Another Luxury Choice in Vegas

Vegas is already decadent.  Aria has introduced a new level of luxury to their hotel. "Tower Suites"

This introductory offer, includes a $200 resort credit when you stay 2 or more nights. The special offer code is ARIATS15. The offer needs to be booked by the end of December but you may travel until the end of May 2016.

The tower suites rooms are available at $250 per night, at non peak times. Up to $650 or more at New Years.

A good price for a "normal" room is $119 per night.

One of the most notable perks with these new suites at Aria is that luxury airport transportation included with your reservation.

Get the hotel upgrade AND save money.

Riley loved the automatic pancake maker at the Sheraton Montreal! 

You know those hotels that don't include continental breakfast and a waterslide? Well, truth is, they often have something better.

Let's take for example, the Sheraton Montreal Centre, and the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. But heck, it could even be the Fairmont Winnipeg, Westin Ottawa or the like. What they, and most downtown business hotels offer is a "Club Lounge" or similar.

Basically, there is an open lounge setting, with TVs, couches, tables chairs, workstations and more. It's on the top floor of the hotel, and is included with some room classes, or can be added (for a fee) to regular rooms.

There are three ways to gain access to the club level: 

1) Be a member of their rewards program. Certain levels will earn you complimentary access.

2) Use your membership rewards points for an upgrade. For example, you can book the least expensive room in the hotel and then call to upgrade your room to "club" using 1500 of your Sheraton (SPG.com) rewards points. So, without any additional cash paid, you have upgraded and get all the perks free.

3) You can pay a nominal fee, at check-in, for an upgrade. Typically it's about $20 per person, but you can always try to negotiate that, especially on weekends when there are very few business travellers.

Why upgrade to Club and why is it worth is even if you are travelling with your children?

1) Space. I love having lounge space to use outside the hotel room itself. You can set up a board game with your kids, or spread out and read a newspaper. Both are typically provided. When kids have activities and other adults present, I always find they are on their best hotel behaviour.

2) The breakfasts are fabulous! "Real eggs!!!" As my son would tell you, are always worth it. If you've ever had stale pastries, powdered eggs and orange drink included as your hotel breakfast you will appreciate this obvious upgrade. Club breakfast, is more like Easter Brunch.

3) Complimentary espresso, fresh squeezed juices, bottle water, tea and hot chocolate, plus grab and-go fruit like apples and bananas are available around the clock.  This alone can be worth the $20 a day, if you are used to paying $5 a coffee and a few dollars for snacks and tea while you are on the go.

4) Both Sheraton and Fairmont offer afternoon "happy hour" and hors d'oeuvres in addition to the morning breakfast.  The Sheraton offered warm brie, cold smoked salmon, cheeses, vegetables and even nachos and guacamole. The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac was all this and more, including gourmet spoons, fresh breads and bite sized desserts.  This is great for kids as they can try new things, in small taster sizes, in a supervised setting, without you having to commit to taking them to a fancy restaurant or spending $100 or more to have such choices.

5) Access to alcohol, soft drinks, milk and juices without having to find a corner store. Aren't there times when you are travelling where you just want to kick back and have a single glass of wine, without committing to or wasting a bottle? Or wouldn't you love to have a mixed cocktail without buying all the ingredients and garnishes? After all, you are on vacation! Well, the Club Lounge has your whole bar. And while there is a fee for alcohol, it is certainly reasonable and much more convenient than hauling the groceries back up to your room and trying to keep ice in a leaky bucket.

So, while your thrifty self might routinely choose the least expensive room at the hotel, do consider the Club Lounge next time you find yourself in a business hotel. I expect you will value the food, beverages and space much more than you realized. And at $20 a day, you will see actual tangible savings over your regular spending habits on the road.

I find the greatest value in this practice, when travelling with my teenage son. I also feel it serves as a learning experience in manners, travel and social skills that I can not replicate when at home. And when it comes time for him to host a business meeting, or attend a fancy restaurant he will already be comfortable and somewhat familiar with the environment.

Shrimp cocktail, and oysters included at the Fairmont that afternoon.

Small sample of the afternoon deli selection. 

My morning cafe latte

Club Lounge at The Sheraton Montreal.

Sun, Surf and Savings in California

Doesn't this look like fun?A 70s motel taken over by the Coast Hotel (They're Canadian) chain.

This price includes flights, taxes and hotel for 4 nights.  The flight is by Air Canada from Winnipeg to Los Angeles. (YWG to LAX.) WIFI and a FREE airport shuttle transfer is included with your price.

The dates from this sample are October 6th to 10th, 2015. Looks like there are several dates in October, but back to normal prices (over $500) in November.

Disney Park Passes

Did you know that you can purchase Disney World, and Disneyland park tickets through Airmiles.ca?

You simply go into the Dream Rewards section and choose your desired passes. They will cost you around 3000 Air Miles per pass.  The current retail price is over $300 US or about $400 Canadian funds.

There are a few other amusement parks who also offer tickets through Air Miles. Just make sure you give yourself 3-4 weeks to receive the passes in the mail, prior to your trip. Though, the last time I purchased Disney passes this way, they were delivered in 9 days so I had plenty of time.

When the Canadian dollar is weak, and you still want to make your dream trip a reality, I encourage you to think creatively and use rewards credits like this. I would book my flights and hotel and pre-pay in Canadian funds, use Air Miles for the park passes and limit my souvenir purchases. Eat bigger lunches and small dinners and your dream trip can still come together at an affordable price.

If you have any other tips on saving money in the USA without skimping on the family fun, please add them in the comments. Thank you!

Denver: Hotwire hotel jackpot!

Our favourite perk, the rooftop pool!

The trip was too fast to get hung up on details and I was plum out of loyalty credits. So, I used Hotwire.com to book my hotel for this Denver getaway.

I needed location and security because I was travelling with my young son. I knew exactly where I needed to be to get to Coors Field and Mile High Stadium conveniently, since I had been to Denver before. Being familiar with the city and specifically downtown was a real asset in this situation.

I picked the best rated hotel within my budget and booked. (With Hotwire, you 'blind buy'... meaning you don't learn which hotel until after you have booked and paid.)

My 4.5 star hotel booking was confirmed as the Westin Downtown. Jackpot!! I knew this hotel had the perfect location and was a brand I respected and valued. I was thrilled even before I arrived.

When I checked in, the front desk clerk made me feel very welcome. He even extended us the generous courtesy of a complimentary breakfast at the hotel.

The hotel met our every need. It even had a Starbuck's kiosk in the lobby, and one on the street corner on either side.

The breakfast was excellent and the service was even better. The breakfast servers were sweeter than pumpkin pie and so attentive to my son. Not all 4 star hotels are so welcoming of kids. Their hospitality, once again, made me feel like a valued guest.

The rooftop pool was my favourite perk. We had a great view, a cooling swim and a real chance to relax and just chill, in the heart of the city. Perfect for this mom and son bonding sports trip.

Just 10 steps outside the south side of the hotel was a FREE games area run by a downtown enrichment organization. We played mini golf, ping pong and foosball. Did I mention it was FREE? Such a great little fun zone and probably the first thing my son would mention if you asked him about the trip.

I feel like I hit the jackpot. I got the perfect hotel, and on budget, for my two day sports getaway. Thank you Hotwire!

FREE 9 hole mini golf in the city centre

A panoramic view of the city from the rooftop pool on the Westin's 4th floor.

The previous trip to Denver, we had booked a 4 star, downtown boutique hotel and were treated to The Magnolia. It also absolutely met our needs. In that case, it was an adult trip, and the hotel was indeed more suited to adult travellers. The hotel hosted a happy hour with complimentary wine and beer. The rooms were smaller and it did not have a pool area. However, I can definitely recommend The Magnolia as well when in Denver.

Let's dream a little....

Have you noticed that I hardly every write on the weekends? It's because I own a restaurant and am completely consumed by it Thursday thru Sunday. Monday is my catch-up day and if I get an evening off it's typically a Tuesday. So since I have a little free time to pursue my travel hobby tonight, I thought we might dream a little.

I always write about bargain travel. It's "my thing."( I can go when the price low.... meaning I am very budget conscious and just want to get the best value I can for my money. If I can find 5 star travel experiences and pay 2 star price, just by being flexible with dates and/or using points then I feel like a winner.) But, just for the sake of a little amusement on my night off, let's pretend money is no object.

I've spun the calendar and landed on Sunday, December 6th. It's not a holiday or anything, so the prices should be pretty average.  Let's see what it would cost to stay a Sunday night in a variety of fancy hotels around the world.

1. Plaza Hotel (Fairmont Chain) New York City.

2. The Langham Hotel in Chicago, Illinois  

(Only USA Hotel on Trip Advisor's Top 25 Luxury Hotel List) 

3. Trump Hotel, Toronto Canada

4. Four Seasons Hotel, Paris France

5. Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Nevada

Shown in US dollars

6. Park Hyatt, Sydney Harbour Australia

Top 5 Travel Tips: When to use Hotwire

Sometimes it feels like a dirty little secret. But I like Hotwire.com I've used it before and I'll certainly use it again. Here's why.

1. Use Hotwire when the event overshadows the accomodations. For example, if you're in town for the big game and you plan to be at the arena/stadium all day tailgating and such, your hotel is kind of irrelevant. As long as it's clean, conveniently located and saves you money for beer, it's a winner.

2. You're broke.  You might just get a 4 star AWESOME hotel, at a 2 star cool price.

3. You're trip is ON. No chance of cancellation... this is happening for sure. Then Hotwire is a good choice. If you think you might cancel, or might change plans or might "whatever" then forget it. Hotwire is when it's ON. No refunds.

4. You are not brand loyal. Once more night and Hyatt gives you elite status? Then stay with Hyatt. There are no points, no loyalty bonuses when you pick Hotwire.

5. When Hotwire keeps emailing you and dropping the price.... go with Hotwire. They want your business. They follow their Internet cookies back to you and keep trying to sweeten the deal. They've worked hard. You should take the offer and smile that smug "I got the deal" smile.

$497 tax in for The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas

Nice deal on a swanky hotel. Two dates to choose from at this price. Monday July 6th, or Monday July 13th. Departing out of Winnipeg, with direct flights in both directions.

Book with westjet.com or your favourite agency.

Blushing with pride.

So I sit down next to my son, as he is talking to a friend between games at their hockey tournament, and I overhear my son saying, "my mom plans the best trips. We went to Florida and didn't even go to Disney World and it was still the best time. She knows how to find all the coolest hotels (Hyatt Grand Cypress Orlando) and usually pretty cheap."

Turns out he was offering my services and singing my praises!

Wow! That was a pretty neat feeling to hear my son giving me such a good reference. It has been and continues to be, one of my life's ambitions to design exciting life experiences for my family, through travel.

Later, I pressed my 9 year old son for a little bit more information. He says that we do a lot of great things together that other people (that he knows) just don't seem to do. (Like touching a space shuttle at the NASA museum in Houston.) And he thought his friend might like to do something similar, and we moms should talk.

I knows he sees me at the computer and hastily writing things into a notebook. (Yes, I use good old fashioned pencil and paper when hunting for a deal. I make myself a list of searches & prices in a notebook.) And I know he understands it's a process, but he was recognizing my efforts and that made me feel like a gold medalist.

One of my favourite things to do is to travel separately with my kids. It gives me the chance to see them as individuals and focus on their interests and their pace rather than trying to negotiate between 2 or more strong willed travellers. For example, the Disney Cruise to the Caribbean was more enjoyable for my younger son because he didn't have his older sibling teasing him and criticizing his choice of activities. The younger son got to fully enjoy his Disney experience, and therefore I was more relaxed and more satisfied with the outcome and value of the vacation.

Whereas the next trip, with the older boy, was a planes and trains adventure where we raced across the country with just our backpacks. Since he is very capable at leading, I let him take the reins. He really showed me what a logical thinker and a mature person he is becoming. Two totally different vacations, but perfectly suited to each and enjoyable.

I look forward to the day when perhaps, one of the boys will invite me on a vacation that they've researched and designed.  Until then, I will continue on researching and reading and planning adventures, knowing that I am leaving a lasting impression, and making some pretty cool memories with my kids.

Fast Five Travel Tips: Travel More!

I think we can all agree, vacation feels good. And, in my opinion, the more vacations the better. For me, a vacation does not have to be a 5 star resort on the beach, it can be a weekend in the city, three days in the desert, two nights on a friends' couch in Calgary or even a night in a hotel in your own city. The thing that makes it a holiday from life, is the absence of dishes, chores, and the burdens of your own work routine.

So here they are, my tips for getting more of that vacation feeling in your life.

1. Don't wait for an occasion.  It doesn't have to be your anniversary to have a couples' getaway.

2. Don't wait for the whole gang to get their act together. You'd love to have a girls' getaway but two of your friends have a hard time committing or finding the money. Don't stress or start resenting them. If the timing isn't right for them, that's OKAY. Don't let it spoil your fun. Plan and go!

3. Let the budget pick the destination.  Rather than feeling blue that you don't have $5000 for your dream vacation, rejoice in the fact you have $800 and see where that will take you.  ($800 will take a couple to Vegas on Allegiant Air and still leave you with a little money for dinner and fun.) Actually, I could think of a dozen trips for $800 and I often list the bargains here on this site.

4. Use your points. You hear me say it all the time.... collect points. Something. Anything! Use Avion, Aeroplan, Air Miles, etc to subsidize your travel.

5. Travel solo. Or if going alone scares you, declare your interest in travelling and let your friends, co-workers and family members know you are up for travel with them should a business trip or other opportunity come up. You will be surprised how many invitations come your way when your social circle knows you are interested in travelling and can pay your own way or share expenses.

Quickie Vegas Getaway

3 nights. Brilliant flights. Cheap like borscht. Book at Westjet.com or your favourite agent.
$33 more, gets you Bellagio or Caesars or the Cromwell.

Fast 5: Reasons to take the kids to the Hyatt Grand Cypress

My boys are pre-teen and are always running from activity to activity. They are bundles of energy and can be a handful on vacation. This time, I outsmarted them. I found a resort that had all they could handle, and a hammock for me. The best part about this.... The Hyatt Grand Cypress (in Orlando Florida) INCLUDES all recreational activities on the property, in their resort fee. There is no $5 here and $2 there from the parents for mini golf and boating fees etc. Everything is included. You really don't ever have to say no to your kids here, on account of activity fees. Want to try the rock wall for the 16th time today? Go for it!

5 Reasons to choose the Hyatt Grand Cypress for your busy kids:

1. All activities from kayaking to rock climbing, to golf and bike rentals are available.

2. There are activity directors to invite your kids to join the fun. And lounge chairs from every vantage point so you can keep an eye on your kids AND have your feet up.

3. The games room has Ms. PacMan.

4. Ice cream sandwiches are just $2.00 in the gift shop.

5. Tired kids sleep better. And say "thanks mom, that vacation was awesome!"

Probably Ry's favourite activity! The rock wall. 

9 hole golf course and NO charge for club rentals.

This old-school Ms. PacMan game kept me entertained! 

Absolutely spectacular fitness room. This isn't even the half of it!

Water slides and lounge chairs galore!

Merlot, the parrot, resides in the lobby. His handler, Tim, is happy to introduce you.

Strange little bikes were harder to pedal than you might imagine! Tons of laughs.

Our Amazing Adventure: Part 10 The Westin Ottawa

I really can't say enough about the Westin Hotel, Ottawa! They were fabulous to us. Beyond fabulous! The location of this hotel is ideal if you are visiting Ottawa for the first time. You are within blocks of Parliament Hill, Byward Market and the Rideau Canal. There are enough activities and tourist destinations to keep you busy for a week. Sadly, we were just there for a mere 18 hours.

Of those 18 hours, we spent about 3 hours eating, 8 sleeping and primping, and about 7 exploring the city. Pretty intense agenda, don't you think?  Well, it wasn't called our "amazing race birthday adventure" for nothing!

The view from our room. Absolutely stunning!

The hotel itself has a beautiful view of the Parliament Buildings. We were blessed with an upgrade and a nice high floor so that Riley could see the night skyline, and the sunrise as well.

When I was booking this trip, I booked a night at the Westin using my SPG (Starwood... aka Sheraton/Westin Preferred Guest) ID. Using this, I received the best rate, and unmatched service. Before our stay the hotel concierge, Andrew, sent me a note asking if he could arrange tickets or a special dinner or anything for our upcoming stay. I politely declined, saying that we were just there one night and it was my son and I on a "backpack" and "whistle stop" type trip.  To my surprise, Andrew replied and asked if there was anything he could do to make the visit more memorable for my son. I was taken aback by this second offer. This was over and above any service I've ever received at a hotel or resort. I was especially impressed seeing as though it was merely a 1 night stay. (I could see a hotel making this effort if you were checking into a suite for a week, but this was simply not the case.)

With that open invitation, I replied with details of our adventure. I said I would be ever so grateful if they would simply prepare an envelope for Riley with a trivia question and/or something we could search for in the area. They obliged and an envelope was waiting for us at check-in.

Riley was floored. "Even the hotel is in on our amazing race? Awesome!"

Later, he would reveal to me that having outsiders and friends participate in the surprises and challenges were his favourite moments in the journey.

I was very impressed with the trivia question from Team Westin and we tackled the search first thing in the morning. The answer, Terry Fox, was fairly straight forward. Every Canadian student should know of Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Run from school. So, Ry was delighted to have the answer and was determined to find the statue. That part was more challenging, but we surely did it. It was right across the street from the Parliament building and along our previously planned tour of Ottawa.

Team Westin set up the perfect challenge! We stopped by the concierge desk with our photo and were heartily congratulated by Andrew. I think he was pleased as well to be in on our amazing race style holiday.

There are a few more things worth mentioning.... the Heavenly Beds. That's their trademarked name, "Heavenly Beds" and I agree whole heartedly. There is nothing that compares to a Westin bed. Seriously wonderful. If I had the money, or had sleep problems, I would invest in one of these beds. Damn they are wonderful! I honestly could have slept 15 hours in that bed, but I would have missed our whole day in Ottawa. Couldn't do that!

And although we did not get the chance to experience the Westin dining or Shore Club in this trip, the room service was worth raving about. We checked in after 10pm and Ry wanted just a simple sandwich before going to bed. Exhausted from the day's travels I decided just to call room service. They made his simple sandwich look extraordinary, didn't they? I hope he doesn't expect this kind of presentation and service at home now!

All in all, the Westin Ottawa was outstanding. I simply do NOT gush like this over ordinary experience. This was by far the best hotel experience I've had in a very long time. Considering the budget-friendly rate, and the proximity to the tourist hot spots in Ottawa, I give it a 10 out of 10 for value and service. I would definitely recommend it if you are visiting our nation's capital.

Our Amazing Adventure: Part 6 Le Chateau Frontenac

The morning started with a new formal challenge for Ry. He opened the Amazing Race style envelope to reveal his quest. "Find the most photographed hotel in the world. Then have your own photograph taken with it." A few taps into his iPad would reveal Le Chateau Frontenac as the answer and google maps would point to it just 1.6 kilometres away from us.

As he was grabbing his gear and heading for the door he spied a second envelope on the floor. It was labelled ROADBLOCK.  This envelope said "Stop. Your adventure can't continue until you find a crepe and a cappuccino for you mother. Seriously!" 

He was fiercely determined. "C'mon Mom! Let's go. We have to get you your coffee and stuff! Let's GO!"  Such a competitive kid he is. I knew he would be into this race concept.

An hour or so later, and after a long brisk uphill walk, we found the Chateau Frontenac. It took my breath away. I was standing there with my mouth gaping just staring at it.

A jewel in the Fairmont Hotel Chain. The magnificent Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City

I was not alone. I'm sure there were 400 or so tourists in the immediate area doing exactly the same thing that Tuesday morning. IT IS MAGNIFICENT!  The location, the architecture, the craftsmanship, the presence, the history and the enormity.... magnificent. There is no wonder at all why it is the most photographed hotel in the world! (Below are just a minor sample of the photos I personally took of this hotel. I could probably make my own mini-album just of the Chateau Frontenac.)

For me, there was a second reason for including it in our amazing adventure. My parents had honeymooned at this very hotel. This was a splurge for them in a very modest time. They were on their way to a new home in Ottawa and had stopped there for a couple nights.

The hotel itself is flanked on two sides by public boardwalks. There is also a garden out front which designates it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Parks Canada also has a heritage tour which is located at, and UNDERGROUND at the boardwalk of the Chateau. Very cool. (Watch for that chapter of this review. Best $6 we spent!) The hotel takes up at least a city block. I can only imagine how many people it employs and how many guests it serves annually.

I haven't even mentioned the icing on the cake yet. It has its own Starbucks! Yes indeed there is a large, extremely busy Starbucks location on-site. Ry treated me to an iced coffee and purchased a smoothie for himself. We sat on a bench with our drinks and lingered a while staring at the hotel. Though he may have been thinking "can we go now" he let me savour the moment. It was perfect. Simply perfect.

I would still rather a purse than a fanny-pack!

Love that gorgeous spire on its corner.