Idaho vacation pick: Hotel McCall review

We really enjoy vacationing in Idaho, both in summer and winter. Like Wyoming and Utah, this state continues to surprise us with awesomeness. Most recently, we took a six-day vacation rafting the Salmon River with O.A.R.S. rafting, which put us in scenic McCall, Idaho pre and post-trip. I've visited McCall many years ago while in college, and remembered a fun and lively lake town. McCall is still … [Read more...]

Branson Landing review: a stay at Hilton Promenade

Branson, Missouri is the 25th most visited family destination in the US. With wholesome shows rivaling Broadway quality, the natural attraction of the Ozarks, and lots of dining and shopping, we think it gets this top 25 distinction from it's ability to offer something to almost everyone, and its drivable location in the lower midwest.   If you're planning a trip to Branson, you … [Read more...]

Springfield Missouri lodging picks: Ramada Plaza Hotel and Hotel Vandivort

This post is truly a tale of two hotels. Families finding themselves in Springfield, Missouri can choose from a fairly standard array of motels and hotels, or they can pick between two unique choices: the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center for family-friendliness or the new Hotel Vandivort for boutique downtown chic. If I could, I'd squish together the best amenities and features at … [Read more...]

Hotel Vintage Portland: Portland hotel review

I first visited Hotel Vintage Portland a few years ago, when it was known as the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If it was cool then, which it was, it’s even cooler now. This Kimpton hotel has undergone a major redesign, completely remodeling its common spaces and rooms. On our visit to conduct a Portland hotel review a few days after the relaunch, the Vintage Portland was pleasantly busy on a … [Read more...]

The Riverhouse, Bend: a moderate hotel option

Bend Oregon is a four-season destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. We love to visit in winter to ski Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, and in summer to hike, mountain bike, and river raft on the Deschutes. Usually, a trip to Bend necessitates a 2-3 night stay, for which we recommend one of its top-tier resorts such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Brasada Ranch. … [Read more...]

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

A wellness resort that works for family travel? Yep, we’ve found one. Carlsbad California’s Omni La Costa is one part golf and tennis resort, one part spa retreat, yet somehow, 90% family-focused. Those familiar with the Omni brand will understand how we arrived at this conclusion, but for everyone else, let’s break it down. The Omni La Costa is a sprawling resort located in the hills about … [Read more...]

Lake Placid lodging: Crowne Plaza Resort

My family and I have visited Lake Placid in late summer, and although we have a great time kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, I continually thought to myself “OK, but I really need to come back in the winter!” Well, the snow fell, and we headed back to the Adirondacks last February, this time for some skiing and snowshoeing. Because Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympic games (1932 and … [Read more...]

Where to stay in DC: Grand Hyatt Washington

Wondering where to stay in DC?  We love Grand Hyatt hotels. When budget allows, the Grand Hyatt option ensures great service and even better amenities. (Check out our additional Grand Hyatt reviews for Seattle, San Diego, and Kauai.) Grand Hyatt Washington is no exception. With a great location on H Street (five blocks from the Mall and four from the White House), a Metro stop in the building, … [Read more...]

Top 5 family-friendly Washington DC hotels

Washington DC and Disney World have something in common: both destinations require a lot of walking. And I mean, a lot. But here's where they differ (aside from the obvious): approximately 90% of kid-friendly attractions in Washington DC are free. Try getting that deal at Disney! Why do I make this unlikely comparison? To emphasize the importance of picking the right Washington DC hotel. Without a … [Read more...]

Coast Medicine Hat Hotel review

If you’re road tripping through Medicine Hat, Alberta, as we did last May, you’ll want to stop for the night at a clean, comfortable, affordable hotel with the perks we all look for in an overnight stop: free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking! The Coast Medicine Hat Hotel fits the bill, and we always trust the Coast name. Located in the centre of town, the Coast Medicine Hat is in walking … [Read more...]