Tag: Florida

Orlando Florida Hotel: Doubletree at Sea World Review!

by Heather Anne • March 24, 2021

Take a video tour!

Orlando, Florida Hotel: First Impressions

Looking for an Orlando, Florida hotel? The Hilton Doubletree Sea World makes a great first impression! Not surprisingly, the first thing I noticed was the location, mere steps away from the Sea World amusement park. There’s even a free shuttle from the hotel. And this hotel offers additional perks such as park discounts. But I’ll discuss Sea World and other Orlando sights in another post. As a resort, this hotel offers many activities right on-site for those who don’t want to brave the crowds of the theme parks nearby. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and there are comfortable lounge areas throughout to catch some rays. It’s a great way to relax after an exhausting day at the parks or touring around town!

Comfortable Rooms

The rooms here provide just the rest and recovery Mickey ordered. Anyone who’s ever been to Orlando before knows it can be an exhausting place, between the sun and fun! I was granted an automatic Gold Hilton Honors member upgrade on my room, which was a very pleasant surprise since it doesn’t happen a lot. The room was huge, and decorated in neutral shades. The bed was extremely comfortable, as I’ve become used to at Doubletree properties. The view consisted of windows on two sides overseeing the main pool and what I’d like to call “restaurant row,” a grouping of various restaurant outlets lined up across the street. I was provided a flat screen TV, basic coffee maker, and some premium toiletries in the bathroom. I felt well-taken care of and cozy.

Fun in the Sun

There are two large pools at the Doubletree, great for splashing and sunbathing. The main pool boasts a waterfall feature, and is adjacent to an outdoor tiki bar called the “Barefoot Bar.” I partook in the appetizers and cocktails at the bar and was very satisfied with the quality. There are a lot of tropical-themed options on the menu. It’s a great place to mingle with other hotel guests and be among other adults in this town that’s a magnet for children. (Don’t get me wrong – I like children too. I had two sets of twins of my own. But sometimes you just need a break!) I found both the staff and other hotel guests friendly and inviting here.

More Amenities

Beyond the pools and lounging areas, there are many other playful options. Huts, like the ones in the photo below, house ping pong tables, pool tables, foosball, and more! There’s also mini golf. For those more serious-minded, there’s a full-service indoor gym, shops, and a second bar in the hotel lobby. For a full overview of all this hotel has to offer, watch my video tour on YouTube at the top of this post! And I can’t overlook what just may be everyone’s favorite – fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies are available in the lobby every afternoon! (Tip: YES you can request a couple extra!)

Verdict

Overall, I was pleased with my experience at this hotel. The accommodations were comfortable, the activities were ample, the grounds were gorgeous, and the restaurants served scrumptious meals. Still, it wasn’t a flawless experience. I accidentally turned my driver’s license in with the key card sleeve at the front desk and they refused to look for it. So I had to get a replacement driver’s license (big hassle). Also, the maid service in my room was lacking (she no-showed us daily). I mentioned it to a manager and he made up for that issue to my satisfaction with a gift certificate to one of the restaurants. Despite these couple of issues, given the responsiveness of management and quality of accommodations, I would both stay here again and recommend it to others.

Conclusion and Announcement

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for an Orlando, Florida hotel the Doubletree is worth considering. Meanwhile, I have an announcement! I’m pleased to announce that Ultimate Travel Adventures is now on Ko-Fi! Ko-Fi is a virtual tip jar for creators. On my page you can contribute as little as $1, or more if you choose. If you enjoyed this post, I hope you’ll visit me on Ko-Fi by clicking here or the button below. Interested in reading another blog post? How about checking out my post on Cocoa Beach, Florida here? I hope you’ll come along for my next adventure!

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Hotel Review

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Florida Hotel Review

by Heather Anne • September 22, 2020

Lots to see in Jacksonville, Florida

Before I get to the Jacksonville Florida Hotel Review, I want to mention that Jacksonville, Florida is a great home base for exploring the coast of North Florida. There’s a lot to do in town. You could head for the city’s pristine beaches. Another option would be to take a walk on the wild side and visit Catty Shack Ranch, a conservation ranch for tigers and other big cats. Or immerse yourself in culture at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, with its masterful nature art collection and European-inspired gardens.

St. Augustine Day Trip

In the mood for a little road trip? Whisk off to St. Augustine for the day to tour the “oldest city in the U.S.” The oldest masonry fort in the States is here, along with a historic lighthouse, pirate and treasure museum, and old town abundant with colonial architecture. And one of the biggest draws is a chance to get revived and renewed at the fountain of youth! St. Augustine is a 45 minute drive from Jacksonville and ideal day trip.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville JTB/Deerwood Park

The Hilton Garden Inn, Jacksonville at Deerwood Park is not very convenient to downtown, and you’ll probably want to have a car to get around. It’s a nice, peaceful residential neighborhood, though, in the University district. It’s a comfortable and inviting hotel, and I look forward to returning again and again. This is a great place to stop on a road trip from more northern states into Florida, here on I-95 in Jacksonville, not too far from the Georgia border. Please note: this post is NOT sponsored by Hilton, and includes my honest opinions.

The Opulent Lobby

The first thing you notice about the Hilton Garden Inn, Jacksonville is the opulent lobby. It has very high ceilings, lots of plush, cozy furniture, plenty of plants, and the scent of warm, fresh-baked cookies! Water infused with citrus fruits, tea, and coffee are available in the lobby at certain times of day, too. The breakfast area is here, where you can partake in delicious, made-to-order breakfast specialties. (There is a charge unless you are a Hilton Honors Gold member, who can enjoy a free breakfast for themselves and a guest.)

Pool and other Public Areas

The Pool area is a great place to lounge out and relax! In addition to many lounge chairs and table seating, theres a jacuzzi to indulge in. Due to its northern location in Florida, Jacksonville does tend to get a little chilly in the Spring and Fall, and this is a great option when the pool is a little too cool! In addition to the beautiful lobby and pool area, there’s also a large gym. You can use both cardio machines, like treadmills and cycles, and strength training equipment, like benches and weights. Finally, also good for those chillier Fall evenings, there’s a fire pit patio with comfy couches. This also serves as the smoking area, and there are a couple of tables if you prefer to have your breakfast alfresco.

Comfortable Guest Rooms

Consistent with the Hilton Garden Inn brand, the room was very nicely furnished and well-decorated. The bed was very comfortable. A Keurig coffee machine, microwave, and refrigerator were available in the room. (These particularly came in handy with our delectable leftovers from the brewery next door – which I’ll delve into next!) The photo above shows a room with two beds; rooms with one king bed are also available. The room was modern and trendy, and the big, flat-screen TV was nice for chilling out after a long day of exhausting exploring!

Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery

Probably my favorite feature of this particular hotel is something off-property. The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville JTB/Deerwood Park shares a parking lot with the Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery. When I noticed how popular the place was with locals, I had a feeling it was going to be great. And it is! They brew their own beer on-site, and it’s outstanding! I ordered a flight of beers so I could find my favorite to follow-up with. And then my plate arrived – with a very generous portion of chiles relleno, one of the many excellent options on the menu. Most of their offerings fall into the bar food and tex mex categories. The quality was excellent, and I’ve longed to return ever since. I keep hoping they will open another location closer to my neck of the woods in Tampa!

Jacksonville Florida Hotel Review

If you want to see more of this Jacksonville Florida Hotel Review, I filmed a complete video tour that you can view on the Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube channel here:

And if you’re touring around North Florida, you may want to check out my blog post on Cocoa Beach here:

https://atomic-temporary-140334132.wpcomstaging.com/2019/01/21/winter-in-cocoa-beach-florida/

And if you’re interested in learning more about this hotel, you can view their official site here (this is NOT an affiliate link):

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jaxdpgi-hilton-garden-inn-jacksonville-jtb-deerwood-park/

travel

Michigan Cabin, Florida Condo… Snowbird?

by Heather Anne • April 29, 2019

Michigan Cabin, April

After a month of being astounded by the spectacular scenery of Michigan last fall I was hooked. I knew I needed a place up here. It was the same feeling I had about Florida before I got the condo there. And despite extensive traveling, and having an incredible time in so many places, I never quite felt this way about anyplace else. I was home. Twice.

Beach by Florida Condo, November

Since I got this cabin in Michigan people have constantly declared “Oh, so you’re a snowbird!” But it’s not that simple. Growing up in Boston, I realized winter can provide a powdery paradise… in moderation…! I suppose the origin of this assumption is that, perhaps, these people themselves would prefer year-round summer, so it makes sense to them? (Is this you? Please leave a comment!) After being in Florida for a year I actually missed the seasons, especially my favorite – autumn. Just so happens autumn is, at least in my opinion, the most spectacular time of year in Michigan. The trees are blazing with vibrant color, and the most succulent, delicious apples await your selection at the vast pick-your-own orchards across the state. A drive through the “tunnel of trees” and visit to the peak of Brockway Mountain in the Upper Peninsula provide the perfect immersion into this fall fiesta of firey shades. Sometimes change is good…

My Michigan Street

And then there’s the oft-shunned winter season. I get it – growing up in Boston the first snowfall was always welcome, but that welcome usually wore out fast. And by mid-January, true, I was so over it. But imagine my delight closing on this cabin in Michigan, in April, and experiencing the snowfall that had eluded me after spending most of the season in Florida. The dazzling sparkle of fresh, clean snow, the brilliant bounty of white trees, the powdery sift of snowflakes sprinkling through the sky, the pleasing crunching sound the snow makes when you step through it… This isn’t the warm, tropical, ocean-breeze paradise of Florida, but it’s paradise in its own way.

Diversity of experience makes life more interesting. I find this applies to the seasons as well. I admit – I doubt I’ll be spending the whole winter in Michigan, but I definitely won’t be following a snowbird schedule, either!

Lifestyle

Michigan Vacation Cabin Tour!

by Heather Anne • April 29, 2019

Michigan Cabin, April

My Michigan Vacation Cabin!

I can now cross “Michigan vacation cabin” off my bucket list! After a month of being astounded by the spectacular scenery of Michigan last fall I was hooked. I knew I needed a place up here. It was the same feeling I had about Florida before I got the condo there. And despite extensive traveling, and having an incredible time in so many places, I never quite felt this way about anyplace else. I was home. Twice.

Beach by Florida Condo, November

Michigan-Florida Snowbird?

My Michigan Street

Still Enjoying some snow!

Living Room

Authentic Log Cabin in the Woods!

The cabin is in a peaceful location in the woods, but ten minutes or so from town, convenient if I need to shop for anything. There’s also a state park nearby at the lake, where I can go for a rejuvenating swim, take a sail on a pontoon boat in the shallow water, or jump on a jet ski. Back at the cabin, I can park a snowmobile or ATV. They are road legal here, so you can just jump on and go, no trailer needed!

Kitchen

Rustic and Remodeled Vacation Cabin

When I acquired this cabin it wasn’t suitable for living. There was no heating system, no hot water, no bathroom door, and no shower. I hastily installed all of the above, as well as a washer and dryer. I also replaced the bathroom sink unit and range. The antique kitchen sink and countertop is entirely ceramic. It’s very unique – exactly the kind of thing the American Pickers would get very excited about! It’s a very charming, and now very comfortable, place to stay! I hope you enjoyed this tour of my Michigan vacation cabin!

View my tour of the cabin, before and after, here!:

Read more posts about sightseeing in Michigan!:

Outdoor Delights in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan!

Magnificent Mainland Michigan: a Convivial Road Trip!

I have video tours of Michigan, and many more destinations, here on my YouTube channel!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

For details, visit Travel More for Less FREE Guide!

Uncategorized

Winter in Cocoa Beach, Florida!

by Heather Anne • January 21, 2019

The Pier at Cocoa Beach

Winter in Cocoa Beach, Florida: Open for Business!

While many beaches across the United States are closing up shop for the Winter, Florida’s beaches stay open throughout the year! And with temperatures frequently getting up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius), and higher, even in the peak of winter they are a joy to visit! So don’t pack away your shorts and swimsuits just yet – instead consider packing your bags for a winter visit to the Florida coast for some fun in the sun!

The Iconic Cocoa Beach Pier

The Pier at Cocoa Beach, and neighboring beachfront, is the most popular attraction in Cocoa Beach. This historic and iconic pier was built in 1962. Here you will find sunbathers, swimmers, volleyball players, bars, restaurants, retail, and fishing off the Pier. For a nominal fee you can rent fishing time and equipment (including the fishing poles and gear as well as a fish cleaning station!) Fishing season here ends on December 15, but you can get some “winter” fishing in if you arrive before then! If you just want to enjoy the views, there’s a small charge. But if you buy something – anything – from one of the shops, you can show your receipt for free admission.

Cocoa Beach: popular with surfers

Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center

Nearby you can also explore Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center Visitors’ Complex. Attractions at the Kennedy Space Center include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the Rocket Garden, the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, Astronaut Training Simulators, the Shuttle Launch Experience, and much more! If you crave space, this is the place! This area is often referred to as “Florida’s Space Coast” in tourist brochures. Surfers just call it paradise! If you fancy a cruise on one of the major cruise lines, those depart from neighboring Port Canaveral.

Ron Jon Surf Shop: largest surf shop in the world!

Surfer’s Paradise

Cocoa Beach is notorious for being a draw for surfers. The Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach consists of 52,000 square feet spread across multiple buildings. The complex includes a gigantic retail outlet, surf museum, and surf lesson studio! It’s the largest surf shop in the world! So no surf gear, no surf skills, no problem! Ron Jon’s will have you soaking up the sun and traversing the tides in no time!

Winter Wonderland: Cocoa Beach, Florida!

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to relax and unwind or test out your surfing skills, whatever the season! Should you be visiting nearby Cape Canaveral, don’t overlook the additional attractions here in Cocoa Beach, well worth the detour! Furthermore, if you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral and arriving by car, consider making a stop after your cruise to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful beach!

You may view my full tour of Cocoa Beach here!:

Florida has destinations besides beaches, believe it or not! Most notably, there’s Orlando! Check out my post here!:

Orlando, FL – a Tale of Two Hotels, an Eye in the Sky, and a Trip Around the World!

And for more travel all around the world, visit the Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube channel!:

Ultimate Travel Adventures YouTube Channel

Uncategorized

Orlando, FL – a Tale of Two Hotels, an Eye in the Sky, and a Trip Around the World!

by Heather Anne • February 6, 2018

Orlando is a city of whimsy, fantasy, and wonder. Here are theme parks that indulge your craving for thrills, excitement, and childlike wonder by day, and nightlife and accommodations to cater to your grown-up need for peaceful relaxation and blissful self-pampering by night. At The Castle Autograph Collection Marriott in Orlando, fairy tale fanciful meets trendy chic. This completely unique boutique hotel floods the senses with fairy tale inspired fantasy, including gargoyles, crenelations, and towers on the exterior, and brilliant colors, furniture and decor inspired by nature and luxurious hedonism on the inside.

After an exhausting day of hiking across the globe at Epcot, the outdoor bar, jacuzzi, and heated pool were just what Mickey ordered. Basking in the warm January sun, I had found the ultimate escape. Orlando poses two perplexing decisions: which theme park to visit first, and, with an abundance of competition vying for your business, which hotel to choose. The Castle is definitely one I will be choosing frequently on future visits.

Right next door to the Castle is the breathtaking and imposing Orlando Eye, standing out like an exclamation point over the city as you traverse the highways on your way into town. Towering over a small neighborhood of touristy restaurants, shops, and bars, it is an iconic Orlando landmark. You can ride it for spectacular views of the skyline, theme parks, and more.

After gaining a birds-eye view of the city, I left the pricey tourist area for a strip mall right next door where I found “China Buffet,” a delicious value a short walk back to the hotel. After having some fun practicing my Mandarin Chinese with the staff, I walked back through the garage towards the hotel, which, to my delight, held an extraordinary surprise!

magic edit

Orlando is full of delightful surprises like this. It is also a vast metropolis. On another side of town rises another phenomenal hotel option: the Orlando World Center Marriott.

This is a colossal property with a multitude of restaurants, shops, pools, and meeting rooms. A laser show floods the sky with color over the main pool at night. Here, “bigger is better,” and the size of the lobby, pools, water slides, rooms, televisions, and balconies attest to that. This is a dizzying place to explore, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

OWM pool edit

But I couldn’t visit Orlando without a stop at the most notorious Orlando icon of all: Disney World. Intrigued by the idea of traveling the earth in a day, I opted for a visit to Epcot.

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True to reputation, lines were long – even in January, although admittedly it was a Sunday. There were rides, shows, and exhibitions involving space, the natural world, and miniature villages representing several countries from around the globe. I have a theory that places like this are for adults, not kids… I witnessed numerous children crying and whining while most of the adults seemed to be having a great time! Epcot seems to be a particularly good choice for the adult visitor, because “exploring the world” is something that can appeal to everyone. The scenes and structures are convincingly rendered, at least from a distance, and while it is not a replacement for the “real thing” it’s a fun way to sample a variety of foreign cultures and architectural styles. “Reflections of China” comes with my highest recommendation for adults. This thrilling film surrounds you with 365 degrees of amazing footage of some of the most spectacular sites in China, with no interruption from cartoon characters (like some of the other attractions here.) Other countries represented at Epcot include Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, and Mexico. Regrettably, my camera battery failed fairly quickly (perhaps not regrettably: now I must return!)

Orlando has a tremendous bounty of places to stay and great things to do. It is the perfect city to return to again and again, or for an extended stay. Subscribe to my brand new YouTube channel for upcoming video tours of these hotels, attractions, and more (hopefully getting better and better as I get used to the platform!):

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC91pXs3Ydbrw5Uc3EFSkO5Q?

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