about an hour (sometimes more) and involves a rhythmic drum cadence and meditation. No experience is needed…just an open mind to enjoy the experience. Sessions are $150 each, and not required during the stay (but recommended for families with older kids).

Pit for later!

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced these lodging options and the drum medicine session as a guest, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Where to stay in Banff National Park: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge

April 15, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

During a vacation in Banff National Park, visitors have three main lodging options: camping, hotels and lodges outside of the town center, or Banff town hotels. Because Banff can get crowded and parking and driving can be a hassle even in the off-season, we recommend a hotel in town to be within walking distance of dining, shopping, and tour departures. Brewter’s Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of town on Caribou Street, adjacent from the Banff Park Lodge and within a block of great restaurants, souvenir shopping, outdoor gear shops, and the movie theater.

Despite its location on a city block, Brewter’s Mountain Lodge has a very mountain lodge feel inside. The two-story lobby is light and airy, with wood plank and log fixtures and accents and a fireplace and seating. The entire lodge is clean and modern, and the front desk staff during our visit was friendly and helpful.

Amenities:

On the second floor landing above the lobby, Brewster’s features a small but well-appointed reading room with lending library and a computer for guest use (for a whopping $5 per 30 minutes). But don’t worry: free wifi for guests is available. Note: I had a hard time connecting at first; the desk staff kindly rebooted for me, which fixed the problem. Adjacent to the lobby is a sauna and whirlpool hot tub, perfect for use after a day of hiking, mountain biking, or skiing. Parking is in an underground lot directly below the hotel and free. The room rate includes a complimentary breakfast buffet located in a nice dining area at the bottom of the hotel, featuring cold breakfast offerings like yogurt, fruit, cereal, and pastries/toast. Coffee and juice is also available.

Rooms:

We had plenty of space in a standard room with two double beds and a large bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub. The bathroom configuration features a spacious main area with sink and counter space and tub, then a separate door to the toilet and shower. It’s nice to have the separate areas, but the toilet/shower space is quite tight. In the main room, there’s plenty of space for a table and chairs plus couch. Some rooms feature balconies, but even without, the large windows offer nice views of the street below. Rooms include 3/4 sized fridges, plus TVs.

Distance from the interstate:

Brewter’s is located just minutes from the TransCanadian Highway (1) in Banff.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for a standard room were listed at $151 to $171. Rates vary by season.

Directions:

From TransCanada Highway, take the exit into Banff town center. Take Banff Avenue to Caribou Street.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Brewster’s Mountain Lodge as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Where to stay in Miami: Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami review

April 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

A midtown Miami hotel is a good choice for a pre or post-cruise stay with easy access to the airport, or can be centrally-located for a Miami weekend away from South Beach. I recently checked out the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami on a recent stay, and was very pleasantly surprised.

Where to stay in Miami:

The Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami is without a doubt the prettiest, hippest Hampton Inn & Suites I’ve seen. The lobby is chic and spacious, but better yet, there’s an entire second floor of lounge space and seating, which reminded me more of a boutique hotel than of a economy hotel. The second floor is where the complimentary breakfast is served, which offers a nice variety of breakfast items, from hot dishes (real eggs, yay!) and waffles to yogurt, fresh fruit (which was exceptional), hard-boiled eggs, and hot, freshly prepared oatmeal.

Also on the 2nd floor is the small but serviceable fitness room and the far-beyond expectations outdoor pool and lounge area. The pool is not exceptionally sized, but is ringed by various upscale outdoor furnishings, including fun rocking seats, couches, and loungers. While it’s only on the 2nd floor, you still get some nice Miami skyline views. As you can tell by the description of the 2nd floor, this is really the gathering area and ‘living room’ space of the hotel.

Rooms at the Hampton feature nice touches like wood (style) floors (no carpets), tons of outlets and charging stations, excellent lighting, and comfortable beds. It doesn’t hurt that everything is new, of course. My bathroom featured a shower only (no tub), so ask when you book about any tub availability if you need one. Each room has a mini fridge ready for your snack items or leftovers, and another cabinet that’s designed to hold non-perishable food items. There’s a microwave available to use in the 2nd floor breakfast area (accessible all day).

WiFi is free for Hilton Hhonors members (which is also free, so definitely sign up), and while parking is valet-only, it’s only $25 a day, which is a deal in downtown Miami. My room was very quiet at night, which was a very nice change from South Beach hotel rooms.

Pros and cons of the midtown location:

The location of the Hampton Inn & Suites is both a pro and a con. It’s quiet at night, as noted above, and while it’s possible to walk to desirable destinations like the Shops at Midtown or even Wynwood, it’s not a pleasant walk. There’s a lot of construction going on in this part of Miami, and while I walked to Wynwood in 25 minutes, I had to hop on and off sidewalks and it wasn’t scenic. Instead, you’ll want to plan on renting a car (and parking it) if you stay here, or relying on Uber or Lyft.

There are a few chain restaurants in the immediate vicinity within walking distance, and one fun bar with a great outdoor patio just two buildings down, called Lagniappe. Other than snack food items in the lobby marketplace, there’s really nothing else directly near the hotel.

I found the trade-off of location worth the savings, since I knew I’d be getting around Miami by car anyway, but for anyone hoping to walk most places, situate yourself in Brickell or Wynwood and plan to do most of your eating in those neighborhoods. Miami is not a pedestrian-friendly town, though it has improved in this regard.

Room rates at the time of my visit were around $129 off season, and I enjoyed not having to pay a hefty resort fee as I have on South Beach. Find the Hampton at 3450 Biscayne Boulevard, about ten minutes from the airport.

If you are staying on South Beach instead of midtown or downtown, check out our review of the Kimpton Surfcomber.

Disclosure: I experienced the Hampton Inn & Suites as a guest of the hotel, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Four different kinds of travel accommodation for a budget vacation

February 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Choosing a place to travel to and listing out all the key destinations you need to visit are very easy tasks. You can just pick out which country you have been meaning to visit, say New Zealand, for instance. Do a quick Google search of the must-visit places and what to do there like sight seeing by Lake Wakatipu, get a car hire in Christchurch, or do an alpine hike.

But getting the best kind of accommodation might take you a while to do. Some may consider it an easy task; but with the number of accommodation types available for you these days, it can a bit of a doozy. Here we list down the different kinds of travel accommodations that you can choose from if you are on a budget.

Hotels

If you want to have all the amenities and facilities during your trip. Then a vacation may be the best choice for you. They have services that can make you super comfortable and relaxed after your trip outside. Contrary to popular belief, hotels can be cheap. You just have to consider their location and hotel classification. Also make sure to check if they have discount promos available so that you can reserve rooms for multiple nights without breaking bank.

Short Term Rentals

This is becoming a very popular choice recently. Short term rentals is what others fondly call an airBnB. This is literally your home away from home. Locals would rent out their homes or apartments for travellers. Again, the price range would depend on the location, but it is relatively cheaper than a hotel for sure. The best part is you can bring in food to cook and prepare for yourself while enjoying an unobstructed view and experience of local life.

Hostels

These are dormitory style accommodations where you share the rooms with other people. It is a very popular choice for backpackers on spring break vacation that are only going to stay for the night, or other budget travellers who do not mind the company. Do not be dismayed by its dorm style arrangement, there are hostels that provide a unique setting that can compete with low star hotels.

Couchsurfing

Another home away from home setting is couch surfing. This is where people open up their own homes and allow you to live with them. This could be fun for travellers who want to learn more about the country they are in. While this is not something most families would choose, couch surfing with your kids is not impossible. You simply have to look for the right host. There are websites that can help you find a good home to stay in like Stay4Free, Hospitality Club, and Global Freeloaders. To avoid dangerous situations, make sure that the person’s profile is complete, that they have a picture of themselves uploaded, and that there are reviews from trusted travellers on their page. You can always opt out once you see their place and feel that you want a different accommodation.

The best part about knowing all of these is now you can choose an accommodation that will fit your travel budget and itinerary. So look at your plans again and see which one will be perfect for you. Happy trip!

Mendocino Coast: Little River Inn review

January 31, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The Mendocino coastal area offers stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, quaint, unpretentious towns, and outdoor exploration galore! It’s a great region in which to base your California northern coastal road trip, and a stay at Little River Inn is a must!

Tip: We tacked a trip to the Mendocino coast onto our Grown-Up Getaway to Sonoma, and the two destinations paired beautifully, but kids love the Mendocino coast as well!

Little River Inn review:

This multi-generational family business lies right on the coast at Little River, just minutes from Mendocino. Families have their pick between seaside luxury accommodations, oceanview rooms, oceanview fireplace rooms, and Victorian gables. Our oceanview fireplace room was spacious, and boasted a wood-burning fireplace, which we really loved. We also loved the value: check for current pricing on the official website, but off-season deals abound at the Little River Inn. The large patio was semi-private and featured several chairs from which to view the ocean, which is directly across Highway 1. From our room, we could even spot seals on the beach at Little River.

Yes, other area hotels probably have sea views as well, but what sets Little River Inn apart is the spacious grounds with so much to do. There’s a golf course on-site, which dips into the woods behind the hotel, as well as a putting green and tennis courts. The small but welcoming spa sits next to the golf clubhouse and pro shop, and offers a full array of services, as well as beauty services. We loved that this option existed, especially during the winter months when the weather might keep you inside.

And if it does, no worries: our room had cozy arm chairs situated by the large windows overlooking the ocean, where we settled down with books. Ole’s Whale Watch Bar is a local favorite, it seems, with a friendly staff and a deep wine list. We loved their signature cocktails, too. Families could order off a bar menu in Ole’s for casual dining, or head into nearby Mendocino for a variety of diners and cafes. Since we were visiting Little River Inn without the kids, we opted to make a reservation in the inn’s dining room, where we enjoyed a stand-out meal. Try the award-winning crab cakes! Dessert was fantastic, too.

Outdoor exploration:

We recommend booking at least a two-night stay at Little River Inn (mostly because we didn’t want to leave when it was time to go!). In the immediate area, there’s lots to do outdoors if the weather is cooperating. The best beaches can be found at Van Damme State Beach (just about one minute away), or Caspar Beach, on the Point Cabrillo Drive off Highway 1.

We went hiking at Van Damme’s Pygmy Forest (ask at the park ranger station at the entrance to the park for directions, as its in a different location, and free to enter), and we wished we’d had time to explore The Fairy Trail inside the Botanical Gardens at Fort Bragg. Jug Handle State Preserve also has hiking, including an ecological science hike for older kids.

Order breakfasts directly to your room each morning to get an early start on your day, or visit the Little River Inn dining room. Their specialty is the Ole’s Swedish pancakes, but I also loved the eggs benedict. There’s a small market and gas station across the street as well. Pets are welcome at Little River Inn for a $25/night fee, and parking on-site is free, as is WiFi.

From Little River, head up the coast past Mendocino to explore Eureka and the redwoods, or cut back to Highway 101 and back toward the Sonoma area if your trip takes you that way!

Disclosure: We were guests of the Little River Inn for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Where to stay in St. Louis: Drury Inn-Forest Park

June 5, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

St. Louis, Missouri is known around the Midwest as a great family destination because of the many free attractions it offers. You’ll need a few days to do justice to all the city has to offer. Wondering where to stay in St. Louis? While you’re in town, make the Drury Inn-Forest Park your home away from home. With its its proximity to a number of major attractions, the Drury-Forest Park offers much more than a comfortable place to sleep.

Room amenities at Drury Inn-Forest Park:

Our family was given spacious and exceptionally comfortable adjoining rooms, one of which was designed for guests in wheelchairs. Both bathrooms had handlebars in the bathtubs, but the accessible room had three. Each bed had four pillows of varying firmness to choose from. The rooms feature St. Louis images rather than generic artwork, and all the table lamps include extra outlets for charging electronic devices. We also had a safe, a microwave and a refrigerator in the rooms.

The Drury’s contribution to environmental stewardship involves permanent refillable shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispensers in the showers, which replace the single-night-sized bottles you find many places.

The hotel offers a 24-hour business center off the lobby, conference rooms, and free (open) wifi. There’s also a laundry room in the basement, and a climate-controlled garage beneath the hotel.

During our stay, we had a chance to visit with a family that has spent quite a bit of time in St. Louis for medical appointments and procedures. They told us the Drury-Forest Park is far and away their favorite place to stay.

What to do on site:

On site, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center with new, quiet machines. The indoor-outdoor pool opens at 9 a.m. It ranges from 3 to 5 feet, with a rubber divider separating the indoor from the outdoor sections. The deepest part is here at the center; it gets shallow again outside. The indoor portion includes a spacious deck, a hot tub, and a pool lift.

Off-site, the Drury-Forest Park is just over a mile away from Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair, whose zoo, science center, and museums have free admission. In the winter, there’s also ice skating in the park. The hotel is also a mile from “the Hill,” the historic neighborhood known for its authentic Italian restaurants and grocery stores. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, one of the top three public gardens in the world, is also nearby, and the downtown attractions are only six miles by interstate.

Read a review of the Missouri Botanical Gardens and FREE zoo!

Dining:

Free hotel breakfasts are becoming more common, but the Drury’s was among the more extensive we’ve experienced, adding flour tortillas and biscuits and gravy to the standard offerings. The Drury also offers “5:30 Kickback” in the afternoons, with a rotating menu that includes soup and salad along with more substantial fare. And don’t forget the popcorn and free soft drinks available until 10 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for sit-down food, try Bartolino’s restaurant, housed inside the hotel. Bartolino’s offers appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pastas at under $15.

Rates:

Rooms start as low as $129 in the off season and around $179 at peak times, but rates vary depending on the Cardinals schedule and other major events or festivals.

Location:

The Drury Inn-Forest Park is located at 2111 Sulphur Avenue, in St. Louis, Missouri, close to Forest Park as well as St. Louis’ famous “Hill” area and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Our family stayed at the Drury Inn-Forest Park as guests of Explore St. Louis in return for an honest review.

Panama City hotel review: What to expect at the Bristol Panama

April 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Before we began our epic Uncruise adventure through Panama and Costa Rica, we arrived in Panama City exhausted after 24 hours of travel. The Bristol Panama provided for us a very soft landing. Primarily a business hotel located in the heart of the financial district, the Bristol has pros and cons for pre-cruise tourists. I’ll do my best to explain these in this Panama City hotel review.

What we loved about our overnight at the Bristol Panama:

The Bristol is a luxury hotel that will provide families with all the comforts appreciated after a long travel day (or days). The lobby is spacious and elegant, there is air-conditioning throughout, the water is potable, and the first desk staff all speak English, which certainly makes things easier when you’re tired or jet-lagged.

Our standard room (called ‘deluxe’) was spacious, comfortable, and on par with US hotels in a much more expensive category (the room rate at the Bristol during the time of our stay was a reasonable $150/night US). We enjoyed an oversized walk-in shower, luxury bathroom amenities, free WiFi, and a minibar.

When we arrived at about 4 pm, we were hot, tired, and sticky from the Panama City humidity, and quickly found our way to the outdoor rooftop lap pool and lounge area located on the 4th floor of the Bristol. While small, this pool was just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Adjacent is a well-equipped exercise room, and the outdoor lounge area provides chairs and couches to enjoy city views.

We had arrived too late in the day for much city exploration, so we opted to eat in the on-site restaurant, Salsipuedes. Since our son was ready for bed, we made a stop at the 5th floor lounge for cocktails for mom and dad and a burger for him, so he could go back to the room before we enjoyed a more leisurely meal. While our dinner at Salsipuedes was very nice, we ended up preferring the lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Panama City. The service was a bit slow, but we didn’t care; the drinks were refreshing and the staff made an extra effort to get our son the burger he wanted.

Note: the lounge also offers a breakfast buffet in the morning, which at the time of our visit was $10/pp and WELL worth it.

What was missing at the Bristol:

Due to its location in the financial district, the Bristol is not conducive to exploring Casco Viejo or other tourist areas of the city. This was a disappointment to us; in pre-trip research, it appeared we could simply take a taxi from the hotel to visit the old town, but in reality, traffic in downtown Panama City limited us severely. We were told it was virtually impossible to travel through the dense traffic in the time period we had free to explore the city (4 pm-7 pm), which grounded us at the hotel.

Since we were tired and happy to have a comfortable place to stay for our sole night before embarking on the Panama Canal, this wasn’t a huge deal, but if we were in Panama City to explore the options there for any length of time, we would have opted for a hotel away from the financial district.

Note: we did attempt a walk through the neighborhood near the Bristol, and had several restaurants recommended to us in walking distance, but found that with constant construction and traffic, it wasn’t an ideal pedestrian location.

While the Bristol does offer a concierge on-site, the desk was not manned during our stay, and the front desk attendant did not seem comfortable giving us specific tourism recommendations. It should be noted, however, that the taxi ride from the airport was only about 25 minutes.

Airport hotel tip: Red Roof PLUS+ review

January 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

While destination resorts and luxury properties may be fun to write about (and read about), it’s just as important to know about quality hotels for road trips and airport layovers. We have our go-to brands we trust, which now includes Red Roof PLUS+.

You’ve heard of Red Roof Inns…the Red Roof PLUS+ category is just that…a Red Roof Inn with more. They include amenities you won’t see at many economical hotels, like high end bedding and mattresses, enhanced lighting, spacious bathrooms, and extra seating…basically upgraded everything.

Even more important to me when I travel, the PLUS+ category always has min-fridges and microwaves in their premium rooms. Ditto for free WIFI. Basically, seeing the PLUS+ sign is an easy way to be sure of quality before you arrive at the hotel property.

Our reviewer checked out the Red Roof PLUS+ property at Boston Logan airport after an international flight. She found all the amenities listed to be as advertised, but the best part of her stay was the guest service. They came into the hotel lobby tired and travel-worn, and were grateful for a seamless check-in experience. It could be argued that every hotel brand should strive to have the best possible service in all their hotels, but for what it’s worth, Red Roof PLUS+ promises enhanced costumer service at their PLUS+ properties.

Right now, Red Roof has PLUS+ properties in 20 states, but they’re expanding quickly. If you decide to try a PLUS+ property during your next layover or road trip, check out the promotion below:

Red Roof has opened their 500th inn and 50th Red Roof PLUS+ location in the U.S.! To celebrate, they are offering travelers some great incentives including 500 RediCard bonus points. Here’s how it works: sign up for Red Roof’s loyalty program, RediCard, and register for the 500^th Property Promotion to get rewarded. Guests will earn 500 bonus points on their first stay when staying at any Red Roof location from January 15 to February 28, 2017.