Sunday, July 12, 2009

Friends Fly FREE, Stay FREE and Play FREE in Vegas

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FLY FREE!
Every second person flies FREE when you book a flight + hotel package to Las Vegas!

STAY FREE!
Book 3 nights or more and receive one night FREE at these participating hotels in Las Vegas:

Bellagio • MGM Grand • Bally's Las Vegas • Luxor Las Vegas • Circus Circus • Encore Las Vegas Excalibur • Monte Carlo • Treasure Island-TI • Caesars Palace • Mandalay Bay • Harrah’s Las Vegas Plaza Hotel • Rio All Suite • Wynn Las Vegas • Imperial Palace • New York-New York • THEHotel at Mandaly Bay • The Mirage • Four Queens • The Signature at MGM Grand • Golden Nugget • Palace Station • Flamingo Las Vegas • Paris Las Vegas • Palms Casino Resort

PLAY FREE!
Buy One, Get One FREE when you book a flight + hotel package to Las Vegas on the following Tours:

Hoover Dam Deluxe Tour • Las Vegas Night on the Town Tour

Destination(s): Las Vegas
Departure City(s): All
Hotel(s): Varies
Travel Dates: 8/17 – 1/07/10
Book By: 8/10/09 by 6:00 PM CST

Sample prices listed below for a three-night package are based on the average cost per person, per night based on double occupancy, reflect the savings received with the Friends Fly Free and Stay Free offer, and include:

* Roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines® into Las Vegas, NV
* Three-night hotel accommodations & hotel taxes
* 24-hour traveler assistance



























FromPlaza HotelMonte CarloPalms Casino Resort
Phoenix$33$52$78
Denver$43$62$88
Seattle$55$74$100
Chicago (Midway)$66$85$111

Prices do not include $3.60 federal excise tax per takeoff and landing, airport taxes of up to $18 roundtrip per person and a federal September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip per person. Five-day advance purchase required. Package prices quoted are examples per person per night based on double occupancy for a three-night package with Monday departures valid from 8/17 to 8/24/09. Prices listed are available at vaxvacationaccess.com. Prices may vary when calling 1-800-423-5683. Seats are limited and may not be available on some flights that operate during peak travel times and holiday periods. Rates may be higher for other days of the week. Rates are subject to change until purchased. Surcharges may apply to weekends, holidays and convention periods. Flights available on Southwest published, scheduled service only. Discounts are valid per reservation before taxes are applied. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. Restrictions apply.


Friday, July 10, 2009

Great Summer Deals in Hawaii

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Kaua‘i - Hawai‘i's Island of Discovery
Experience an island steeped in natural beauty from waterfalls to beaches and full of activities from relaxing to exhilarating. 3 nights from $575


Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
This luxury resort overlooking Poipu's majestic Keoneloa Bay is set on 50 oceanfront acres and features lush gardens with manicured lawns, seven restaurants and six lounges, a water playground with a river pool, waterfalls and a 150-foot water slide, a saltwater lagoon, tennis, the award-winning Anara Spa, and golf at the adjacent Poipu Bay Resort. Added Value: Kids 18 and younger stay FREE. 3 nights from $1,065


Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hawaii's Big Island
This gracious resort lies on 15 acres along the beautiful Kohala Coast, fronting the golden sand beach of Anaeho'omalu Bay. With the recent completion of a $50 million renovation, the hotel features the brand new Mandara Spa, Hawaii Calls Restaurant, infinity pool, renovated guest rooms and more. Added Value: Kids 17 and younger stay FREE. 3 nights from $709

Rates quoted are per person, double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Rates, terms, conditions and itineraries are subject to availability. Certain restrictions may apply. Taxes, gratuities, transfers, airfare and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Air-inclusive vacations do not include Passenger Facility Charges of $3-$18, a domestic per segment tax of $3.60, international departure & immigration taxes of $55 to $135 and a September 11th Security Fee of up to $10. Prices for Hawaii are also subject to departure taxes of up to $16.08. Prices are subject to availability, weekend/holiday/seasonal supplements, blackout dates and restrictions. Additional airline restrictions, including but not limited to baggage limitations, standby policies and fees, non-refundable tickets and change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines may apply. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact airline directly for details and answers to specific questions you may have. HAWAII: Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) departures. Rates valid for select travel, daily departures 8/18 - 8/28/09.


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

WDW Vacation Day #2 (6/17/09)

The kids hadn't slept much Tuesday night - they rarely do the first night of a vacation - too hard to settle down when you're so excited! The 4 AM wake-up call came much too early but we all were showered and re-packed before meeting my parents in the concierge lounge for breakfast at 6 AM. We then caught a shuttle at about 6:30 AM to LAX. We checked our luggage curbside and proceeded to security. Within 5 minutes (by 7:15 AM), all 6 of us were settled at gate 41 waiting to board our flight. We had Priority Access and were able to board at 7:50 AM. The plane was scheduled to depart at 8:30 AM and left the gate at 8:30 AM so it was considered "on time". We took off at 8:45 AM and enjoyed the movie Hotel For Dogs and a light lunch during the uneventful flight.

We landed in Orlando a little earlier than planned - at 4:20 PM EST - and were on the Disney Magical Express bus by 4:45 PM. Our bus stopped at Pop Century before bringing us to our resort for the week - the Caribbean Beach Resort. We had taken advantage of the Online Check-In before departing Los Angeles and, when we checked in at the appropriate desk in the lobby, received our envelopes and keys and were on our way to our connecting rooms (Barbados 1227 and 1228) within 10 minutes. Barbados was not the village I'd requested but it ended up being fine - close to the lobby and bus stop and only a 10 minute walk to Old Port Royale and the Pirate theme pool.

We had 6:30 PM reservations for our first Table Service dinner (on the Disney Dining plan) at Shutters in Old Port Royale. Thy seated us at 6:35 PM and we had a great dinner. The only 'con' to the meal, all 6 of us agreed, was the time it took to have it. We were in the restaurant (weary after a long day of travel from the west coast) for almost 2.5 hours.

We were back in our rooms by 9 PM and still waiting for our luggage, water (that I'd pre-ordered from Costco before we left home) and an important fax that my husband's secretary had sent to the hotel for him hours before. We made a number of phone calls regarding these things and finally were able to get to bed around 10 PM once they'd all been delivered.

WDW Vacation Day #1 (6/16/09)

Early in the day, I used the online check-in service that the American Airlines website has for its flyers. I like being able to print out our boarding passes so that, once we arrive at the airport, we can check our luggage in (curbside for $2/each) and head straight to security and our gate. I dropped the kids off at Summer school and ran errands all morning. We picked up the kids and my parents (traveling with us for this trip) and headed to Los Angeles just before 1:30 PM. Unfortunately, just as we were getting on the freeway, my husband received a phone call from work. Something needed his attention and signature so we were forced to turn around. The "detour" delayed us by about an hour but we arrived for an early dinner at Pann's Restaurant in Los Angeles (our new favorite restaurant near the airport!).

We checked into the best pre-flight hotel at LAX - the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel - at about 5:45 PM.

We love the Renaissance before an early morning flight. They have great Park-and-Fly packages where, for about $219 + tax rate, you can get a room on the concierge floor (with access to the fabulous concierge lounge with complimentary breakfast in the morning and appetizers/drinks/deserts later in the day), 7 days of free parking, and transportation to/from the airport. (The package no longer includes the car-wash or the towncar transfer.) We checked into our room (#1140)and met my parents in the concierge lounge for drinks and light appetizers at 6:30 PM before heading back to the room for the night in anticipation of our early wake-up call Tuesday morning.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Sheraton on Big Island to Be Sold at Foreclosure Auction

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Big Island will be sold at a foreclosure auction in Kona at the end of July.

According to a Pacific Business News report, Bank of America alleged in a January foreclosure suit that the resort's owner, Koa Hotel LLC, owed it $60 million.

The 22-acre, 520-room resort reopened as a Sheraton after a $70 million renovation that was completed in the fall of 2004.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

On This Day...

July 2, 1985 - Actress/singer Ashley Tisdale is born in Monmouth, New Jersey - she will perform in a number of Disney ventures, including playing Sharpay in the "High School Musical" films.

Friday, June 26, 2009

THREE FOR FREE at Hyatt Resorts & Spas of Hawai`i

You can take in panoramic views from the secluded terrace in each guestroom, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the resort’s dynamic spa or simply soak in the sights of beautiful Hawaii. Best of all, you can take advantage of the Three for Free offer when you book a Hyatt Hawai'i vacation! See resort-specific details below.

Destination(s): Hawai'i
Departure City(s): Nationwide
Hotel(s): Hyatt Resorts & Spas of Hawai'i
Travel Dates: Vary by Resort - See Below for Details
Book By: December 24, 2009

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa - O`ahu

Three For Free 2009**
• Every 4th Night Free
• Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2
• Guaranteed Category Upgrade

- Book City upgrade to Mountain
- Book Mountain upgrade to Ocean
- Book Ocean upgrade to Deluxe Ocean
- Book Deluxe Ocean upgrade to Deluxe Oceanfront

Kids Eat Free*
• Kids age 12 and under Eat Free.
- Upon check-in kids will receive a Keiki Kaukau card to present to the server when ordering breakfast, lunch, or dinner from the Keiki menu.

Booking Dates: Jan 4, 2008-Dec 26, 2009
Travel Dates: Jan 4, 2008-Dec 26, 2009

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort - Maui

Three For Free 2009**
• Every 3rd Night Free
• Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2
• Guaranteed Category Upgrade

- Book Terrace upgrade to Golf/Mountain View
- Book Golf/Mountain View upgrade to Partial Ocean
- Book Partial Ocean upgrade to Deluxe Ocean
- Book Deluxe Ocean upgrade to Deluxe Ocean Front

Kids Eat Free*
• Kids age 12 and under Eat Free.
- When ordering from Johnny Venture or existing kids menu.

Booking Dates: Oct 16, 2008-Sep 7, 2009
Travel Dates: Jun 1, 2009-Sep 7, 2009

Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa - Kaua`i

Three For Free 2009**

• Every 5th Night Free
• Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2
• Guaranteed Category Upgrade
- Garden receive Mountain, Mountain receive Royal Garden, Royal Garden receive Partial
Ocean, Partial Ocean receive Deluxe Ocean, Deluxe Ocean receive Grand Club

Booking Dates: Apr 7, 2009-Dec 24, 2009
Travel Dates: Apr 7, 2009-Dec 24, 2009

This promotion is automatically included when you book your vacation. Restrictions may apply. *An adult paying for a full priced meal must accompany each child. Offer is not valid on room service. Not combinable with other special offers or promotions. Group restrictions may apply. Maui 3rd night free promotion not valid for travel June 22 - August 21, 2009. Daily breakfast buffet is valid for a maximum of 2 people per room. Gratuity is not included. Offer has no cash value. Free night may be applied multiple times. Not combinable with other special offers or promotions. All travel must be within valid travel dates. Group restrictions may apply. Offers are subject to change without notices. Some restrictions may apply.

Carnival's Cash Back Offer has been extended!

GREAT NEWS AND GREAT SAVINGS... CARNIVAL'S CASH BACK OFFER HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 31st, 2009!

GET UP TO $240 CASH BACK ON SUMMER CRUISES!

Just book by July 31st, 2009 and Carnival will load up your Sail & Sign® Card with up to $50 per guest for 3–4 day cruises, up to $75 per guest for 5 day cruises, or up to $120 per guest for 6–8 day cruises.

But here's the coolest part. You can use the cash anywhere on board or on a shore excursion. And at the end of your cruise, you’ll get back whatever credit you haven't used. How great is that?

E-mail me for details!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Luxury Suite Packages from $129/Night at The Venetian and The Palazzo

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Package includes:

Luxury Suite at The Venetian or The Palazzo
Two tickets to Phantom or Blue Man Group*
2-for-1 frozen drinks at The Venetian poolside bar
25% off bill at Zine
Complimentary line pass and admission to LAVO
20% off bill at Dal Toro
$25 Slot Credits per stay

Brisas Hotels & Resorts Hurricane Policy

Brisas "In The Pink" Hurricane Guarantee

Brisas Hotels & Resorts commitment to total customer satisfaction has been an industry benchmark for over 50 years. In an effort to maintain our leadership role in this critically important area, Brisas is pleased to announce the addition of our "In The Pink" hurricane guarantee.

This new initiative is aimed at reducing the stress and anxiety level associated with traveling to a resort or business destination during the "Hurricane Season" by eliminating the risk and guaranteeing that your vacation or business trip will not result in an out of pocket loss due to the unforeseen cancellation of your trip due to a hurricane.

Our guarantee provides a free replacement vacation or business stay in the event that hurricane force winds, as defined by the U.S. Weather Service, directly hit a Brisas Hotel or Resort during the time you have reserved for your vacation or business trip. The replacement stay will be for the amount of days originally booked regardless of how many days were interrupted or cancelled by the hurricane. The booking will be for an equivalent value of the original purchase and room category and will be subject to certain blackout dates. The offer is valid for one year from date of original booking.

BRISAS HOTELS & RESORTS will not be responsible for any other service which is not related to our properties but related to the vacation itself, such as airfares, flight changes, travel insurance, excursions, transportation, etc.

This offer is subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time without notice.