Traveling With Pets: Pet Friendly Hotels

If you’re anything like me, your furry friends aren’t “just pets” they are family.

If you’ve been putting off your family vacation because you can’t stand the thought of leaving your fur baby behind, and it breaks your heart when they try to hide in your suitcase, then keep reading!

There are several pet friendly hotel chains around the world that can accommodate your whole family
Keep in mind that most hotels will require proof that your pet is up to date with vaccinations. There is also an additional fee associated with pets at most of these hotels.

Lowes – “Lowes loves pets” and “Pets are people too” are actually part of this hotel chain’s mantra. Upon check-in, every dog or cat receives welcome gifts including a name tag, bowl, and special treats. A “pet in room” sign helps you relax and lets their housekeeping staff know that your furry one is in residence. They will even loan you pet beds, litter boxes, litter, scoopers, scratching posts, and other pet accessories.

W Hotels – “P.A.W – Pets Are Welcome” At check-in, you’ll receive a Welcome packet with the following dog- or cat-designated items: pet toy, pet treat, W Hotels pet tag, clean-up bags and details about pet services available through the Concierge and items available through Whatever/Whenever®.Upon entering the room, you’ll find a custom W Hotels pet bed, food and water bowl with floor mat, and pet-in-room door sign, plus a special treat at turndown.

Marriott – Each pet-friendly hotel offers a range of amenities designed to accommodate pet owners. Let your cat curl up with you in a luxurious bed or enjoy a treat while you work at the in-room workspace. Planning an outing with your pet? Use their complimentary Internet access to find the nearest dog-friendly spots and local pet stores. For guests who want to stay fit, on-site health and recreational facilities offer plenty of opportunities for exercise when you can’t hit the trails with your pet. Choose from over 1260 hotels across 13 brands including Ritz Carlton, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Residence Inn.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in this series which will cover what to do with your pet when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Do you travel with your pet? Where would you like to take them?

Do you travel with your pet?

Contact me for more information about these hotels and/or to book your next trip!

Kerri Hill
http://www.TravelKerri.com
info(at)travelkerri(dot)com

Walt Disney World Resort Categories Part 1

Disney addicts most likely know the ins and outs of the Disney Resort Category classification system. Those of you who consider yourself Disney addicts can probably stop reading here. However, for those who have never stayed at an onsite Disney resort, these terms can be confusing, and even a little overwhelming.
This article will hopefully help you understand the difference, and help provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about which category best fits your needs.

First, let’s learn the terms. Today we’re going to focus on just 3 of the categories.
Listed in order of least expensive to most expensive the categories of the day are:

Value, Moderate, & Deluxe (The Family Suites at the Value resorts are not included in this size comparison).

The Value Resort rooms are the smallest in square footage, followed by Moderate, which leaves the Deluxe Resorts with the largest rooms in square footage.

In standard Value rooms you will find 2 Double beds, or one King size bed. Standard Moderate rooms have 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed. Some Moderate resorts have an additional Twin trundle or pull down bed. The Deluxe resorts have 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed, most also have a Twin daybed.

Value resort rooms offer views of the parking lot, pool, themed resort areas, or woods.
Moderate resort rooms have views of the parking lot, pool, themed resort areas, woods or water.
Deluxe resorts offer some amazing views. Some of these views include theme parks, African themed Savanahs with wildlife (Animal Kingdom Lodge), themed Boardwalks, waterways, and more. Standard views may include the parking lot, and other views are pool, woods, and themed areas. Some Deluxe Resort rooms even offer views of the Fireworks from the theme parks.

Dining options also vary depending on your resort category.
Value resorts offer a food court, pool side bar, and pizza delivery. Moderate resorts have a food court, pool side bar, one or more table service location, and an indoor bar/lounge. Deluxe resorts offer everything that the Moderates offer but also have full room service menus available, more than one table service location, and some resorts offer character dining locations as well.

A popular amenity used when choosing the best resort category is the pool.
Value Resorts offer themed pools which do not have slides. Some value resorts have a water play area as well.
Moderate resorts offer themed pools and “quiet” pools. Moderate resort pools may have medium sized slides and water play areas.
Deluxe resorts also have themed and quiet pools. All Deluxe resorts have at last one water slide as well as hot tubs. Pools may include additional features such as sandy bottoms, play areas, waterfalls or more.

There are more differences that we’ll cover in an upcoming post. I hope that this information has given you some insight into which resort category is right for you and your family.

Contact me today for more information and/or to start planning your next Disney trip today!

~Kerri Hill~
http://www.TravelKerri.com
http://www.Facebook.com/TravelKerri
info@travelkerri.com

Family Reunion Series – Part 1

It’s easy to see why family reunion trips, or even just mulit-generational trips are one of the fastest growing travel categories today. 

Destination reunions are a great way to spend quality time together while also giving everyone the space and freedom to do what they love without having to worry about who’s going to clean up the mess!

Part 1 of this series will focus on one of my favorite family destinations, Beaches Resorts.
Beaches Resort offers Family Reunion Packages for groups of 5 rooms or more. (Maximum of 35 rooms)
These packages include:

· Private family picnic *
· One (1) night group dining. *
· Family Reunion activities
· One (1) Complimentary 15 minute Family Portrait Session and one (1) complimentary 5×7 Group Photo per room
· Private Check-in (based on the majority of the group arriving at the same time)
· Farewell Cake.

If you’re planning an adult only reunion such as a cousin’s weekend then Beaches sister resort Sandals is a great fit for you.
They have a Let’s Get Together Social Group Package for groups of 5 rooms or more.
These packages include:

· One complimentary cocktail reception with hot & cold hors d’oeuvres and open bar for 1 hour.*
· One (1) group dinner *
· Group activities
· One (1) complimentary 15 minute Group Portrait Session and one (1) complimentary 5×7 Group Photo per room
· Private Check-in (based on the majority of the group arriving at the same time)
· Farewell cake

Being able to spend time with family while still being able to enjoy some personal space and activities is a driving force behind destination reunions. Organized group activities provide bonding opportunities while the multitude of free time options give everyone a chance to do something they love and have a vacation they’ll never forget. 
There are Sesame Street characters for the toddlers, pools, sports and gorgeous beaches for the teens, water sports, nightclubs, and open bars for the adults. There’s literally something for everyone at Beaches.  

Contact me, Travel Kerri, for more information on how you can book your Beaches Family Reunion.

~Kerri~
info@travelkerri.com
Facebook.com/TravelKerri 

 

Stay tuned because the next chapter of this series will focus on Family Reunion/Group Cruises. 

Stress Free Travel Is Possible

The above image is a great example of what travel can feel like. It’s chaotic, overwhelming, and exciting.
I’m here to help you get rid of the chaotic and overwhelming aspects.
Not only will I personally help you plan the perfect vacation, but over the next few weeks I’ll also start to share travel tips right here for you to use, for free.
You’re welcome 😉

Stay tuned!