24 Hours in a Ritz Carlton Club Lounge

Well, I didn't actually spend the whole 24 hours there, but it was so nice I would have been perfectly comfortable crashing on a couch for the night!

During a recent stay at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey near Los Angeles, I decided to visit each of the four food presentations offered daily so I can show you why booking a Club Level room is a great value.

At Marina del Rey, the Club Level is like a “hotel within a hotel” as it is open only to guests on the 11th floor.  This boutique hotel feel offers guests a very exclusive experience that isn’t found in other luxury hotel brands.

Breakfast 6:30 -10:30 am

Clients who book with me receive complimentary breakfast as a Ritz STARS amenity, but it’s nice to have the Club breakfast available if you are in a rush and need “grab & go” food.   If you are traveling with teenagers, you can send them into the lounge for a second breakfast when they inevitably become hungry a short time later.

Lunch Noon – 2:30 pm

It's advertised as a "light lunch" but you can certainly fill up on all that is offered.  This was a convenient way to grab a quick meal right before we checked out.

Hors d’oeuvres  5 – 7:30 pm

Who can resist happy hour with free flowing wine, champagne and gourmet finger foods? And soft drinks for the kids, of course.  This is a great place to gather if you are traveling with business associates or family members.

  

Evening Sweets  8-10 pm

Dinner at the Cast & Plow restaurant was phenomenal, but we were too full to order dessert. We weren't to be denied, though, so after letting our food rest a bit, we headed to the Club Lounge to find a election of yummy treats including cupcakes and chocolate truffles, an espresso machine, and a table full of after dinner liqueurs.

If you need a snack at other times of day, the Lounge is always stocked with coffee, sodas, bottled water, and cookies.  Our favorite:  Double Chocolate & Sea Salt!  (I have the recipe, you can email me for it.)

Other perks of having Club Lounge access included free WiFi, a dedicated concierge, a private business center, and free pressing of two items each day.

And here’s a great offer exclusive to clients of Ritz Carlton STARS agencies, valid through the end of the year:  Spend two consecutive nights in a One Bedroom Executive Suite and receive complimentary Club Lounge access!

Even if you don't stay in a Club Level room, when you let me book you at any Ritz Carlton, you still get a great value including complimentary breakfast, an automatic upgrade (based on availability), and a special welcome gift, due to our agency's Ritz STARS status.

Ritz Carlton New Orleans Club Lounge

Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Club Lounge

Why You Should Take Your Family to The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

Just 75 miles from Atlanta, this destination resort offers 30 picturesque acres on Lake Oconee, and plenty of activities for all ages.  

A great place to discover Lake Oconee

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should consider the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation for your next family getaway: 

Fun on the water - The swimming pools, which are heated year round, include a beautiful lakefront infinity pool and separate wading pool for toddlers.  The pool is being enlarged to add even more water play area next year.  A pretty white sand beach offers calm water for little ones, and plenty of splash room for older kids.

The current pool, expansion in progress!

A safe white sand beach

Other fun activities on Lake Oconee include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, YOLO boards (like SUP but easier), and paddle boats. ( Email me if you'd like a copy of the Activity Guide and Recreation Fact Sheet.)   

Fun on land -  Wide open lawns provide plenty of space to kick a soccer ball (available from the concierge along with other sports equipment) or play outdoor games like frisbee golf, horseshoes, bocce ball and croquet.  Guests also have access to tennis, bicycles, and 99 holes of golf!

Run wild & free!

Or take a stroll on a meandering path

Great value – The optional Kids’ Meal program includes 3 meals a day for one price for kids under 13, including dessert, drinks, tax, and gratuities.   Another great value is the activity package which includes complimentary use of non-motorized watersports, plus extras like tennis, bike rentals, and use of the fitness center and driving range. 

My clients also receive exclusive Ritz STARS and Virtuoso amenities:

•        Early Check-In upon Request

•        Late Check-Out upon Request

•        Daily American Breakfast for 2

•        Welcome Amenity

•        Room Upgrade at time of booking

•        $100 Resort Credit

•        Complimentary Valet Parking

 

Lakefront cottage with a golf course view

Room for everyone - There is a large variety of accommodations, including many connecting rooms which can often be guaranteed at time of booking.  And all 22 one bedroom suites connect to rooms with 2 queen beds.  If you want more space, there are 5 two bedroom cottages, a three bedroom cottage, and a Presidential house with four bedrooms, all of which have kitchens, fireplaces, and wrap around porches with views of the golf course and the lake.

   

A standard guestroom has plenty of space

And beautiful lake views!

Fun fact:  This is the only Ritz-Carlton property to offer a BBQ Butler, who will prepare a  made-to-order cookout featuring quintessential southern cuisine.  You’ll also get tips in the fine art of grilling, from roasting sauce-smothered ribs in the bold flavors of mesquite wood to smoking chicken in the pungent aromas of hickory.

Executive Suite

 Private time for Mom and Dad - Ritz Kids Camp for ages 5-12 offers activities incorporating outdoor adventures such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, science experiments, and fun games designed to teach environmental responsibility.  On Friday and Saturday nights, parents can enjoy a romantic dinner while their children play games and enjoy arts and crafts during Kids Night Out.

What kid doesn't love fishing?

 And of course no outdoor adventure is complete without s’mores, s’mores, s’mores!

Lots of places to toast those marshmallows!

Reynolds Plantation is offering a 4th night free exclusively to clients of Ritz-Carlton STARS agents  through December 30.  With so much to do at the Lodge, you can really use that extra night! 

Sunrise view from my room

Boston Blends the Best of the Old and New

Boston is a wonderful city, and I had the pleasure of visiting recently for the first time in many years.  In every neighborhood you see a mix of the old and the new, and that is also exemplified by the hotels.

 

Boston's North End

For example, just a few blocks from one another are the Fairmont Copley Plaza and the Mandarin Oriental Boston.  Both are luxury hotels and members of Virtuoso, and I would be confident sending discerning clients to either one.  However they are dramatically different in décor and ambiance, so they would suit different travelers depending on their taste.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is a historic, grand dame hotel which opened in 1912.  There’s a real “wow” factor on arrival as guests pass through a majestic hall clad in marble and highlighted with a gilded ceiling and chandeliers.  The seven story tall building (with a health club on the roof) faces Copley Plaza, with views of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.  (Insider tip: The library offers daily complimentary art and architecture tours.)

 

Fairmont entrance hall

Fairmont lobby

Rooms were recently renovated in honor of the centennial anniversary, so they retain a traditional and elegant (but not “fussy”) style, and have modern amenities such as Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docking stations and laptop-size safes. The Fairmont Gold level is home to a private lounge offering complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers.

Fairmont Signature room

Fairmont Gold Lounge

Virtuoso amenities are:

• Upgrade at time of booking (on arrival in 2015, based on availability)
• Daily full breakfast for two
• $50 hotel credit
• Seasonal amenity from the Executive Chef
• Early check-in/late checkout, based on availability

Copley Square & Trinity Church (Fairmont to the right)

If you enroll in Fairmont President’s Club, you’ll immediately receive these benefits:

• Complimentary high-speed internet and local calls
• Complimentary health club access
• Complimentary shoe shine
• Daily newspaper delivery
• Discounts in the spa and gift shop
• Complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs & BMW bikes at select hotels

(After achieving Premier or Platinum status, additional benefits apply.)

Back Bay neighborhood

If old world style is not what you’re looking for, then you can head just around the corner to the Mandarin Oriental Boston, less than 2 blocks away from Copley Plaza. Situated in the heart of the Back Bay, it’s surrounded by trendy restaurants and Victorian brownstones, and is a short stroll to the upscale Newbury shopping district.  

Mandarin Oriental lobby

The Mandarin Oriental Boston has a modern yet elegant style, with blond-wood paneling in rich tones, original artwork, and cozy seating areas around a gas fireplace.  Clean lines, earth tones, and understated but elegant touches carry through into the rooms, which are some of the largest in the city. 

Mandarin Back Bay Room

They feature custom inlaid maple and sycamore furnishings, silk fabrics, more original art, large bathrooms, and, my favorite, a walk in closet.  It’s not huge, but you can walk in and even sit down!

That's a bench in the closet!

Spacious bathroom

The hotel does not have a club level, but fine food and cocktails are offered in a French-inspired bistro and wine bar.  And many consider the spa to be the best in Boston. (Insider tip: Lifestyle rooms are closest to the spa and feature Japanese-style soaking tubs and a daybed next to the window.)  This is the ideal hotel for a traveler who wants traditional luxury with more modern styling, a cozy home away from home.

Since our agency is both Virtuoso and a member of the Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, my clients receive: 

• Upgrade at check-in, based on availability
• Daily continental breakfast
• $100 spa or food and beverage credit
• Complimentary wi-fi
• 4 pm late check-out, subject to availability

 These two equally fantastic hotels represent what makes Boston such a fun and special destination.  The mix of old and new means offers something to suit every taste.  And both are kid and pet friendly!

Once you’ve found the perfect hotel, then you can have fun exploring all Boston has to offer!

Paul Revere House

Fenway Park

Boston Regatta

Ritz Carlton Can Make Holiday Wishes Come True

Yes, you can still book an awesome family vacation for the holidays!  Many Ritz Carlton hotels and resorts still have space available, though rooms are booking up quickly.  Contact me for the latest information on current availability and rates.  Some properites do not require a minimum night stay, either!

Here is just a sample of some of the great destinations where you could spend Thanksgiving or Christmas, and why they would make a great family getaway any time of year.

Sarasota

• The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art showcases costumes, photography and artifacts from the greatest show on Earth.
• The beautiful beaches of Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key (rated #1 by Dr. Beach) are within easy reach of the resort.
• A live mermaid welcomes patrons in the Jack Dusty restaurant on weekend nights (it’s not as cheesy as it sounds).

Amelia Island

• They honor the area’s heritage with a weekly Pirate Toast, Pirate Tuck-ins for little ones, and a giant gingerbread pirate ship during the holidays.
• The island is home to museums, forts, nature paths, and eco-tours, so it appeals to history buffs as well as nature-lovers. 
• Parents who reserve a 50 minute or longer spa service will receive a complimentary afternoon Ritz Kids program for a child age 5-12. 

Key Biscayne

• It's located on a seven mile-long barrier island near South Beach, so you are close to the action but not in it.
• A short drive away are Jungle Island, home to exotic birds, mammals, primates, and reptiles, and the Miami Seaquarium, featuring marine animals.
• Complimentary tequila tastings are offered every evening by the Tequilier, who was trained in Mexico’s Agave growing regions.

Aruba

• It's one of the newest properties, open for less than one year, is located at the very end of exclusive Palm Beach.
• It features a 15,000 sq. ft. casino open 24x7, with slot machines and card games.
• The island is known for hot weather and little rain, and it lies outside of the hurricane path.

Grand Cayman

• It's located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal clear turquoise-blue water and pristine white sand.
• Stingray City is just a 15 minute boat ride away.
• Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers unique Caribbean eco-tours for all ages.

Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico)

• All rooms are ocean-facing, with an entire wall of windows or louvered panels which can be opened up facing the water.
• It features an onsite waterpark with waterslides, a lazy river, a family pool, large fitness center and snack bar.
• Residential suites are perfect for larger families with up to 5 bedrooms.

And no passport is required!

 

St Thomas

• Nearby is Coral World Ocean Park, a five-acre marine park with a three-story underwater observation tower
• It's perfect for active families, as use of Hobie cat boats, paddle boats, noodles, kayaks, snorkel gear, etc. is included.
• The resort operates its own 50 foot catamaran, the Lady Lynsey, for sailing and snorkeling excursions.

(No passport required here either, but  you must carry proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.)

And remember, at all Ritz Carton properties any time of year, my clients receive complimentary STARS amenities which include:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Upgrade at check-in-in, based upon availability
• A special welcome gift

Plus VIP treatment such as first priority for sold out space, connecting rooms, and other requests such as bed type, rollaways, etc.

Exclusive, unpublished offers are also available throughout the year at various properties, only for clients of Ritz Carlton STARS agencies!

Exploring Alaska Off A Cruise Ship (Even Glacier Bay!)

Is Alaska on your bucket list?  That’s one of my favorite destinations and I’ve travelled all over the state in the past 20 years.   After my latest trip, I posted a 5 part series on my blog.  I’ve put links to all the posts below to make it easy to find in one place, and hopefully you’ll be inspired to take a trip to Alaska as well! 

A cruise is a great way to see the Inside Passage, but if you've done that and want a new experience, or you'd like to spend more time exploring the interior, then you might want to consider a land-based vacation.

  

Hiking in Denali National Park

Part 1: Gustavus: The Yummiest Pancakes in the Whole World

On the first leg of our Alaskan journey, we explored Gustavus, the only town located in Glacier Bay.   We saw glaciers, wildlife and scenery up close from a small boat, explored the coastline in kayaks, and hiked through a rainforest.  Evenings were spent relaxing and enjoying fantastic food at Bear Track Inn, a luxurious fishing lodge that made some memorable meals.  

Glaciers up close

Relaxing before dinner at the lodge

Part 2:  Juneau:  The Time We Watched Bears Eat Dinner (and it wasn’t us!)

In Juneau we rented a car so we could explore outside town at our own pace.  We visited the hatchery, where we watched salmon perform acrobatics as they worked their way up the ladder.  And Mendenhall Glacier, where we watched bears expertly scoop up salmon swimming upstream, including a momma bear and two cubs!  Then we wrapped it up with some beer tasting at the Alaskan Brewery, and wrapped the day watching the cruise ships pull away, leaving quiet Juneau all to ourselves.

Bye bye, everyone!

Can't get fish fresher than this

Part 3:  Anchorage: More Than a Place to Wait for Your Cruise/Flight

Many travelers only spend the night in Anchorage, either on their way to or from a cruise.  But if you have a couple extra days to spare, and a rental car, there really is quite a bit to do and see.  We watched an interesting movie about the quake of ’64, visited the Iditarod headquarters, and cycled along the coastal trail.  And if you love animal babies, you have to head down to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

  

THE trophy

Lunchtime for 'McKinley'

Part 4:   Talkeetna:  Living Vicariously Through the Locals

Talkeetna was one of my favorite stops.   While it was too late in the season to personally watch climbers prep for a trek up Mt. McKinley, we listened to interesting stories from the locals who host them, and learned from the park rangers just exactly what kind of mettle it takes to ascend the tallest peak on North America.  Talkeetna also boasts some of the best views of the Alaska Range.

Old vs new hiking gear

The main drag in Talkeetna

Part 5:  Denali:  The Best 11 Hours We’ve Ever Spent on a School Bus

The 92 mile long road which heads into Denali Park is filled with spectacular scenery and up close encounters with grizzlies, wolves, caribou, and more.  But unless you have a camping reservation, you aren’t allowed to drive past mile 15.  The only way to go deep into the Alaskan wilderness is on a shuttle bus.  Yes, it’s bumpy, and no, it’s not luxurious by any means (however you don't have to ride the entire 11 hr route).  But trust me, you’ll remember this as the one of the highlights of your Alaska vacation.  Afterwards you can hop in your comfy car and visit the other cool stuff in and around the park.  

Yes, this is a 2 way road.

We lost track of the grizzly bear
count by this point

Alaska offers a lot of logistical challenges to travelers because of its size and limited services.   It’s best to plan early, a year or more is not uncommon, especially if you want to stay in a wilderness lodge.  But I have also been able to pull together great trips at relatively short notice as well.

If you’d like to have your own great Alaska adventure, just send me an email to find out how to get started!

My favorite park employees