Hotel & Lodging Deals – SmarterTravel https://www.smartertravel.com The Best Trips Start Here Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:38:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 217354961 The 7 Most Controversial Travel Opinions https://www.smartertravel.com/most-controversial-travel-opinions/ https://www.smartertravel.com/most-controversial-travel-opinions/#respond Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=189116 Armrest allocation, clapping when the plane lands, and using the recline button—these controversial travel topics are guaranteed to start a full-on debate between frequent flyers. Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the […]

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Armrest allocation, clapping when the plane lands, and using the recline button—these controversial travel topics are guaranteed to start a full-on debate between frequent flyers.

Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel.

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

Moving sidewalk at airport
kalafoto | Adobe Stock

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

Close up of person resting arms on armrest in the middle seat of an airplane row
Chalabala | Adobe Stock

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back (just please, do it the right way) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Close up of woman in socks putting her feet up on a row of airplane seats
milkovasa | Adobe Stock

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

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What Do Hotel Star Ratings Really Mean?  https://www.smartertravel.com/hotel-star-ratings-what-do-they-mean/ https://www.smartertravel.com/hotel-star-ratings-what-do-they-mean/#respond Fri, 05 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/2009/07/09/what-do-those-hotel-star-ratings-really-mean/ As there seems to be no one-size-fits-all measurement to rate a hotel's value, amenities, and potential for customer satisfaction, I set out to decipher the star rating system.

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A five-star rating has become shorthand for luxury—but what exactly does that rating mean when it comes to hotels? Why is the same property four-stars on one hotel search site and three-stars on another? 

There’s no one organization in the United States that hands out definitive star rankings to hotels. Instead, individual hotel booking sites and other groups use their own rating system to categorize properties to help travelers know what to expect.

Close up of person using smartphone with graphic displaying five stars in a speech bubble hovering above
Thapana_Studio | Adobe Stock

Expedia, which is part of the same corporation that owns many hotel booking sites such as Hotels.com and Booking.com, is one of the few sites to publish their methodology for star rankings—making it a good general reference point for figuring out what hotel star ratings really mean.

Expedia Hotel Star Ratings

Star Rating What Expedia Says to Expect
One-star Basic motels, hostels, and hostels
No-frills accommodations
Daily housekeeping and 24/7 reception may not be available
Rooms may not have private bathrooms, TVs, or phones
Two-star Simple, but clean budget accommodations
24-hour reception
Daily housekeeping service
Rooms with private bathrooms
Generally no on-site dining aside from Continental breakfast
Three-star On-site restaurant and bar
Baggage assistance available
More spacious guest rooms with comfortable seating and good quality bedding
Larger bathrooms with shower/tub combinations 
Four-star Larger lobbies with common space available
Concierge service
Valet parking
Turndown service
24-hour room service
Rooms with large beds, extra seating, minibars, safes, pillowtop mattresses, bathrobes
Upscale toiletries provided
Resorts feature spas, tennis courts, poolside food service 
Five-star Fine dining on-site
Luxury spa
Full-service health clubs
Well-trained staff
Welcome amenities
Butler service available
Elegant guestroom decor
Oversized bathrooms with premium features
Electronic features in-rooms such as remote-controlled shades
Resorts feature golf courses, tennis courts with a variety of playing surfaces, health clubs with personal trainers, and luxurious spas
A hotel desk bell in focus in the foreground with hotel staff at the front desk out of focus in the background
davit85 | Adobe Stock

Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings

If you’re looking to treat yourself to an upscale hotel stay, check Forbes Travel Guide. The publication only evaluates luxury properties, and only issues stars to hotels that meet their high-quality standards. Only the best hotels will receive stars—anything below four stars that still meets the criteria to be included in the guide simply earns a “recommended” rating. 

Unlike other star rating systems, Forbes Travel Guide places a high emphasis on service, saying, “Seventy percent of a property’s rating relies on its service—with a more exacting look at the guest experience as a new service metric for 2023—while the remaining 30 percent accounts for the quality and condition of its facilities.”

To evaluate hotels Forbes Travel Guide sends in inspectors who “test up to 900 rigorous standards, from modern-day luxuries—such as whether a room is set up to enhance sleep quality or whether the food-and-beverage choices support a guest’s well-being—to more traditional elements, such as the décor and the attention the staff pays to a guest.” 

Star Rating What Forbes Travel Guide Says to Expect
Five-star Outstanding, iconic properties with nearly flawless service. 
Four-star Exceptional properties with high levels of service.
Recommended Excellent properties with consistently good service.

AAA Hotel Diamond Ratings

The American Automobile Association (AAA) owns another popular hotel ranking system. Instead of stars, AAA uses diamonds to rate hotels, and ratings are refreshed yearly.

AAA Executive Director of Travel Stacey Barber tells SmarterTravel, “Each year, AAA Inspectors visit over 25,000 hotels in our portfolio, in person. We pride ourselves on giving travelers only current assessment and first-hand information about the hotels we designate.”

If you want to make sure you’re booking a truly luxurious hotel, look for the AAA Five Diamond rating—according to Barber, only 0.5 percent of properties inspected earn that coveted ranking.

Here’s how AAA explains its ratings:

Star Rating What AAA Says to Expect
One Diamond A bed, a pillow, and a bargain.
Two Diamonds A familiar, casual, affordable setting.
Three Diamonds The comforts of home, minus the effort.
Four Diamonds Splurge-worthy properties for special occasions.
Five Diamonds The crown jewel. 
Over the shoulder view of a woman booking a hotel on a laptop in a cafe while drinking coffee
Song_about_summer | Adobe Stock

International Hotel Star Ratings

Hotel star rankings are not standardized across the world. In Europe, 20 countries utilize the Hotelstars Union rating system. This group aims to classify hotels with common criteria so it’s easy to tell exactly what each star rating means.  

The countries that participate in this rating system are: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

European Hotelstars Union Rating System

Star Rating What European Hotelstars Union Says to Expect
One-star All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms
Daily room cleaning offered
TVs and WiFi in all rooms
Table and chair in all rooms
Soap/body wash and bath towels provided
Toiletries available on request
Reception service
Cashless payment available
Extended breakfast offered
Two-star Breakfast buffet
Bedside reading light 
Body wash or shower gel
Linen shelves
Bath and hand towels
Bilingual staff
Sewing kit and shoe polish utensils available
Three-star In-person reception available at least 10 hours per day; remote reception available 24/7
Common lounge area
Luggage service available
Drinks available in-room
Hair dryer and mirror in-room
Luggage racks
Laundry and ironing service available
Extra pillows and blankets available
Complaint management system in place
Four-star In-person reception available at least 10 hours per day; remote reception available 24/7
Hotel bar or lounge area 
Breakfast buffet with service or seated breakfast
Minibar/room service available 
Armchair or couch and side table in all rooms
Bathrobes and slippers available
Amenity kit (shower cap, nail file, etc.)
Vanity mirror in bathroom
International TV channels
Five-star 24/7 reception service
Valet parking 
Concierge
Shuttle or limousine service
Personalized in-room greeting for each guest 
Minbar and room service available 24 hours
In-room safe
Ironing, shoe polish, and sewing service available
Turndown service

Want to find five-star hotels for cheap? Check out our sister site, SmarterTravel Hotels, for big savings even on luxury properties.

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6 Incredible Mother-Daughter Trips You’ll Always Treasure https://www.smartertravel.com/mother-daughter-trips/ https://www.smartertravel.com/mother-daughter-trips/#respond Wed, 03 May 2023 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=209335 When you’re little, the idea of traveling with your mom or grandparents seems normal. As a teenager, you may not appreciate it so much. When you become an adult—and maybe even have kids of your own—it gets way better. The Best Mother-Daughter Trips By the time your mom or her mom reaches her golden years, […]

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When you’re little, the idea of traveling with your mom or grandparents seems normal. As a teenager, you may not appreciate it so much. When you become an adult—and maybe even have kids of your own—it gets way better.

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips

By the time your mom or her mom reaches her golden years, you really start to appreciate the chance to travel together, because it’s easier to recognize the moments passing. Though there may be some comical generational differences in travel style, there’s no better way for women young and old to bond than traveling together on a mother-daughter trip.

Here are some of the best mother-daughter vacations to delight moms and daughters of all ages, no matter when you travel together.

Jolly Trolleys and Golden Gates: San Francisco, California

Golden Gate bridge at sunset
heyengel | Adobe Stock

Everyone should see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge at least once, and a mother-daughter trip to San Francisco is the perfect excuse for doing so. Bike or walk across the bridge to get out of the fog, and have lunch with a view in the whimsical town of Sausalito.

Pair a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with a CityPASS, which includes admission to some of the most popular Bay Area attractions, like the California Academy of Sciences and the Aquarium of the Bay, and the option to add on a cable car pass.

While roaming around Pier 39, have a bread bowl of clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, made with San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread—you won’t regret it. Nor will you regret the decadent chocolate sundae you’ll have at Ghirardelli Square after.

Where to stay: Book a room at Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf for a memorable stay central to the city’s most famous attractions.

Vinos and Velos: Cycling from Dijon to Beaune, France

Vineyard. Pommard, Cote de Beaune, d'Or, Burgundy, France
ivoha | Adobe Stock

For an active vacation paired with exquisite wine and a whole lot of grandeur, try a mother-daughter bicycle tour through the Burgundy region. Explore the French countryside at your own pace while stopping along the way to taste a sampling of France’s finest fermented grapes.

Start in the historical town of Dijon at the Place de la Liberation. Pedal past rolling vineyard hills and storybook chateaus on your way to the charming town of Nuit-Saint-Georges. Take a break while you’re there to appreciate a taste (or two) of the region’s Premier Cru red wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes, and go truffle hunting at one of the local farms.

End your bike tour in the fairy tale town of Beaune. Its main square has been hosting an unmissable Saturday market since the early 13th century.

Where to stay: Stay at the The Maven at Dairy Block for an exceptionally lively atmosphere with loft-style rooms, access to shopping and dining in the city’s Dairy Block micro-district, and easy access to downtown Denver.

Sipping, Sampling, and Shopping: Denver, Colorado

Skyline view of Denver, Colorado with city park in foreground
Andy | Adobe Stock

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Denver is becoming such a popular destination for mother-daughter trips. If you want to shop, dine, partake in a libations tour, take in the arts, or do all of the above, you can do it in Denver.

The city’s most popular area for strolling and shopping is the neighborhood around 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square. You can dine your way around Denver with stops at Rioja, Tamayo, Avanti, and North Italia, and then drink your way around on a boozy tour. There are plenty of guided tasting tours that will take you to places like Laws Whiskey, The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery, Colorado Cider Company, and Denver Beer Company. The Cooper Lounge in Union Station is the best place to enjoy a fancy cocktail.

Where to stay: At the MOXY Denver Cherry Creek, you’ll enjoy a fun and modern stay. The space encourages guest interaction with a full bar and an impressive assortment of lobby games, from shuffleboard to Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Relax and Rosé All Day: Calistoga, California

Vineyard in Calistoga, California
Rachael Towne | Adobe Stock

While Napa may get all of the shout-outs, the best place to stay in California wine country is Calistoga. It sits at the base of Mount Saint Helena, about 25 miles northwest of the town of Napa. In Calistoga, you can do all of the iconic things mothers and daughters daydream of doing on a mother-daughter trip, like getting daily spa treatments and drinking Rosé all day.

Volcanic ash, mud, and mineral baths are the specialty spa treatment of this town. What better way to celebrate the unique bond between a mother and daughter than taking a mud bath? You can also get a proper massage treatment at Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs and the recently renovated Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Basically, you can walk from one end of town to the other in spa flip-flops, getting one treatment after another, and no one would blink an eye.

Take off your shoes and get stomping at Grgich Hills Estate, which offers daily grape stomping during the harvest season. Go for a royal tour and wine tasting at the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-inspired Tuscan castle that features barrel-tasting and a torture chamber. No trip to Napa would be complete without taking a ride on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Book the Vista Dome for one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have. The three-hour journey includes a gourmet meal and wine, of course.

Where to stay: You’ll find a stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort to be reasonably priced and wonderfully retro.

Beauty and the Beach: Maui, Hawaii

Lahaina Harbor, Maui, Hawaii
RandyJay | Adobe Stock

There’s a reason everyone loves Maui. Whether you’re nine years old or 90, you can appreciate the wonders of this island paradise. Maui is an extraordinary place to make mother-daughter travel memories that will last a lifetime.

Drive the road to Hana, hike the Bamboo Forest, go snorkeling with sea turtles at Maluaka Beach, catch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, and learn about Maui’s fascinating history at a traditional luau. Or, you know, just skip all of that and sunbathe at the beach.

Whatever you do on Maui, try to catch an evening meal at Mama’s Fish House during sunset. One of the photos you take is sure to become your new screensaver.

Where to stay: Treat your mom to a stay in the lap of luxury at the Grand Wailea to make your trip extra splendid. If you’re traveling with the whole family, stay at the Hotel Wailea, a private paradise estate in Kihei so you can make meals together and relax in the comfort of a home setting.

Shamrocks and Smiles: Road Tripping Around Ireland

Cliffs of Moher
Ben Burger | Adobe Stock

Haven’t you always wanted to take a mother-daughter trip to Ireland? Want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the Ring of Kerry, or perhaps behold some sheep roaming lush green hills of the countryside? Take a road trip from Dublin that passes through Cork, Killarney, Dingle, and Galway, and you’ll delight in exploring these sights.

Visit the nearby town of Kinsale and take the easy hike to Charles Fort. Spend a day in Killarney National Park, and make time to visit the historic sites of Dingle before heading to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, which is known for its traditional pubs and live Irish folk music.

Where to stay: Stop by the Hayfield Manor in Cork for a quintessentially Irish stay, complete with gourmet dining and afternoon tea service.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Melissa McGibbon’s travel accomplishments include circumnavigating the globe on a ship, having dinner at Fidel Castro’s house in Havana, skiing steep chutes in Canada, and downhill mountain biking in Peru. Follow her on Twitter @mcmliss.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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7 Tropical Vacations Under $500, Including Airfare and Hotel https://www.smartertravel.com/all-inclusive-vacations-under-500/ https://www.smartertravel.com/all-inclusive-vacations-under-500/#respond Tue, 11 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/2010/01/12/six-tropical-escapes-under-500/ Escape the frigid days of winter by visiting the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Mexico. The savings will make you warm all over!

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These days, it’s almost impossible to find a vacation to a tropical destination that includes airfare and lodging for less than $500 per person. Almost. Those who know where and how to look, however, can easily end up on a sunny beach, or sipping mai tais at the bar of an all-inclusive resort, without having handed over five Benjamin Franklins for the whole experience. Need a bit of guidance getting there? Below are seven tropical vacations with airfare under $500 per person.

Editor’s Note: The airfares, hotel rates, and vacation package prices in this story are sample prices only, and may vary depending on your specific travel dates.

Destination Hotel (Per Person/Night) Flight Total Duration of Stay
Dominican Republic $54 $250 $466 4 Nights
Jamaica $90 $200 $470 3 Nights
Puerto Rico $67 $200 $468 4 Nights
Oahu $50 $300 $500 4 Nights
Bahamas $411 n/a $411 8 Night Cruise from Baltimore
U.S. Virgin Islands $70 $200 $480 4 Nights
Florida $40 $100 $380 7 Nights

The Dominican Republic

Beach in the Dominican Republic with the Domincan Republic flag in the foreground
Maciej Czekajewski | Adobe Stock

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are as beautiful—and as safe—as any in the Caribbean, and round-trip flights to the island can cost as little as $250 from New York or Miami.

Choice Hotels’ Ascend collection includes two all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic with incredibly low nightly rates: Travel during the off seasons—spring and fall—and you can nab a stay at Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio for as little as $65 per person per night, or at Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata from $54 per person per night.

Both are beachfront properties with a variety of all-you-can-eat restaurants, as well as outdoor pools, in-room fridges, microwaves, an on-site fitness center, and a location that’s within easy distance from the airport and major attractions. Members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program also earn points by staying at either resort.

Pick the right dates, book a few nights, and do the math, and you’ll have gotten yourself a Caribbean vacation that includes airfare, hotel, food, and beverages (yes, even the alcoholic kind) for under $500.

Jamaica

Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica
lucky-photo | Adobe Stock

Round-trip flights from Florida to Montego Bay can cost as little as $200, and room rates at the beachfront Royal Decameron, an all-inclusive property on Montego Bay’s lively strip, can dip as low as $90 per night per person for travelers willing to travel in the off-season, between mid-April and mid-December.

The Royal Decameron is within easy walking distance of the city’s best hot spots, shops, and restaurants, though all your food is already taken care of on-site. To stick to your budget, you can also stick to admission-free attractions in Jamaica—including Negril Cliffs and Castleton Gardens—and use local buses and taxis instead of renting a car.

Puerto Rico

La Perla coat in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
dbvirago | Adobe Stock

You can often find round-trip flights from Miami to San Juan for around $100, and flights from other parts of the east coast are usually under $200 thanks to budget airlines like Spirit that fly there. 

Vacation rentals are the most affordable route as far as accommodations go, and you can find several cheap options that are right on the beach – like this studio in the  Condado Lagoon Villas that costs just $67 per person a night. Companies like CampoMar Van let you rent a camper to explore more of the island, at about $90 per person per night- giving you not only the accommodations for your stay but transportation as well. Park it near the beach for a beachfront property! 

Oahu, Hawaii

Sunrise over Hanauma bay in Honolulu, Hawaii
Ryan | Adobe Stock

Budget airlines like Southwest and Alaskan have made trips to Hawaii affordable. Several times a year, these airlines have sales that bring flights to Hawaii down to less than $300.  (Airfare sites such as Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, will alert you when fares drop.)

If you’re lucky enough to snag one of these low fares to Honolulu—or if you’re the lucky owner of a Southwest Companion Pass, which is actually fairly easy to get if you keep an eye out for associated credit card offers—Oahu has worthwhile low-budget lodgings that could help keep your tropical vacation total under $500, including the Coconut Waikiki Hotel, where rates start from just over $50 per person per night. Another option is the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, where rates start around $65 per person per night.

Once you’re there, Honolulu doesn’t have to be expensive, since the city has plenty of cheap street food and affordable restaurants—Moose McGillycuddy’s is a favorite for low-cost breakfasts—and bus transportation is easy and much less expensive than renting a car. Plus, many of Oahu’s most worthwhile attractions are free, including hiking up Diamond Head, paying tribute at Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona, and sunbathing on Waikiki Beach.

The Bahamas

Aerial view of downtown Nassau city and Paradise Island, Bahamas
yujie | Adobe Stock

It’s always a good time to cruise to the Bahamas. And if you’re setting sail from Florida, you can, without too much effort, find a four-night cruise for about the cost of a single hotel night in any major American city.

A quick Expedia search brings up plenty of three- and four-night sailings from Florida that start under $300 per person, while Cruises.com offers a similar list. Cruise prices typically include all the food you can eat, live entertainment, and calls at ports such as Nassau, Freeport, and, often, private islands belonging to that cruise line. We even found an 8-day cruise departing from Baltimore, Maryland going to the Bahamas for $411 per person! 

US Virgin Islands

Aerial view of public beach in the US Virgin Islands
Jacob | Adobe Stock

Believe it or not, the US Virgin Islands can be affordable! Thanks to budget airline Spirit, you can fly to St. Thomas for under $200 from Fort Lauderdale. 

With about $300 left in your budget, you’ll be able to stay at Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas for about four nights with rates averaging about $70 per person each night. The hotel is right on the water and features a pool and restaurant. 

If you can’t leave from Florida, a quick search on Expedia’s vacation packages search shows packages including airfare and hotel for under $500 from New York City, Atlanta, and more. 

Florida

Aerial view of the coastline along Panama City Beach in Florida
Thenhan | Adobe Stock

Americans looking to keep their tropical vacations under $500 don’t actually have to leave the contiguous part of their continent to laze on the beach while shaded by palm trees. Orbitz’s list of vacation package deals under $499 usually offers some worthwhile all-inclusive deals to Orlando. Likewise, Travelocity has a dedicated Flight + Hotel Deals Under $400 page that includes various packages to Miami and Orlando, with stays at properties like the Hilton Orlando and the Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort.

If you’d rather book airfare and lodging separately, check out Expedia’s round-trip fares to Orlando for less than $100. Couple that with affordable lodgings, like the family-friendly Grove Resort Orlando—around $160 per night for a four-person suite—and you’ve got yourself a memorable tropical trip with the kids that won’t break the bank.

Budget travelers could also opt for a Panama City Beach vacation, to enjoy that destination’s perpetual sunshine, Southern charm, and 27 miles of white sand beaches. Average round-trip airfare into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport from Atlanta costs $218 per person. And rates at the condo-style Origin at Seahaven, across the street from the beach, can drop as low as $99 per night, making a two-night getaway here cost less than $500.

Tips for Finding All-Inclusive Vacations with Airfare Under $500

Wherever you choose to book your affordable tropical vacation, one key strategy to keeping it under $500 is to understand what average prices look like for where you want to go—and to be ready to buy the minute you see fares that are listed well below that.

“If you’ve been watching for a good fare and you find one, don’t hesitate,” says Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir. “When you go away for a few days or hours to consult with friends, or just continue to shop around, you may be surprised to find that the fare has disappeared while you mulled it over.”

One other tip for keeping vacations under $500, from Klee: “Flexibility is your friend. Unless your trip is for an event tied to a specific set of dates, often just shifting your search dates by a few days can offer big savings. Remember that mid-week flights—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are usually a much better value than those on the weekend.”

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6 of Tahiti’s Best Overwater Bungalows https://www.smartertravel.com/9-of-tahitis-best-overwater-bungalows/ https://www.smartertravel.com/9-of-tahitis-best-overwater-bungalows/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=385735 Tahiti’s first overwater bungalows were built back in the 1960s as stilted homes. Who would’ve thought that half a century later, these water huts would be synonymous with luxury. Today, French Polynesia is home to nearly 900 overwater villas scattered across 22 hotels on seven of the 118 islands. Some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous […]

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Tahiti’s first overwater bungalows were built back in the 1960s as stilted homes. Who would’ve thought that half a century later, these water huts would be synonymous with luxury. Today, French Polynesia is home to nearly 900 overwater villas scattered across 22 hotels on seven of the 118 islands. Some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous suites are tucked away under thatched roofs styled after traditional Tahitian fishing huts, and are outfitted with swanky, state-of-the-art technology and super-sleek furnishings that bring a five-star hotel element to remote stretches of French Polynesia. Here are six of the most beautiful overwater bungalows worth booking when you’re ready to finally take that bucket list trip to Tahiti.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Aerial view of the overwater bungalows at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (left) and interior view of living area in overwater bungalow, opening up to the lagoon (right)
Marriott Bonvoy

Just because you’re on an island doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the same luxuries you would find at hotels back on the mainland. Take The St. Regis Bora Bora, for instance, where you’re catered to around the clock by the brand’s signature butler service, as well as by pool attendants, who will happily whisk smoothies (or something stronger) straight to your chaise. Celeb chef Jean-Georges is behind the menu at Asian-fusion eatery The Lagoon, where you can watch a show of sharks swimming beneath the glass-paneled restaurant floor. The resort stretches across three “motus,” or islands, with jagged Mount Otemanu rising as a beacon in the distance, and the sparkling turquoise water is on full display from the transparent floors of the overwater villas—the largest in the South Pacific.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Aerial view of the overwater bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora (left) and view off one of the decks (right)
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Most of the hundred-plus bungalows at Four Seasons Bora Bora stand proudly on stilts over the lagoon (and the few that don’t make up for it in size). Modeled after a traditional Polynesian village, the design—dreamt up by a local architect, with the help of Paris- and San Francisco-based design firms—plays on the natural beauty of the lagoon with an indoor-outdoor concept. Think mother of pearl-accented light fixtures (a nod to Tahiti’s infamous black pearls), tattoo- patterned pillows, and sleek teak furnishings. Named No. 1 in French Polynesia in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is the quintessential vision of Tahiti: plunge pools and private ladders leading straight from water bungalows down to the tropical fish-filled lagoon—plus lavish spa treatments like a tailored-for-you massage experience.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Exterior of overwater villa at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (left) and interior living area opening up onto the water in an overwater bungalow at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (right)
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

When deciding between InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa’s 84 overwater villas, the main choice you’ll have to make is the view: lagoon, beach or mountains? Traditional architectural touches (bamboo, carved mother of pearl, weavings) remind you you’re in French Polynesia, but the state-of-the-art in-room technology feels as cosmopolitan as New York. A glass-bottomed coffee table doubles as a porthole to the al fresco aquarium below, and sundecks feature outdoor freshwater showers perfect for cooling off in between sunbathing and dips in the lagoon. You can also soak up the views while soaking in your private plunge pool. Another reason to book a stay here: the thalassotherapy center, the first seawater therapy spa in the region that weaves nutrients extracted from the depths of the South Pacific into its ancient Polynesian rituals (performed in glass-bottom treatment rooms, of course). The InterContinental is also home to four new satellite suites with the largest private plunge pools in French Polynesia courtesy of Tahiti’s most exclusive resort—The Brando.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Various views of overwater bungalows at Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The majority of the high-end resorts in Bora Bora sit on the opposite side of the lagoon, so you won’t have to worry about sharing space—or views. Set on its own private atoll, across from Bora Bora on the southwest end of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers the largest stretch of sand in the area (spanning nearly half a mile), plus some of Tahiti’s best coral reefs—so snorkeling here is top-notch. Lounge on the pool deck of your overwater private bungalow on a hammock suspended over the sea—or in the sauna if you’ve opted for the presidential villa. Sporting the only two-story, overwater villas in French Polynesia, rooms here feature butler service, three terraces, an infinity pool overlooking the horizon, and a bar area, so you don’t have to go too far to find refreshments for sunset.

Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

View from the deck of an overwater bungalow at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (left) and view of the overwater bungalows at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (right)
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

French Polynesia is home to six archipelagos, but one of the lesser known (and less crowded) is Tuamotu, 220 miles north of Tahiti. White- and pink-sand islands dot the 177-square-mile lagoon surrounding the Tikehau atoll (population 500), an hour’s flight from Tahiti’s capital. You won’t find modern luxuries at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (sorry, no air-conditioning). But the cool, marine breeze and views of the crystal-clear lagoons make up for it. With only 24 overwater suites and bungalows (which span over 1,000 square feet), you’ll practically have the lagoon all to yourself. If you really want privacy, go for the premium bungalows at the far end of the pontoon, which feature chaise lounges, glass floors, and easy access to the lagoon below.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Aerial view of overwater bungalows at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa (left) and exterior view of overwater building on property (right)
Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Why choose between sunrise or sunset views when you can have both? That’s the luxury of a stay in one of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa’s overwater bungalows, which dot the two bays bordering the island of Moorea. The W-shaped string of bungalows offers picture-perfect views of both the lagoon and mountain-lined island, and while the style is still very much classic French Polynesian in design, inside is the complete opposite. Marble-clad bathrooms sport rain showers, claw-foot tubs, and flat-screen TVs loaded with films. The best show is right below your feet, though, thanks to the glass-floor viewing panel.

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20 Gorgeous Hotels & Resorts in Honolulu https://www.smartertravel.com/honolulu-resorts/ https://www.smartertravel.com/honolulu-resorts/#respond Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:30:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=200791 Famed for its pristine white sand beaches, Honolulu is a dream destination for resorts right on the beach. Honolulu Resorts Right On the Beach For stays with spectacular views, endless options for water sports, and morning walks on soft white sand, here are 20 options for gorgeous Honolulu resorts right on the beach or just […]

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Famed for its pristine white sand beaches, Honolulu is a dream destination for resorts right on the beach.

Honolulu Resorts Right On the Beach

For stays with spectacular views, endless options for water sports, and morning walks on soft white sand, here are 20 options for gorgeous Honolulu resorts right on the beach or just a quick trip away.

Resort Price Beach Access On-site Activities Cabanas Pool
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort $$$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach $$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Halekulani $$$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kahala Hotel & Resort $$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sheraton Waikiki $$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel $$$ Yes Yes No No
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort $$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort $$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort $$$ Yes Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach $$$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village $$ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Waikiki $$ Yes Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Prince Waikiki $$ No Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Aston Waikiki Beach $$ Yes Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Modern Honolulu $$ No Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Hyatt Centric $$ No Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
The Laylow $$$ No Yes Yes (Pool) Yes
Queen Kapiolani Hotel $$ No Yes No Yes
Bamboo Waikiki $$ No No Yes (Pool) Yes
The Equus $$ No No No Yes

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Aerial view of the exterior view of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (left) and interior open air lobby area (right)

Honolulu’s iconic pink palace, The Royal Hawaiian not only enjoys a prime position right on the beach in Waikiki, but also has a rich history to go with it. A place of celebration for King Kamehameha I when he conquered Oahu, its Coconut Grove garden is also the former site of Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace. With gorgeous, distinctive Spanish Moorish architecture, this landmark 528-room property boasts 18 oceanfront suites, a full-service spa, three restaurants, and a bakery. A stay at this Honolulu beach resort puts you right in the heart of all the Waikiki action, with endless photo ops for that perfect Instagram moment.

Amenities: Direct beach access, swimming pool, fresh flower lei on arrival, Italian brand-name Frette bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, turndown service, Malie organic toiletries, in-room tea, and Kona coffee.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Exterior view of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach and the surrounding water (left) and an open air patio dining area overlooking the ocean set with a long table (right)

Built in 1901, the Moana Surfrider, located right on Waikiki’s famous white sand beach, is the grand dame of Honolulu beach resorts. Known as the “The First Lady of Waikiki,” this landmark Victorian hotel has been synonymous with luxurious Waikiki stays for more than a century. Completely refurbished in 2014, the 793-room property has 36 oceanfront balcony suites, a 18,000-square-foot oceanfront spa, a wedding chapel, a freshwater pool, and dreamy Heavenly beds. Nightly live entertainment, performed underneath tea lights strung across the property’s 100-plus-year-old banyan tree, is an attraction unto itself.

Amenities: Beach bar, workout facility, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch LCD flat-screen TV, robe and slippers, mini refrigerator, and 24-hour laundry service. 

Halekulani

Exterior view of the Halekulani and pool area (left) and lounge area of a suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean (right)

The epitome of luxury Honolulu beach resorts, Halekulani (which means “house befitting heaven”) occupies five acres of prime oceanfront real estate right in the heart of Waikiki. With spacious rooms decorated in the hotel’s calming, signature seven shades of white, the hotel is an oasis of island refinement within Waikiki’s generally bustling domain. Renowned for exemplary features like its three restaurants and two cocktail lounges, as well as its iconic heated pool made with an orchid-shaped mosaic of 1.2 million pieces of glass tiles on its floor, it doesn’t get any better than the Halekulani.

Amenities: Marble vanities, soaking tubs, premium toiletries, plush bathrobe and slippers, balcony, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facility, florist, complimentary fitness center with free fitness classes, and complimentary admission to local museums. 

Kahala Hotel & Resort

Rainbow over the ocean and Kahala Hotel & Resort (left) and interior dining room (right)

Set away from the main Waikiki drag in the affluent Kahala community, the Kahala Resort is one of the most prestigious Honolulu beach resorts. With its own secluded beach and a lagoon where guests can swim with the dolphins, this resort provides luxury oceanfront accommodation with appeal for families and couples alike. The spacious rooms feature a private balcony with incredible views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Bathrooms feature large, sunken tubs, magic toilets and separate showers. Guests also receive free access to the fitness center, steam room, and sauna, with free shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Amenities: Bathrobe and slippers, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iHome clock radios, refrigerated mini bar, bedside USB charging stations, free access to the fitness center, nightly turndown service, daily newspaper, tea & coffee in lobby, and 24-hour business center.

Sheraton Waikiki

Pool area of Sheraton Waikiki at sunset (left) and view from a balcony overlooking the city skyline and ocean (right)

A sprawling 31-story Honolulu resort occupying prime real estate on Waikiki Beach, the 1,636-room, fully renovated Sheraton Waikiki is a veritable beachfront playground for families and couples alike. Contemporary furnishings and comfortable rooms aside, the main draw at this resort are the pools. Kid-friendly Helumoa Playground features two large freshwater pools, two whirlpool Jacuzzis and a waterslide.

For adults, the clincher is the gorgeous, adults-only infinity pool, a spectacular vantage point from which to watch the sunset. A spa, gym, and free internet in public spaces, not to mention a mini on-site shopping mall and several restaurants, round out the package.

Amenities: Beach access, club level, kids’ activities, spa, fitness facility, and cultural activities such as lei making and hula lessons.

Kaimana Beach Hotel

Woman standing on top floor balcony overlooking ocean at The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel (left) and colorful interior sitting area (right)

A recently completed, seven-year, multimillion-dollar renovation makes this Honolulu beach resort one of the best value properties in Waikiki. Located on the Eastern edge of Waikiki, this 122-room Honolulu beach resort is fronted by the very swimmable Sans Souci beach. A mid-range hotel that’s perfect for families, the contemporary rooms are light, bright, and feature balconies with incredible views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Though there is no pool, the resort’s Hau Tree Lanai Restaurant is excellent. And since it’s walking distance from Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and the Aquarium, there’s plenty to see and do.

Amenities: Beachfront, free Wi-Fi, HDTV with cable, private balconies, daily housekeeping service, full-service spa, and onsite coffee shop.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

A couple enjoying a cocktail on the patio at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (left) and an aerial view of the beach at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (right)
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Stepping out the back door of this beach resort puts you directly onto Waikiki Beach’s famous soft, white sand. A lively, bustling Honolulu beach resort with easy access to surf lessons and all manner of water sports, this is one of those places where everything is designed to make you not need to leave the property. In addition to a spa, swimming pool, and Hawaiian cultural activities on-property, this resort is also home to Duke’s Waikiki, one of Honolulu’s best restaurants for drinking mai tais barefoot while watching the sunset.

Amenities: 24-hour fitness center, laundry facility, self-service business center, free Wi-Fi, Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony, on-site retail shops, and restaurants.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Aerial view of the exterior of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort and surrounding beach and water (left) and two bed room with balcony overlooking palm trees (right)

With more than 90 retail shops, 20 bars and restaurants, five swimming pools, a spa, as well as a Friday night Starlight Luau and fireworks show, “village” is an apt description for this massive 3,386-room Honolulu beach resort. Perfect for families with children where convenience is key, there’s something here for everyone: waterslides, a koi pond, a fitness center, Hawaiian cultural activities, live music, and more. The best part, of course, is that it’s right on the beach. And, it has its own saltwater lagoon for paddle-boarding.

Amenities: Mobility accessible room options, children’s activities, water sports, live shows and entertainment, an outdoor luau, and on-site convenience store, and Ali’i, a boutique tower with upgraded amenities and privileges within the resort.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Exterior of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and beach (left) and bedroom (right)

Situated on the quieter end of Waikiki Beach, this family-friendly Honolulu beach resort checks all the boxes. The location is excellent. You’re right on the beach. There’s a pool with three Jacuzzis and Honolulu’s best shopping and tons of restaurants are within a block of the hotel. Most rooms feature balconies with spectacular ocean views. Though the rooms could use an upgrade in terms of decor, the onsite activities (which include free hula and ukulele lessons, as well as access to activities like snorkeling, hiking, and helicopter tours) make for a memorable stay.

Amenities: Valet parking, private poolside cabanas, event space, free Wi-Fi, Outrigger Waikiki Connection Trolley (included with resort fee), Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony, spa, and on-site retail shops and restaurants.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Balcony overlooking the ocean at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (left) and view of the pool (right)
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Alohilani (previously known as the Pacific Beach Hotel) offers chic, spa-like rooms, each with its own private balcony and expansive views of the ocean and/or Diamond Head. Across the Kalakauha street from the Kuhio beach section of Waikiki, a main feature of the hotel is the 280,000 gallon Oceanarium. But it also comes with other creature comforts, including a full-service spa, a saltwater infinity pool, a Kid’s club and kiddie pool, and a fitness center complete with tennis courts and yoga classes. Foodies will also love the two restaurants— one casual, one fine dining—by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Bonus: Alohilani Resort is powered by 100% renewable electricity, and has pledged to plant 100,000 indigenous trees with the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative. So don’t be surprised when you see a $5 “tree fee” on your bill.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, a private lanai, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, 50- or 55-inch HD flat-screen TVs, in-room safe, a gym facility with locker room, tennis courts and group fitness, and eco-friendly water bottles.  

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Aerial view of the coastline surrounding Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village (left) and interior of a room (right)

Part of Hawaii’s largest self-contained beachfront resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at Hilton Hawaiian Village is the perfect spot for your Honolulu vacation. There is so much to do and see within the resort that you will have no reason to leave while staying there. Try your hand at scuba diving, take a hula dancing class, or learn how to play the ukulele—all within the resort grounds! 

Amenities: Kitchenettes, full kitchens, four pools, paddle boarding, twenty restaurants, weekly fireworks, fitness center, spa, yoga, hula dancing, and ukulele lessons.

Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Waikiki 

Not only does the Hyatt Regency Waikiki house some of the biggest hotel rooms in Waikiki, but every room features a private lanai to sit on and enjoy the views of Honolulu. Choose from a variety of suites and guestrooms, all with stunning scenery from the windows. You’ll have plenty to do, from shopping, dining by the ocean, or getting a treatment like the Champagne Body Scrub or a massage at the spa. 

Amenities: Fitness center, restaurants, shopping, pools with cabanas, pet-friendly, spa, weekday classes in lei making, ukulele, and hula, beach chairs and towels. 

Prince Waikiki

Rainbow over a marina full of boats (left) and interior of lounge area overlooking the city skyline (right)

Immerse yourself in luxury when you stay at Prince Waikiki. Relax on their signature pool deck before taking a dip in the adults-only infinity pool. You can take in the artwork throughout the resort, commissioned and created specifically to “perpetuate the history and story” of the location in a “sophisticated and authentic” way. Participate in one of the many activities offered at the resort, including their Cocokealohi Workshop, where you will make your very own pāpale nui—a hand woven coconut palm hat. Choose from a variety of rooms and suites to cater to your needs during your stay. 

Amenities: Fitness center, library, pet-friendly, resort shops, Biki Bike and Go X Scooter use, Sheer and blackout remote control blinds, children 5 and under eat free, spa, golf, four restaurants. 

The Twin Fin

Exterior of the Twin Fin hotel (left) and interior guest room (right)
The Twin Fin

Steps away from the beach, The Twin Fin is located across from Kuhio Beach Park, which features a calmer, relaxing reef on one side and a wavier oceanside for surfers on the other. The modern accommodations feature suites and regular rooms to fit whatever needs you have. Have breakfast while enjoying 180 degree panoramic ocean views at the Coconut Club, located on the 21st Floor. During your stay, earn Beach Candy credits, which can be used towards beach rentals including umbrellas, surfboards, paddleboards, and more. 

Amenities: Beach rentals, reef safe sunscreen, fitness center, five on-site restaurants, complimentary reusable water bottles, and pool.

Modern Honolulu 

Pool area and exterior of the Modern Honolulu (left) and outdoor patio area lined with plants (right)

Located at the gateway to Waikiki Beach, the Modern Honolulu has all you need for the perfect Honolulu getaway. During your stay, if you spend $125 in food and beverage, you will get an all-day cabana for free. Your stay at the Modern will feel truly unique, as all of the furnishings and designings of the hotel are custom and unique—they use no stock furnishings. The hotel was named winner of the American Resort Development Association Award for Best Resort Interior Design in 2021.

Amenities: Pool, fitness center, on-site restaurants, and spa. 

Hyatt Centric

Pool area at the Hyatt Centric at sunset (left) and interior lobby area (right)

Relax with gorgeous views atop the Rooftop Splash lounge with private cabanas on the 8th floor of the Hyatt Centric, or enjoy the evening around the firepit—no matter how you choose to spend time outside, you will feel taken care of during your stay. Participate in morning yoga, lei making, or get a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s three restaurants. For extra space during your stay, choose from one of the thirty-three suites, which include a separate sitting area for some extra space during your stay. 

Amenities: Fitness center, splash lounge, cabanas, on-site restaurants, business center, and pet-friendly. 

The Laylow

Pool area at The Laylow at dusk (left) and interior of a bedroom (right)

Your comfort is at the forefront during your stay at The Laylow, where “midcentury modern style meets present-day Hawaiian charm.” Spend the day lounging by the saltwater pool, or cozy up by the fire pit on a lanai in the garden— whatever you choose, you are sure to not regret “laying low” during your time at this Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Enjoy live music without stepping foot outside of the hotel grounds. On days you feel like leaving, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, from beaches, and tours, to shopping at the international marketplace with your special discount booklet you can obtain by showing your hotel key at the customer service kiosk. 

Amenities:  E Komo Mai Basket upon arrival, nightly live entertainment, cruiser bicycles, fitness center, pool, on-site restaurants. 

Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Queen Kapiolani Hotel Waikiki Beach

Just a ten minute walk away from Waikiki Beach, this 315-room, 19-story hotel offers guestrooms and suites with ocean and city views. Guests are welcome to unwind on the third floor terrace lounge, complete with views of Diamond Head, a large swimming pool, and their DECK Restaurant & Bar. Take advantage of their on-site yoga classes, just $10 for guests, and follow it up with a drink and a snack at Knots Coffee Roasters and Wine Bar.

Amenities: Fitness center, event space, room service, high speed Wi-Fi, yoga gear, free reusable water bottles, in-room refrigerator

Bamboo Waikiki

Castle Resorts & Hotels

The Bamboo Waikiki has 96 guest rooms, from studios with kitchenettes to luxury 1-bedroom suites, all featuring private balconies. Only a five minutes walk from Waikiki Beach, this hotel is a little slice of paradise in its own right, with tropical gardens, waterfalls, and poolside dining.

Amenties: Laundry facilities, in-room coffee maker, in-room microwave, flat-screen TVs, private balconies, picnic tables available for use

The Equus Hotel

Exterior of the Bamboo Waikiki (left) and interior guest room at the Bamboo Waikiki (right)
Castle Resorts & Hotels

Not one for enormous resorts? Book a more intimate stay at The Equus, a family-owned and operated hotel with just 67 rooms and suites. Enjoy local live music Fridays or Saturdays at The Paniolo Bar & Cafe in the lobby or take a stroll to nearby Kahanamoku Beach. The Equus is also just under 25 minutes via public transit from Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo, as well as just a five minute walk from Ala Moana Beach Park.

Amenities: Welcome drink upon arrival, VIP tickets to Hawaii Polo Club, high speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, in-room mini-fridge, biodegradable bath amenities

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The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States https://www.smartertravel.com/best-all-inclusive-resorts-united-states/ https://www.smartertravel.com/best-all-inclusive-resorts-united-states/#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:30:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=191648 Mexico and the Caribbean are famous for having some of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the world, but what many people don’t realize is that some of the best all-inclusive hotels are actually located in the United States. You may even find an all-inclusive resort within driving distance from your home, as they are […]

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Mexico and the Caribbean are famous for having some of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the world, but what many people don’t realize is that some of the best all-inclusive hotels are actually located in the United States. You may even find an all-inclusive resort within driving distance from your home, as they are scattered throughout the country.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States

From tropical resorts with all-inclusive rates to rustic ranches, Victorian hotels, and mountain lodges, the all-inclusive resorts in the United States are as diverse as the landscape of the country itself. Below is a list of 26 U.S. resorts that either are fully inclusive or offer special packages and promotions that include many of the features associated with all-inclusive resorts.

What is the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the U.S.? 

Click to read more about each property.

Resort Location Alcohol Included? Age Restrictions Gratuity Included?
Red Mountain Resort St. George, Utah No No No
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch Tombstone, Arizona No No No
Broadmoor Colorado Springs, Colorado Yes No Yes
Don CeSar St. Pete Beach, Florida Yes (with package) No No
Bungalows Key Largo  Key Largo, Florida Yes 21+ No
Grand Hotel  Mackinac Island, Michigan No None Yes
Twin Farms Barnard, Vermont Yes 14+ Yes
Vista Verde Guest Ranch Clark, Colorado Yes 6+ No 
Woodloch Pines Resort  Hawley, Pennsylvania No None Yes, added at end of stay
Dunton Hot Springs Dunton, Colorado Yes None No
Canyon Ranch Lenox Lenox, Massachusetts No 14+ Yes
Lodge on Little St. Simons Island  Little St. Simons Island, Georgia No 3+ Yes
Club Med Sandpiper Bay  Port St. Lucie, Florida Yes None Yes
Miraval Austin Austin, Texas No 18+ Yes
White Stallion Ranch Tucson, Arizona No None No
The Clement Palo Alto Palo Alto, California Yes None Yes
Skytop Lodge Skytop, Pennsylvania No None No
Blackberry Farm Walland, Tennessee No None Yes, added at end of stay
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa Tucson, Arizona No 18+ Yes
Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge Homer, Alaska No None No
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Little Torch Key, Florida No 18+ No
Canyon Ranch Tucson Tucson, Arizona No 14+ Yes
The Ranch at Rock Creek Philipsburg, Montana Yes None Yes
Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa Dubois, Wyoming No None Yes
Lake Austin Spa Resort Austin, Texas No 16+ Yes
Mohonk Mountain House New Paltz, New York No None Yes

FAQ

Is everything included at an all-inclusive resort?
Do you tip at an all inclusive resort?
Does all-inclusive mean unlimited drinks?
Is it wise to go to an all-inclusive resort?
Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? 

Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah

Exterior of Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah

While not wholly inclusive, Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah has many all-inclusive packages to choose from. Whichever vacation type you choose: family, zion adventure, or their essential retreat, your stay will include accommodations, daily guided hikes, bike rentals, three healthy meals daily, fitness classes, healthy life classes and events, and personal discovery activities. The resort is dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged family members behind! 

Amenities: Fitness classes, healthy life classes, spa (voucher with Essential package), indoor/outdoor swimming pools, hiking, biking, whirlpools, Cybex equipment and cardiovascular center, pet-friendly, wellness training, nutritional guidance, Personal Discovery Providers, spiritual guides, spiral labyrinth, medicine wheel, meditation grotto, walking trails, kayaking, golf. 

Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona

Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch horse corral
Tombstone Monument Ranch & Cattle Company

With their Full Guest Ranch package, you will have everything included in your stay at Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch. Immerse yourself in the ranch life, from riding, shooting, archery, breakfast by campfire, and of course, visits to the old west’s famous Tombstone, just three miles away from the ranch. For a truly immersive experience, try their Working Ranch Package, which has 2 ½ – 6 hours of working ranch time, where you will check and move cattle, ride and fix fences, and check wells, cattle ponds and the dam. 

Amenities: Horseback riding, archery, UTV tours, evening entertainment, soft drinks, shuttle to Tombstone (upon request), wifi. 

Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Plaza with guests walking and mingling at the Broadmoor all-inclusive hotel

Just up the road from the main accommodations at Broadmoor is the Ranch at Emerald Valley, which promises “refined luxury with the rustic charm and inspiration of a wilderness enclave,” and is all-inclusive. Stay in a luxury cabin or at the lodge, and spend the day fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and enjoying five-star meals throughout your stay. 

Amenities: Fly fishing, morning coffee, horseback riding, archery, hiking, evening campfire and s’mores, buffet breakfast, canoeing, board games, mountain biking, hot tub, lawn games. 

Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Aerial view of the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States

While not entirely all-inclusive, Don CeSar does have all-inclusive packages available for booking. This is the hotel for a purely Floridian experience. Relax by the pool (complete with pool bar), on the beach, or at the spa, dine at one of the six restaurants and bars, or shop at one of the specialty shops. This resort is the perfect Florida beach vacation resort. 

Amenities: Pool, private beach, pet friendly, fitness and wellness center, spa, water sport rentals.  

Bungalows Key Largo, Florida

Porch with blue lounge chairs at Bungalows Key Largo in Key Largo, Florida
Bungalows Key Largo

This adults-only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys is the ultimate romantic getaway. Each spacious bungalow includes a private verandah with a soaking tub, as well as a flat-screen smart TV and a comfy bed with a pillowtop mattress. Dine at one of six on-site restaurants, take a yoga class on the beach, or float out on the bay in a private tiki boat.

Amenities: Bicycles for guest use, daily group yoga classes, multiple pools and Jacuzzis, and on-site spa (cost for treatments is additional).

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

Exterior of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with lilacs in full bloom
Grand Hotel Mackinac Island Michigan

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan offers several all-inclusive packages when  you stay at this historic hotel. At the Grand Hotel, you can stay in one of the many vibrantly decorated rooms, have afternoon tea, and enjoy dinner in the main dining room. Ice cream lovers will love Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, which serves up treats made with Michigan-made Guernsey Farms Dairy ice cream. For a truly timeless experience, the Grand Hotel has a dress code after 6:30 pm—no jeans or shorts are allowed. 

Amenities: Pool, golf, lawn games, nightly entertainment, biking, waterslide. 

Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont

View of lake at Twin Farms hotel in Barnard, Vermont
Twin Farms

Once owned by author Sinclair Lewis, Twin Farms is nestled in 300 glorious acres of woods, meadows and mountains, and is a unique all-inclusive experience. Accommodations include 10 cottages, the lodge and the farmhouse. Each room has a fireplace, fully stocked fridge, and a selection of games, movies, music and puzzles. Book a spa treatment (at an additional cost) at the spa, or enjoy activities on the grounds. Enjoy a beverage at their newly renovated on-site restaraunt, Twiggs.

Amenities: Japanese Furo, fitness center, six private ski trails, bee tour, swimming in Copper Pond, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking. 

Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado

Guest enjoying the fire in a lounge area at Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Vista Verde Guest Ranch

At the Vista Verde Guest Ranch, guests can immerse themselves in a rustic life without giving up wonderful and indulgent luxuries. Providing people with an opportunity to unplug, this authentic ranch does not have phones, TVs, or internet in the guest rooms.

Amenities: Swimming pool, common lounge area with panoramic views, fitness center, indoor riding arena, and a kids’ and teens’ program.

Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania

Aerial view of the Woodloch Pines Resort and surrounding lake
Woodloch Pine Resort

This family-owned resort provides visitors with a warm and welcoming greeting as well as ample opportunities to have good, old-fashioned fun together. This resort is famous for its extensive activities program, which has a little something for everyone. Woodloch Pine Resort also boasts a championship golf course and a world-class spa.

Amenities: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, rock climbing wall, kayaking, snow tubing, and nightly entertainment.

Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts

Exterior of Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts
Canyon Ranch

Immerse yourself in wellness within the Berkshires with your stay at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. With a wide variety of classes, coaches, and treatments at your fingertips throughout your stay, it is almost guaranteed that you will leave feeling better than when you arrived. Choose your own schedule while there, or visit during one of their themed weekends like a yoga retreat, Dance Weekend or breathwork. Canyon Ranch also has locations in Tucson, Woodside CA, and Las Vegas. 

Amenities: Hiking, yoga, tai chi, meditation, pilates, fitness classes, pool. 

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Cabin at sunset at Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado
Dunton

Enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the luxury of the hot springs when you stay at Dunton Hot Springs. Relax in the waters five different ways: in the 19th century bathhouse, at the actual source, in two pools, and inside the Well House Cabin. Have a truly unique stay in one of the cabins, some original to the gold rush in the late 1800s. 

Amenities: Snowshoeing, skiing, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, archeological day tours to the desert, hot springs. 

Lodge on Little St. Simons Island on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Interior lounge area at Lodge on Little St. Simons Island on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

Those seeking peace, privacy, and natural beauty will feel right at home at the all-inclusive Lodge on Little Saint Simons Island resort. It offers more than 11,000 acres of space and more than seven miles of private beaches, yet only 32 people can stay at any given time. Personalized service in a charming setting makes this the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a slower pace.

Amenities: Meals prepared by on-site chef, boat transfers to and from the island, and naturalist-led excursions offered daily.

Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Aerial view of the pool at Club Med Sandpiper Bay
Club Med

Best described as one of the premier all-inclusive resorts in the United States for families who love to stay active, this resort has a little bit of everything. Similar to many of the Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, Club Med Sandpiper Bay lets guests enjoy days by the pool, water activities and plenty of food as well as drinks.

Amenities: Sports facilities with professional instructors, kids clubs, and outdoor pools.

Miraval Austin, Texas

Guest doing yoga under a stone archway at Miraval Austin
Miraval Austin

You’ll experience “Wellness with a Texas Twist” when you stay at Miraval Austin. Their unlimited package includes meals, a $175 daily resort credit, unlimited yoga, fitness, and if you book four nights, your fifth is free. Whether you are looking to relax, reconnect, find solace, or have an outdoor adventure, Miraval has something for every need. Mirival has locations in Massachusetts and Arizona.

Amenities: Hiking, yoga, meditation, challenge activities, climbing wall, complimentary airport shuttle, spa. 

White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

People riding horses in a desert setting at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona
White Stallion Ranch

For a vacation that offers an authentic taste of western American culture, the White Stallion Ranch is the best place to stay. Offering all-inclusive packages for its guests, this hotel is often described as a blend between a dude ranch and a luxury resort.

Amenities: Heated pool and hot tub, recreation room, spa, nightly entertainment, and a movie theater.

The Clement Palo Alto, California

Outdoor seating area at The Clement Palo Alto, California

Located near Stanford University, the Clement Palo Alto allows you to rejuvenate and relax in downtown Palo Alto. Your all-inclusive stay includes gratuities, alcoholic beverages, food and more. Perfect for a getaway, or when visiting Stanford, every need will be met while staying at the Clement. 

Amenities: Rooftop pool, fire pit, fitness center, valet parking, outdoor dining patio, stocked guest pantry in kitchen, overnight shoe shine service. 

Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania

Exterior view of Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania
Skytop Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Poconos Mountains, the Skytop Lodge transports guests to an era gone by. Built in 1928, this historic lodge offers guests an atmospheric, luxury destination where they have access to the rugged outdoor terrain. On this 5,500-acre property, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Amenities: Spa facilities, outdoor adventure activities, and culinary dining experiences.

Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee

Bedroom at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
Blackberry Farm

This pastoral family-owned farm estate invites guests from around the world to enjoy its intimate, luxurious accommodations set against a magnificent backdrop in the Great Smoky Mountains. While not a true all-inclusive (alcohol, in-room dining, retail purchases, and some activities are not included in the nightly rate), we couldn’t leave the 4,200-square-foot Blackberry Farm resort off the list. Consider it nearly all-inclusive.

Amenities: Farm activities, cooking demonstrations, carriage rides, outdoor activities, spa facilities, and historic rooms.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

Bedroom at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona

Striking a balance between dramatic mountain views and restorative desert air, the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is the premier destination for a wellness vacation. Offering all-inclusive rates as well as a variety of rejuvenating spa services, this resort is ideal for adults who need to take some time for themselves.

Amenities: Award-winning spa with expert services, such as body renewal rituals, hair care, skin care, and energy healing options.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, Alaska

Cabins and lake at Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, Alaska
Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge

The Alaskan setting is rustic but the luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized adventure packages are anything but at the all-inclusive Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge.

Amenities: Gourmet dining, luxe accommodations in a pristine setting, and personalized guided nature experiences.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida

Pool and outdoor seating at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

The Culinary Paradise Package at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key, Florida includes all of your meals plus a $100 spa voucher per person, per night. This adults-only, television and telephone free resort is the epitome of relaxation with a pool, beach, and spa at your disposal during your stay. 

Amenities: Welcome cocktail, pool, beach, non-alcoholic beverages, fitness center, paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie cat, Boston Whalers, nightly turndown service. 

Canyon Ranch Tucson, Arizona

Exterior of a building and fire pit at Canyon Ranch Tucson, Arizona
Canyon Ranch

Set in the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch Tucson will challenge you both physically and mentally. Between rock climbing, mountain biking, hypnotherapy and meditation, there is something for you no matter what your journey is. Tucson is the first Canyon Ranch location in the country. Check out their other locations in Woodside, Ca, Las Vegas and Lenox MA. 

Amenities: Rock climbing, hiking, tennis, meditation, yoga, spa services and more. 

The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana

Exterior of the Granite Lodge at The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek

Located on an authentic 19th century homestead, you will live the true rancher life when you stay at the Ranch at Rock Creek. This all-inclusive dude ranch has everything you need for a real cowboy adventure: horseback riding, shooting, and even a saloon! 

Amenities: Unlimited premium beer, wine and spirits, as well as assorted beverages and snacks, fitness center, pool, hot tub, evening entertainment, skiing, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, sapphire mining, ride along with a rancher, geocaching, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ranch rodeo, and a ropes course. 

Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa in Dubois, Wyoming

Interior of Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa, Wyoming
Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa is luxury within seclusion. Located within the Rocky Mountains, it’s the perfect blend of peace and adventure. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find yourself immersed in excitement—whether it is snowmobiling, riding on a dog sled, skiing in the winter, or horseback riding and canoeing in the summer, you’ll be able to fully unwind at the lodge after your fun-filled day. 

Amenities: Dry sauna, fitness center, hot tub, tranquility room, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, archery, hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling. 

Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas

People walking in the courtyard of Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas
Lake Austin Spa Resort

Reconnect with yourself as you calm your mind, body and spirit at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Your day will be filled with serenity mixed with fun. Several of their all-inclusive packages include a nightly voucher toward a spa treatment or personal instruction, so you can treat yourself to a facial or get a health and wellness assessment while at the resort. Create a daily schedule filled with talks with guest speakers, activities on the lake, yoga and much, much more. Added bonus? Your furriest family member can come, too, as Lake Austin Spa Resort is dog-friendly. 

Amenities: Yoga, meditation, stand up paddle boards, pools, sauna, whirlpool, relaxation areas, swings, hammocks, fitness facilities, unlimited smoothies and juices, kayaks, hydro-bikes, sculling boats, water taxis. 

Mohonk Mountain House in Paltz, New York

Aerial view of the Mohonk Mountain House, New York
Mohonk Mountain House

This “victorian castle resort” has been running since the late 1800s, and will not disappoint. Located just 90 miles north of New York City, it’s luxury and serenity for anyone looking for an escape. No matter what your idea of relaxation is, Mohonk Mountain House will accommodate you. From tennis, golf, and hiking, to meditation, yoga and spa treatments, you are sure to fill your soul with goodness during your stay. 

Amenities: Afternoon tea and cookies, hiking, yoga, meditation, fitness classes, indoor heated pool, guided hikes, lake activities, tomahawk throwing, rock scrambling, mountain biking, disc golf, archery, ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and nightly entertainment. 

FAQ

Do all-inclusive resorts in the US include alcohol?

Many offer welcome cocktails or champagne, but for the rest of your stay, you will have to pay for alcoholic beverages. Some resorts have special packages you can book that will include alcohol. The resorts that include alcohol no matter how you book are: 

  • The Clement Palo Alto
  • Club Med Sandpiper Bay
  • The Ranch at Rock Creek
  • Bungalows Key Largo
  • Dunton Hot Springs

Is everything included at an all-inclusive resort?

Almost everything. Most include at least two meals (typically breakfast and dinner), your room, and most activities. Alcoholic beverages and spa treatments are usually an extra fee, as are specialized activities. Be sure to check with the resort you are booking at to see what exactly is included in your package. 

Do you tip at an all inclusive resort?

Unless it is explicitly stated at the time of booking that tips are included, you should tip while staying at an all-inclusive resort, although it is not required. 

Does all-inclusive mean unlimited drinks?

As mentioned above, some US all-inclusive resorts do include alcoholic beverages, but most only include water, soda, tea and coffee. 

Is it wise to go to an all-inclusive resort?

For a lot of families and couples traveling, going to an all-inclusive resort is the best way to go, as that way, the trip is already paid for when you get there, and there are no surprises. It is easier to save for an all-inclusive stay since you know exactly what you will spend. 

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? 

The short answer is yes, they are, if you are looking for a resort vacation. Having everything paid for, and all of your activities during your vacation in one place may be the perfect vacation for some people. The costs that can incur while you are on vacation are many, so knowing exactly what you are paying can be a relief to some, and make it well worth the money. 

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The 15 Best Hotel Booking Sites https://www.smartertravel.com/best-hotel-booking-sites/ Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/2016/03/22/the-10-best-hotel-booking-sites/ Overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotel booking sites? Frommer's has you covered, with its new list of the best of the bunch.

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As with the best flight booking sites, there’s no shortage of resources available when you need to book a cheap hotel room. From metasearch engines (aggregator) that send you to company sites, to bookable OTAs (online travel agencies), to corporate hotel sites, the options for the best hotel booking sites can be overwhelming. But when doing your search, deciding which hotel booking sites to compare should depend on how often they offer the best hotel deals, and how you prefer to view and filter search results.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The Best Hotel Booking Sites for Comparing Prices

For most travel planning, the best overall strategy is to compare prices from multiple sources including the hotel’s own website, as it will sometimes offer deals not shared with third-party sites, or offer the same rates as third-party sites minus pesky booking fees. Hotels sites will also offer package deals—bundled amenity inclusions and the like—that aren’t shared with third-party sites.

Bottom line: Whether you search with a hotel site on this list or a preferred hotel search engine of your own, always check the hotel’s actual website as well, or call its reservations line, to make sure you really are getting the best hotel deal. Don’t forget to check the cancellation policy as the best hotel booking site is one that has a flexible policy in case your plans change.

If you’re trying to figure out how best to search for cheap hotels: First, scan this quick list of the best hotel search sites, in no particular order. Then, scroll down to read in-depth summaries of each or click to jump to a particular site.

No list of the best hotel booking sites is exhaustive, but these 15 represent a combination of great crowd favorites mixed with some newer, similarly performing hotel search options that you might not know about.

All of them fared well in tests: Prices for the same dates and destinations were fairly consistent from site to site, but the volatility of results may vary based on your destination, how far in advance you’re looking for the best hotel deals, and the time of year you visit (i.e., high season vs. low).

With that in mind, here are the best hotel booking sites to compare prices with for your next trip, plus the best feature of each one.

SmarterTravel Hotels

Open laptop showing home screen of Google Hotels
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & SmarterTravel Hotels

Editor’s note: SmarterTravel Hotels is a sister site of SmarterTravel.com

Best Feature: SmarterTravel Hotels has access to wholesale deals that you won’t find anywhere else. 
  • User-friendly interface that does not have too much going on, making it easy to use.  
  • Responsive customer service and chatbot to navigate frequently asked questions
  • While their amenities search does not have as many options as some other sites, you can view the hotels on a map for specific locations. This is handy for when you want to be in a specific area of a city.
  • Search results show you the percent discount for your desired dates, so you know what kind of a deal you are getting.
  • Upon clicking on a hotel, the hotel page sorts prices by room type, and you can filter the rooms by price, room type and refundable/non refundable.
  • List of rooms available highlight features most travelers are interested in: price, what’s included, refundable/non refundable, total cost for the stay, and type of room—making it easy to find the exact type of room you are looking for.

Booking.com

Open laptop showing home screen of Booking.com, one of several listed hotel reservation sites
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Booking.com
Best feature: The variety of property types and blended search results. Booking.com is a good hotel search site for a wide range of budgets.
  • Insofar as keeping your options open goes, Booking.com returns the most eclectic search results by far, with a healthy mix of hotels, motels, b&bs, apartments, and hostels. But whether this is a good or bad thing depends entirely on your preferences. If you’re not a fan of hostels, for example, hotel search results like this mean that you have to filter them out, creating an extra step that other hotel booking sites don’t require. That said, Booking.com offers something for everyone. 
  • Its handy hotel search engine displays the total cost up front (except taxes) which is helpful when comparing cheap hotel rates; being able to see the total hotel cost up front helps you quickly determine which hotels actually fit into your budget.
  • Its filtering options are extensive, from price, cancellation policy, sustainability, specific neighborhood for that city, fun things to do nearby, amenities, room accessibility and much, much more. With this filter feature, you will be able to find exactly the kind of accommodations you want. 

Kayak

Open laptop showing home screen of Kayak, one of several listed accommodation booking sites
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Kayak
Best feature: Clean, easy-to-use interface. It’s also one of the best hotel apps you can download onto your phone.
  • Like its flight search, Kayak‘s hotel search offers a clean, easy-to-use interface with many available filters.
  • Shows other hotel booking sites’ rates so you can compare them all in one place. But the first hotel price result is often higher than better rates farther down the list, unless you specifically filter by price. Kayak’s hotel search results are automatically sorted by the vague factor of what’s “Recommended,” which is true of many hotel booking sites. Often, higher rates populate first while scrolling results, and sometimes that lead price is much higher than other comparable hotel options. Be sure to change sorting to price, so you can find the best deal. 
  • It’s search calendar is color coded to show you cheap, average, and high prices, which comes in handy if price is your number one priority when booking a hotel. 
  • If you are someone who likes to book by ratings, each hotel page on Kayak has the rating in a large box just underneath the hotel pictures. It’s easy to find, and may help you to make your decision quickly. 

Priceline

Open laptop showing home screen of Priceline, a site where you can book hotels
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Priceline
Best feature: The “Express Deal” feature is a major differentiator from other discount hotel sites. It’s a big plus if you’re looking for the best hotel deals and are open to not knowing exactly which hotel you’re booking.
  • Priceline has one of the more visually appealing design layouts of the major hotel search engines, and is definitely among the easiest hotel sites to navigate. None of these hotel search sites is dramatically different from the others in terms of rates or price comparison, so usability can go a long way toward improving the experience of searching for the best hotel prices.
  • Unsurprisingly, Priceline’s prices are on par with the other online travel agencies (OTAs), and its results are largely focused on downtowns and tourist-friendly areas. A big draw of Priceline is their “Express Deal” option: a flash deal that hides the name of the hotel until after you book. While somewhat gimmicky, this hotel search option can offer significant savings.
  • The handy map that is featured on each hotel page, which will show you other hotels in the area and the prices. This is particularly useful if you want to stay in the city center, by a specific landmark, or are visiting friends or family and want to be nearby where they live. 

BookingBuddy

Open laptop showing home screen of BookingBuddy, a site where you can make hotel reservations
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & BookingBuddy

Editor’s note: BookingBuddy is owned by SmarterTravel Media, SmarterTravel.com’s parent company.

Best Feature: BookingBuddy lets you compare vacation rentals and hotels at the same time, so you can see which is the better deal in your destination.
  • Compare multiple hotel booking sites with one click to find the cheapest hotel stays on BookingBuddy. This site lets you quickly compare prices of as many other search sites (like VRBO or Trivago) as you want, without having to do a bunch of different searches. Simply select which hotel/vacation rental search sites you want to compare, and BookingBuddy opens up a new tab with your selected hotel stay dates and destination already filled in.
  • You can sign up for an alert for when prices drop. If you are in no rush to book, you just may find a super deal if you sign up for an alert! 
  • Like other sites on this list, BookingBuddy pulls in and displays the best deals from various booking sites and OTAs on their own search results page. However, BookingBuddy also lets travelers directly compare entire search result pages across multiple sites, allowing them to toggle between the pages from a lefthand navigation menu.

Hotels.com

Open laptop showing home screen of Hotels.com, a site to make hotel bookings
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Hotels.com
Best feature: Hotels.com offers more hotel search filters than most travelers could ever use, but it’s nice to have those options. You can filter hotel listings by everything from breakfast included, attractions, services, pool availability, distance to city center, guest ratings, and much, much more, insuring you are getting exactly the kind of room you want.
  • Hotels.com helps you find the best hotel deals via tons of filters that let you narrow down your search. Its initial results tend to show a healthy balance of lower- and upper-end hotels, mostly in or around city centers. That’s what most travelers want in a hotel search engine: a robust, easily refined list of well-located options. Prices were on par with other OTAs.
  • Like many cheap hotel websites these days, Hotels.com includes lots of non-hotel properties too, including condo hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts.
  • Hotels.com allows you to sort by the usual things: price, star rating, featured, and also has a way to sort by what is closest to certain locations in the city: landmarks, train stations and airports. 

HotelsCombined

Open laptop showing home screen of HotelsCombined, a site that takes hotel bookings
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & HotelsCombined
Best feature: The sheer volume of results makes this a good place to start your hotel search, but do be sure to scrutinize prices and options when you land on the actual hotel booking site to make sure they match.
  • HotelsCombined is a meta search tool that searches a wide range of sources to find the best hotel deals, including OTAs, as well as the hotels’ own sites. 
  • You can also toggle between nightly base price, nightly price plus taxes/fees, or total stay plus taxes/fees. There is no option to display the total price of the stay without taxes/fees.
  • Easily see if your travel dates are during peak travel times with their color coded calendar showing you if your dates have “Cheaper, Average,” or “Higher” prices. 

Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz

Open laptop showing home screen of Expedia, a site where you can make hotel reservations
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Expedia
Best feature: Dependability. Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are the Honda Accords of hotel booking sites. You’ll reliably find what you need, at the best prices, and with minimal hassle. Just be sure to compare prices to a hotel booking site that’s outside the Expedia family.
  • Short of the color scheme and fonts, you’d be hard pressed to find much difference between these three legacy hotel booking sites. Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are all owned by Expedia Inc., and all three use the same layout, with a few minor tweaks. Interestingly, the hotel search results do vary slightly. 
  • The top hotel result for each test search was the same across all three of these hotel booking sites, but the order of the list of hotels below it varied. Prices, of course, were the same, since they’re all powered by Expedia. These perfectly fine hotel search engines are not all that different from Hotels.com.
  • They’ve got plenty of options, prices that are usually good but not always great (as with any hotel booking site), and useful hotel search filters. That might be faint praise for discount hotel sites, but there’s something to be said for consistency, right? 
  • Keep an eye on these hotel sites’ deals and limited-time offers, which is when any of these three hotel search engines are more likely to substantially beat their competition.
  • With these sites, you can easily add a flight or car rentals to your accommodation booking, making for easy one-stop-shopping. 

Agoda

Open laptop showing home screen of Agoda, one of many listed hotel reservation sites
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Agoda
Best feature: A good selection of well-located places to stay, with some of the best hotel prices around.
  • Agoda began as a hotel booking site with a focus on Asia, and that focus remains apparent on the home page, where properties in Malaysia, Thailand, and other Eastern destinations get prominent real estate. But now that Agoda has come to the U.S., it delivers a hotel search experience that matches some of the best hotel sites on this list. 
  • There are even instances when Agoda had better hotel deals than its competition, including one hotel search result in which the total booking cost was more than $200 less than the same hotel on Priceline (with a coupon code). Don’t expect that sort of result every time, but it shows that Agoda, like all the rest of these hotel booking sites, is well worth checking for the best hotel deals.

Tripadvisor

Open laptop showing home screen of Tripadvisor, a site where you can book hotels and see user images of site bookings
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Tripadvisor
Best feature: Tripadvisor gives users the unique ability to simultaneously research hotel reviews and compare prices from hotel booking sites.
  • Like HotelsCombined, Tripadvisor‘s hotel search displays some of the very best hotel deals from a range of sites. The tool is built right into Tripadvisor’s general search function, letting you browse the site’s vast library of reviews, then begin your hotel booking seamlessly. The initial list of hotel search results is sorted by “best value” and shows the source of the given price, so that you know where (off Tripadvisor) your hotel booking is going to happen. 
  • Tripadvisor searches most of the major hotel booking sites, as well as some lesser-known ones; when applicable, it also includes the hotel’s own website. You can also book directly with Tripadvisor.
  • Sort your search by traveler ranking, so you can see the hotels travelers just like you prefer. Guest reviews often include pictures of hotel rooms taken by the guests themselves, not clouded over by staging, so you can see what the rooms actually look like before you book. 

Trivago 

Open laptop showing home screen of Trivago, one of several listed accommodation booking sites
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Trivago
Best feature: Trivago’s mix of hotel sites searched is strong, and includes hotel sites that travelers may not have otherwise known about, which could result in finding some of the best hotel deals out there.
  • Another aggregate hotel booking site, Trivago did surface that low price coupon found on Agoda. However, it did not lead with that price, choosing instead to prominently display a higher price from Booking.com in large, green text. Odd. The lower-priced Agoda deal was listed second in the hotel search results, displayed in small gray text along with several others. In fact, Trivago found multiple hotel deals lower than that Booking.com price, but none received top billing for some reason. This happened in several other cases too, where the lead price ended up higher than best hotel prices that Trivago could find.
  •  The good thing about conducting a hotel search on Trivago is that Trivago searches several lesser-known hotel booking sites, including Agoda, in addition to the usual suspects like Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com. But travelers should take a close look at Trivago’s hotel search results to make sure that Trivago isn’t hiding a better deal farther down the list.

Google

Open laptop showing home screen of Google Hotels
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Google Hotels
Best feature: Location is usually pretty important when choosing a hotel, and Google Maps integration—with satellite and street view—allows you to easily factor that into your hotel search.
  • Google’s hotel search engine works by simply entering “hotels in (insert city here)” right on Google.com. (You can also go straight to the Google Hotels page.) This feature is integrated into Google Maps, which makes it very different from any of the other hotel booking sites listed above. On Google, hotel locations are marked by prices on a map, rather than by name or any other identifying characteristic. 
  • From there, Google’s hotel search tool is fairly price-forward, which is what metasearch should be. Clicking on a price displays the hotel’s name, features, and booking options. Overall, it’s no surprise that Google offers a powerful, no-frills hotel search engine for travelers who don’t want all the hard-sell aspects of cheap hotel sites and more commercial hotel search engines. (And yes, Google did surface that low-with-coupon hotel deal from Agoda.)

Hotwire

Open laptop showing home screen of Hotwire, a hotel bookings site
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Hotwire
Best feature: Hot Rates that will put you up in a comfortable, if not four-star hotel, and for a two-star price.
  • One of the best hotel booking sites for last minute deals and “Hot Rates,” which hide the hotel name in order to give you a better rate (similar to Priceline’s Express Deals), Hotwire is a great option if you don’t mind a limited-details final booking; and you probably don’t if it’s short notice. 
  • Hotwire’s Hot Rates descriptions feature so many details about the property, as well as a pretty narrow location radius, that you can sometimes figure out the hotel you’ll be booked in, although it’s still somewhat of a gamble. Hotwire is also partnered with reliable global hotel brands like Kimpton and Hyatt, so you can be more confident that you won’t end up with a ramshackle property.
  • The savings vary depending on the destination, but Hot Rates are consistently much more competitive than the standard Hotwire rates, which aren’t always the best price compared to other hotel booking sites. The main qualm that most customers have with Hotwire is their “24/7 support,” which apparently can be pretty unhelpful despite always being available to you.

TravelPony

Open laptop showing home screen of TravelPony, once only a social media deals site but now offering site bookings
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & TravelPony
Best Feature: Wide variety of filtering options.
  • Formerly a social media-only deals site, TravelPony has since expanded to help anyone in need of a deal on a hotel. 
  • Great for domestic and international hotels, there are loads of filtering options to ensure you are getting exactly the type of place you are looking for. You can filter by type of establishment, (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, resorts, and even farms), facilities, districts, room options (free cancellation, free WiFi etc..), so even if there is only one option out there that meets all of your wants and desires, they’ll find it! There are some lesser-known booking sites that TravelPony links to, so make sure you do your research before finalizing!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Open laptop showing home screen of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a hotel reservation site
guteksk7 | Adobe Stock & Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Best Feature: Mr. & Mrs. Smith serves boutique hotels throughout the world, so your search will result in more unique accommodations. 
  • Their price match feature goes above and beyond the usual. If you find a lower price elsewhere, they will not only match it, but you will also receive a $50 voucher. 
  • You must become a member to book through Mr. & Mrs. Smith, however, entry-level membership is free. Members receive “Smith Extras” upon arrival to their hotel—anything from a bottle of champagne to a spa service! 
  • Hotels must be invited to join this website, as they are carefully vetted by “undercover tastemakers” before being added to the site. 

Which Hotel Booking Site Is Best for Me?  

Consider what type of trip you are taking. If you are open to the type of place you want to stay at, then consider a site with more diverse options. If you are torn between a hotel or vacation rental, BookingBuddy is the site for you, as it will search for both to help you make your decision. If you rely heavily on peer reviews, then go with TripAdvisor. Check our best features of each site above to decide which site is best for you to make your hotel reservation. For 

What is the Difference Between an Online Travel Agency (OTA) and Metasearch Engine? 

An OTA allows you to book directly through them, and does not send you outside of their site to make your booking. a Metasearch Engine (also known as an aggregator) searches multiple sites including OTA’s, and will send you to a site outside of the aggregator to finalize your booking. 

Is It Cheaper to Book Directly with a Hotel or With a Hotel Booking Site?

It might be cheaper to book directly with a hotel, but this option really only makes sense if you already have a hotel you love and you want to book. Otherwise, the fastest, cheapest way to book a hotel is going to be by using one of the hotel booking websites. You will waste a lot of time calling hotels to see if you can get a better deal, and who has time for that these days?! 

When Should I Book My Hotel?

This really depends on your flexibility. If all you want is the best deal, and you aren’t picky about where the hotel is, waiting until the last minute (one to two days before you travel) could probably get you the best deal on your hotel. But, you might not want to risk that—I know I wouldn’t when planning a vacation! If you are booking for travel during peak times, book early so you don’t end up far away from where all of the action is, as hotels can book up quickly, especially during school vacation times. 

Bottom Line

What is the Best Hotel Booking Website?

These days, we are inundated with choices, including the number of accommodation booking websites there are out there. These sites should all make your booking easier, but some will make it even easier. Our clear winner is HotelsCombined.com. It’s easy to read, you can choose from hotels and rentals, and its ability to search hotel sites gives it the edge over other sites. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention SmarterTravel Hotels as a runner-up—their prices were some of the cheapest we found. Booking.com is another solid runner-up, as they appear to have the other sites beat as far as the volume of hotels goes. 

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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The 16 Best Florida Beach Resorts https://www.smartertravel.com/best-florida-beach-resorts/ https://www.smartertravel.com/best-florida-beach-resorts/#respond Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/2015/05/07/10-best-florida-beach-resorts/ Florida may be synonymous with sun and sand, but only a few resorts actually put you right on the beach. From a top-notch spa to a secluded island, here are the very best Florida beach resorts based on beach access, amenities, and TripAdvisor ratings.

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Florida may be synonymous with sun and sand, but only a few resorts actually put you right on the beach. From a top-notch spa to a secluded island, here are the very best Florida beach resorts based on beach access, and amenities.

Resort Price Location Oceanside Cabanas
SOUTHERN
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach $$$$ Sunny Isles Beach Yes
Southernmost Beach Resort $ Key West Yes
Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club $$ Ft. Lauderdale  Yes
The Breakers $$$$ Palm Beach No
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort $$ Marathon No
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort $$ Miami Beach No
St Regis Bal Harbour Resort $$$$ Miami Beach Yes
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa $$$ Manalapan Yes
The Boca Raton $$$ Boca Raton Yes
CENTRAL
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa $ Vero Beach Yes
The Shores Resort and Spa $ Daytona Beach Shores Yes
NORTHERN
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club $$ Ponte Vedra No
The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa $$$ Destin No
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa $ Palm Coast No
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach $$$$ Palm Beach Yes
Omni Amelia Island Resort $$ Fernandina Beach Yes

Southern Florida Beach Resorts

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach

Photos in and around the property of Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, a best beach resort in Florida
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach

Situated on 4.5 acres of blissful beachside property in Sunny Isles Beach (between Fort Lauderdale and Miami), Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach gives new meaning to fun in the sun. The Mediterranean-style villa sits directly overlooking the ocean, without any barriers between guests and its 400 feet of Atlantic shoreline.

A recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award, Acqualina doesn’t disappoint when it comes to service and amenities. The resort features three outdoor swimming pools, beachfront yoga, a world-class oceanfront spa, and three on-site restaurants.

Southernmost Beach Resort

Photos in and around the property of Southernmost Beach Resort, a best beach resort in Florida
Southernmost Beach Resort Key West

Key West may not be known for its beaches—Duval Street always steals the spotlight—but there are plenty of places to dig your feet in the sand. Southernmost Beach Resort is just such a spot, with two beaches, three pools, a poolside bar, and a private pier perfect for sunset viewing.

Many of the rooms have ocean views, and all come with access to South Beach and the use of rental beach chairs and umbrellas. Located a stone’s throw from the historic Old Town, Southernmost Beach Resort delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to Key West vacations.

Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club

Photos in and around the property of Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club, a best beach resort in Florida
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club

With a 500-foot private beach and a secluded location in Fort Lauderdale, Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club feels like a true escape from the everyday. Cabanas, chaise lounges, steamer chairs, and umbrellas are provided to take lounging to the next level. Lago Mar also features two swimming pools—one is a 9,000-foot lagoon-inspired area with its very own island—and plenty of on-site activities, such as four tennis courts, a resort shop, and a spa. Six on-site eateries offer a range of cuisines and dining options, including a soda shop (ice cream fanatics rejoice) and a wine cellar lounge.

The Breakers

Photos in and around the property of The Breakers Palm Beach, a best beach resort in Florida
The Breakers Palm Beach

Situated on 140 acres of pristine oceanfront property in the heart of Palm Beach, a stay at The Breakers is a tropical experience unlike any other in Florida. The Italian Renaissance-style resort provides a half-mile of private beach, four oceanfront pools, five whirlpool spas, and poolside bungalows. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in the Breakers’ many activities, such as scuba diving, sunset cruises, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, and golf. There’s also a spa and eight on-site restaurants.

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

Photos in and around the property of Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort, a best beach resort in Florida
Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of the Florida Keys, Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is known for its white sandy beaches, tropical swimming pools, and lush gardens. Tranquility Bay also offers on-site diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.

The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Photos in and around the property of The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, a best beach resort in Florida
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Formerly Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort combines a dramatic setting overlooking the water with southern Florida’s largest spa. Numerous activities are offered each day, ranging from yoga and meditation classes to boot camps and boxing workouts. Four pools and the beach, only steps from the hotel, make it easy to soak up the sun.

St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Photos in and around the property of St Regis Bal Harbour Resort, a best beach resort in Florida
Bal Harbour Miami

Enjoy stunning ocean views from twenty-seven floors up at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.  For an ultimate oceanside experience, Oceanfront Day Villas are available, featuring a private indoor air-conditioned lounge, bathroom, a full outdoor dining table, an oversized day bed for lounging with a gorgeous ocean view, and more. Relax at one of two pools, or by treating yourself at the spa. 

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Photos in and around the property of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, a best beach resort in Florida
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

With seven acres of oceanfront, Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect spot for your Florida beach vacation. Located in Manalapan, less than a half hour from West Palm Beach, you’ll be able to relish in the sand on the beach when you reserve one of their oceanfront cabanas and explore the water with their complimentary non-motorized water sports like bodyboarding, standup paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Enjoy some quiet time at the tranquility pool or spa, eat at one of their eight bars and restaurants or work out in the fitness center. 

The Boca Raton 

Photos in and around the property of The Boca Raton, a best beach resort in Florida
The Boca Raton

Made up of five hotels to create a massive resort, the Boca Raton is seeped in history, having opened in 1926. Currently undergoing a massive rejuvenation, you will be able to experience the wonder of the hotel as it was meant to be. Stay in the iconic Cloister to get a feel of the days of yore, or for a more modern feel, try the Beach Club and its “breezy style.”  Use their water taxis to go from harborside to beachside, enjoy a cabana or a daybed on the beach, or treat yourself to a massage at the spa- no matter what you do, your stay will leave you feeling satisfied. 

Central Florida Beach Resorts

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa

Photos in and around the property of Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, a best beach resort in Florida
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa

Gloria and Emilio Estefan founded Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Central Florida’s Treasure Coast as the ultimate escape from the ordinary. The beachfront haven provides ocean views alongside locally grown dishes served at the Wave Kitchen & Bar or the Beachside Cabana Bar. Guests can take a dip in the beachfront pool or enjoy water activities on Vero Beach, such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The Shores Resort & Spa

Photos in and around the property of The Shores Resort & Spa, a best beach resort in Florida
The Shores Resort & Spa

Located in popular Daytona Beach, The Shores Resort & Spa offers everything you need for the ideal beach vacation in a convenient location.  Enjoy oceanfront views while you dine at the in-house restaurant, Azure, or relax in the hot tub or in an oceanfront cabana- no matter what you choose, you’ll love the ocean breeze on you while doing it. The pool, spa, surf lessons, and s’more making are popular amenities. 

Northern Florida Beach Resorts

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Located 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville in northeast Florida, the 300-acre Ponte Vedra Inn & Club lures travelers with amenities such as seaside golf, tennis, sailing, and cycling. It doesn’t end there, however, as the resort also features miles of beaches, four swimming pools, a full-service spa, and numerous dining options.

The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa

Photos in and around the property of The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa, a best beach resort in Florida
The Henderson Beach Resort

Enjoy timeless luxury at the Henderson Beach Resort & Spa. The hotel has something for everyone- from bike rentals, a private beach, to two pools – one that is specifically for families with a lazy river and splash pad for the kids. Have fun with a paddle board or kayak rental, or stroll around HarborWalk Village in Destin for shopping and dining. Choose from rooms, suites and even condominiums for ultimate space during your stay. 

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Photos in and around the property of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, a best beach resort in Florida
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

The entire family will enjoy a stay at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Besides the private beach (where you can reserve a chair or umbrella for an extra fee), there are four pools to satisfy every poolgoer type: the family-friendly outdoor pool with a waterslide and poolside sandcastle building, the indoor pool, which also features two hot tubs, or two quieter outdoor pools. The fitness center offers classes, there are bike rentals, a putting course, a spa, golf, and tennis. Be sure to take advantage of their complimentary 45-minute photography session with Atventure photography- a great way to capture your vacation. 

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Photos in and around the property of Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, a best beach resort in Florida
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Palm Beach Island’s only five-star, five-diamond resort, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is the perfect spot for a beach vacation with a touch of grandeur. Enjoy dining at one of the three on-site restaurants, relax at the day spa, unwind with a yoga class, or rent a beach bed for the day – no matter what you do, your every need will be catered to. 

Omni Amelia Island Resort

Photos in and around the property of Omni Amelia Island Resort, a best beach resort in Florida
Omni Amelia Island Resort

With over three miles of secluded beach, pools, nine on-site restaurants, and a full-service spa, there is something for everyone at Omni Amelia Island Resort. The resort is chock full of events to participate in, from segway tours, tennis instruction, pickleball to live music and their special “Sprouting Project” that gives guests a tour of their aquaponic greenhouse, beehives, and more! 

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The Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals https://www.smartertravel.com/the-best-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-travel-deals/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/2015/11/12/the-best-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-travel-deals/ These sales offer deep discounts on travel throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond.

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This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can find amazing deals on hotels, vacations, group trips, travel gear and more—without leaving your home. We’re scouring the web for the best deals for travelers and will list them all right here.

Bookmark this page—we’ll be updating it frequently with can’t-miss Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022 sales as they’re announced.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Travel Gear

Backpack and hiking gear in front of a large mountain
andriano_cz | Adobe Stock

Amazon: Amazon is having a mega-sale spanning from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, with great deals on travel gear including luggage, clothing, and electronics. 

Nordstrom: Nordstrom is heavily discounting traveler-favorite brands both in-store and online Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Target: You don’t have to wait for Black Friday to save on travel gear from Target! The retailer is offering a “holiday price match guarantee” and will offer a refund for the difference in price if something you purchased sells for a lower price. The match is valid on items purchased between October 6 and December 24.

Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques: Turn your home into a luxury hotel with savings across Marriott brand stores. Save up to 30 percent on items like Marriott pillows, or up to 25 percent off of Westin’s Heavenly Bed.

Away: Save $50 off the purchase of any two suitcases and $100 off the purchase of any 3 or more suitcases from November 17-28.

Madewell: Get 40 percent off with code OHJOY until November 24 and 50 percent off from November 25-27.

Roam: Get a free Market Tote or Travel Pouch Set with the purchase of any piece of ROAM customizable luggage, backpack, or duffel. Offer valid on purchases between November 25-28.

Cariloha: Save up to 30 percent off Cariloha’s ultra-soft bedding and clothing November 25-28.

MasterClass: Get two annual memberships for the price of one (a $180 savings) for new users until November 28.

Brooklinen: Save 20 percent off of Brooklinen’s entire site now through November 30.

Ooni: Bring authentic Italian pizza home with you with this deal from Ooni that offers 20 percent off sitewide from November 21-29.

Outdoor Voices: Save 30 percent off sitewide, plus up to 70 percent off select styles from November 23-29.

DSW: Save 30 percent off the entire site from November 24-25 and 40 percent off all boots November 26-27.

Glossier: Save 20 percent off sitewide and 30 percent off all purchases of $100 or more from November 24-28.

Tempur-Pedic: Bring the hotel mattress experience home with a new mattress from Tempur-Pedic. Save 30 percent off the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress with CLOUD30 and up to $300 off of other selected mattresses.

Sling TV: Watch all your shows and movies from a hotel or vacation rental with this deal from Sling that offers $10 off plus a free Amazon FireTV Stick Lite. The offer is valid November 23-27.

Wayfair: Wayfair is offering huge discounts all week long with their Cyber Week sale running through December 7.

Briggs & Riley: Save 30 percent off select luggage from November 24-28. Receive an exclusive toiletry bag with purchases over $399 on November 25 and 28.

Solo: Save 30 percent off sitewide and up to 50% sale items with promo code: HOLIDAY now through December 4.

Marriott Bonvoy: Marriott Bonvoy members will get up to 20 percent off of hotel stays booked November 22 through November 2022 for travel November 27, 2022 through January 16, 2023. Non-members will save up to 15 percent off (but FYI, Marriott Bonvoy is free to join!)

​Philo TV: Stream your favorite shows and movies anywhere you go with this deal from Philo TV offering new subscribers 80 percent off their first month. Use promo code THANKS and sign up between November 25-30.

Noom: Get a jumpstart on your New Year’s resolutions with Noom’s free seven day trial and 25 percent off a six month plan by using promo code AFFILIATE2022 now through November 30.

Bloomingdale’s: Save 25 percent off select styles until November 27.

Nike: Get up to 60 percent off select styles with code BLACKFRIDAY until November 26.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Saks is giving customers a gift card of up to $750 with purchases when they use promo code WKNDGCSF from November 26-27.

Kate Spade Surprise: Save up to 90 percent off sitewide with promo code SAVE15 November 23-24.

Sanuk: Get up to 75 percent off Sanuk’s ultra-comfortable, travel-friendly shoes and slippers on Black Friday.

Vineyard Vines: Save up to 50 percent off at Vineyard Vines with promo code: BLACKFRIDAY now through November 26.

Diane Von Furstenberg: Get up to 25 percent off the entire site with code CYBER.

Lilly Pulitzer: Save up to $90 sitewide now through November 28.

J.Crew: Everything at J.Crew is 50 percent off with promo code SHOPEARLY.

Walmart: Save big on electronics, luggage, and other travel gear at Walmart now through Cyber Monday.

Travel Deals

Woman in pool floats in the ocean holding hands
Alena Ozerova | Adobe Stock

Booking.com: Save up to 30 percent off of hotels and vacation rentals during Booking’s Black Friday sale. The sale runs November 17 through December 1 and is valid for stays through the end of 2023. Booking is also offering up to 15 percent off of rental cars reservations. Reserve a car November 24 through December 1 for travel through the end of 2023.

G Adventures: Get up to 30 percent off select group trips for bookings made now through November 30. The discount is valid on trips departing through April 30, 2023. Or, get up to 10 percent off select trips departing between May 1 and June 30, 2023.

Norse Atlantic Airways: Fly to Europe for as little as $119 one-way with Norse Atlantic Airways’ Black Friday sale. Book flights now through November 29th for travel between December 2022 and October 2023. (Travel dates included in the sale vary by route.)

Ker & Downey® Africa: Book your dream trip (for up to half off) with Ker & Downey® Africa’s Black Friday sale, which runs November 1st through November 30th. Deals include luxury safaris, honeymoons, and more in destinations across Africa.

A&S Signature Journeys: Save 25 percent off of the October 19, 2023 departure of the Sun on Ramses and the Nile Egyptian tour and witness the rare solar alignment at Abu Simbel Temple. Book between November 1 and December 31, 2022 to receive the discount.

Margaritaville at Sea: Cruise for less with this Black Friday Sale which runs now through November 27. Sailings will start at $99 per person (with kids sailing free), and include a $25 per person Ocean View upgrade opportunity and 25 percent off all supplements.

Contiki: Get up to 25 percent off over 60 Contiki trips worldwide. Book trips departing in 2023 during the sale which runs from November 23 to December 1.

Holland America: Save up to 40 percent off voyages sailing in December 2022 and beyond, plus get a $25 reduced deposit. Book by December 1.

Insight Vacations: Get up to 15 percent off of 40 select itineraries from Insight Vacations.

Trafalgar: Save up to 15 percent off of selected trips for departures between April 1 – October 15, 2023.

REI Adventure Travel: During REI’s Cyber Week Sale, you can save 20 percent off of select REI adventure travel trips for 2023 departures. Book between November 25 – December 19.

Priceline: During Priceline’s Cyber Week Sale, travelers can get up to 99 percent off via Mystery Codes, 20 percent off select Express Deals, and up to $3,000 off cruises. The sale runs November 22 – November 28.

EF Ultimate BreakEF Ultimate Break is discounting tours to bucket list destinations (like Japan, Greece, and Bali) by up to up to $1,200. Book now through November 28.

Klook: Save 10 percent off tours, activities, and more at Klook with code BFCM2022 from November 25-28.

Aer Lingus: Save up to $100 on flights to Europe from select cities. The sale runs through December 1, for travel through May 31, 2023.

JetBlue Vacations: JetBlue Vacations is offering up to $750 off vacation packages with promo code PACKAGE500. Plus, you’ll get a free inflight drink! Book by November 29 for travel December 5, 2022 through October 15, 2023.

Southwest Air: Southwest is offering 30 percent off base fares with promo code CYBER30. Book by December 1 for travel January 10 through March 8, 2023.

JetBlue: Save $50 off of each one-way segment with a minimum of $100 per segment (excluding taxes & fees) with promo code CYBER22. Book by November 29.

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