Travel

Hotel at a Glance: SAHARA Las Vegas

The 4-star SAHARA Las Vegas channels Sin City’s energy with plenty of entertainment. Its casino lets players try their luck on more than 600 slots, plus more than 50 table games like blackjack and craps. Concert venues host musicians and comedians, and upscale bars mix craft cocktails.

• Multiple restaurants include a gourmet café and the carnivore-friendly Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
• Spa day: Hot-stone massages and herbal steam rooms erase stress.
• Extra perk: All options include $25 daily breakfast credit valid at Prendi

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

Property at a Glance: Nantahala Cabins

For the traveler looking to get away from it all, Nantahala Cabins offers seclusion and tranquility amid one of America’s most scenic regions. Tucked alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cabins are 10 miles from the nearest towns, Bryson City and Nantahala. Various activities are available nearby, including mountain biking and horseback riding.

• Choose your cabin: Guests can choose from 11 units. Cabin #6—the three-bedroom Wolf Den—offers space for up to eight people. Cabins #8 and #9 are two-bedroom, two-bath units with views of the mountains.
• For extra seclusion: Book the two-bedroom Edelweiss or Silvermine Hideaway cabins, located about 6 miles from the main office.
• In all units: full kitchens, satellite TV, wireless Internet, porches, and picnic areas with fire pits
• In most units: hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views
• Distance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: about 20 miles

Bryson City, North Carolina: Small-Town Charm in Great Smoky Mountains

The small town of Bryson City sits amid the woodsy slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains in southwestern North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River flows right through town, creating picturesque waterfalls and fishing holes teeming with rainbow and brook trout. On clear days, head a few miles north to catch a 360-degree view of the entire range from the 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also tour the rugged wilderness by train—the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year-round excursions in restored historic railroad cars that depart from Bryson City.

In winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area opens 18 trails and slopes on its challenging downhill course. Once all the snow thaws, whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular at nearby Nantahala Gorge. All the while, downtown Bryson City charms visitors with antique shops, handcrafted pottery, and housemade chocolates.

When you book a top-secret hotel, you’re guaranteed a name-brand property with a rating of 3 stars or higher in the neighborhood we specify. We’ll let you know the name and exact address of your top-secret hotel after you purchase the deal: Look in the redemption instructions for this deal, found in your account and on your email confirmation.

Hotel at a Glance: Top Secret Hotel in Northwest Detroit

Located in suburban Detroit, this hotel allows guests to cozy up away from the bustle of the city while also providing quick access to downtown via the highway. Guests can spend their days at nearby shopping centers like Twelve Oaks Mall or make quick trips to major company headquarters like Robert Bosch.

• Take a dip in the heated indoor pool, or sit back and relax in the calming heat of the adjacent hot tub.
• Surf the web using the hotel’s complimentary WiFi.
• Hop on the treadmill at the fitness center, with machines for pushing your cardio limit.
• Take it up a notch with a package included in select options. The romance package lets couples enjoy rose petals, a box of chocolates, and chocolate-covered strawberries, and the family package includes popcorn, soda, water, chips, and movie-style candy.

Detroit: World-Class Museums in the Motor City

The 658,000-square-foot Detroit Institute of Arts, located downtown, comprises 100 galleries, an auditorium, a lecture hall, and a reference library. Among its vast collection: a dragon-tile relief from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and a self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh. One of the city’s most fascinating art displays can’t be found at a museum or gallery. Tyree Guyton’s The Heidelberg Project is two blocks of once-decrepit houses that have been transformed into an open-air art installation, with colorful sculptures made out of discarded items including stuffed animals, vinyl records, old shoes, and scrap metal.

Hotel at a Glance: Hawthorne Hotel

Built in 1925, the Hawthorne Hotel retains its historic charm. The lobby extends into a grand sitting room filled with vintage-style sofas and armchairs. Throughout the hotel, the walls are adorned with crown moulding and ornately-gilded mirrors. Warm wood with expertly-carved accents encompasses the entirety of its Tavern on the Green, where guests and locals alike dine beneath golden chandeliers.

• The Salem Witch Museum: Minutes away, guests can learn the history of the town’s infamous trials.
• The Tavern on the Green serves New England favorites such as fresh seafood and pastas alongside local beers and a full wine menu.
• Nathaniel’s offers a more casual setting for dining and imbibing while also hosting live piano performances on Friday and Saturday.

Salem, Massachusetts: Witch-Trial History and Colonial Architecture on Massachusetts Bay

About 20 miles up the coast from Boston, Salem is a town whose history the rest of America is hard-pressed to rival. It’s best known as the site of the Salem witch trials, which resulted in the execution of 20 alleged witches in 1692 and 1693. Only one structure with direct ties to the event remains: the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a magistrate who administered some parts of the trials. It’s known as The Witch House.

You’ll find The Witch House in the McIntire Historic District. This area contains a wealth of 17th- and 18th-century houses, arguably forming the largest concentration of such homes anywhere in the country. You can take a self-guided walking tour of the district in about an hour. For a different glimpse of Salem history, visit the Pioneer Village (3-acre replica of a Puritan village), or browse the Peabody Essex Museum to see works of art ranging from 17th century all the way up to present day.

Travel By Jen: 57,000+ of our travelers served since 2013

All-Inclusive Vacation in the Caribbean at Grand Park Royal Cozumel

Flights & Transportation

• Round-trip airfare from
  • Houston - IAH
  • Dallas - DAL
  • Chicago
  • Fort Lauderdale - FLL
  • New York City
  • Philadelphia - PHL
  • Atlanta - ATL
  • Washington, DC
  • Denver - DEN
  • Orlando - MCO
  • Los Angeles - LAX
  • Boston - BOS
  • Raleigh/Durham - RDU
• For additional departure airports/pricing, contact Travel by Jen at (800) 603-3178.
• Airline & flight times determined at time of booking.

Resort (Choice of 3 or 5 nights)

• All-inclusive accommodations in a deluxe nature view room at Grand Park Royal Cozumel

All-Inclusive Package

• All meals, snacks, and unlimited beverages
• Daily activities and nightly entertainment
• Supervised activities for children
• All hotel taxes and gratuities

Grand Park Royal Cozumel

During this vacation from Travel By Jen, you’ll kick back at the all-inclusive Grand Park Royal Cozumel. Here, you’ll get to lounge on a private beach along the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The 4-star resort’s all-inclusive plan lets you drink at five bars and dine at four restaurants serving everything from Italian to traditional Mexican cuisine. And kids get their own club complete with a playground and a water-slide-laden pool.

Call Travel by Jen at (800) 603-3178 for Questions About:

• Flying from any airport not listed here
• Extending your trip or traveling on dates not listed here
• The availability of your desired travel dates
• Kids 12 and under pay reduced prices; please contact Travel by Jen for kid pricing
• Booking optional tours and upgrades

Remember:

• Each person must buy a voucher; price is based on two people traveling together and sharing a room. Additional fee to travel solo.
• Select dates: If your chosen date is not available for the price, you will be offered another date for the same price.

Golden Sails Hotel

Long Beach’s waterfront attractions are all within reach of the Golden Sails hotel. Guests hoping for a slice of the California sunshine can head south to nearby Seal Beach for a day shelling with their toes in the sand, while history buffs should head west along Ocean Boulevard for a look at the Queen Mary and other coastal attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific. After a long day exploring the seaside, guests can head back to Golden Sails for a little bit of relaxation with a dip in the pool or head to the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail lounge for a bite to eat.

• Family-friendly relaxation: From a heated pool to complimentary WiFi and flat-screen TV’s in each room, the kids (and the parents) won’t have trouble unwinding after a long day.
• Hit the gym: The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center helps keep guests in shape even when they’re on the road thanks to treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and weight machines.
• PCH Club: The hotel’s restaurant overlooks the marina and is known for delicious eats and cocktails, along with their bachata and salsa dance classes and live DJ’ing
• Head to the marina: The hotel sits right on the Marina Pacifica, giving guests the best spot for a romantic post-dinner walk or sight-seeing spot

Long Beach, California: Art & Architecture

Independent playhouses and art galleries line the streets of the East Village Arts District. On the second Saturday of each month, the neighborhood hosts an art walk where galleries, boutiques, and cafés stay open late and local artists display original works. Long Beach’s architecture also has its own appeal. Geometry buffs may marvel at the Walter Pyramid sports arena, as well as the aptly named Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue, a 10-foot-wide structure reportedly built on a bet.

Plaza Hotel & Casino

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel and Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling for a unique Vegas experience. Built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot, it fist opened its doors in 1971 and now boasts over a thousand updated rooms and suites with a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall, and 30,000 square feet of renovated ballroom and meeting space. It treats guests to a variety of dining selections led by the Rat Pack-styled Oscar’s steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. It Operating hundreds of slot machines—from the latest games to traditional coin machines—and nearly two dozen table games on its 80,000-square-foot casino floor, it’s also home to downtown’s largest race and sports book. It provides guests with a host of outdoor amenities, from a renovated rooftop pool and recreation deck, complete with private cabanas, to a hot tub, food truck, tennis court, and dedicated Pickleball courts.

• Chill out at the Pool at the Plaza, which boasts amenities ranging from rentable cabanas and lily pad day beds to a 12-person hot tub and onsite food truck.
• Try your luck at the casino, where games include slots, table games, and the only bingo room in the neighborhood. There’s also an OTB and sports book for placing wagers. This deal includes $10 slot play and two drink vouchers per room per stay.
• Eat and drink at eight restaurants and bars, including an upscale steakhouse, swanky cocktail bar, and food court with fast favorites. Enjoy two regular coffees at the Coffee bar included with your stay.
• That’s entertainment: The hotel welcomes live shows, including performers, entertainers, and bands. If you seek more adrenaline-pumping experience, opt for seasonal events such as Demolition Derby.

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

When you book a top-secret hotel, you’re guaranteed a name-brand property with a rating of 3 stars or higher in the neighborhood we specify. We’ll let you know the name and exact address of your top-secret hotel after you purchase the deal: Look in the redemption instructions for this deal, found in your account and on your email confirmation.

Hotel at a Glance: 4-Star Top-Secret New Orleans French Quarter Hotel

This sumptuously decorated 4-star hotel places you in the heart of the city—so close you can hear it beating. Or maybe that’s the sound of jazz ensembles keeping the rhythm in the French Quarter below. The hotel is just around the corner from party-centric Bourbon Street—the good times roll the second you step out the door.

• Luxurious accommodations with modern decor feature complimentary WiFi and flat-screen high-definition TVs.
• Get a taste of New Orleans: Try a seafood platter and bourbon milk punch at the onsite restaurant and bar.
• Ignore the clock: The hotel offers in-room dining 24 hours a day.
• Hop aboard: The Canal Street streetcar stops right outside.
• Shop till you drop at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, a short stroll away.

New Orleans’s French Quarter: Let the Good Times Roll

“Stop thinking of New Orleans as the worst-organized city in the United States,” writes author Dan Baum in Nine Lives, his post-Katrina book. “Start thinking of it as the best-organized city in the Caribbean.” Some folks think there is something distinctly foreign about New Orleans, a place where people’s priorities seem inclined toward enjoying life and relishing the moment at hand. Nothing says it better than the town’s unofficial Cajun creed: “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll.”

Historical buildings with intricate wrought-iron balconies line the narrow streets of New Orleans’s French Quarter. Here, street musicians often fill the air with jazz music, their trombones and tubas swinging back and forth. Just off the Jackson Square park and near the towering St. Louis Cathedral, the legendary Café Du Monde serves beignets under heaping piles of powdered sugar. The nearby Frenchmen Street, just north of the Quarter, provides a slightly less touristy taste of New Orleans nightlife. Some of the city’s most popular live jazz and blues bars dominate this historic two-block district, with each venue hosting world-class musicians nearly every night of the week. And then there’s Bourbon Street, where neon lights advertise frozen cocktails and crowds gather along 13 city blocks.

Hotel at a Glance: Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown/Convention Center

Surrounded by the bustling, vibrant culture of San Francisco sits Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown/Convention Center, where modern amenities combine with convenience for an enjoyable stay in northern California. Situated near Westfield Centre shopping, Chinatown, and Union Square, this Hampton Inn positions guests amidst the entertainment, excitement, and eclectic social scene San Francisco is known for.

• Start the day right with fresh fruit, warm cinnamon rolls, eggs, bagels, and more from the hotel’s complimentary hot breakfast offered each morning from 6:00am to 10:00am.
• Comfortable guest rooms include a coffee maker and a LCD TV with HD channels.
• Break a sweat indoors during a workout at the hotel’s modern fitness center.
• Explore the area: Shops, restaurants, and vendors line the streets leading down to Fisherman’s Wharf, where ferry boats transport guests to and from the infamous Alcatraz Island. Moving down the coast sits the expansive Golden Gate Bridge, where visitors can take in picturesque views of the city.

San Francisco’s Union Square: Luxury Shopping District with Broadway Shows

Union Square is where San Franciscans go to find their coolest threads. The Square, which has grown to include several surrounding blocks, houses one of the country’s densest concentrations of department stores and upscale boutiques. Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s anchor its namesake plaza, and smaller boutiques are tucked along narrow alleyways. Shoppers can sift through vintage books at family-owned antique shops and admire iconic French fashion labels on the pedestrian-only Maiden Lane.

Union Square is also famous for its eclectic arts scene. The American Conservatory Theater produces Tony Award–winning dramas and comedies in a gorgeous Beaux Arts building. A handful of art galleries and museums—most notably the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—display renowned works from artists such as Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Edward Hopper.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Aqua Mar

Hotel Aqua Mar sits on the Point Loma peninsula, an area west of downtown San Diego that’s known for picturesque scenes of rocky cliffs set against the Pacific Ocean. Sample local seafood at one of the restaurants near the peninsula’s eastern waterfront, then head to the west side to take in a gorgeous sunset from the cliffs.

• Beachy style: Blue mosaic tiling in the bathroom and wave-inspired artwork over the beds nod to the city’s seaside setting.
• Share vacation pics using the hotel’s free WiFi.
• Get comfy: Slip on the robe and slippers in your room and settle in to watch the 40-inch plasma TV.
• Closest beach: Shoreline Park, located 1 mile away on Shelter Island
• Distance from the Gaslamp Quarter: 6 miles

San Diego, California: Electric Nightlife and Historical Attractions

San Diego’s sunny, comfortably warm weather and 70 miles of coastline have long attracted out-of-towners, but the city’s inland scene is no slouch, either. The Gaslamp Quarter is arguably the trendiest listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The area forms both the historic center of town and a hub of nightlife, with nearly 100 Victorian-era buildings occupied by high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

A stroll through iconic Balboa Park takes you past 17 museums, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There’s also the vibrant Spanish Village Art Center, a living gallery where local artists produce pottery and oil paintings. In Old Town, shops in Mission-style stucco buildings sell colorful woven baskets and maracas. Nearby stands the Whaley House Museum, dubbed one of the Most Terrifying Places in America by the Travel Channel. Ghosts of former residents are said to inhabit the rooms, which are filled with Victorian furniture and eerie dolls.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Planter

PLEASE NOTE: The lobby and guest rooms are all located on the second floor, accessible by stairway only.

At Hotel Planter, a historic inn in La Conner, Washington, most guests gravitate toward the garden courtyard. Adorned with cedar trees, birdbaths, and bubbling water fountains, it’s a charming spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. You’ll also find handcrafted sculptures and ornaments strewn throughout, a testament to the town’s love of contemporary art.

• Art galleries, antique stores, and museums are located within walking distance of the hotel.
• Renovated guest rooms feature handcrafted furnishings and private bathrooms.
• Wine tasting: Visit La Conner Sips Wine Bar, where offers include sip and paint parties, and where you can save on two wine tastings with the included buy one and get one free.
• More perks: Upon arrival receive a special discount book to be enjoyed during your visit.
• North Cascades mountain range: You can go fishing, kayaking, and river rafting in the area.

La Conner, Washington: Historic Waterfront Town with Contemporary Arts Scene

Situated halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, La Conner is a small waterfront town surrounded by tulip and daffodil farms. The oldest town in Skagit County, it was originally a fishing village thanks to its location at the tip of the Swinomish Channel, a saltwater slough that connected local fishermen to Puget Sound. Today, you’re more likely to see recreational boaters sailing the channel; the bright-orange Rainbow Bridge offers one of the best views.

Following the Great Depression, La Conner became a haven for writers and artists who found inspiration in the picturesque scenery and quiet lifestyle. By 1970 the town was home to one of the most vibrant artists’ communities in the Northwest. You can glimpse this legacy at the Museum of Northwest Art, where exhibits highlight work from the region’s many contemporary artists including Walter Isaacs and Morris Graves. Another form of artistry can be found at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, where you can see three stories of locally made quilts that range from traditional to contemporary.

Hotel at a Glance: Villas de Santa Fe

Situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and 12 miles from Ski Santa Fe, Villas de Santa Fe welcomes visitors with a warm southwestern decor and pueblo-style architecture. Well-appointed suites make the property a comfy home base for exploring the area, which is rich in Native American and Mexican history.

• One-bedroom condo: partial kitchen with refrigerator and stovetop, sleeper sofa, coffeemaker, and hairdryer.
• On a rainy day shoot some pool in the game room.
• Cook a meal at the outdoor BBQ grills, or inside, with your suite’s stove.
• Work up a sweat in the fitness center.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Old West Architecture

Santa Fe’s vibrant mosaic of cultural influences includes pieces of Native American, Latino, and western traditions. You can get an idea of the city’s varied background by visiting Santa Fe Plaza, which has served as the city center for more than 400 years. On a walk through, you’ll see old buildings made of adobe, the red brick-like material that defines much of Santa Fe’s architecture. Centuries of colorful southwestern artwork are also on display in the New Mexico Museum of Art, which is located in the Plaza.

For more than 300 days a year, Santa Fe soaks in sunshine. Such consistently great weather, paired with New Mexico’s varied terrain, makes the region ideal for hiking and biking. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains have peaks that stand over 13,000 feet high, and they’re traced with trails that wind past picturesque meadows filled with Indian paintbrush and purple lupine.

Hotel at a Glance: Radisson Hotel San Diego-Rancho Bernardo

The Radisson Hotel San Diego-Rancho Bernardo resembles a Mediterranean villa, with a stucco exterior and terra-cotta roof tiles. Continuing the theme, the hotel centers on a landscaped courtyard. The palm-studded outdoor space is outfitted with a heated pool and hot tub that stay open all year.

• In-room amenities: mini fridge and free WiFi
• Where to eat: C3 Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, and pizzas topped with organic, house-made sauce for dinner.
• 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights
• Distance from downtown San Diego: 24 miles

San Diego, California: Electric Nightlife and Historical Attractions

San Diego’s sunny, comfortably warm weather and 70 miles of coastline have long attracted out-of-towners, but the city’s inland scene is no slouch, either. The Gaslamp Quarter is arguably the trendiest listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The area forms both the historic center of town and a hub of nightlife, with nearly 100 Victorian-era buildings occupied by high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

A stroll through iconic Balboa Park takes you past 17 museums, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There’s also the vibrant Spanish Village Art Center, a living gallery where local artists produce pottery and oil paintings. In Old Town, shops in Mission-style stucco buildings sell colorful woven baskets and maracas. Nearby stands the Whaley House Museum, dubbed one of the Most Terrifying Places in America by the Travel Channel. Ghosts of former residents are said to inhabit the rooms, which are filled with Victorian furniture and eerie dolls.

Hotel at a Glance: Greensprings Vacation Resort

It’s easy for your mind to wander back to early American history when you’re staying at Greensprings Vacation Resort. It sits on the grounds of a former plantation, which now serves as a home base for exploring Williamsburg’s historic attractions. Stroll down the city’s cobblestone streets and you’ll find buildings and actors re-creating the 18th century—including Patrick Henry recounting one of his famous speeches.

• Where you’ll stay: Well-appointed two-bedroom condos overlooking historical landscapes come with full kitchens, fireplaces, and garden tubs.
• Tee off right next door at the Williamsburg National Golf Club, which has a Jack Nicklaus–designed course hailed by Golf Digest as one of Virginia’s best.
• Play tennis day and night on lighted courts, or try a smaller version on the ping-pong tables.
• Go swimming any time of year in the indoor heated pool. There is also a seasonal outdoor pool.
• Work out in the fully equipped fitness center.
• Enjoy daily events for families, planned by the activities department.

Williamsburg, Virginia: Historic Colonial Town

Part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia (along with Jamestown and Yorktown), Williamsburg was the capital of the colony. It played a central role during the American Revolution—American forces gathered here in 1781 to march to Yorktown for the war’s final battle. The city pays homage to this patriotic past with a living museum where fifers march in Revolutionary War regalia and costumed actors portray everyday colonists. Historians have carefully preserved and restored dozens of 18th-century structures within the town; buildings of note include the home of George Wythe, the first Virginian to sign the Declaration of Independence. Yorktown Battlefield is to the east; here, park rangers tell the story of the Revolutionary War’s final siege.

Hotel at a Glance: The Seashore Inn On The Beach

The Seashore Inn On The Beach lives up to its name, putting its guests just steps from the beautiful, expansive beach. But when you’ve had your fill of walking up and down the promenade, you can also take advantage of the inn’s close proximity to the charming shops and restaurants in Seaside, Oregon.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms have LCD TVs, complimentary WiFi, and mini fridges.
• Too cold in the Pacific? Then swim in the hotel’s indoor pool, or warm up in the sauna.
• Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast, which includes muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.
• Pet-friendly: You can bring your dog for only $20 per pet, per night (call ahead to arrange; pets allowed in pet-friendly rooms only).

Seaside, Oregon: Coastal Beauty Surrounding a Family-Friendly Town

Located along Oregon’s Pacific coast, about 80 miles northwest of Portland, the resort town of Seaside has attracted beachcombers since the late 19th century. More recently, the coastal village has become a family destination marked by historical buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, including mini golf, bumper cars, and arcades.

A 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade—known locally as the Prom—stretches along the beach, its boardwalk speckled with shops and restaurants near grass-covered dunes. Along the Prom, you’ll find a bronze statue of Lewis and Clark that faces the ocean at the historic Seaside Turnaround—the spot where the explorers are thought to have ended their epic westward trek. The Seaside Aquarium is also located along the promenade. Pop in to visit its aquatic residents, including a giant Pacific octopus, tropical fish, and several crowd-pleasing harbor seals.

Hotel at a Glance: Beachwalk Resort

The Beachwalk Resort towers 33 stories over the Intracoastal Waterway in Hallandale Beach, located about midway between Miami to the south and Ft. Lauderdale to the north. Though this part of south Florida is less crowded than those bustling cities, you’re still near plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, and a picture-perfect beach is just a block away.

• Chic guest rooms feature balconies or terraces overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, or city skyline. Suites have dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens, and washers and dryers.
• Food and Drinks: Dining options include a bistro serving fresh contemporary fare made with local ingredients, as well as a pool grill and a marketplace for grabbing snacks on the go
• Distance from the beach one block
• Take a dip  in the infinity-edge pool.
• Beach club access: Free transportation via electric cart will take you to Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails, which is set right on the sand and offers complimentary chairs, towels, and umbrellas.

Hollywood, Florida: Quiet Coastal Town with Beachfront Boardwalk

Hollywood is situated just a few miles south of Fort Lauderdale and about a half-hour drive north of Miami, but it’s quite a bit more relaxed than both. The town’s beach boardwalk—named one of the country’s best by Travel + Leisure—stretches along the Atlantic Ocean for 2.5 miles, attracting joggers, bicyclists, and shoppers. To get to the boardwalk from downtown, hop aboard the old-timey trolley that makes runs to the beach. Other Hollywood attractions include the Anne Kolb Nature Center, a 1,500-acre wetland where you can kayak through tidal channels or take walking trails through red-mangrove forests.

The tempo picks up in neighboring Fort Lauderdale, a city famous for its beaches and boats. During the day, water taxis cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, offering up-close views of waterfront mansions and anchored yachts. At night, hit up the upscale bars and restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard.

Hotel at a Glance: Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Located in downtown San Diego, this hotel sleeps in the pastel jungle of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, just north of downtown. Conveniently located and just minutes from San Diego’s biggest attractions—the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and the Star of India, to name a few—with the charm of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Guests enjoy sunsets at waterfront bars and nosh Italian eateries plating famous pizza and sausage locales.

• The San Diego Zoo is home to Xiao Liwu, a giant panda, along with leopards and arctic foxes in one of the world’s most diverse gathering of wild and plant life.
• The world’s oldest active sailing ship, the Star of India, immerses visitors in the life of sailors in the late 19th century.
• Also nearby are the Balboa Park, the Coronado Beach, and the Spanish Village Art Center.
• The rooms are equipped with 55” HD TVs and free WiFi.

San Diego, California: Electric Nightlife and Historical Attractions

San Diego’s sunny, comfortably warm weather and 70 miles of coastline have long attracted out-of-towners, but the city’s inland scene is no slouch, either. The Gaslamp Quarter is arguably the trendiest listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The area forms both the historic center of town and a hub of nightlife, with nearly 100 Victorian-era buildings occupied by high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

A stroll through iconic Balboa Park takes you past 17 museums, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There’s also the vibrant Spanish Village Art Center, a living gallery where local artists produce pottery and oil paintings. In Old Town, shops in Mission-style stucco buildings sell colorful woven baskets and maracas. Nearby stands the Whaley House Museum, dubbed one of the Most Terrifying Places in America by the Travel Channel. Ghosts of former residents are said to inhabit the rooms, which are filled with Victorian furniture and eerie dolls.

Hotel at a Glance: Broadmoor Miami Beach

About 6 miles from popular South Beach, the North Beach coastline offers the same white-sand shores and warm ocean waters with fewer crowds. Guests at this hotel can head right across the street to plant their chairs and towels along the beach for laid-back days in the sun.

• Newly remodeled rooms come with mini-fridges and WiFi access.
• Best spot to relax: on a daybed by the outdoor pool or during a beach hike.
• Just opened: The hotel’s new restaurant, highlights Mexican street food with a local flair, featuring multiple varieties of tacos, as well as a full bar.

Miami Beach, Florida: White-Sand Beaches, Glamorous Nightlife, and Cuban Cuisine

Miami Beach is a small barrier island situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, a shallow lagoon that separates the beaches from downtown Miami. People from all over the world come here to enjoy the white-sand beaches, shop the high-end boutiques, and party at the legendary see-and-be-seen nightclubs the city is known for. The red-hot center of this sexy, international social scene is South Beach, a 20-block stretch filled with upscale lounges, rooftop bars, and ultrahip hangouts behind velvet ropes. Lummus Park beach is packed by mid-morning, and the clubs on Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue—many of which stay open until 5 a.m.—vie for the limelight with VIP service, celebrity DJs, and dressed-to-the-nines crowds.

Beyond the fast-paced luxury of South Beach lies Miami Beach’s softer side. A leisurely stroll through the Art Deco District reveals hundreds of beautiful, candy-colored buildings, including Versace Mansion—a 1930 manor modeled after a palace in the Dominican Republic that belonged to Christopher Columbus’s family. The centerpiece of the city’s arts scene, the Bass Museum of Art displays works from Peter Paul Rubens and Sandro Botticelli, and modern-design objects and propaganda arts fill three stories at the Wolfsonian-FIU museum. There’s also a handful of vibrant ethnic enclaves to explore here, and Little Havana is among the most notable. The neighborhood is lined with family-owned restaurants and Caribbean-style marketplaces, making it a great place to discover some of the country’s most delicious Cuban food, from sugary guarapo juice to pastelitos, or Cuban pastries.

Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara, including their restaurants and other operations, are currently closed in light of recent events. Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls is open and accepting guests.

Hotel at a Glance: Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls - Fallsview

A never-ending deluge of water barrels over Horseshoe Falls, creating a thunderous roar and a constant spray of mist. As the largest cascade in Niagara Falls, it’s one of the world’s most famous natural phenomena—and it’s just steps from the 42-story Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls - Fallsview. The 4-star hotel’s falls-view rooms and suites offer stunning views of the site, while other rooms and suites look out over the city.

• Start your day with a hearty, complimentary breakfast.
• Dine out: All options include a $30 voucher at Keg Steakhouse + Bar and a $20 dining voucher at T.G.I.Friday’s Restaurant & Bar.
• Couples packages include wine country tour passes and a $25 slot-play credit at Fallsview Casino or Casino Niagara.
• Family packages come with admission for up to four to select attractions at Niagara Falls Fun Zone.
• Raise your glass at the evening reception, where you’ll receive complimentary alcoholic drinks and snacks.
• See the falls illuminated in bright, dazzling colors every night after sunset.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: Panoramic Views of the Falls near Vegas-Style Casinos and Water Parks

At Niagara Falls, water thunders downward from a height of nearly 200 feet, crashing onto craggy boulders below. The falls straddle the border between Canada and the United States, but the Canadian side of the Niagara River is universally hailed as the finest vantage point to take in all three of Niagara Falls’ photogenic brinks: American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.

Hornblower cruises ferry raincoat-clad passengers around the base of the falls from April to October, depending on the river’s ice conditions. Year-round, Journey Behind the Falls grants a glimpse behind the curtain of Horseshoe Falls—visitors board an elevator that descends 150 feet into the bedrock, then stand at an observation deck steps from the cascading water. A 10-minute walk from the falls is the neon-lit Clifton Hill neighborhood. Its Fallsview Boulevard has plenty of Vegas-style kitsch, including glitzy casinos and indoor water parks.

Hotel at a Glance: Avanti International Resort

The Avanti International Resort is set on International Drive, one of the most convenient locations if you want to explore Orlando’s theme parks. The resort makes that easy—its shuttle will take you to top attractions including Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, and Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll also be within walking distance of shops and themed restaurants.

• Hit the mock beach: The resort’s sprawling outdoor pool and water playscape are surrounded by golden sand, lounge chairs, a hot tub, and a beach-volleyball court.
• Spacious rooms are designed for families; they feature refrigerators, bold color schemes, and HDTVs.
• Fuel up with Starbucks coffee in the lobby.
• Turn kids loose at the onsite arcade, complete with air hockey and video games.
• Award: A TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017

Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks—the world’s most-visited entertainment resort. Spanning roughly 30,000 acres, it encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Disney Springs® Area. There’s no shortage of things to do here: begin your day by boarding a rocket-shaped three-seater that climbs to 180 feet before entering a deep black tunnel and racing past stars, satellites, and constellations. Walk across the park to sample Moroccan cuisine for lunch, or ride a dune buggy through a haunted mansion. Before heading back to the hotel, take in the nightly fireworks, laser, and water show. One of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is also home to Universal Orlando—which includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—SeaWorld, and Gatorland.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando’s vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.