Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale Arizona- August 2011

We stayed at the Westin Kierland Villas for one week, in a 2 bedroom Lockoff unit. We are Starwood owners and the Westin Villas make you feel like coming home. They have all you need to make your vacation as comfortable and relaxing as is possible. The rooms are beautifully appointed with a clean contemporary feel. The Heavenly beds are just that... heavenly. The most comfortabel hotel beds I have ever slept on. The staff at the resort are top notch. They are friendly and accomodating, from the front desk staff, to the bellmen, to the activity staff at the pool. The young men and women working the pools are some of the hardest working kids I have ever come across. My children were always entertained. They had movies by the pool, dive stick, cannonball, belly flop, and slide race contests. They truly showed how much they like working with kids of all ages.
The pools are beautiful at the Villas as well as the resort, which is a short walk away. There are servers at the pool to bring drinks and food from the restaurants but also individuals who will bring a carafe or pitcher of ice cold water whenever you need, free of charge, Nice touch, Westin. In the heat of the day... it was so refreshing.
We stocked our fridge on the first day, by going to the Safeway just down the road from the resort. We did mostly breakfasts and a few lunches in the room. We went out to dinner each night. We used the shuttle to go to the Kierland Commons and ate at Tommy Bahamas. Excellent meal had by all. Great shuttle service. Just call when you want to be picked up.
Many nice memories were had and we truly felt comfortable and relaxed here. Like I said, it felt like home.

Room Tip: We were in building 1. I liked this alot, close to all: pools, marketplace, lobby.

Photo Book

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The Palazzo Las Vegas Resort and Casino

We stayed at the Palazzo for 3 nights from June 1-4. We arrived at 1pm and were able to check in right away. We had a luxury suite on the 42 floor, with a partial strip view and a view of the Las Vegas Mountains. gorgeous during the day, spectacular at night. The suite was very spacious and luxurious. The room was spotless for the most part, except for some suspicious stains on the sofa. Velvet was probably not the best choice of upholstery for a hotel room in Las Vegas. Everything else was perfect. Be careful not to touch the candy at the minibar. They are located on sensors and you will be charged just for picking them up and not replacing them fast enough. $9.00 for a $0.75 bag of peanut M&Ms. If you need candy, go to Walgreens downstairs.
The beds were extremely comfortable and clean. Mattresses looked brand new. There is a card in the room that you can put on your bed to have your linen changed daily, otherwise it is routinely changed every 3 days. The hotel has won many green awards. The only problem was our shower was not very green conscious. The water pressure could remove your skin. It actually hurt. I am sure it was broken, as the other couple we travelled with had not problems with their shower. But if that was my only complaint, it's really no big deal.
The Palazzo has a fantastic pool area. There are so many pools to choose from, between the Palazzo and the Venetian. The pool lounges have cushions on them and are extremely comfortable. Wednesday and Thursday, you could find a chair easily, in the sun and near the pool. Friday afternoon was a little harder as it became more crowded, but we still found seats. The pools were a nice temperature.
The crowds at the pool varied in age. The main pools had a nice relaxing vibe, but if you wanted to party, Tao Beach was fantastic. Great music, good drinks. A little pricy, but worth it. No cover for Tao Beach on Wednesday and Thursday. Photo ID needed for entry. Azure at the Pool opened on Friday and ladies were free, guys $10. Ok Atmosphere , but all seats were reserved already when I got there. We got pizza at Solaro, by Wolfgang Puck at the pool. Pretty decent Pizza. We ate at Grand Luxe Cafe, great food.
The Palazzo connects to the Venetian, and the feel of the whole resort is luxurious. The gondola ride was undergoing some repair, so the outside portion was closed. We chose not to go on the shorter ride, but many people did, and looked like they enjoyed it.
The staff at the Palazzo were professional and friendly. The desk staff were courteous and accommodating. I loved having my boarding pass printed for me on check out. Nice touch, Thanks. They do charge $17 plus tax for use of fitness center and for internet access. Pricy, but we paid. The table staff were entertaining and funny. Cynthia at the Roulette table was my favorite. A real doll. Also, got $15 in slot play for signing up for Grazie online before I left home, and won a few dollars more. Overall I was up $240.00.
I would totally stay at Palazzo again.

Why Use a Travel Agent

What a Travel Agent Can Provide You
Expert guidance - With years of industry experience, we have both the knowledge and firsthand experience to help you decide which destination or resort is best for you. We can provide you with a wide variety of travel options from a number of different travel suppliers to countless popular destinations. Plus, we have all the travel information you need - from the best attractions to see, the most exciting activities to do, and the most affordable way to get there...we've got it covered!
Value - We understand that you may feel limited by your vacation budget. That's why we're dedicated to helping you receive the best possible value. Best of all, you'll receive all of our professional guidance at no extra cost!
Personalized service - As your personal Travel Agent, we'll devote time and effort to making sure you're happy with your travel options. If you need any assistance, we're just a phone call or e-mail away, so you'll receive the immediate attention you not only need, but also deserve.
Customer advocate - In the rare case that something on your trip doesn't go as planned, we'll be here to resolve the problem, so you can relax and enjoy.
Time savings - We know exactly where to go to get the information that you need and can find your travel options within seconds. Planning a vacation with us will save you both time and money because with some effort and organization, we'll handle all your travel arrangements.
Unbiased information - You can be assured that we'll do our best to make your travel experience as wonderful as possible. When you book travel through us, we work for you - not the travel supplier, so our main concern is always you and your unique needs.

Timeshare/Rental Home vs. All Inlcusive/Cruise

     When making a vacation decision, you need to know what kind of vacation
you are looking for. When thinking of  a Vacation Rental you need to
realize it will not be a work free vacation. (You may need to pack more
supplies, like linens and such for a rental home.)  There is usually grocery
shopping, laundry and general housekeeping involved.Timeshare rentals
will provide linens and a once weekly housekeeping visit. These may be cons,
 if you are in need of a totally relaxing vacation. You will also, most likely,
 need to rent a car to get around.
     There are pros to a vacation rental as well. There is usually more space and
more privacy for your family. There are usually separate bedrooms and you
may have multiple bathrooms. You can save money by cooking some
meals in your own kitchen, and eat out when you choose.
     However, if you are in need of a stress free, hassle free vacation, with
luxury amenities and pampering, think of an all inclusive trip or a cruise.
     At an All inclusive resort, all you meals, drinks, activities and
entertainment and kids activities, are included in your price. You can eat
and drink all day and not pay a penny more. (Unless you choose to tip
 a small amount for exceptional service). Some resorts include excursions,
 some do not.
     When booking a cruise, know that all meals are included, but drinks are not.
You will also be responsible for gratuities and if you choose to take excursions.
With cruises kids activities, and nightly entertainment are included. Cruises have
 many daily activities to keep you busy if you want to participate. You can do
as much or as little as you want. There are many different types of cruises and
cruise lines to choose from.
    Look below at my pictures from some cruise vacations, all inclusive resorts
and from our timeshare trips. I love all three types. It just depends on what I am
looking to do on my vacation. If looking for an adventurous trip or theme park
type vacation, the timeshare/rental makes sense to me. When I just need time to
relax and unwind without having to cook meals, do laundry or make a bed,
I look for All inclusive and Cruises.
    All three types are good for small families, couples and large groups.
If doing a large group in a rental, make sure you do not overbook the rental.
The caretaker will usually make sure the amount of people does not exceed,
accommodation limits.
Call me or email me any questions you may have, and I will help you decide
which vacation is right for you.

Hotel Marina El Cid- All Inclusive

Hotel Marina El Cid- All Inclusive

Hotel Marina El Cid- All Inclusive



Carnival Miracle-Family Group Cruise



Carnival Miracle-NYC

Carnival Miracle- Grand Turk

Carnival Miracle- Grand Turk

Carnival Imagination

Carnival Imagination

Carnival Imagination

Carnival Imagination

Hyatt Coconut Plantation/ 2BR timeshare

Hyatt Coconut Plantation/ 2BR timeshare

Lazy River pool Hyatt Coconut Plantation

Trolley/ Hyatt Coconut Plantation

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas... True Hawaiian paradise

We stayed at the Westin Kaanapali Villas for 1 week arriving Feb 18th. We stayed in a one Bedroom Premium Villa. It is a beautiful resort, with a wonderful staff. Our room was well appointed and beautifully decorated. The Heavenly Beds are extremely comfortable and the kids slept well on the sofa bed. We asked for bathrobes and a comforter for the sofa bed, all were provided promptly. No request was ever met with a poor attitude. Nothing was too much for the staff to provide. We had a mid-week cleaning as timeshare owners, and the staff did a great job.

The grounds a pools are gorgeous and well maintained. The resort is split up into 2 sections, but feels like one resort. Both lobbies are beautiful with plenty of staff to answer questions about the resort or excursions.

The beach is spectacular with excellent snorkeling right off the beach. Renting beach chairs and umbrellas is expensive. We did it one day, it cost $40 for 2 chairs and an umbrella. The next day we got beach mats in Lahaina for $1.49. We took them to the beach at the resort and elsewhere on the island, when we went exploring.

Thanks to the Westin for making us feel like we were coming home each day. We cannot wait to return to Maui and this beautiful resort.