Tag: hipmunk

Hipmunk Hotels: Spending Fall in Virginia Cities Like Richmond, Harrisonburg, and More

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was originally publishing on The Girl and Globe by Becky on September 12, 2016

Fall in Virginia is the best time to visit. The state bursts with natural color, events, weather too good to be true. I’m lucky enough to take advantage of weekend getaways, but it’s worth the trip even if you fly in.

TRICK OR TREAT IN RICHMOND’S FAN

As a former resident of “The Fan” neighborhood in Richmond, I can attest that most area residents are college students or adults without children. You’d think that means Halloween trick or treating is a quiet event…and it is, for the most part. The exception is on Hanover Avenue and Strawberry Street where junior terrors and princesses are high on sugar. The haunted homes, fall harvest scenes, and other elaborate decorations are worth seeing. You’ll want hotels in Richmond in walking distance, like The Museum District Bed and Breakfast.

CHEER ON HARRISONBURG’S HOME TEAM

jmu football

Photo by Smackk via Wikimedia

Football in Virginia is a thing. Until I moved here, I wasn’t aware that college football is so popular. Everyone is loyal to the local schools! JMU — that’s James Madison University, if you don’t follow sports — is in Harrisonburg and definitely a Virginia favorite. If you’re attending a game, be sure to book Harrisonburg hotels in advance. Not only do they sell out, but deals disappear quickly.

SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

Head north to Arlington County, a part of Virginia that visitors can’t tell if it’s a home for D.C.-commuters or Virginia locals (don’t worry, you’re correct either way). With comfortable temperatures in September, it’s the perfect time of year for outdoor movies at the Crystal Screen. Show up at sundown on Tuesday evenings for movies like Bottle Shock,Chocolat, and Sideways. I’ve stayed at a handful of Arlington hotels, and the Hilton Crystal City is my favorite that’s still walking distance to the event.

WASHINGTON D.C. AMENITIES OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL

Reston is this weird part of Virginia that I haven’t figured out yet, but it’s a great base for visiting Fairfax County. Hotels in Reston put you in spitting distance of the Frying Pan Farm Park, for fall carnival weekends and Sunday evening bluegrass. Head east to Wolf Trap National Park for live performances or west to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Udvar-Hazy Center. If you’re the type of traveler who normally heads straight from Dulles airport to Washington D.C., it’s time to take the scenic route.

COME TO ALEXANDRIA WEEKEND AFTER WEEKEND

mount vernon trail

Photo by Discol via Wikimedia

Old Town Alexandria is a treat to visit all year-long, but in fall, I can’t get enough. First there’s the King Street Art Festival (a shopping and decorating paradise for a new homeowner like me!). After that is Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour and a chance to snoop around George Washington’s former home. By the time those weekends are over, you’ll be back for leaf peeping and bike riding the Mount Vernon Trail and ghost tours in Old Town Alexandria. Sounds like a good excuse to be a regular at hotels in Alexandria!

I always think Virginia’s worth a visit, but without a doubt, autumn is a great time to come.

Unique Destination in California

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

California is an anomaly, expensive and a little pretentious, but the amazing weather, the unique destinations, and the cultural attractions make for a pleasant place to visit.

The Gold Rush

 

Image provided by Rick Barlupi via Trover.com.

Casinos have come a long way, and the Gold Country Casino & Hotel has the right mix of old and new. The hotel offers spacious rooms with soaking tubs, a comfortable size for long-term stays. The Casino includes four on-site restaurants, gaming, and meeting rooms. Don’t spend all your time in the hotel. Get out and explore Oroville. The Chinese Temple, built in 1863, is a museum and worship center that celebrates the 10,000 Chinese immigrants that came to Oroville in search of gold. Let’s hope I’m half as lucky in hitting the jackpot.

Beautiful Desert

Image provided by Paige Spee vial Trover.com.

South of Los Angeles, in the middle of the desert, is the wealthy retreat of Palm Springs. Luxury Hotels with high-price rooms pepper the landscape. If like me you’re on a budget, check out the Caliente Tropics Hotel. Besides having a cool name, it boasts a fresh, rustic, beachy, vacation vibe. Enjoy a tropical drink in your own private cabana. Cool down in the resort pools and make time to explore the city center of Palm Springs, a short stroll from the hotel.

Luxury Desert

If you have a little more in the bank, check into the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. The Hard Rock is a mini version of a Las Vegas casino, with all the same amenities. Their signature restaurant, Simon Kitchen + Bar, focuses on local cuisine. Book some time at the renowned Rock Spa, which combines the music theme with desert rich treatments. The casino is a venue for local and international musical acts throughout the year. Hard Rock is minutes away from the Aerial Tram that offers sky-high views of beautiful Palm Springs.

Relaxing Oasis

On my bucket list is the Coachella music festival, now a stay at this hip hotel brings my dream even closer. A few nights at the V Palm Springs is the perfect pre- or post-festival retreat. A comfortable, yet modern hotel it features calming desert inspired decor and sleek dark wood accents. The sophisticated vibe isn’t fussy or pretentious. With two outdoor pools and the Elixir Restaurant, where non-hotel guests are seeking reservations, the V is a destination.

Beach Retreat

Image provided by Adventure Never Ends via Trover.com.

You can’t go to California and not spend time at the beach. A little out of the way on the 101, sits Pismo Beach. In the middle of Dinosaur Caves Park is Pismo Lighthouse Suites. This hotel is an experience. With its nautical theme and location, you get caught up in the beauty and tranquility of the water. It’s an all-suite hotel, perfect for large families and extended stays. Within walking distance is the Price Historic Park, the perfect place to absorb Pismo history. Most rooms offer a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, and the white sand beach is only a few steps away.

What’s on your California trip list? 

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Great Budget Midwest Accommodation in Branson, Fort Wayne, Cleveland and More

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was originally published on Go See Write by Michael Hodson.

Budget

The Midwest is a beautiful area of the country that has a wealth of different options for those who are looking for a destination for their next vacation. From the Ozark Mountains to the cosmopolitan cities, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from outdoor pursuits to glamorous stage shows. If you are looking to travel on a budget, there are plenty of places that balance great attractions with affordable accommodation options, and here are a few suggestions for your next Midwest trip.

BRANSON

This lovely town in Missouri has a wealth of things to offer the visitor, with the riverboat cruises on the ‘Branson Belle’ having an old-time charm, while there are also great theaters for those who want to enjoy a show, and a series of excellent golf courses here too. In terms of good places to stay for those on a budget, check out these Branson hotels, with the Gazebo Inn being one affordable option that boasts an outdoor swimming pool.

ROSEMONT

Rosemont is a town found on the fringes of Chicago, that is often useful for those looking for accommodation near O’Hare Airport, but it is also the host to Chicago Comic Con and other popular conferences at its event center, while also having a museum with a huge collection of M I Hummel figurines. When it comes to finding budget accommodation in Rosemont, there are some options available, with the Best Western at O’Hare regularly having rooms available for under $100 per night.

FORT WAYNE

Built at the junction of three rivers, this Indiana city has always been a meeting point both in terms of the early traders who brought their wares here, and, culturally, where the French, English and American cultures met. This is certainly reflected in the attractive local architecture. There are many budget options if you are staying in the Fort Wayne, with the Rodeway Inn and the Wayne Motel offering rooms from $50.

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GRAND FORKS

This lovely little city that lies in the north east of North Dakota is best known for its sporting teams, with the Ralph Englestad Arena being home to the Fighting Sioux hockey team of the University of North Dakota, which has been said is among the best sporting venues in the country. There are plenty of budget hotels in Grand Forks, with several offering rooms under $50 per night, including Grand Forks Inn & Suites and Americas Best Value Inn – Grand Forks.

CLEVELAND

Lying on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a vibrant and modern city that is famous for being passionate about sports and boasting several great sports teams, while also having some lovely museums and plenty of green parks too. As a larger city, the hotels can be a little more expensive, but Cleveland’s budget accommodation options can also include the Airbnb listings which can be searched at the same time through the Hipmunk Hotels website.

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy an excellent vacation in the United States. Look up some of these destinations to find budget-friendly accommodations for the whole family.

Relaxed, Active, Luxury and Budget Hotels in Maryland

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

I lived in the DC/Maryland area for four years and loved it. Maryland is unique. In one state, you can enjoy a variety of vacation settings, from the ocean to the harbor to luxury and budget city offerings.

Oceanside Relaxation

If you like beach vacations, stay at the Tidelands Caribbean Hotel and Suites. Located in Ocean City on the boardwalk, this suite hotel has all the great amenities you look for by the ocean side. Suite rooms, steps from the Atlantic Ocean, offer full kitchens and multiple bedroom options, perfect for large groups and family vacations. When you think of boardwalk, Atlantic City, and Jersey Shores are well known, but Ocean City’s Boardwalk is just as entertaining. The boardwalk dates back to 1902. If you’ve never done the boardwalk thing, check it out. It offers many excellent restaurants and bars. In the summer, you’ll see tourists sampling the salt water taffy, riding the rides, and trying their luck at the carnival games. The atmosphere makes for a cool family experience steps away from the Tidelands Hotel.

Active Harbor

Images provided by Victor Wolansky via Trover.com.

My favorite spot in Maryland is the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Located in the eastern part of the city, the Harbor offers fun and excitement Maryland style. Located in the middle of it all is the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court. Minutes from fantastic seafood restaurants, make sure you try the crabs. The Harborside offers views that are beautiful at night. For the sports fan, Camden Yards is a must see. If you visit during the season, grab some cheap seats and enjoy a hot dog, a beer, and the game. Even in the off-season, the stadium has a cool old-school vibe that you need to check out.

Luxury in the City

Built in 1906, Hotel Monaco offers another sort of old-school, sophisticated luxury that abounds in this Baltimore City hotel. The hotel itself is an attraction with its marble staircases and crystal chandeliers. The lobby is awe-inspiring, and the rooms are no different. Geared toward the old and young, the in-room Xbox will occupy the kids while the adults partake in yoga or spend time at the world-class spa. Don’t miss out on the complimentary glass of wine by the fire before stepping out to enjoy the city nightlife.

Budget in the City

Image provided by Fred Kerner via Trover.com.

The Best Western’s Baltimore Star is a budget friendly option in downtown Baltimore. The rooms are huge and comfortable. The hotel offers rooms and suites. As the closest hotel to the Baltimore Cruise Terminal, it’s a favorite spot for the cruise crowd. It offers complimentary shuttles to some of Baltimore’s well-known attractions, like the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, and several local museums. The hotel offers options for business travelers as well. The conference center is a perfect place for business meetings and events.The in-hotel restaurant, The Tradewinds, provides guests with free breakfast daily.

Maryland is an exciting city with attractions and activities for every type of traveler.

What is your favorite Maryland attraction?

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Hipmunk Hotels w/Adventures in Amarillo, McAllen, Irving and More.

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

The post was originally published on Project Domestication on June 15, 2016 by Becky.

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The Mustangs of Las Colinas by The Wonders of Back Roads via Trover.com

Make some late summer or early trip plans to explore Amarillo, McAllen or Irving, Texas or skip over the ocean to Puerto Rico for an adventurous time in Fajardo.

Amarillo, Texas
Start planning the perfect fall trip to Amarillo. This time of year brings much more mild temperatures in the Panhandle town. Driving on Route 66, horseback riding, and visiting the Texas Air and Space Museum are just a few activities to get you started in this exciting city. If you plan ahead far enough, you can score a great Airbnb location. But if that’s not your thing Amarillo has traditional luxury hotels and a smattering of cheap hotels. Fifth Season Inn has pretty good ratings and is consistently under $50 a night. Even the Marriott is under $100 per night.

McAllen, Texas
Unless you’re a big bird watcher, chances are you haven’t heard of McAllen, Texas. The most popular stop is Quinta Mazatlan, a bird and nature center located in an old historic mansion. You’ll find other family-friendly activities around town in their malls, golf courses, and more. The Best Western Garden Inn & Suites along with many other budget hotels run around $50 or $80 per night.

Irving, Texas
If visiting Cowboy stadium is on your list, consider staying at Irving instead of Dallas for a more affordable trip. Spend a day watching football and stay a while to explore Irving; don’t miss the plethora of outdoor activities along with the sites and landmarks like the Mustangs of Las Colinas. The Hotel Las Colinas is centrally located and has a pool to cool off. Plus, they’ve got a free cancellation policy, if needed.

Round Rock, Texas
It’s not hard to find a great hotel deal in Round Rock, Texas. Most good-to-great rated hotels will run you between $75 and $100/night. The Austin Marriott North ranks top of the list, boasting amenities like spas, pools, a business center, and child activities. When you’re out and about the city, experience Flix BrewHouse, America’s first cinema brewery, or take the kids to the Play for All park for a memorable day in the sun.

Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican beach vacations are often overshadowed by California, Hawaii, and Mexico for most Americans. But what most travelers don’t know is that visiting a city like Fajardo, on the Eastern side of the island, is completely affordable and luxurious. Visitors most memorable experiences are full of beauty and adventure: kayak along Bioluminescent Bay, explore Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve (day or night), or ride horseback on the beach. Airbnbs are a great option for large groups and families. But even the local Waldorf Astoria hotel is around $200/night.

Disclosure: Thank you for supporting posts like this with partners I believe in and who allow me to pursue creative content for this blog. I am currently writing for Hipmunk, and would love for you to check out their helpful site and articles! They have great resources for traveling domestically and abroad.