Santa Monica: We Lived The Life Aquatic At The Shore Hotel

Last week, we gave you our full review of Blue Plate Taco, the scene-y Mexican restaurant attached to The Shore Hotel. Despite reading constant positive reviews about this place, we were a little underwhelmed by the so-so tacos and poorly mixed cocktails.

Suffice to say, we were a little disappointed. However, there's still one (major) part of the experience that we haven't gotten to yet: our stay at the hotel itself!

We booked a Garden View Junior Suite, which, as the name implies, doesn't actually face the ocean but rather a small ground-floor patio tucked around the back of the hotel.

Far off in the distance we could spy a little bit of ocean, as well as the top half of the ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier. But the fact that we were staying at an oceanfront hotel (literally, on the "shore") never once escaped us. For starters, the lobby is a giant gray cube that lets in plenty of natural light, including views of the beach across the street.

More importantly though, the design is incredibly water-focused. Pretty much everything—from the stark silvery hallways to the pool to the guest rooms' aquamarine decor—made us feel like we were underwater.

Our suite was rectangular (a tad on the small side, if we have to be totally honest) with bluish-green and gray walls, and a matching stripe-patterned carpet that reminded us of long strands of seaweed. On one side of the bed was a peekaboo shower that contributed a visual element of splashing water, and on the other side was a small balcony where we could sit and feel the ocean breezes coming in off the Pacific.

Rooms are built fairly close together at The Shore, so when you're sitting on your balcony (every room in the hotel comes with a balcony), you're in plain view of your neighbors. But everyone is minding their own business anyway, so it wasn't an issue.

As far as amenities: our room came with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, Aveda toiletries, plenty of closet space, and a complimentary glass of champagne upon our arrival. (The latter was a nice touch!). Oh, and our room had an iPod docking station so we could plug in our iPhone and jam out to Frank Ocean songs (get it?).

Surrounded by all those aqua-y colors, we could feel the call of the sea pretty much the whole time. But since the weather wasn't cooperating, we traded in a day at the beach for a heavenly pre-breakfast soak in the jacuzzi. In fact, we ended up having the whole jacuzzi to ourselves, which gave us a chance to take a minute and gaze up at the hotel's dramatic architecture. The building is U-shaped, meaning that all inner-facing rooms (which ours wasn't) look down on the pool/jacuzzi area. And since the pool faces the street, there is a frosted glass wall that provides a buffer between pedestrians and bathing hotel guests.

Don't expect more from your stay at The Shore other than a pretty room with direct access to the beach. The entire hotel is essentially made up of four components—rooms, pool, restaurant, and lobby—and that's about it.

So far, the lobby has failed to create much of a 'scene' (there are some comfy benches to sit on, and a small counter for tea/coffee/pastries in the mornings—none of which, interestingly, were free for guests) and felt a little barren to us. (Kind of like how we picture things on the ocean floor.) As for the restaurant, you already know how we feel about that.

However, we'd definitely come back to stay here, and we recommend this place to folks looking for a quiet, relaxing, simple beach getaway (with the added bonus of staying at a green hotel). We think Spongebob Squarepants fans, in particular, would feel right at home.

Via: Giving fast food a good name in Washington, D.C.

Just how to Cure Vermont Deficit Condition

Published by Richard Bangs on Monday, April 22, 2013 A Leave a Comment Thanks to Richard Bangs, the Judge for the Enthusiasm Travel Writing Competition. YOU are able to decide the WINNER of our VAGABONDS CHOICE AWARDa'AClick here to VOTE today! And PREPARE for our Freedom Writing Contest with GREATER Money REWARDS starting Might 11! At first coffee on the day of September 11, 2001 I was in the Brand New York offices of Outward Bound, serving as president of the non-profit that encourages the merits of character development and self-discovery through outdoor challenges and adventure. By mid-morning the staff had been asked by me to go home to be with individuals and to find sometime to be outdoors. I stayed and worked for the months and next several days, to sort out the confusion that surrounded every organization and family during that spell. Come November it was time to take out, to get some particular clarity and expression, and therefore I turned north, to Vermont, the most rural state in the world. I spent a week between the clean lines of Killington and Stowe, and came ultimately back renewed and energized, and with new resolve. Kid, did I feel good. I quit Outward Bound a few weeks later, and moved back west to be near to the world of friends and family. The Vermont afterglow lasted for quite a while and supported a host of reasonable life options. Not long ago, in the wake of Sandy and Newtown; of Lance and Pink Slime; of the agitations in Egypt, Mali and Algeria, I revealed to a, a brain scientist, that I was feeling a little unnerved. Surviving in Los Angeles I thought a of the senses; the stifling of authentic coverage. My experiences were shared by me of a dozen years back in Vermont, and how I thought I could regain that feeling of calm and brightness. aYouare struggling with Vermont Deficit Disorder,a he explained. aBut there's a cure.a VIDEO: Vermont Debt Disorder A few days later I land in Burlington, ready for another week-long dose of Vitamin V. At as I jab about futilely for change to hire a luggage cart, until a stranger offers one upa aTheyare free,a she laughs the luggage carousel some stress swelling is sensed by me. As will be the rocking chairs overlooking the runway and the Wi-Fi. Thereas even a yoga area in the terminal. I really could be happy only visiting in the airport. Thereas always some anxiety in choosing a place to stay when traveling, but a pal suggested a brand new B&B named Made INN Vermont, a restored 1881 Victorian mansion, just up the hill from downtown. Linda, the owner, bounds down the steps, and offers up a hot chocolate and decanters of personal warmth. Sheas eclectic whilst the meetings, cabinets of out-of-print art books, vintage games and puzzles, kitschy toys and bibelots, two fat and fluffy citizen cats (Cutie Kitty and Casey Boy), cascades of Vermont-made maple chocolates, cookies, syrups, ciders, popcorn, cheesecake, also cotton candy and an unlimited mixture of re-purposed, traditional and modern tchotchkes, though mercifully no potpourri or lace doilies in view. The swarming walls remind me of the world in aThe Usual Suspectsa when Dave Kujan, the U.S. Practices representative, scans the walls and sees that Verbal Kint concocted his detailed history from the enhancing goods. You can make a film festival here. Linda trips me about, like the widowas walk, an area with a of Lake Champlain, where she cryptidly states you are able to periodically spot Champ, the large serpentine beast, cousin to Loch Ness, reported since the Iroquois and the Abenaki relaxed along these waters. My area, 905, sprawls like an overstuffed armchair, giving up a functional record player with an array of vinyl LPs from my high-school years (Stan Getz; Soundtrack to Easy Rider, Little Feat), nightstands designed from djembe drums and colored disco lights underneath the bed. Yes, I am seeking recovery, dialing back to perhaps a less complicated period, and this might be my hot tub time unit. After settling in I choose to go to town for some nourishment, and the locally-made flatbread is recommended by Linda. The Vermont evening air is sharp, brisk and bracing. On the tree-lined stroll I'm the stress scurrying up and out of me. Shoulders unclench. The restorative power of Vermont is stopping in. Iad worked a few weeks ago for Microsoft and Yahoo, and felt the noose of engineering tighten; but here, today, it's looping absent. The best antidote to too much electronic engagement is an increase in Vermont body contact, unplugged from units, but plugged into the deep time of the Green Mountain State. It's for some a idea: the more high-tech we become, the more we need Vermont. The morning next, after having a breakfast of Vermont eggs, local cheese, walnut bread and cinnamon raisin French toast, I ready for the trip and pack the vehicle. Among my goals is to push the mythic Route 100, from the foot of Vermont to the top, so from Burlington, in the northwest, I create a leisurely jaunt south towards the starting block. I donat get far, although, before taking into one of Vermontas tourist lodestones, Ben & Jerryas, beyond Waterbury. For ice cream lovers, this is an inspiration and a pilgrimage. Who could not be motivated by the story of two hippies who paid $5 for an extension program on how to make ice cream, then put up shop in an abandoned service station and immediately after were creating dollops of income a' and statements as a socially aware corporation that supported from small dairy farms in Vermont to Brazil nut crops in the Amazon rain forest. The company is now owned by unilever, obtained from the leaders in 2,000, but it still donates seven-and-a-half cents of each and every dollar earned to charity. And the ice cream is still mischievously gooda Although itas snowing hard outside, almost a Blizzard, I buy a deal of Stephen Colbertas AmeriCone Dream, which lives up to its promotion, athe sweet taste of independence in your mouth.a For many its sophisticated contours, this piece of Vermont is marbled with camp. VIDEO: AVermont Cold weather Vacation: Top 11 Activities to do! Then I wend south, first along Interstate 89, and then south over State Route 4. In the liquid late afternoon light I canat shake a feeling that there is something in regards to the road that looks wrong. For miles, on all sides as the unfettered view is scanned by me, I feel like something is lost. And then finally I see, or fairly donat, as I live along the xeric flats of Manhattan Project, where streets are lined in woods of signs, and the situation driving these streets has been called acontinuous partial attention.a Here there are no billboards; as it happens they are illegal in the state. The highway views are non-synthetic, of cattle, crazy streams, green hills and trees. There were studies recently that suggest that uncluttered window views of natural landscapes may accelerate patient recovery in hospitals, learning in classrooms and productivity in the workplace. So, I figure, the same should hold true for window opinions. Personally I think better already. Finally I fix into the Mount Snow Valley, achieving Wilmington towards the seam of your day, and via a fog that seeps like Sleepy Hollow, check into the haunted mansion on the hill called The White House Inn. Integrated 1915 by a grand place was wanted by lumber baron Martin Brown who to entertain friends however you like, it seems like he hasnat left. It rambles about with balconies, tips, wainscoting, levels of crown molding, bluestone terraces, traditional furniture, cotton mural wallpapers and fantastic fireplaces using with logs of birch. There is an increasing recognition that contact with Vermont improves health, enhances mental performance and nurtures the spirit, or spirits in the event of The White House. Kat, the inn-keeper, greets me with a maple martini in the sunken bar, therefore wickedly special it ought to be illegal, and then offers a of some of the ghostly functions, such as a secret staircase behind a layer, replete with cobwebs and an iron lender vault door in the dungeon-like downstairs that creaks just like a sound effect. Kat says that both staff and guests have reported unaccountable cold spots, disembodied footsteps, doors that open by apparitions and themselves, like the spirits in our own genetic attics who whisper that the type of the past is prologue to our future. I create a circumambulation around the manor and step outside in to the night air, to hang spider methods. Itas quiet and dark outside; the decibels and light turned down and the senses turned on. I know that research indicates that contact with the Vermont air influences our ability to take notice, think plainly and be more innovative and so I return desperate to sit back and write a to The White House and its milieu, although I donat play a guitar. The sky brightens slowly another morning, and time appears to serve like syrup as the blueberry coffee is lingered over by me. A while later, Kat walks me to a large snowy mountain, equips me with specially-designed inner tube and points to the bottom. aItas probably the most severe tubing in Vermont,a she gushes. Before I finally freeze in to a subject of low brush at the end, flying over bumps, freedom in my own face, down I jump. After going back up the hill, resistance is futile, so down again I move, self-medicating by drawing in the lozenge of the cool, sharp Vermont air all the way. Following a few unregulated plummets I pack the car and head down the mound to the center of Wilmington, which is really idyllic-looking this indicates a Norman Rockwell material arrive at life sense is made by which, as he lived and painted in Southern Vermont). From here I begin the push up Route 100, called probably the most scenic in New England, and the a Skiersa Highway,a since it links Vermontas sheeny legends a Snow, Killington, Sugarbush, Stowe a like pearls in a ring. Here is the anti-interstate, a coiling, slim, obscenely attractive path that cuts up the backbone of the state, winding along rushing rivers and through time-smoothed mountain dishes. Itas a fidgety, dithering freeway, ever on the brink of the linear, simply to turn its mind in a distance. The road is just a visible manifestation of inward grace, seemingly blue-screened with covered bridges, snow-covered apple orchids and contented cows. It sheeplegs in to a landscape sharp with churches and 18th-century brick houses behind walls that seem born to the earth. There are Norwegian pine woods and hemlock stands, paper birches, beeches and sugar maples, and high passes strewn with massive, mossy boulders. On each side increases Vermontas Green Mountains, the misty peaks that established its people apart from aflatlanders,a as Vermonters call anybody a' visitor or resident a' who hails from across state lines. Every few miles there is a yellow signal with a moose is signaled by a hulking horned silhouette crossing. The danger has increased whilst the stateas moose citizenry has increased, from the mere 200 in 1980 to a lot more than 4,000 today. Their excellent predator could be the four-wheeled variety. When an animal is struck by a car, the effect usually sends the creature a an cow or a bull a' through the windshield. Every year a minumum of one driver is killed and additional injured. Where in fact the legendary Jake Burton created modern snowboarding, shredding the long traditions of binding about on split-rail fences, I pass through Londonderry. And then, about midday, I move into Weston, a chocolate-box town devoted to a village green justly fabled for the Vermont Country Store, apurveyors of the practical and hard-to-find since 1946.a Like an old-time general store, itas loaded to the rafters with the features of a time before the anonymity and blandness of Wal-Mart, sets from apothecary to woodstoves, homespun clothing, store sodas, hand-tooled games, nightgowns, bedspreads, music containers, perfumes, handicrafts and free examples of cookies, jams, cookies, cheese and popcorn. Abbie Hoffman, who wrote aSteal this Book,a about how to reside and eat free, may call this Mecca. A little further up the road I move into Bridgewater Corners, and park alongside the Ottauquechee River. Itas a jump to The Long Trail Brewery, called after the 273-mile footpath that runs along the main form of the Green Mountains, paralleled for many of its size by Route 100. Built between 1910 and 1930, the Long Trail anteceded a' and encouraged a the Appalachian Trail, with which it merges for around 100 miles in southern Vermont. Both can perhaps work up a great hunger. Therefore, I belly in for a of a self-guided tour and the eponymous beer on a catwalk above the club. The place is instantly loved by me, since it offers up free popcorn, a broken canoe, like many I have wasted, hanging from the roof, and a huge wall map of the entire world pinned with the hometowns of thousands of consumers. I get up a flight of drinks, their sampler, lined up in a tin, and, once sated, head outside for a cold walk along the river. In a recent study researchers reported the health benefits from outdoor exercise in Vermont: increasing of feeling, storage and concern and reduced total of frustration, distress, depression and blood pressure. Iam not sure if itas the beer, or the backpack or probably the combination, but I'm pretty damn fine. Here is the first in a two-part series in regards to the restorative powers of Vermont. Filed below They Said, United States Of America A Tagged with judge, Richard Hits, Vermont

Via: Child grief Gets the Pope back thanks to Delta shirt

Marriott’s Autograph Series Stretches Its Noble Reach In to the British

The raison diitre of Marriottis Autograph Collection is always to give not really a spot to set your weary head, but to give you an event centered on various themes like Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Urban Excitement or Sporting Adventure. (For added fun, you could visit their Facebook page and have your autograph analysed to see which design suits you best. It absolutely was surprisingly accurate.) Now theyire bringing that idea to great BRITAIN for the very first time with the addition of two upscale hotels: Threadneedles in London and The Glasshouse in Edinburgh. Threadneedles is placed in the center of the Square Mile, the first site of the Roman settlement that began it all. Being in The City, youire near to St. Paulis Cathedral, the Borough Market and the Tower of London. The hotel is in a Victorian bank and blends the traditional with the contemporary. The lobby is dominated by an elaborate stained-glass dome from 1856 and the hotel features a see-and-be-seen cafe and bar for the company audience, Bonds. For anyone of you who've really latched to the concept concept, youire looking at Urban Excitement, Culinary Delight, Wedding Festivities and Historic Explorations at this boutique hotel. The Glasshouse in central Edinburgh is found at the base of Calton Hill and is made in to the 150-year-old faiade of the Lady Glenorchy church, a brief stroll from Princes Street and Edinburgh castle. Rooms have good views over the Firth of Forth (that is actually exciting to express) and Edinburgh New Town, and nearly all another rooms have views over, and give access to, a private two-acre roof garden. The hotel is considering a refurb and is because of be performed in June. Weill give a sneak peek then! to you [Photos: Marriott International]

More Info: Lufthansa grounded by strike at German airports

International Budget Manual 2013: Oaxaca, Mexico

If you should be seeking an authentic and cost-effective taste of Mexico, look no longer than Oaxaca. A long way have been come by the southwestern Mexican city since the political protests of 2006, where non-violent activists clashed with militia and corrupt government officials in the streets. The protests resulted in a feeling of self-awareness and confidence for the city, and currently, Oaxaca is once more a welcoming and safe place for tourists. Whilst the gastronomic capital of Mexico the town has a strong ethnic heritage, interesting contemporary art scene and deserved place. Key Oaxaca's colonial houses and cobblestoned streets have earned the old area a World Heritage Site status, and its many monuments are being spiffied up for the World Congress of World Heritage Cities, that the city will host in November. Combined with the old, there's also the newest. Oaxaca's schools imbue the city with a spirit of youth, imagination and entrepreneurial energy. As well as the standard markets and restaurants, there are many of fascinating start-up companies as mezcal sampling libraries, yoga galleries, well: cost-effective pop-up restaurants and town cycling associations, to name a few. People to Oaxaca find a cultural experience that will not be found in over-touristed resort towns like Cancun and Cabo. It is greatly a town on the edge. Monte AlbAn: These damages just outside Oaxaca once composed among Mesoamerica's earliest and most significant cities, reported to be created in 500 B.C. The extraordinary Main Plaza contains countless carved stone monuments, with curious etchings which were once considered to be dancers, but are now considered to be tortured war criminals. It is simple to guide a tour to Monte Alban from the a large number of tour practices throughout the town, but a cheaper solution is always to just take the 50 peso (US$4) round-trip visitor shuttle from the Hotel Rivera del Angel, which leaves every hour between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. http://www.hotelriveradelangel.com Calle Fransisco Mina 518 Bike Night Rides: Experience Oaxaca on two wheels by joining one of Mundo Ceiba's "Paseos Nocturnos en Bicicleta" a' evening bike tours backed by a local cycling relationship. The trips happen every Wednesday and Friday starting at 9 p.m., with meeting points before the Santo Domingo Church and on Macedonio AlcalA in the town center. Bicycles can be found for lease between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Mundo Ceiba's headquarters at The Hub Oaxaca; carry 50 pesos (US$4) and prepare to abandon your passport as a deposit. Quintana Roo 2011 Hotel Casa del Soltano: Housed in a traditional colonial making, Hotel Casa del Soltano is Oaxacan charm that is oozed by a solid budget option, using its colorful orange exterior, rich gardens and roof terrace overlooking the nearby Plaza Santo Domingo. The rooms really are a bit cramped, nevertheless the atmosphere significantly more than makes up because of it. From 770 pesos (US$62). http://www.mexonline.com/sotano.htm Tinoco y Palacios 414, Centro Hostal Casa del Sol Oaxaca: This charming hostel offers individual rooms and dormitories a' without the teens and tequila shots. Casa del Sol's lead is a bougainvillea-shaded courtyard that is perfect for enjoying an informal drink with other travelers. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere has gained it millions of great reviews and a spot on TripAdvisor's listing of top 25 Mexican bargain accommodations for 2013. Dorms from 160 pesos (US$13), private rooms from 450 pesos (US$36). http://www.hostalcasadelsol.com.mx Constitucion 301, Centro Itanoni: The emphasis is on the corn at Itanoni, a simple eatery of a 15-minute walk from central Oaxaca. The restaurant specializes in tapas-style dishes featuring its well-known house-made tortillas, made fresh in front of you from different varieties of local, natural, stone-ground corn. Alice Waters, the godmother of America's farm-to-table movement, calls it her favorite restaurant in the city. Belisario Dominguez 513 El Olivo: The second-floor bar above the Meson del Olivo is really a fixture on Oaxaca's happy time picture. Dark but atmospheric, it features a thorough collection of beers from local microbreweries, as well as a solid wine list and the prerequisite mezcal cocktails. The 100 peso (US$8) happy hour includes four small tapas and a or glass of wine. Murguia 218, Centro Seasonality: Oaxaca's southern location and high top give it with nice temperatures year-round. Peak visitor period is from October to March, but it can be worth making a trip in late July for the popular Guelaguetza people festival, with draws cultural entertainers from throughout the area. Safety: Oaxaca is really a relatively safe place for visitors, especially in comparison to other Mexican cities that have reputations for drug-related violence. But, you should still follow the precautions you would ingest any Latin American city. Hold your belongings close to you, don't display expensive jewelry and be mindful about walking alone at night. [Photo Credit: Flickr user MichaelTyler] Submitted under: Activism, Cycling, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Gatherings and Festivals, Food and Drink, North America, Mexico, Ecotourism, Budget Journey, Central America

Link: Zugarramurdi, the village of witches

One Mile at the same time - JetBlue providing new TrueBlue people 7,500 points after their first journey by June 19, 2013

JetBlue seems to be providing some fairly good offers through their TrueBlue plan recently. Recently they certainly were offering up to 15 points per dollar spent for routes booked by April 10, and now theyare offering new TrueBlue people 7,500 benefit points after their first trip when itas booked and flown by June 13, 2013. You must register before you book your first trip to be able to be eligible for a the promotion. JetBlue has an income based frequent flyer program, and points may be used for about 1.5 cents each towards the price of a ticket. This really is plenty of for a one-way in some markets. For example, I see flights between Tampa and New York for just 6,000 factors. Therefore if youare perhaps not already a TrueBlue member and are intending some upcoming travel, this can be a promotion thatas pretty hard to beat.

Link: Music by United States festivals

One Mile at a Time - JetBlue giving new TrueBlue members 7,500 points after their first trip by June 19, 2013

JetBlue is apparently giving some pretty large promotions through their TrueBlue program lately. Recently they were offering as much as 15 points per dollar spent for flights booked by April 10, and now theyare offering new TrueBlue people 7,500 bonus points after their first flight when itas booked and flown by June 13, 2013. You must register before you book your first flight to be able to be eligible for the promotion. JetBlue has an income centered frequent flyer program, and things can be redeemed for approximately 1.5 cents each towards the cost of a ticket. That is ample for a one-way in some areas. For instance, I see flights between Tampa and New York for just 6,000 items. Therefore if youare maybe not currently a TrueBlue member and are intending some forthcoming travel, it is a marketing thatas very hard to beat.

Carlsbad: Inside The Legoland Hotel, Brick By Brick

So we made it easy for you to guess the hotel last week. Maybe it was the Lego parrot high up in the corner of the guestroom or maybe it was the hint about the place being next to the theme park. Yet for those of you who are still stumped, we spent a night inside the Adventure room of the just-opened Legoland Hotel, adjacent to the Legoland theme park in Carlsbad, Calif.

If your kids love Legos, they will love this place because there are Legos EVERYWHERE starting with the Lego pit in the hotel's lobby.

While the hotel itself is not costructed out of Legos (would't that be cool?), the hotel doesn't miss an opportunity to display their Lego works of art. Each guestroom features eight Lego sculptures, there's a giant dragon above the hotel entrance guarded by giant Lego characters and another dragon sculpture right when you walk in. The wall behind the check-in desk features hundreds and hundreds of Lego minis, along with a Lego character riding a bicycle (this piece actually moves back and forth and was our fave Lego display of them all.)

In both restaurants, the Skyline Cafe and the Bricks buffet restaurant, there are many cooking-themed Lego sculptures (like a chef working a pasta machine) and out back, there's an interactive dragon sculpture that squirts water and "talks" to its admirers, even commenting on their outfits. (We assume someone is watching on a camera somewhere.) In short, there are Lego sculptures pretty much everywhere you look.

Everything has been designed from a kid's perspective which is why there's a special buffet counter at Bricks that is kiddie-height and why the public bathrooms feature kid-height sinks.

There are bunk beds and TVs in the kid's section of the guestrooms as well as kid-height peepholes on the doors. In the bathrooms, there's a stool for kids to stand on so they can wash their hands and brush their teeth. There's also a kiddie potty lid built into the toilet so you won't have to hold them up every time they go, which (and we can't believe we're saying this) was a really nice touch.

Rounding out the Lego amenities are the Lego head ice bucket, Lego character wallpaper, Lego shower curtains and an in-room scavenger hunt which results in "winning" a Lego mini, stashed in the treasure chest. (Ours was guarded by an adorable Lego monkey.) And as if they didn't get enough chances to play with Legos downstairs, there's a box of Legos they can play with in the room.

Traveling with kids ain't easy and most of the time it doesn't even feel like you're on vacation. But staying at the Legoland Hotel, it's practically a dream. It's kind of like spending the night at your favorite kid-friendly restaurant. No one is going to throw you a dirty look when your kid throws a tantrum because their kid is probably doing the same thing.

The Good· Access to the Park: The hotel is literally next to Legoland so you won't have to walk far to get in. Also, hotel guests can access the park one hour before it opens and get on some rides before everyone else.· The Kid-Friendliness : Finally, a place where you won't have to die of embarrassment when your kid spills something on the rug.· The Pool: As if the Legoland park wasn't enough to wear your kids out, there's also a pool to play in.· An Adult Oasis: The Skyline Lounge is a place for mom and dad to get away (but not too far away of course) to have a little "me" time. Most importantly, there's a bar there.· The Lobby Playground: There's a giant pirate ship in the back of the hotel where nightly entertainment is held for kids, but it's also where they can run out some excess energy and play with Legos. (Again.)

The Not So Good· The Disco Elevator: It's a first for a Legoland Hotel--an elevator decked out wall to wall with Lego characters depicted as a disco (the princess was holding a microphone instead of a magic wand) that plays disco music (YMCA and Dancing Queen) but it was a little scary for our two-year-old. We're sure 8-year-olds will love it. But we didn't at 7am before we had our morning coffee.· Lack of Kiddie Bath Toiletries: Even though the hotel pretty much hit the target on kid-friendly amenities and services everywhere else, one place they dropped the brick, er, ball, was with the bath toiletries. The Bath & Body toiletries included two small bars of soap, a small bottle of shampoo and conditioner and body lotion. No bubble bath whatsoever! And the soap got in our kid's eyes. Of course.

What to Know Before You Go· There is a $22 resort fee (plus tax) that includes WiFi for multiple devices, parking, two bottles of water and two Honest Kids juice packs a day.· Pack 'n Plays are first-come, first-serve so you may want to bring your own. Otherwise, you can use the trundle under the lower bunk if you have a toddler because it's low to the ground.· You can request your theme room before you come. The first floor is Kingdom, the second floor is Pirate, the third floor is Adventure. Every room can comfortable sleep a family of five, but some rooms have queen beds versus king beds for the adults.· There is nightly entertainment for kids and a lounge where adults can sit and watch them, but sip on some alcohol as well. However, babysitting services are provided by an outside service.

Bottom Line: Rates at the hotel for the first week of May are now up to $259 and a night and will increase to over $300 in the middle of the summer. As for what the kids think of the place, we asked our little guest what her favorite part of the hotel was and she enthusiastically said, "The Lego pit!" So there you go.

More Info: 'Dark lightning' passenger airlines with radiation zaps

Delta Points - Skybonus Update: Delta Completes Cost School Alignment with Joint Venture Partners

Some upgrades from Skybonus in regards to the cost class place with the rest of Skyteam: Delta Air Lines and its partnership partners, Air France, KLM and Alitalia finished the final section of cost course alignment on March 19, 2013. A synopsis of phases 2-4 are discussed below, because they might have affected specific SkyBonus vouchers. Please be aware, nevertheless, that even though certificate classes of service may have changed, the new booking classes can have the same accessibility while the initial booking classes. Delta Product Description of Class ChangePhase 2 SkyBonus UpgradesG/Z class changes to aRa First Class; aOa Business ClassPhase 3 Business ClassaSa class changes to aZa classPhase 4 Domestic First class and Economy classaAa class (Domestic First Class) changes to aGa classaHa and aUa classes changes to aQa and aTa classes, respectively Log in now to check available records, standing, and document validity data. For questions regarding SkyBonus vouchers, please contact the SkyBonus Service Center at skybonus@delta.com or by calling 1-877-832-5211. Desire to discover more about the Skybonus program and if you qualify to take part then you may read up in this rookie post about the progoramA HERE. a' RenA Submitted by Delta Points

Via: The world's best walks: a guide of

View From The Wing - Return to the Maldives: Tea at the Burj al Arab, Dubai

Trip Report Index: We were dropped by our hotel media rep off at the Skyview bar, where we discovered ourselves to the desk. We were the third reservation there, they found us on the small slips of paper at the table. It was important to us to be on the early side (and we arrived about 10 minutes before our scheduling) simply because they seat people so as of birth a' and we wanted a dining table by the window. Today, there are plenty of tables by the window but about 50 % twelve are really excellent where both visitors have views of the water, while many more tables are more densely packed with only one person looking directly on the water whilst the other has their back facing it. We were asked to really have a seat since we were early. I took the ability to peak in to the gift bag we received by the hotel. Through full disclosure, they gave me a bag with a press package on the hotel, a red field of fortune cookies, and Hermes something-or-other that Iave genuinely long forgotten (since I donat think I brought it back with me). At the appointed time we were invited into the Skyview club to be seated. The room is hard to spell it out, thank goodness I have pictures! Photographs in the last element of this statement itas colorful and busy, though it feels like it belongs to a different era whilst the shades are different, just like the Royal Suite. I donat know perhaps the contrast holds water, however it feels very 1980s cruise liner to me. (Maybe thatas because the last time I was on a wasa oh, nevermind.) We got a primary seat right at the window searching at the shoreline and beach, because we came early enough. Though I thought it'd be greater if the windows werenat therefore dirty, the view was excellent, undoubtedly itas difficult to get up there to wash but it did deter just a little bit. There were selections on the table, and we were introduced hot towels and times to begin with. The tea charges 450 AED, which will be about US$122. That includes all you wish of each of eight classes a' except that you're given one glass of wine just a ' if you need another glass of Louis Roederer Brut N.V. itas yet another 150 AED (US$41..!!! Thatas just what a container costs in a U.S. bottle shop). A glass of wine is an excellent solution to start, at the top of the Burj al Arab looking out at the view. Company always seemed rushed and started. Everything was pre-plated, probably for a significant long time, and the wait staff maintained everything about, enough for many tables at a time. They did come around if we wanted anything more, while several times I'd to flag them down seriously to request to test another tea asking us, I also tried the hot chocolate that has been wonderful (second only in current memory to Angelinaas in Paris). I requested a, and it arrived with gold specks in it. It had been delivereda without any silver when our table purchased another one. I jokingly said anything about it (I wasnat complaining, I was occupied, and I canat imagine that it affects the enjoyment of the cappuccino!) but the team must have overheard since minutes later they returned with an upgraded cappuccino and an that the first one was missing the gold on top! All the food was perfectly wonderful, although nothing was particularly standout. The sweets were average, the mini-crAme brulee had actually broken from sitting way too long and I didnat experience comfortable eating it. Still, it was overall enjoyable and it was a lot particularly if you wanted multiple offering of anything. And the tower was remarkable a' in some ways telling me of Lufthansa high grade service, even though their tower was shaped like the hotel it self which is indeed very Burj al Arab, over the top yet at the same time attention to detail but the server was holding three at a which meant that she just aplopped it downa on the table and moved quickly on to offer the next one to the table beside us and the next to the table beside that one without stopping to engage. We finished up with sorbet, followed closely by petit fours shipped with the statement. Everything was over-the-top, pleasant as an knowledge, and really worth it for the theater of it all (but it was a whole lot more Fat Duck Restaurant than it was El Bulli). I was a little disappointed in the foodstuff, there was plenty but none of it remarkable. It had been all about the presentation and the spot and that you were at the Burj al Arab. On the way out of the lodge I stopped down in the gift shop to obtain a baseball cap a' both a souvenir and functional, because Iad be heading to the Maldives and hadnat produced one with me, it seemed advisable to use one out in the sun particularly if we were going to go out onto the water by boat (that you do for the airport exchanges there but in addition I'd ideas to fish, etc). We went out front, there have been taxis waiting and we got one back again to the hotel. On your way out, once at night hotel gates, there were still lots of tourists taking photos from afar.

Link: Travelers can find culture anywhere, United States