All-New Sounds of the Season Concert Series joins Christmas at Gaylord Palms Lineup!

Holiday concerts during December will feature local performance groups inside the resort’s signature atrium.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – (October 13, 2017) – Christmas at Gaylord Palms will welcome much joyful noise this holiday season with the new Sounds of the Season Concert Series featuring a capella concerts from Gaylord Palms STARS (resort staff), Orlando Gay Chorus and local group Voctave, along with a very special collaboration between Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic and the Orlando Ballet. All performances will be onstage in the grand St. Augustine Atrium and will include a special concert patron-exclusive visit to the resort’s popular ICE! attraction after the performance. Tickets for each concert start at $29.99, plus tax and fees.

MEXICO - El Cid Resorts Announces its Newest Luxury Property in Cancún Riviera Maya

Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort Cancún Riviera Maya is set to open this November

CANCUN, México – El Cid Resorts, a staple of México's hospitality and cultural experiences, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated debut of its new, all-inclusive property, Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort Cancún Riviera Maya, set to open its doors in November 2017.  This next generation resort is El Cid's seventh property in México, and follows the success of its sister property, Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort, also in Cancún Riviera Maya, along with several other properties located in Mazatlán and Cozumel.

Situated along the coast between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, this modern beachfront property boasts 290 luxury designed suites with private balconies, each ranging from 575 to 2,854 sq. ft. Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort also has an expansive full-service spa, a 2,088 sq. ft fitness center, two infinity pools, a 3,675 sq. ft. main pool with children areas, two adult-only jacuzzis, gourmet eateries, state-of-the-art convention centers and five beautiful wedding venue options.

ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL CLUB AND LODGE CELEBRATES EXCELLENT FALL COURSE CONDITIONS AND GOLF TRAVEL VALUES

ORLANDO, FL – October, 2017 –  Sunny skies, green fairways and perfect course conditions have returned and are being enjoyed by Florida residents and those who love visiting our popular state. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge is welcoming golfers back to enjoy the highly coveted Championship Course, the home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, presented by mastercard.   If you have dreamed of walking the same fairways the PGA TOUR professionals play, you can check this one off your Bucket List.  Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge has announced the 2017 Fall Bucket List Golf Package, which includes a comfortable lodge guest room, full breakfast, and one round of championship golf.  The Bucket List Package is offered from $253 per person, per night based on double occupancy, making it surprisingly affordable to plan your trip to this legendary venue.   The package is available now thru December 22, 2017.  Reservations can be made by calling (888) 422-9445 or visiting www.bayhill.com.  (Applicable taxes not included.)

CALIFORNIA - THIS HALLOWEEN, SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE SAN FRANCISCO DUNGEON… IF YOU DARE

Booking.com to Offer Exclusive Overnight Accommodations in the Underground Attraction’s “Ghosts of Alcatraz Suite”

SAN FRANCISCO (October 2017) – This October, The San Francisco Dungeon and Booking.com are offering the ultimate Halloween sleepover experience. Brave souls can book a private one-night stay in the popular underground attraction on Monday, Oct. 30 or Tuesday, Oct. 31. Accommodations include an overnight stay in the chilling “Ghosts of Alcatraz Suite.” The price? $666 per night for up to four people. Reservations will be accepted starting Friday, Oct. 13 at 10:13 a.m. EST at Booking.com and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The San Francisco Dungeon, located on Fisherman’s Wharf, offers a unique journey through the Bay Area’s hysterically horrible past. And on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, after the lights go down on the daily interactive shows, a few (un)lucky guests can slumber amongst the chilling darkness and haunting walls of the attraction’s authentically reproduced Alcatraz jail cell.

FLORIDA - Florida Keys Open to Visitors, KeysCaribbean Resorts Offer Post-Irma ‘Keys Strong’ Special

KEY LARGO, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2017) – The Florida Keys are open to visitors on Oct. 1 and KeysCaribbean Luxury Resort Villas & Marinas in the Keys are offering a post-Irma “Keys Strong” special: now through Dec. 21, 2017, visitors will receive 25 percent off of the resorts’ best available rate with a three-night minimum (some restrictions apply) by using the promotional code KEYS.

KeysCaribbean Resort Villas fortunately suffered little to no damage from Hurricane Irma. Luxury resorts managed by KeysCaribbean in the Florida Keys include:

• Mariner’s Resort Villas & Marina in Key Largo
• Angler’s Reef Resort Villas & Marina in Islamorada
• Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina in Marathon
• Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina in Marathon
• Village at Hawks Cay Villas & Marina in Duck Key

CALIFORNIA - The Clement Palo Alto Offers Guests ‘A Suite Deal’ with Special Extras Package Through Dec. 15th

PALO ALTO, CA. (Sept. 29, 2017) — Guests at The Clement Palo Alto Hotel can now get a sweet deal when they book one of their luxurious suites through Dec. 15, enjoying extra room, extra comforts and extra amenities.

Guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, attentive personalized service and an amazing local dining scene at the 23-suite luxury hotel And now with “A Suite Deal” Package, they can enjoy even more.

A Suite Deal
Our guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, attentive personalized service and an amazing local dining scene when staying at The Clement Hotel. And now when you book one of our luxurious suites through December 15th, you’ll enjoy extra room, extra comforts and extra amenities.

ALLIGATOR BAY RUM HIGHLIGHTS GOURMET FIVE-COURSE DINNER AT MISSION INN RESORT

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2017) –The Mission Inn Resort & Club will showcase Alligator Bay Rums of Punta Gorda, Florida, at a gourmet five-course dinner prepared by the resort’s Executive Chef Billy Connolly, on September 30.     

Rum distiller Alexander Voss will guest host the spirited evening to showcase Alligator Bay’s traditional handcrafted collection of white, coconut, gold, and dark rums artfully paired with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.    

FLORIDA - PGA National Resort & Spa Announces Fall Golf Vacation Packages

Highlights Include Five Championship Courses, First-Class Amenities, Deluxe Accommodations 

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort & Spa – the world-class vacation, meetings and golf destination – announces a trio of golf packages ideal for fun and relaxing fall getaways in South Florida.

PGA National is a golf lover’s dream. The legendary locale offers 90 holes of high-caliber golf on five courses including the famed Champion Course, home to the popular PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and several Senior PGA Championships. The resort’s superb Palmer Course reopens Nov. 1 after undergoing a renovation over the summer.

REVIEW - Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club and Tarpon Springs

Just about two hours from Orlando, on Florida's Gulf Coast, lays the tiny little Greek-infused coastal village of Tarpon Springs. Following its founding in 1887, Greek sponge divers brought Tarpon Springs to life in the early 1900s, centered around the thriving area known as the Sponge Docks along the Anclote River. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld Now Open

LBA Hospitality now serving Orlando visitors with numerous amenities and stellar hospitality

WHAT: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld, managed by LBA Hospitality and owned by Mandala Holdings, is now open in the heart of the city’s magical attractions. Located across the street from SeaWorld® Orlando and right around the corner from Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, the hotel will serve travelers the utmost in hospitality in the city known as the number one meeting destination in the U.S. and the location for a record of 68 million visitors last year.

As an all-suites hotel, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld consists of 6 floors with 188 rooms featuring full kitchens, kids’ suites, an outdoor pool, an on-site fitness center, a business center, free continental breakfast and concierge. In addition, as an Official Hotel of SeaWorld, guests at the property will also have exclusive park benefits at SeaWorld and Aquatica including complimentary transportation, and discounts on merchandise and culinary purchases in the parks.

Seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels In The Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida Offering Special “Fall into the Magic” Rates from August 7-October 9

. . . Special hotel room rates provide a great way to take in

the new Pandora – The World of Avatar® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park,

the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival,

and the many new offerings at the significantly expanded Disney Springs®

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (July 2017) – There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida this summer and fall, such as the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot®, Eat to the Beat Concert Series atEpcot®, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom® Park, and Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It also is a great time to see the incredible all-new Pandora – The World of Avatar®, which just opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and to experience the significantly expanded Disney Springs®.

A great way to experience these events and new offerings is by taking advantage of the special “Fall into the Magic” room rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels for stays from August 7-October 9, 2017. In addition to the outstanding special events, the special hotel rates provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks atDisney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris^® and the nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom^® Theme Park; and also new this summer Happily Ever After, the largest projection and fireworks show in Magic Kingdom® Park history.

GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO INTRODUCES TEACHER APPRECIATION RATE

Special Savings For Teachers Available 

At Luxury Orlando Hotels

ORLANDO, FL (July 11, 2017) — In recognition of their valuable contributions throughout the school year, Grande Lakes Orlando has just introduced a Teacher Appreciation rate.

Grande Lakes Orlando is the perfect summer destination for teachers to take a break from the ABCs and 123s and relax on over 500 acres of the most enchanting natural surroundings in Florida. Teachers and their families will revel in easy access to all of the magical attractions of Orlando as well as a plethora of on-property diversions including golf, spa treatments, land and water activities at Grande Lakes Sports (mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, flightseeing, and more) as well as the simple pleasures of spending an afternoon in the lazy-river outdoor heated pool.

REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

I can genuinely appreciate an array of hotels and resorts, as most really do have the potential to appeal - it's just a matter of finding those qualities that make it awesome, or seeking out the advantages it has over other locations. Every now and then however, you stumble upon something that takes absolutely no effort to appreciate, and no narrowed audience to uncover. That is the case with our latest Summer Series Spotlight Resort - Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress! Covering a vast 1,500 acre site, bustling with lush gardens and tropical features, the resort boasts 815 non-smoking guest rooms and suites with views overlooking Lake Windsong or the half-acre pool. Opened in 1984, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress underwent a $30 million renovation in 2013.

Click on any image for full-size

The wow factor is in full effect from the moment you drive up, and it kicks into high-gear as soon you enter the lobby. The main building is just stunning. It's an open-air atrium, awash in natural light. The elevators are walled in glass, allowing for tremendous views all the way up and down the building. Contemporary lighting and decor add just the right level of POP and style to every nook, cranny and landing.

Guests are offered a glass of champagne at check-in, providing the perfect excuse to roam the lobby for a cozy place to lounge out and soak it all in. Ample seating options beckon to locales flanked with fountains, televisions, lounges (of which there are three on-site, by the way), lush greenery, and a few other surprises.

LBA Hospitality Launches Two Brand-New Orlando Hotels

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld and 

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld slated to open this summer

ORLANDO, FLA. (JUNE 28, 2017) — Expanding hospitality options for Orlando’s many visitors this summer, LBA Hospitality will open TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld properties in the heart of the city’s magical attractions. Adding more than 125 local jobs and more than 350 new guest rooms at the intersection of International Drive and Central Florida Parkway, the two properties are located close to the city’s most popular attractions, including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.

REVIEW: The Florida Hotel - Orlando

This "Spring/Summer Series" spotlight takes us back to our home turf in Orlando. Originally opened as a Crown Plaza more than thirty years ago, The Florida Hotel is a 511-room facility with the distinction of being recognized by TripAdvisor as Orlando's "Friendliest Hotel". 

The Florida Hotel is anchored to The Florida Mall - a nearly two million square foot, indoor, shopping center that is home to a wide variety of retailers, dining establishments, and unique attractions like The Crayola Experience and M&M World. Designated parking is fenced off and separated within the mall parking lot. Valet parking is available for $20 per night. The hotel's location is more centralized than the majority of the area's accommodations - nearer to the airport than most tourist zones, but still within 15-25 minutes of our theme parks and the culture-rich downtown district.

Seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels In The Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida Offering Special “Big Summer Savings” Promotion

. . . Offer provides a great way to take in the new  

Pandora – The World of Avatar® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park,

and the many new offerings at the significantly expanded Disney Springs®

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (June 2017) – In celebration of the opening of the incredible all-new land Pandora – World of Avatar®, which just opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, the seven Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels just launched an appealing new promotion that can provide a savings of up to 30% off regular room rates. The “Big Summer Savings” promotion is a 4-day/4-night package which includes accommodations for 4 nights plus a 4-Park Magic Ticket to enjoy one admission to each of the 4 Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks for 4 days. The promotion is available for travel through September 30, 2017, but must be booked by July 30, 2017.

FLORIDA - THE ATLANTIC HOTEL AND SPA TO OFFER 72-HOUR CYBER SUMMER FLASH SALE

Hello, Summer Sale will run from June 21 to June 23

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (June 13, 2017) – The Atlantic Hotel and Spa, Fort Lauderdale’s boutique oceanfront property, will kick off the first day of summer with the Hello, Summer Sale – a 72-hour Cyber Flash Sale inviting guests to book at a 35 percent discount on stays though October 31, 2017. The Hello, Summer sale will run from June 21, beginning at 12 a.m. (EST) until June 23 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Guests can save big on booking a luxurious suite or studio at The Atlantic Hotel with rates starting as low as $130 per night.

By booking a stay at The Atlantic Hotel, guests can look forward to an unparalleled oceanfront summer escape overlooking miles of sun-splashed golden beaches making it a perfect destination for tourists and locals alike. Guests can relax in oversized, elegant studios and suites with private, spacious balconies featuring breathtaking views of the ocean, Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Intracoastal Waterway.

NEW YORK - DRINK AND DECORATE: Wine Tasting and Decorating Trail Leaves Guests with a Festive Holiday Wreath

The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast provides the first ornament then guests sip their way to a wreath full of trinkets at the “Fineries at the Wineries” event this holiday season along the Shawangunk Wine Trail 

SALISBURY MILLS, NY /June 13, 2017 _ Are you up to the taste and decorate challenge? Each year the Shawangunk Wine Trail puts together its popular "Fineries at the Wineries" event where visitors get to sample wines at area wineries and accumulate trinkets to end their adventure with a fully trimmed holiday wreath. Now the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast, located amid the region, will give guests a head start with a unique ornament.

“This is an extremely popular event in the lower Hudson Valley and tickets go very quickly,” said Dena Finneran, who co-owns the award-winning country inn with her husband John. “We wanted to give our guests something extra special to set their wreaths apart.”  

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT FUELS ITS UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH WITH NEW AND HIGHLY IMMERSIVE GUEST EXPERIENCES

Coming 2018: Fast & Furious Supercharged and 

Universal's Aventura Hotel

Get a Sneak Peek at Universal's Aventura Hotel
with this 360-degree Virtual Tour 

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 5, 2017) - A revolutionary water theme park has risen at Universal Orlando Resort. The recent opening of Universal's Volcano Bay marks the next chapter in the award-winning vacation destination's evolution. An all-encompassing, three-park destination, Universal Orlando continues to create authentic, next-level guest experiences in a way that no one else can.

Universal Orlando is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family, which has invested significantly in the destination's unprecedented growth. In just seven years, 25 new experiences - entire themed areas, attractions,  restaurants, and hotels - have been added across the destination.

And there's even more on the way. This growth will continue through 2017 and beyond, with the now open expansion of the retro-themed Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a new action-packed ride experience based on The Fast & Furious, one of the most popular film franchises of all time, and the destination's sixth on-site hotel, Universal's Aventura Hotel.

Destination: Clearwater - East Shore Resort

This year's "Spring/Summer Series" ventures beyond our Orlando borders to explore some nearby destinations to consider when you need a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. You may be surprised to discover a whole new world just a short drive from theme park paradise. Speaking of paradise... we discovered a nice little slice of it, less than two hours west of Orlando, in Clearwater Beach!

It's immediately obvious how Clearwater Beach earned its name... crystal clear waters. Paired with that pure white, soft Gulf Coast sand, it's the kind of combination that you just can't resist. Growing up in Texas, I have always had a special love for Gulf Coast beaches, so this was a sight to behold!