Romance / Dreamy Hotels - B&B's

   Jimmy and I really enjoyed our Anniversary weekend at the New York City Washington Square Hotel. Tucked away in Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods that is rich with history, culture, artists, authors and architecture. Fine cafes, restaurants & clubs bound, with the Meat packing district (the latest party spot in NYC) just a few blocks away. 

The hotel offers an Art Deco motif, restaurant, lounge/bar, Sunday Jazz brunch, lobby café, and a small gym. We had a beautiful, big, King Deluxe suite, room 802, which was huge for NYC standards! It featured a large bathroom with a lovely marbled double sink and shower for two, the softest sheets in the biggest king bed I have ever seen, and a ladies vanity desk with mirror. The price was extremely reasonable for location and amenities, and this one-or-a-kind room. The staff was great, especially the doorman who really knows what to recommend! We were treated to a VIP breakfast, with fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh baked breads, and wonderful omelets. No longer, do you need to search for the right boutique hotel in this section of town!

2) The Mansfield Hotel: 12 West 44th St (between 5th & 6th), New York, NY 10036 (212) 277-8700.

We stayed two nights here in August, 2009. We were looking for a hotel convenient to almost any location in Manhattan, and we found it at a reasonable price! Bryant Park is just a block away South, Central Park is 15 blocks North, Times Square 2 blocks West, and shopping on 5th Avenue is one block over. What a location! The Mansfield Hotel, originally built in 1903 and restored in 2007, is a quainat Art Deco historic landmark that is tucked away on a side street, that offers 126 rooms and suites (27 of them suites) on 12 floors.

There is a complimentary European-styled breakfast buffet served in the M bar, and 24 hour coffee and tea service. There is 24 hour room service and a full service concierge, a 24-hour fitness room, and a cozy Club room/library with a fireplace. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful in making our stay one of the best we have had in New York City. Our Suite was just beautiful, very luxurious bedding, and a full parlor room off the bedroom. Very romantic for couples, and safe and convenient for singles (Bryant Park is a great location to spot other singles!) We loved this hotel for the price of $259 for 2 nights, and would definitely return again! 

The Hamptons, NY

1) The Montauk Yacht Club: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk NY 11954 (631) 668-3100

 A Hampton's legacy since 1928, the Montauk Yacht Club has been a favorite playground on Long Island's eatern end, and has been home to many of the rich and famous. The resort feautres 1 indoor and 2 outdoor heated pools,l a private beach on Lake Montauk, full0service spa and fitness center, complimentary kayaks, paddle boats, bikes and weekend yoga (in season), 232-slip world-cllass marina, and Surf campand lessons for kids.

The reort offeres 106 luxuriouslly appointed guestrooms, villas and suites with waterfront or courtyard views, which are decrated with a nautical decor. The spacious guest rooms feature duvet comforters, goose down pillows, IPod clock radios, and plush towels. We had a fabulous buffet breakfast the next day, and enjoyed a leisurely walk amongst the grounds. We defintiely would love to return here in the height of summertime in the Hamptons. Voted "One of the Top Ten Marina destinations in North America" by Yachting Magazine,  we highly recommend The Montauk Yacht Club for a casual seaside romantic and relaxing stay amongst the hubbub of the Hamptons. (montaukyachtclub.com)

Atlantic City, NJ

1) The Tropicana Hotel/Casino: Atlantic City, NJ (Ph: 800-345-8767); Review of the Romantic Getaway Package

This is one of my favorite hotel/casino properties in Atlantic City, due to all the offerings of top-shelf restaurants, shops, and entertainment in the newer section called, "The Quarter." I took Jim away on this vacation package for his 56th birthday. It was offered Sunday through Thursday in the months of February and March, 2011. Here was the package:

• Classic King sized room
• One $75 Trop & Quarter Gift card - can be used for dining, shopping and entertainment
• Breafast for two in room the next morning
• Health club admission - free use of gym, pool and hot tub
• 2 pm late checkout
• Cost: $78 pp for one night, or $103.00 per person for two nights (February) - in March, the fee is $83.00 per person/one night, and $113.00 per person/two night stay

This package was Fabulous! Being from Romance International Travel, we got upgraded to a huge corner room with a great view of the Atlantic ocean and also a city view (thanks to Jose at the desk). The breakfast the next day was meant for royalty - and all included! They brought plenty of food, enough for six - and we loved taking our leisurely meal in front of the large window. The room was extremely clean and spacious, and the spa/gym was also clean. The casino atmosphere itself is lively and feels fun. If you come to AC - make sure you stop at The Trop!

The $75 gift card was used at The Red Square in the Quarter, a favorite of mine - for fabulous food and service, and a very romantic bar with a cool, South Beach vibe to it. Ask for the Private booths with curtains for a very sexy, private, romantic meal. I had the lamb, and Jim the Filet, and both were just perfectly prepared! So using the gift card, we indulged and the meal and drinks were quite reasonable after that.

We then went to The Comedy Stop at the Trop (2nd floor in the Quarter) - which I have been going to for years! There is a special for two for one tickets, Sunday through Thursday - and with the Trop VIP card, you save an extra $2 per/ticket - so for both of us, the show was only $27; with a minimum of two drinks to be ordered once inside. There are always 3 comedians, and they are fantastic! Never a dissappointing date night when you come here! (Call 609-822-7353 for tickets or information).

The next day we did use the hot tub, and loved sleeping in late and checking out by 2 pm. From there we enjoyed the rest of the day at the Ceasars Pier, having sushi for lunch and enjoying some shopping at my favorite stores, Cachet and BeBe.

This One - or - Two night special is REALLY WORTH IT! Go and treat yourselves to the specials at The Trop in Atlantic City, NJ! Sign up on their web site to be notified of the deals - you'll be glad you did!

2) The Flagship Resort: 60 N. Main Street, Atlantic City, NJ (part of the Fantasy Resorts) 

Ph: 609-343-7447

 I have been an owner at this TimesShare Resort since 1997; and recently gave this to my two daughters as a gift. I held my daughter Stephana's Bachelorette and Shower Party here in March and reserved two of the large suites with full kitchens, with 1.5 baths at the members rates of $99/nt plus taxes. I hosted 12 ladies, and the rooms were gorgous, with ocean views. We had a feast, much of what we prepared, plus we ordered direct from the resort Chef to the room - a pasta dish with Turkey meatballs, and Talipa white fish - everyone loved the hot dishes.

This hotel resort has a huge pool, gameroom, gym, a beautiful restaraunt overlooking the ocean with a DJ on weekends. The Consierge is great; he was really helpful to the me and our guests - and check-in was extremely efficient and the Rep really understood our needs. With the two suites we had, one offered a King sized bed, the other had two doubles, and everyone remarked how beauiful and spacious they were.

Two weeks later, Head of Security called me and told me one of the Bachorette favors was found (a pink hat with many signatures from our night) and he is mailing it to Florida directly to my daughter - now THAT is service! Remember, the choice of rooms are better in the off season of October through April, but stay posted to see what offers I may be able to bring if you book here!

FLORIDA

Miami South Beach, Florida

1) Carlton Hotel South Beach: 1433 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 

This newly remodeled Boutique Hotel is in the perfect location - one block to the ocean with an o;lympic size swimming pool on location. Located right in the middle or South Beach, it is two blocks from the famous Lincoln Road where the locals like to hang at the many outdoor cafes, close to many hot nighclubs; yet close enough to walk to the tourist section and Deco area of Ocean Blvd.

We enjoyed the Lobby Bar, with Owen the Bartender quite friendly and accomodating. Michael at check-in was great, the pool had a wonderful southern exposure and nice lounge chairs, and we were able to park our car right next to the hotel - rare in South Beach. We loved our room, #101 - only 3 steps up off the lobby, very large, with soft white linens, a huge king bed, large Plasma TV, CD Player, mini frig, and room safe. There was Internet access throughout the hotel for free, and we were offered a generous extended checkout.

We loved this hotel, and will be back. Our only recommendation is to have a more generous breakfast offering, as breakfast is offered with price of room. Choice was either toast or cereal - perfect for the South Beach skinny models, but not enough for Jimmy and I. We paid $287.59 for two nights, for an upgraded, renovated Superior King room - quite reasonable for South Beach!

Hotels in Orlando, Florida

1) Embassy Suites Orlando - Downtown: 191 E. Pine Street, Orlando, Fl 32801  Ph: 407-841-1000

This was a perfect hotel for my daughters wedding - located just one block away from where the wedding was held at the Orlando Historic Center & Courthouse. The hotel had a huge, open atrium where a free buffet breakfast was served daily. The breakfast choices were healthy, offered a large variety and an omlette station, and in all - was delicious! There was a great lobby bar where we all gathered after the rehearsal dinner - the bartenders were friendly, drinks were reasonable, and there was plenty of seating for all of us. There is a free daily Happy Hour (I heard) from 5-7 pm, but with the wedding, we were not able to attend - but may of the wedding guests who stayed there were able to go and really enjoyed it. Also, they loved the outdoor pool and the gym looked very clean and nice.

We had a two-room King suite (for only $119/night - wedding promotion rate) which was immaculate, really spacious, had a huge bathroom; and a mini-bar and Frig, microwave and coffee maker all within the living room. It was a beautiful room. There are a few larger suites with a balcony - which I tried to reserve, but there are only a few of the Master suites which were filled with wedding couples, so we could not reserve one. But the ladies gathered in my daughters wedding suite which was amazing - it had two large full bathrooms, a huge living room and dining room table, balcony, and over-sized bedroom - perfect for Stephana & Charles!

Everyone from our wedding party loved their rooms and overall accomodations. For us, there was only a problem with a delay in check-in for our room (I had called ahead to say I needed an earlier check-in b/c of the rehersal dinner - and we got to the room with only 15 minutes to spare b/c it wasn't ready). Also - we were charged an extra night for parking (16.95/night) but the desk manager promptly removed the mistake once I asked him about it. All the staff was very nice and very service oriented. We ALL recommend this hotel highly! It is also close to many outdoor bars and restaurants, so you can walk to most places once you park there. Enjoy!

2) The Marriott Vacation Club - Grande Vista Resort: 5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL 32821 Ph: 407-238-7676

There is no doubt that this is a pretty resort on a lot of acres - it has very many room areas, a 9-hole golf course on the property, 4 pool areas (2 large, and 2 smaller), one fine-dining restaurant (Nicks Grill - where we ate twice). We liked our food and service at Nicks, but there was no entertainment or crowd at the bar area - and that was the only indoor bar area on the resort. There are two other out-door pool side bars that offered happy hour drink prices, but no food specials, music, or after-hours (when the kids are in bed) entertainment for adults. Even though Jimmy and I traveled with no kids, many parents in the resort were unhappy also that there was nothing for them to do once the kids were in bed.

They did offer food at the two pool bars, and there was a second "restaurant" which offered an order line for pizza, sandwiches, and the only thing we liked - that we felt was healthy - rotissare whole chickens and salads. We felt there could have been a lot more choices that were healthier - again, this offered a more kid-oriented fare. There was no casual restaurant by either main pool that offered a nice breakfast, which we felt was really lacking. We did enjoy - and used - the spa and gym - as well as the Faldo golf course and school - which felt like the only adult-oriented activities on the property. I took a lesson with Justin, who was great, patient, and very skilled, but the lesson charge was very high for a 2.5 hour gig. We would have loved music and dancing after 8 pm at the resort, but it was quiet with no activity by 9 pm. Ugh..... I did ask the consierge where we could go for music and dancing close by - he had no idea - and said he would call my room with the information - and never did.

The gardens and pool areas were pretty - IF you could get a seat by the pool, as most chairs were "saved" by parents for kids who didn't go to these chairs for hours (we watched) - and waited for over an hour for 2 seats to free-up. They definitely need more chairs to accomodate their guests. Also - we had no maid service for an entire week - and our A/C was broken, as well as had a bad, cloggy sink. We were placed far from the main resort which was real hassle (even though I called ahead and requested a room close by the main activities, and told them I would be writing a review for this travel site. Even at the desk, I begged and offered to pay for a nicer, upscale larger room/suite and they said "none were available" and sent us far away to a small "lockoff room" even though I always get at least a 2-BR suite in Timeshare exchange. They said carts would stop to pick us up from our far room to take us where we needed to go - they wizzed by, but only ONE employee asked if I wanted a lift somewhere the entire week!

This resort is NOT for singles, even single parents - you'll be bored to death. Ok, its near Disney World and other attractions, but I think a pretty resort like this has to start paying attention to the adults from ages 21 - 60 as well - NOT just the kids and Senior Citizens! As far as Romance International Travel - this resort scores a 0 for Romance, a 2 for service, (except at Nicks, Faldos golf and the spa - they all rate a 9) a 4 for food (8 at Nicks grill), 6 for the gym, and a 0 for Adult Entertainment. I'd recommend another place - unless you love tons of screaming kids, an overly quiet resort at night with NOTHING to do, and don't like to go to pools in Florida to relax. Sorry, Marriott, you disappointed us with this one.

Hotels in Boston, Mass

1) Hyatt Regency Boston: 1 Ave de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111 (617) 912-1234

The Hyatt was located in a great section of town;  close to upscale shopping, the Boston Common (like a large Central Park), The Freedom Trail (Boston's Historical walking tour), the T (subway) and close to Quincy Market/Fenneil Hall. We liked the rooftop bar for Happy Hour, and our room was spacious, clean, featured a mini-bar and an unbelievably comfortable King bed. There was a nice lobby bar and restaurant, where live Jazz music was featured Thursday and Friday. There are also beautiful ballrooms available for weddings. Charles Foster, Director of Guest Experiences, was most accomodating to our needs. He would call ahead for our restaurant, book our show tickets, and made sure all was handled properly.

The down-side of this hotel was that the lobby was on the 3rd floor, and was inconvenient for handling our luggage. There is no hot tub, and when we tried to view the pool, we had to go down a full flight of steps and couldn't get in. The price was reasonable for the ideal location, just ask for Charles when you get there! 

2) InterContinental - Boston - 510 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (617) 747-1000

 The InterContinental has a welcoming, large lobby area with a busy bar (professional crowd), restaurant, a very popular outdoor Happy Hour on the back deck over looking Boston Harbor, and overly large hotel rooms with a marbled bathroom with top shelf amenities. There was a Keuring coffee maker, but unfortunately, no mini-bar. This hotel is located on the water in the North-eastern end of the city - which is quite busy for professionals, but a bit far from the historical sites. We are walkers though, so we still got up to the Quincy Market, Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church. 

The gym was beautiful, and the pool quite large; which had a rooftop deck, steam room and sauna as part of the health club area. The Aquarium is close by, which is also where the Ferry is for the boat ride to tour the Constitution. We arrived at the hotel by water taxi from the airport, for a small rate of $10 each - how convenient and fabulous! There are many wonderful restaurants along this area too, and we enjoyed The Sea Grille in Rowe's Wharf. Our Concierge, Luis Branco, recommended this restaurant and gave us other great tips on how to enjoy Boston. We only stayed one night here, but would have loved more time to enjoy the house ammenities and beautiful spa. It was just beauiful - perfect for a romantic get-away!

 Virgina

The Mimslyn Inn - 401 West Main St, Luray, VA 22835  800-296-5105

We traveled to Luray for my brother Scott's wedding held in the Luray Caverns (A US Natural Landmark), and decided to stay at this lovely hotel that is in the register of Historic Hotels of America. This elegant Southern mansion of Colonial design features grand entryways, crystal chandeliers, 45 rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, event space, a day spa a spacious outdoor pool and hot tub, and lovely gardens (perfect for a wedding).  The Asst. Manager, Justin Baker, and his staff at both check-in and in the main restaurant were extremely accomodating and gracious. The main restuarant, Circa 31, features a huge, delicious buffet brunch on Sundays; defintely a town favorite.

We were treated to the Roosevelt Room, a spacious 2-room suite where Eleanor Roosevelt (and we hear her good friend, Emilia Airheart) often stayed. The bathroom was huge and modern with wonderful amenities and huge jetted hot tub (a real treat!), yet the suite held a classic historic elegant decor with the sitting room offering a fireplace. It had a huge dining room right outside of the suite (which we didn't use, but enjoyed seeing).

Although the town of Luray itself seemed quite depressed with not much to offer, the hotel was a gem. The Luray Caverns (see details under "Sites to See") are the main draw to the town (which is right down the street), along with the beautiful scenes of the Shenandoah National Park and mountains. The Caverns are amazing, and worth seeing - so treat yourself to a night or two away at The Mimslyn Inn for a retreat from the stress of daily work and routines, and a visit back to a more elegant, charming way of life!

Hotels in Mexico

Cancun

1) The Royal Resorts -     

The Royal Islander - Kukulcan Boulevard, Lote 51, Sec C2, Cancun. Quintana Roo, QR 77500        Phone: 52-998-8810100  

There are 4 Royal Resorts in Cancun - The Royal Sands, Mayan, Caribbean and Islander; and we stayed in The Royal Islander in September, 2010 for one week. It was a time-share exchange for Riana, and she had stayed there previously in their various resorts. As a matter of fact, her family members have been a member here for years and been quite happy with their experience.

The Royal Islander was not as ornate as the Royal Sands, which is the nicest of the four. However, the Villa was quite large and comfortable, and every room had an ocean view. I would describe the rooms as done in tropical furniture, which is nice, but not luxurious. The King BR was huge, and there was a great balcony off both bedrooms, and the living room - which was our favorite place to be. The desk staff was very accommodating and knowledgeable, as was the rest of the service staff. We did not eat at the property. but is has one restaurant, a supermarket, and a pool and beach bar. The resort was quiet at this time of the year, with most of the people gathering around the pool bar. The restaurant looked dark and unappealing, so we chose to eat outside of the property. We shopped for breakfast and lunch items, and ate dinner out each night.

The one thing that upset us about The Royal Islander was that about 3-4 times a day we were asked to take a Time-share tour. We clearly stated we were not interested, as I owned one already, and didn't want to tie up a whole day. They were relentless, and it really bothered us. Also, whenever we went out or returned with a taxi, we had to state where we were going. I thought this was none of their business. Now, if it was done to protect their hotel guests as a security measure - this should have been explained. They were quite afraid that we considered (and did) a tour with the Cancun Palace Resort - to the point of saying "they would rescue us from this" - they were so afraid of this happening it inspired me to go to their tour; and I actually bought into the Palace Resorts. The Palace is more expensive (it is all-inclusive) and extremely upscale (see review below), but the Royal Resorts can be a good choice at a lower price - for a large, beautiful room with a great view, and awesome pools. 

COUPON OFFERS! Watch here for various Coupon Offers!

The Royal Resorts of Cancun Mexico  -  choice of  The Royal Sands, Royal Caribbean, Royal Islander, Royal Mayan and Royal Haciendas. (Prices may change or expire without notice).

Email me at Romance@rianamilne.com to get these offers NOW! 

 2)The Palace Resorts    

Cancun Palace - Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 14.5 Zona G Hotelera, Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Phone: (52) 998-881-3699  www.palaceresorts.com

We eneded up at the Cancun Palace when Ana, at the Cancun airport offered us "a special" for $100 we had a choice of several tour activities and a Day Pass at one of the Palace resorts which included all meals open bar, gym, entertainment, sauna, and a massage for two; valued at $84 per person. That alone was a deal - but we also had a choice of a tour to Chichen Itza, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Wet N Wild, Jungle Tour and Zip Line - with discounts at Swim with the Dolphines, Xacaret, Hel-Ha, and the Spa at one of the Palace resorts. We ended up choosing The Day Pass at Cancun Palace, Isle Mujeres, Wet N Wild park that included the Dolphin Swim, and the Jungle Tour with snorkling (we both had seen Tulum and Chichen Itza on previous trips). See more about these tours in the Sites Worth Seeing section.

We had to agree to take the 90 minute tour which included breakfast, but we both knew it would take half the day - but we knew the price was worth it to get all the tours for free. The buffet breakfast was huge at the Cancun Palace, so many choices, food stations, and all items were delicious.

Then we took the tour - there are two room packages - a sleep 2-4 (with either a double queen or king bed) and a Presidential Suite - which was the nicest room I have seen in a very long time. Both had balconies, mini bars, robes, amenities, large showers (for 2), and were decorated top-notch with all the luxories.

The resort itself had a beaufiful infinity pool - then at the end of it was the Cancun turquoise ocean. The lounge chairs sat half in the pool, and there was an active pool bar.

The lobby was large and spacious, with a Japenese Habachi restaurant, an upscale Italian resturant, the buffet restaurant and outdoor casual restaurant, a large entertainment room which had a bar and dance floor (and housed children activities during the day), a store, and more. Weddings are also available - the basic package is free with membership, with other upscale options available - how nice!

We were also given a Day Pass to the Moon Palace located 20 minutes outside of the hotel zone. A spacious resort with expansive golf course, luxury spa with all the amenities, an mega pool complex and 3 different hotel complexes - this is a resort worth exploring. We arrived in time for lunch, swam at the pool (guests very friendly and willing to talk about their Palace-ownership experience which they loved), then went to the spa for our "free 25 minute massage." The spa complex was one of the nicest I've seen, but I was dissappointed when the women's check-in took a long time when I was trying to pay for an expanded spa session. They weren't able to arrange it, and by the time I got into my scheduled appointment, I had 5 minutes left for my massage. I was looking forward to that all week! My massuese was great, just not enough of his deep tissue treatment!

I went to the spa desk to buy another service (we were given a $100 coupon to spend at the spa that day) so I got a body scrub for 50 minutes, which was great. I was able to enjoy the hot tub - but for only about 5 minutes - so I felt terribly rushed at a spa I wanted to spend all day in! Well, next time - I'm an owner now! Jim's spa experience was perfect, he arrived for dinner refreshed, and I harried - but we ended up going to the Japanese restuarant which was wonderful. We never made it to the disco at 10:30, but I heard its fun, and we will experience next time.

The Palace resorts include: Cancun Palace, Beach Palace, Moon Palace Cancun, Moon Palace Grand, Adventura Cove Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace, Cozumel Palace, Playacar Palace, and Vallarta Palace. The adult- only ressorts include: Le Blanc Spa Resort, Adventura Spa Palace, Sun Palace, and Isla Mujeres Palace.

****Since Riana is a Palace Premier Member, YOU are extended a special rate if you use her as a Referral should you travel to any Palace Resort (except Le Blanc & other Couples-only Resorts) and take a tour! See important Limits below:

• This web site is operated by By the Sea Enterprises, an independent company not affiliated with Palace Resorts.  Palace Resorts is not responsible for the content displayed on this web site, but has granted permission to Riana Milne of By the Sea Enterprises to use certain trademarks and images owned by Palace Resorts, including the trademarks PALACE RESORTS, the Palace Resorts logo, AVENTURA SPA PALACE, AVENTURA COVE PALACE, BEACH PALACE, CANCUN PALACE, COZUMEL PALACE, MOON PALACE, PLAYACAR PALACE, SUN PALACE, VALLARTA PALACE, XPU-HA PALACE and  MOON PALACE CASINO, GOLF & SPA RESORT. Riana Milne and By the Sea Enterprises is solely responsible for any reservations made or other contractual dealings conducted through this web site.