The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort Review
My honest review of the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa: lazy river, golf, points value, resort fees, and who should book.
Trailborn Grand Canyon Review: Williams, AZ
My Trailborn Grand Canyon review: a boutique outdoor hotel in Williams, AZ near the Grand Canyon Railway, now part of the Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bo
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Review
My JW Marriott Camelback Inn review: adobe casitas, pools, spa, golf, and my Marriott Platinum suite upgrade at this classic Scottsdale desert resort.
JW Marriott Charlotte Review: Uptown Luxury
My honest JW Marriott Charlotte review: Uptown location, rooftop pool, Caroline's Oyster Bar, club lounge, and how to book it with Bonvoy points.
Impression Moxché by Secrets Review: Is It Worth It?
My Impression Moxché by Secrets review: an adults-only, all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort with butler suites, and how it prices with Hyatt points.
Disney's Riviera Resort Review: Skyliner, Topolino's & DVC
My Disney's Riviera Resort review: a upscale Disney Deluxe Villa resort with Skyliner access to Epcot, rooftop dining at Topolino's, and DVC villas.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Review
My review of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach: a value Orange County base for the beaches and Disneyland, with pools, golf next door, and how to book with p
Hana-Maui Resort Review (Destination by Hyatt)
My review of the Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt: the end of the Road to Hana, TV-free bungalows, points booking, and whether the remote setting i
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Review
My review of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: the private cliffside tunnel, plunge pools, El Farallon dining, and how to book with Hilton points or
Hotel Lincoln Chicago Review (JdV by Hyatt)
My honest review of Hotel Lincoln, JdV by Hyatt in Chicago: Globalist perks, the J. Parker rooftop, a suite upgrade, and how to book with points.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Review
North Scottsdale's Westin Kierland has 27 holes of golf, a lazy river, a FlowRider, and a sunset bagpiper. Here is my take on this family and golf resort.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Review
An official Disney Springs Resort Area hotel walkable to Disney Springs, with big rooms and a resort pool. Here is why it is strong value near Walt Disney
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa Review: Legoland Value
An honest review of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa: private Legoland entrance, shared Westin facilities, a 35K Bonvoy cert booking, and the catches.
Universal's Aventura Hotel Review: Best Value On Site
An honest review of Universal's Aventura Hotel: modern rooms, Bar 17 Bistro, the food hall, boat access, and why it is a smart on-site value.
Thompson Chicago Review: Gold Coast Style, Hyatt Points
An honest review of Thompson Chicago by Hyatt: Gold Coast location, mid-century rooms, dining, and how to book this boutique hotel with points.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Review: Carlsbad Family Base
An honest look at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad: eight pools, two golf courses, dining, and how to book this 400-acre family favorite.
Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort Review
A historic golf resort in downtown Chandler, Arizona: Arizona's first golf course, pools, spring-training access, and how to book it on IHG points.
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas Review
One of the best Marriott timeshares I've stayed at: a two-bedroom villa on the Newport Coast, pools, Crystal Cove access, and how to book with points.
Orlando World Center Marriott & Imperial Palms Villas Review
A family-friendly Disney-area base: Imperial Palms villas next to the Orlando World Center Marriott, its waterpark, dining, and how to book with points.
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld Review
My honest Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld review: the atrium resort, big pool, Tradewinds breakfast, and how I used Marriott status pre-cruise.
