If you are looking for a little relaxation but want to be close to all the activities Orlando has to offer, your reservations at The Westin Imagine Orlando. This fabulous art-deco hotel is our hotel of the week for July 12, 2010.  Located on Universal Boulevard, it is conveniently located to the area’s most popular attractions.

Keeping with the Westin Traditions

Westin Hotels & Resorts is one of my favorite lodging chains.  Their service and accommodations have always been excellent in my experience.  But I particularly like The Westin Imagine because of its art-deco style.  These touches really make this hotel stand out.  The rooms are nicely appointed and some have kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens.  That can bring additional cost savings when you can prepare meals in your hotel room versus eating out all the time.  Did I mention the quest rooms have Heavenly Beds®?  They are the bomb in my opinion.

What’s Nearby

The location of The Westin Imagine Orlando  puts it right in the middle of some of the best attractions, nightlife, and shopping.  Here are a couple of our favorite things to do:
1.    Acqua Pool Party – held on every Thursday night from 5-10 pm at The Westin Imagine Orlando outdoor pool.  You’ll find awesome music and great drink special.
2.    Blue Man Group  – this world-renowned live stage show is sure to entertain everyone on the family.  Performing nightly at Universal Orlando Resorts.
3.    SeaWorld After Dark – experience SeaWorld in a whole new light, at night.

Save on Travel

Find savings on all your travel needs by booking your accommodations through OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Make flight and hotel reservations at the same time and save an average of $525 .  You can find great last minute deals too!  Let us know how you like your stay at The Westin Imagine Orlando.
 

If you feel like you are having a hot hand and are looking for a great place to do a little gambling and have a great stay, make a reservation  at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, FL.  The Hard Rock in Tampa is our hotel of the week  for July 5, 2010.

Another Signature Hard Rock Hotel

I love to stay at Hard Rock no matter what city I’m in.  There is just something about the vibe that makes it an exciting place to stay.  It’s also nice that the hotel rooms are always nicely appointed and comfortable.  Paired with the opportunity for gaming, some folks never leave the hotel.  But rest assured, there is a lot that Tampa has to offer. 

Happenings Around Tampa

Tampa is located just a short drive from Orlando.  You will probably save money taking a flight  into Orlando and driving over.  This will also allow you to experience all the things to do  in Orlando as well.  Here are a few of the things you can do while you are in Tampa:

1. Clearwater Beach – just a short drive from Tampa, you can relax on the sandy white beaches  on the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Busch Gardens – one of Florida’s most popular adventure parks.
3. Ybor City – local area full of shopping , dining , and nightlife .

Saving on Travel

Save  money by booking your room at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Book your hotel  reservation at the same time as your flight  and save  even more.   Take this extra money and have a blast in Tampa.

Stay in the heart of nature and in the midst of Walt Disney World with a stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground .  Our hotel of the week for June 28, 2010 will put you right in the midst of the great outdoors in Orlando, Florida.

Roughing it in Style

Bring your camper or rough it in style at the Fort Wilderness Resort .  You will be nestled in 750 acres of lush wilderness.  Choose a campsite perfect for your group or select a cabin that provides you all the comforts of home.  The amenities list includes everything you need to enjoy a little rest and relaxation in a backdrop of beauty.

Activities for the Entire Family

You will have plenty of options for activities and recreation during your stay.  Of course you will want to explore all the nearby theme parks  including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and more.  But don’t forget to experience everything right around you in Fort Wilderness.  Here are some of our favorite things to do  at Fort Wilderness:

1. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – get your two-step moves ready and chow down on some great bbq with Mickey and friends.
2. Wilderness Back Trail Adventure – hop on your Segway personal transporter and take Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventures.
3. Tri-Circle-D Ranch – take a guided trail ride on horseback or carriage.

Make you stay in Orlando a bit more memorable and unique by booking your stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort.  Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com  to find the best deals on hotels , flights , and more. 

I love those travel  destinations that have a lot to do in one location.  Orlando’s Orange Lake Resort is one such place.  Orange Lake Resort is one of Central Florida’s favorite vacation  destinations.

Viva La Villas

Choose from 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas.  At Holiday Inn Club Vacations , you will find all the comforts of home without having to do the housekeeping.  Sleep two or split the costs and bring your closest friends and sleep 12.  Another way to save money on your vacation is to book your travel to Orange Lake Resort through OrlandoTravelHotels.com . You can save  an average of $535 when booking your flight and hotel at the same time.

Recreation Galore

Orlando is full of recreation  and activities of all types. A stay at Orange Lake Resort means you don’t have to leave the property to experience some of the best recreational outings in the area. 

Enjoy a round or two of golf  at any of the four championship courses.  Fish, wake board, or jet ski in the 80 acre lake.  Shoot a round of hoops or catch a game of tennis or racquetball.  The kids will enjoy Swampy’s Club Activity Center, The HIPPO, and more as Orange Lake Resort has activities geared just toward the kids.

Take the Vacation You Deserve and Save Money Along the Way

Orange Lake is an all-inclusive resort.  You will find everything needed there to truly get the vacation you deserve.  Book your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Save on average of $535 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations together.  Look for the yellow save  tag that indicates hotels offering guaranteed rates.

Yes, Holiday Inn’s old slogan still rings true today.  With many remodeled hotels, Holiday Inn continues to be a popular choice for travelers.  Our hotel of the week for June 21, 2010 is Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort  at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando.  Located next to uber theme park,  Walt Disney World, these comfortable villas will give you the perfect place to relax during your visit to Orlando.

No Ordinary Holiday Inn

Now, the Holiday Inn at Orange Lake Resort is not your average Holiday Inn.  It truly is a resort situated on over 1,400 acres.  The lush landscaping will make you feel as if you’ve plopped yourself in some tropical location.  There is a 12 acre water park that includes a lazy river and 10 pools.  There is also an 80-acre lake with a variety of water sports available to you.  Like to play golf at night? No problem. There are 4 golf courses and one of them is lighted for night play.  You will have plenty of things to do  at this Orlando resort.  There are water slides, arcades, fitness facilities, tennis courts, and much more.

Stay and Play

There will be no shortage of activities for you in the area during your stay at Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort.  Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Golf – never leave the place and choose from four championship golf courses; The Legends, The Reserve (my personal favorite), Crane’s Bend, and Legends Walk.
2. Watersports – catch some rays and some exhilarating water time at the lake.  Ski, wakeboard, kayak, fish, and more.
3. Nature Walk – this 1.4 mile little hike will expose you to some of the Florida’s most beautiful flora and fauna.

Book your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Save on average of $535 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations together.  Look for the yellow save  tag that indicates hotels offering guaranteed rates.

An Orlando Hotel with Much More than a Bed – Universal’s Extended Stay Deluxe

Enjoy some of the comforts of home while you’re in Orlando by making your reservations  at Extended Stay Deluxe  at Universal Studios in Orlando, our featured hotel of the week for June 14, 2010.  When you are staying a bit longer in the area than normal, Extended Stay Deluxe is the hotel for you.

Save Money by Making Your Own Meals in the Fully-Equipped Kitchen

Eating out whether you are at home or away is expensive.  Extended Stay Deluxe in Orlando is equipped with a kitchen, dining, and cooking utensils in each room.  This means you can grocery shop and prepare meals in your room without having to eat out all the time. 

If you do eat out at any of the wonderful Orlando area restaurants , bring those leftovers back to the hotel.  You’ll have a refrigerator for storing and a microwave for zapping.  Save additional dollars by booking your flight and hotel at Extended Stay Deluxe through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .

Home Away from Home

You will have access to a 24-hour coin operated laundry, swimming pool, fitness facility, and more.  You can even bring the dog for a small additional fee!  A spacious work area is provided along with wireless internet and personalized voicemail.

Universal Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

You will be less than a mile from Universal Orlando.  Also take advantage of other nearby theme parks , shopping , restaurants , and nightlife .  One of the things happening this week that has been wildly anticipated by thousands, including me, is the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 18th.   It will be located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, one of their two theme parks.

Firm up your travel plans now to get great rates on your stay at Extended Stay Deluxe, flights, rental cars , etc.  You’ll find savings on all this and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com .

A friend of mine is currently spending two weeks traveling through Italy.  After being kept up-to-date via Facebook of all of his stops throughout the country, I decided our hotel of the week  beginning June 7, 2010 should be inspired by a little bit of Italy.  Hence, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel  at Universal Studios in Orlando is the true frontrunner.  You can find great deals going on right now for flights  into Orlando and hotel  rooms at Portofino Bay.

Inspired by Portofino on the Mediterranean Sea

Portofino, Italy is a picturesque seaside fishing town which has long been the getaway location for the rich and famous.  Loews Hotels used this Italian village as its inspiration for Loews Portofino Bay  Hotel at Universal Orlando.  Here you will find world-class service and accommodations.  Stay in rooms with authentic Italian furnishings and marble stones and accent pieces.  Choose from three themed swimming pools or get a little pampering at the world-class, full-service Mandara Spa and fitness center.  Dump, I mean drop, the kids off at the children’s activity center, Campo Portofino.

La Dolce Vita – The Sweet Life

Truly experience la dolce vita with a relaxing stay at Portofino Bay Hotel.  You will not only be in a luxurious hotel surrounding, you will be in the heart of all that Universal Orlando  has to offer.  A stay at Portofino Bay entitles you to added benefits like bypassing the regular lines at most rides and attractions, complimentary on-site transportation via water taxis or shuttle bus, and priority seating at select Universal Orlando theme park restaurants.

Stay, Play, and Sing Along

You will find lots of things to do  during your stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.  Here are a few things to check out the week of June 7 – 13, 2010:

• Mama Della’s Ristorante – if you are going to be staying in surroundings reminiscent of Italy, you should surely eat as the Italians do.  Make sure to catch a meal at Mama Della’s Ristorante  which is located within the hotel.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure – hop the water taxi at the hotel and take a sail to Islands of Adventure, one of the exciting theme parks  in Orlando.  It will be an unforgettable journey for everyone in the family.
• Train Concert – Train will be performing June 12th at Universal Studios.  Admission to the concert is included with a Universal Studios ticket.  The Train concert is part of the Summer Concert Series.

Take advantage of saving $535 on average by booking your flight and hotel at the same time through OrlandoTravelHotels.com . Park yourself at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando and take a break from having to get in the car and fight traffic.  Everything you need will be right at your fingertips. 
 

How great is it to have a water park located on the grounds of a comfy hotel?  The Clarion knew they had a unique concept when they constructed Clarion Resort Waterpark , our featured hotel of the week for May 31, 2010.  The hotel and water park are located in Kissimmee, just outside Orlando.

Bring the Kids, Grandma, and Even the Pets to Clarion Resort Waterpark

Onsite of the hotel is Mindy O Waterpark, 50,000 square feet of water heaven.  There are a host of other activities for the entire family at Clarion Resort Waterpark.  Kids will enjoy the recreation  and game room and the craft and activity center. 

The adults on board can relax at the poolside tiki bar or get in your needed reps at the fitness center.  Check on the availability of rooms with in-room hot tubs.  The hotel is pet-friendly, so bring your furry family members for an additional fee. 

Even the Business Traveler is accommodated

The business  traveler can find everything needed at the Clarion Resort Waterpark.  There is free internet access in rooms and throughout the property.  The rooms have a spacious work area, an ergonomic desk chair, data jack, and speaker phone with voice mail. The business center can handle all your printing and faxing needs.

Sleep, Slide, and Put on Those Spurs

You can get to most of the theme parks  in about 20 minutes from the Clarion Resort Waterpark.  Here are some other things to check out nearby the week of May 31st:

1. Mindy O Waterpark – you can’t get more convenient than walking out of your hotel room into a fantastic and refreshing water park.
2. Horseback Riding – explore hundreds of acres of nature on horseback at Horse World Riding Stables .
3. Silver Spurs Rodeo  – one of the premier rodeos east of the Mississippi River.  Strap on those spurs and watch all the action June 5-6, 2010 at Osceola Heritage Park.

Get the guaranteed best rates on hotel  accommodations, flights , and more by booking all your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  You can save up to $525  on average by booking your flight and hotel together at OrlandoTravelHotels.com Let them take care of all your needs so you can sleep and slide in style at Clarion Resort Waterpark.

It took about three years of my flying in and out of Orlando International Airport  before I realized there was a hotel located there. I’m not talking about close to the airport, I mean inside the airport.  The Hyatt Regency  in Orlando International Airport is one of those hidden little gems.  This Four-Diamond luxury hotel is our hotel of the week beginning May 24th, 2010.

Hyatt Regency a Great Place to Stay at Orlando International Airport

I actually found out about the Hyatt Regency when one of my flights was delayed causing me to miss my connecting flight.  It was late and my rescheduled flight was at the nauseating hour of 6:00am the next morning.  I didn’t want to drive the 15 miles home (lazy I know) so an airport employee told me about the Hyatt.  It was a great stay and the staff was wonderful.

Soundproof Equals Sound Sleep

I was skeptical at first because I thought there would be no way I could sleep in an airport hotel.  The fantastic news is the rooms are soundproof.  I heard planes better at my house than I did staying in this hotel.  There was a trendy little bar and restaurant at the hotel but I think my favorite part was the outdoor pool where you could see the runway.  This location has all the amenities Hyatt is famous for and the staff couldn’t be nicer.

I have recommended this Hyatt to friends who are flying into Orlando to go on cruises  or simply need a convenient place to stay that is located close to downtown Orlando and the theme parks .  It is also a popular spot to stay for newlyweds.  The Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport is ranked as one of the “Top Ten Airport Hotels” by Peter Greenburg, travel editor for NBC’s Today Show.

Stay, Play, Explore

Staying at the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport means being conveniently located to all Orlando has to offer.  There are so many things to do  in Orlando, you might want to stay a few days.  Here are some suggestions for your stay the week beginning May 24th:

• Explore – One of Hyatt’s Retreats where you can discover the local surroundings of Orlando.  This package includes a full breakfast, two single day adult admission tickets to Kennedy Space Center , and a late checkout time.
• Witness a piece of history with the final landing of the Atlantis space shuttle.  Scheduled to land at Kennedy Space Center on May 26th at 8:44am EDT.  Be sure to check the local news for any changes.
• Shop – you will have no shortage of stores at your fingertips on the airport’s third floor mall.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the Hyatt Regency located at the Orlando International Airport can be a traveler’s dream come true.  Find unbeatable deals on flights , hotels , and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.

Our hotel of the week  for May 17th, 2010 is nestled in 230 acres of some of Florida’s most lush landscapes.  Rosen Shingle Creek  is located on, you guessed it, Shingle Creek, the headwaters to the beautiful Florida Everglades. 

Luxurious Accommodations

Choose from luxury guest rooms or suites to rejuvenate and refresh your body and soul.  Room amenities include flat screen televisions, designer linens, high-speed internet connection, and elegant furnishings.  All rooms offer an amazing view of the golf course and the legendary charm of the natural surroundings.

Onsite and Nearby Activities Galore

You will feel you are in a large sanctuary far removed from the city but in fact, you are only minutes away from some of Orlando’s most popular theme parks , shopping  outlets, and recreational  activities. 

Onsite, a vast array of activities are at your fingertips to keep you busy during your stay at Rosen Shingle Creek.  There are four heated pools including a lap pool so you can keep up with your exercise routine while on vacation.  There are two lighted tennis courts, nature and walking trails, sandy volleyball, and an award-winning golf course, Shingle Creek Golf Club.

Sleep, Peek, and Eat

Rest up in your plush creek sleeper bed and then head out to catch what’s happening either on the grounds or in town.

• Shingle Creek Golf Club  – a David Harman designed golf course  located on the grounds of the hotel.  Voted one of America’s Top 40 New Courses and one of Central Florida’s Top 10 Toughest Courses.
• Pointe Orlando  – located just a few miles from Rosen Shingle Creek, Pointe Orlando offers the best in dining, shopping, and nightlife .
• Cocoa Beach  – hop in the car and take a day trip beautiful Cocoa Beach .

Find great travel deals for your stay at Rosen Shingle Creek at OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  You’ll find everything you need from flights , hotel  accommodations, and rental cars   - all at the best rates around.

Aahhhh, sit square in the lap of luxury at Grand Bohemian Hotel, our featured hotel of the week for May 3, 2010.  The Grand Bohemian is located in downtown Orlando, where you will find plenty of things to do , great restaurants, and exciting nightlife.  You can also find fantastic last minute deals on hotel room rates.

Grand Bohemian is a luxuriously appointed hotel which offers most anything a guest could want regardless of whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. Enjoy lavish bedding, spacious bathroom and work areas, in-room massage treatments, and a dip in the outdoor heated pool. The hotel also features over 100 rare and unique works of art by local, regional, and international artists.  Dine onsite at The Boheme Restaurant and enjoy nightly live entertainment.

Stay, Play, and Eat

The week of May 3rd is hopping around Orlando.  If you can drag yourself out of that comfortable bed at Grand Bohemian, check out some of the following activities located nearby the hotel:

1. Cinco de Mayo Festivities – hit Wall Street Plaza on May 5th to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  There will be 2 tons of margaritas, live music, and plenty of authentic Mexican food. 
2. My Fair Lady – a wonderful concert staging of the ever popular Lerner & Loewe’s smash Broadway musical.  The Orlando Philharmonic will have two performances on May 8th.
3. Mother’s Day – treat the mother in your family to a delicious meal and some great jazz on May 9th at Grand Bohemian.

Make your visit to Orlando one to remember with a stay at Grand Bohemian in downtown Orlando.  Check out the latest flights and hotel room rates at OrlandoTravelHotels.com to book your travel.

I have traveled cross country by car several times and I almost always stay at La Quinta because most of them are pet friendly, and I seem to always have a car full of animals.  I have found La Quinta to offer great hotel rates  and comfortable rooms, and I feel certain the La Quinta Inn Orlando South is no different. 

La Quinta Inn South is conveniently located near shopping and area theme parks.  You can find great deals on last minute flights  into Orlando.  These savings on flights and hotels mean more money to spend on things to do  in the Orlando area!

What’s Happening Nearby in Orlando This Week?

La Quinta Inn Orlando South is our hotel of the week for April 26, 2010.  Here are a couple of things you can check out this week that aren’t too far from your hotel room.

1. Shopping – Florida Mall  is just a mile away from the La Quinta, you can find Central Florida’s largest mall.  Shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, Pottery Barn, and over 260 specialty stores.
2. Special Event – Air Nautique Wake Games (April 29 – May 2)   See some of the world’s top amateur and professional riders team up for this unique contest at Orlando Watersports Complex.  It’s just a couple of miles from La Quinta Inn Orlando South.

If you’re budget conscious like me, La Quinta can be the perfect choice of hotels for you.  Get great travel deals into Orlando through OrlandoTravelHotels.com. 

Orlando Marriott Downtown is our featured hotel of the week for April 19, 2010 and you will find great rates  on rooms.  It is located in the heart of the city and close to shopping, restaurants, and special event venues such as Amway Arena and Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. 

Marriott Downtown offers spacious rooms and suites with high-speed internet access and premium cable channels.  Relax in the heated pool or Jacuzzi or work out at any hour in the 24-hour fitness center.  The Marriott name is synonymous with luxury hotels accommodations and you won’t be disappointed with your stay at the downtown Orlando location.

Eat, Shop, and Play Near Orlando Marriott Downtown

You will be right in the thick of things in downtown Orlando where great restaurants , shopping  and nightlife  abound.  Here is our list of some things to check out during your stay at Orlando Marriott Downtown during the week of April 19th:

1. Orlando Magic  Playoff Game – the Magic is in the thick of it again this year and you will be right next to Amway Arena when staying at the Marriott.  They will be playing the Charlotte Bobcats in the playoffs at Amway on Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm.
2. HUE  Restaurant – HUE is consistently voted one of the best restaurants in town and it is only ½ mile from the Marriott.  Dine inside or out and enjoy one of the best happy hours in town at uber trendy HUE.
3. Thornton Park  – one of the trendiest neighborhoods in town.  Thornton Park is a mixed-use development with lots of restaurants, shopping, and right next to beautiful Lake Eola.

Find great travel deals on flights  and hotels  to Orlando at OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Enjoy your stay at Orlando Marriott Downtown and see all downtown Orlando has to offer.

Our featured hotel for the week of April 12, 2010 is Hard Rock Hotel  located in the heart of Universal Orlando.  Hard Rock Hotel has built a reputation as one of the hippest places to stay and Universal’s Hard Rock is no exception.  You can select from standard, deluxe, or suite accommodations.  In-room amenities abound and include a kicking entertainment center. 

Hard Rock’s convenient location puts you close to the theme park district and in walking distance of many top destinations like Universal, CityWalk , Hard Rock Café, and Hard Rock Live. 

Bypass the Busy Lines at Universal

Hard Rock Hotel’s Universal Express  allowing you to bypass waits for most rides and attractions, receive priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary resort-ride transportation.  This can be quite an advantage particularly on warmer days.

Eat, Shop, and Play Near Hard Rock Hotel

Our hotel of the week article also puts the spot light on a restaurant , shopping, and an activity or special event occurring during the week and in close proximity of our reviewed hotel.  So here we go:

1. Restaurant – you had to know I was going to choose Hard Rock Café .   After all, it is the world’s largest Hard Rock Café.  Check out all the rock’n’roll memorabilia and get a delicious meal to boot.
2. Shopping – Prime Outlets is the largest shopping destination in the southeast and is located less than 3 miles from Hard Rock Hotel.  The true fashionista will love finding up to 65% off luxury brands.
3. Special Event – ahh, one of my favorite groups, Styx.  Enjoy An Evening with Styx  on April 16, 2010 at Hard Rock Live.  This sure-to-be-great concert will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless.

Book your Orlando travel arrangements now at OrlandoTravelHotels.com  to find great deals on flights  and enjoy a fabulous stay at Hard Rock Hotel .