Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ Leap Year Offer Lets Guests Stay Free Feb. 29 After One-Night Stay on Feb. 28

Rosen Plaza Orlando © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ leisure properties are offering a Leap Year deal so amazing, it can only happen once every four years. When guests stay at least one night Feb. 28 at the special rate of $79.99 plus tax, they’ll stay the night of Feb. 29 at no charge.

This special Leap Year “extra day, extra savings” offer is available at all four of Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ value-priced, AAA Three Diamond properties, including the Quality Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (LBV).

Accommodations at each of the hotels include a deluxe room with two double beds featuring Simmons Beautyrest^® pillow top beds, microwave, mini refrigerator, electronic safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, work desk, free WIFI access and free 24-hour secured parking.

To book online or for more details, visit http://www.orlandohotels4less.com/leapyear/ or call 800-999-7300 and ask for the Leap Year package. This special package rate is based on double occupancy and does not include tax. Not valid on existing reservations, for groups, during special events, holidays or conventions. This offer may not be combined with any other rate plan or discount.

Each of the hotels has completed extensive renovations over the past year, including all new furniture that was made in America, as well as new carpet, window treatments, upgraded art work, luxurious pillow-top mattresses and stylish, yet comfortable bedding. Private bathrooms now feature granite finish vanity and modern decorative lighting. Each hotel also features a Kids Eat FREE program in which kids age 9 and younger eat from the buffet at no charge with each paying adult.

The 728-room Quality Inn International (7600 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819) offers two swimming pools and a children’s wading pool. Onsite dining options include The Apothecary Restaurant featuring a breakfast and dinner buffet, Topsy Turvey Lounge and the Lite Bite Mini-Market & Deli.

The Rosen Inn closest to Universal (6327 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819) offers 315 guest rooms, a swimming pool and four onsite dining choices including Shogun Japanese Steak House, The Palms Dining Room featuring a breakfast buffet, as well as the International Pub and Lite Bite Mini-Market & Deli.

The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819) offers 1,020 guest rooms in six high-rise buildings. Three swimming pools and a sports bar offer downtime from the theme parks. Dining options include the Plaza Garden Restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, Zebra’s Sports Bar, Smoooth Java Coffee Bar™ & Gifts proudly service Starbucks^® and Lite Bite Mini-Market & Deli. Guests who need to do a little work while on vacation may also take advantage of the hotel’s business center.

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819) features 640 guest rooms in four high-rise buildings as well as a playground and two swimming pools, one of which features the new “Ozzie the Otter Splash Zone.” Dining options include The Boardwalk Buffet Restaurant featuring breakfast and dinner buffets, Comfort Zone Bar & Grille and Lite Bite Mini-Market & Deli. The hotel offers guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to four Walt Disney World® theme parks, Universal Orlando^®, SeaWorld Orlando^®, Aquatica^®, Orlando Premium Outlets^® Vineland and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores^®(reservations required).

The three International Drive properties offer guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando^®, SeaWorld Orlando^®, Aquatica^® and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando^® (reservations required). The I-Ride Trolley stops in front of each hotel, providing low-cost transportation to more than 75 stops in the International Drive attractions area. The three hotels are conveniently located off I-4, on International Drive, in the heart of the attractions area and just 12-15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ four leisure properties, visit www.orlandohotels4less.com

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Free Holiday Events Return to Orlando’s Rosen Shingle Creek

Storytelling with Mrs. Claus at Rosen Shingle Creek

Orlando’s luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek is once again creating plenty of ways for locals and visitors to capture the spirit of the holiday season.

For the fourth year, the luxurious AAA Four Diamond hotel will offer its one-of-a-kind series of holiday events spanning Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. New events, including spirited song and dance performances, as well as choral concerts by school and church groups, have been added to this year’s bustling holiday line-up, which includes a Sugar Plum Afternoon Tea and a and visit from the Sugarplum Fairy, live performances of excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” visits from Santa Claus, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day buffets, an elegant New Year’s Eve dinner, and more. All of the events, with the exclusion of the buffets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Holiday Chocolate Making Workshop and the Sugar Plum Afternoon Tea, are offered at no charge and are open to all who care to share in the spirit of the holidays. For more information or to make reservations for ticketed events, call 407-996-9770 or visit http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/holidayseason.

Holiday Brunch Buffets

Rosen Shingle Creek invites both locals and visitors to step out of their kitchens and into the hotel’s beautiful Café Osceola to enjoy sumptuous holiday brunch buffets on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Here, guests’ only job will be to fill their plates with an incredible smorgasbord prepared by the award-winning chefs at Rosen Shingle Creek. The menu will include traditional meats such as roasted turkey and pork tenderloin, delicious seasonal side dishes featuring flavors of cranberry and pumpkin, as well as non-traditional fare such as seafood, sushi and a pasta station. The finale includes an extravaganza of desserts including a chocolate fountain, pies, pastries, muffins and breads from world-renowned Executive Pastry Chef, David Ramirez, and his team.

The all-you-care-to-eat buffet will be offered Christmas Day 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $55.95 for adults, plus tax and gratuity; $24.95 for children ages 4-12, plus tax and gratuity.* Florida residents enjoy 25 percent off holiday buffets. For reservations, call 407-996-3663.

Sugar Plum Afternoon Tea

Storybook fantasies come to life at Rosen Shingle Creek’s Sugar Plum Afternoon Tea, held Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the hotel’s main lobby. “Visions of sugar plums” won’t just be dancing in their heads, but right in front of their eyes, as guests of all ages enjoy a special afternoon visit with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The stunning costumed character will pose for photos, sign autographs and mingle with guests from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. as they enjoy a traditional English-style tea service with a deluxe assortment of sandwiches, imported teas, lemonade and fabulous desserts. Each child will receive a complimentary tea hat, and each guest will receive a complimentary photo and novelty holiday frame by which to remember this special day. A wonderful holiday tradition to begin with grandmothers, moms, daughters, sisters, or girlfriends, the Sugar Plum Afternoon Tea costs $15 per person plus tax for guests age 4 and older. Children under 4 are free. To purchase tickets, call 407-996-9770. Reservations are suggested.

Holiday Chocolate Making Workshop

Chocolate lovers young and young-at-heart will enjoy an afternoon creating holiday treats featuring their favorite sweet with “Orlando’s Willy Wonka” Executive Pastry Chef David Ramirez. On Sat., Dec. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m., Chef David and his team will show guests how to bring Sugar Plum Fairies and other cherished holiday icons to life in the form of chocolate. Guests will enjoy sampling treats, as well as creating their own chocolate-themed gifts they can bring home after the workshop. The event is open to the entire family and is $15 per person plus tax for all ages. To purchase tickets and for more details, call 407-996-9770. Reservations are suggested.

Free Enchanted Evening Events

The following evening events provide plenty of ways to capture the spirit of the season at Rosen Shingle Creek. These events are free of charge and open to all who would like to share in the spirit of the season:

Holiday Chorus: Nothing creates a festive mood like the sound of Christmas carols, and Rosen Shingle Creek will come alive with holiday music each Thursday evening, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 6 p.m., as local school and church choirs perform classic selections by the fireside in the hotel lobby.

“The Nutcracker:” Each Friday evening, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m., “The Nutcracker” comes to life at Rosen Shingle Creek as excerpts from the beloved holiday ballet are performed in front of the hotel’s grand fireplace by members of the Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance, Windermere Ballet and Community Dance Theatre.

Visits from Santa Claus: While the elves are busy at work at the North Pole, Santa Claus will be dropping in to enjoy some R&R at Rosen Shingle Creek. Santa will take photos with hotel guests and visitors on Friday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16; and Saturday Dec. 3, 10 and 17, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby.

A Dancing and Singing Holiday Special: Spreading holiday cheer, the S.O.D.A. P.O.P.s, presented by Miriam and Valerie’s School of Dance Arts, will provide contemporary holiday dance entertainment on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby.

Holiday Photographs: Each Friday and Saturday night, from Dec. 2 to 17, in the hotel lobby, photographer Dan Higgins will offer guests affordable holiday photo packages.

Guests who dine at Rosen Shingle Creek on the evenings of the Friday and Saturday night performances may purchase two entrees and get one free at Café Osceola. This offer is valid through Dec. 17 and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Special discounted room rates will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights (depending on availability).* While staying at the hotel, guests are also invited to begin their holiday shopping, with opportunities to purchase gift cards for overnight stays as well as Rosen Shingle Creek’s award-winning restaurants, world-class spa and championships golf course.

The 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939.

See also:

DISNEY STILL HAS THAT MAGIC

INSIDE UNIVERSAL’S ‘WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER‘

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Winter Warm Up Rates at Orlando World Center Marriott for holidays through March

The Orlando World Center Marriott warms things up just in time for the holidays with Winter Escape Advance Purchase Rates from only $144 per room, per night now through March 31, 2012. It’s a wonderful world for families to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, while enjoying the best rates of the season.

The family friendly 200-acre playground will be decked out in holiday style with festive and themed events and activities throughout the resort. Cheers to holiday drinks and dining specials in the restaurants. Kids can participate in holiday crafts, or watch their favorite holiday movie classic, before making a splash at the tropical lagoon pool (Voted one of the World’s Coolest Hotel Pools by Forbes) with its 106-foot waterslide, cascading rock waterfalls and grotto, the resort’s hot spot for plenty of cool pool games. The world-class adventure continues with an indoor pool; secluded spa pool; two kid’s wading pools, and six whirlpool spas. Year-round daily poolside activities designed for kids range from face painting to scavenger hunts. They can even build their dream castle in the sand play area. Tennis, water volleyball, basketball, and arcade with pinball, air hockey and ping-pong round out a few of the popular activities. There is something for everyone.

Golf around the world on the 18-hole championship links of Hawk’s Landing Golf Club; take a golf lesson at the Bill Madonna Golf Academy at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club; schedule a soothing treatment at The Spa, or workout at the expansive fitness center.

Embark on a culinary excursion around the world with 10 incredible restaurants and lounges, including the award-winning Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille and Ristorante Tuscany. Guests can also tempt their palate with Mikado Japanese Steakhouse and Solaris, home to an expansive buffet breakfast, served daily. For those on the go, visit Mangrove Emporium, a full-service indoor food court or grab a Starbucks^® coffee.

The Orlando World Center Marriott is located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World^® and just minutes from SeaWorld^® Orlando, Discovery Cove^®, Aquatica™, and Universal Studios^® Orlando. For reservations, call 888-99-World and ask for rate code ADP, or visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Vacation Packages on Sale Sunday, July 31 for ‘Celebration of Harry Potter Films’ at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort just announced that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Special Event Hosted by Warner Bros. to Feature Three Days of
Cast Member and Filmmaker Appearances, Autograph Signings, Q&A Sessions and Film Screenings

Universal Orlando Resort just announced that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31^st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans. While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:

• A spectacular evening gala in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Autograph signings with stars from the Harry Potter films
• Q&A sessions with Harry Potter filmmakers and cast members, along with the creators of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Screenings of all eight Harry Potter films – including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” – at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk. Access to the screenings can be added to the vacation packages for an additional fee.

Throughout the three-day celebration, guests will also be able to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter films come to life. They will enjoy experiences such as soaring above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade and being inside Ollivanders and seeing a wand choose its wizard.

The primary way to participate in celebration events is by purchasing one of Universal Orlando’s special vacation packages. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EDT on Sunday, July 31. Guests can choose from two vacation package options: the Celebration Vacation Package and the Premier Vacation Package. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.

For more information about the event and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy and slideshow

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

‘Summer Madness’ at 4 Rosen Hotels & Resorts in Orlando

Newly refurbished guest room at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.

When travelers to Orlando hear that they can stay at a newly renovated AAA Three Diamond hotel, for just $59.99 per night for two or more nights and receive a $25 gas card upon check-out, anytime between now and August 2011, they’ll surely say, “That’s madness!” And they’ll be right! It’s “Summer Madness” at four Orlando Rosen Hotels & Resorts — Quality Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (LBV), where guests can enjoy insanely low rates, receive gas money for the drive home and enjoy plenty of money-saving perks, including a Kids Eat FREE program where kids age 9 and younger eat from the buffet at no charge with each paying adult.

To book online or for more details, visit www.orlandohotels4less.com/gascard/ or call  800-999-7300 and ask for the Free Gas Card package. This special package rate is based on double occupancy and does not include tax. A limited number of rooms are available at this special price. Not valid on existing reservations, for groups, during special events, holidays or conventions and this offer may not be combined with any other rate plan or discount.

Each of the hotels completed extensive renovations over the past year, including all new furniture that was made in America, as well as new carpet, window treatments, upgraded art work, luxurious pillow-top mattresses and stylish, yet comfortable bedding.  Private bathrooms now feature granite finish vanity and modern decorative lighting.

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819) features 640 guest rooms in four high-rise buildings as well as a playground and two swimming pools, one of which features the new “Ozzie the Otter Splash Zone.” A Comfort Zone Bar & Grill, a buffet restaurant and a deli market offer plenty of onsite dining options. The hotel offers guests complimentary, scheduled shuttle service to four Walt Disney World® theme parks, Universal Orlando®, SeaWorld Orlando®, Aquatica® and Orlando Premium Outlets (reservation required).

The 728-room Quality Inn International (7600 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819) offers two swimming pools and a children’s wading pool. The hotel features an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast and dinner buffet plus a deli with snacks and convenience items.

The Rosen Inn closest to Universal (6327 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819) offers 315 guest rooms, a swimming pool and four onsite dining choices including the Shogun Japanese Steakhouse, the Palms Dining Room (full American breakfast buffet) as well as International Pub and Lite-Bite Deli.

The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819) offers 1,020 guest rooms in six high-rise buildings.  Three swimming pools and a sports bar offer downtime from the theme parks. Dining options include both breakfast and dinner restaurant buffets as well as the new Smoooth Java Coffee Bar™ featuring Starbucks® coffee products. Guests who need to do a little work while on vacation may also take advantage of the hotel’s business center.

The three International Drive properties offer guests complimentary, scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando®, SeaWorld Orlando®, Aquatica® and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando® (reservation required). The I-Ride Trolley stops in front of each hotel, providing low-cost transportation to more than 75 stops in the International Drive attractions area. The three hotels are conveniently located off I-4, on International Drive, in the heart of the attractions area and just 12-15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts four leisure properties, visit www.orlandohotels4less.com.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Disney Still Has That Magic

Marriott Orlando Resorts Offer New Family Getaway Package

Explore Orlando’s hottest new attractions in the vacation capital of the world this summer including the new Grand Reef at Discovery Cove with the new Orlando Resort Family Getaway package through Marriott © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Explore Orlando’s hottest new attractions in the vacation capital of the world this summer including the new Grand Reef at Discovery Cove; 1,200-foot Screamin’ Gator Zip Line high-flying adventure at Gatorland; or The Cypress SkyCycle, a new ecotourism experience at Forever Florida (first of its kind in the U.S!)

Available at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes^®, Orlando World Center Marriott^®, and Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld^® through September 30, 2011, The Orlando Resort Family Getaway package includes:

• Resort accommodations with upgrade to pool view room
• Overnight self-parking
• Daily breakfast for two adults
• $25 nightly resort credit (can be applied towards resort purchases including food and beverage, spa services, golf green fees and merchandise at any resort shop)

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is set amidst 500 acres of lushly landscaped grounds, Grande Lakes Orlando is a unique destination with a level of service and facilities appealing to the sophisticated traveler.  With a luxury 582-room Ritz-Carlton and deluxe 1,000-room JW Marriott, an 18-hole Greg Norman designed championship golf course featuring the Golf Caddie Concierge Program, as well as a 40,000-square-foot spa and extensive meeting facilities, Grande Lakes truly redefines the Orlando experience.   Guests at both hotels have access to all the facilities at the resort. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center, and minutes from all the major theme parks. For more information or reservations, call 407-206-2300 or visit www.GrandeLakes.com.

Orlando World Center Marriott is a world beyond compare! An official hotel partner of SeaWorld^âand home to over one-million gallons of liquid refreshment with six pools, including a lagoon pool with a 106-foot waterslide (Voted one of the World’s Coolest Hotel Pools by Forbes) and six whirlpool spas, the resort is an oasis of fun. Championship golf course, full-service spa, fitness center, tennis, basketball, volleyball and 10 diverse restaurants and lounges including a food court for families on the go. The Four-Diamond, 2000-room resort is located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World^® and just minutes from SeaWorld^® Orlando, Discovery Cove^®, Aquatica™ and Universal Studios^® Orlando. For more information or reservations, call 888-99-WORLD or visit www.MarriottWorldCenter.com

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld boasts a prime location across from SeaWorld Orlando and adjacent to Discovery Cove and Aquatica.  The 781-room property expertly combines superior amenities and service with imaginative style in an ocean-themed setting.  Oversized guestrooms offer contemporary retreats that blend seamlessly with modern conveniences.  The property’s five dining outlets satisfy every palate including signature restaurant Mist Sushi & Spirits featuring creative cocktails and freshly prepared sushi.  The lavish nèu lotus spa offers a luxurious, tranquil respite for complete relaxation.  Featuring 185,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, the property can accommodate groups both large and small.  Near all major Orlando attractions, shopping, golf, dining and more, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld offers full-service amenities such as high-speed Internet access, resort-style pool, Shamu Game Room, Orlando attractions desk, FedEx Office Print & Ship Center^SM, a Starbucks^® Coffee Shop and more. www.RenOrlando.com

For reservations, call 1-800-MARRIOTT or visit www.OrlandoMarriottGetaway.com and request promotional code V2X. 

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Disney Still Has That Magic

Castle Hotel in Orlando offers “Wizarding Wonders’ in time for new Harry Potter film

The Castle Hotel times its "Wizarding Wonders" package for the release of the new Harry Potter film this summer. The package includes transportation to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter themepark © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Castle Hotel– an enchanting and magical experience within the heart of Orlando – invites guests to enjoy luxurious accommodations while amazing their imagination with Wizarding Wonders at The Castle Hotel.

From June 1 – July 31, 2011, starting at $144 per night, guests of The Castle enhance their wizard experience with two-night accommodations, theme park transportation to a mysterious world, Castle Creature stuffed toy, magical potion beverages, “dive-in” large screen movie marathon beside the pool and movie tickets for the entire family to enjoy the eighth and final movie installment released July 15, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

Perfect timing for the huge final release of the on-screen version of J.K. Rowling’s enchanting saga, The Castle Hotel brings the magical experience from the parks and activities right back to the comfortable hotel room. Located in the heart of Orlando, on the famed International Drive, the royal experience awaits guests as The Castle combines artistic flare and playful luxury within its medieval-inspired walls. From the rare doll collection and castle creatures to the medieval architecture and authentic Austrian castle detailing, The Castle creates an atmosphere both parents and children are sure to love.

The Castle Hotel has a prime location in the theme park capital of the world, providing hotel guests with plenty of options for family fun, quality time with friends or a romantic escape. International Drive and Mall at Millenia offer a multitude of shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, while Orlando’s famed theme parks are only a few miles away on the hotel shuttle service.

For more information or to book the Wizarding Wonders package at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle, please visit www.thecastleorlando.com  or call 407-345-1511 or toll-free 877.317.5753.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Families get luxury treatment with Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, Orlando, new ‘Red Carpet Family Package’

'Red Carpet' treatment at the Villas of Grand Cypress means you are whisked to the themepark of your choice by limousine with new family package © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort is giving families the opportunity to experience Orlando – one of the world’s most popular family destinations – with a distinctly “red carpet” feel. From stretch limousine transportation to a private hot air balloon tour, the property’s exclusive, three-night “Red Carpet Package” promises to leave families with a lifetime of memories.

The dream package, available May 1 through Sept. 30, starts at $3,600 plus tax and resort fee for a family of four (two adults, two children) and includes three nights accommodations in a spacious, luxurious two-bedroom villa, transportation in a luxurious stretch limousine from and to the Orlando International airport, and roundtrip limousine transportation to the themepark of your choice, for a full day of activity for a family at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando; a hot-air balloon tour of Orlando with sunrise picnic breakfast and limousine; a few hours of ‘decompression’ time will find Dad getting to play a round of golf, Mom enjoying a massage, and the kids heading off to half-day at the property’s Kids Camp. And just for Mom and Dad, a romantic evening just for the parents, featuring a specially prepared four-course meal at Nine18 restaurant, with a bottle of wine included, while the the kids are whisked away to a fun evening at Kids Camp, with their own dinner included.

The resort offers private villas along the fairways and waterways of the golf course. Each villa is furnished with a family-friendly living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, along with patios and verandas.

The Club, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and evolves into a sports bar in the evening) and Nine 18, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, are the primary dining venues, with a poolside snack bar to accent the offerings.

Villas of Grand Cypress – one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” as named by Golf Digest – features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf comprised of 27 holes plus the Nicklaus-designed New Course.

Up to two additional children can be added to the package for $350 each. The package is subject to availability and children must be between the ages of 4 and 16. Alternative arrangements or baby sitting may be arranged for those younger or older than the specified ages.

To reserve the “Red Carpet Family Package” and for additional information about Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, visit www.grandcypress.com, or call 877-330-7376.

See also:

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista has deals during Braves, Astros spring training

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista offers easy access to Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

ORLANDO (February 18, 2011) –

Braves and Astros fans can get a homerun deal on Orlando vacations from the AAA Three Diamond Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (LBV) during spring training.

Baseball fans can book and stay at the hotel now through March 31, 2011 and pay just $49.99 per night, plus tax.   The hotel is located only three miles from Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros spring training in Orlando, so baseball fans are just minutes from all of the action.

For just $10 more, guests can enjoy a special game day-lunch for two that includes two fountain sodas, two hot dogs and two small chips from the hotel’s Lite Bite restaurant.  As an added bonus for baseball-loving parents, children always stay free and children under 9 eat for free (one child per each paying adult).  A commemorative souvenir will be given to the first 50 bookings at check-in.

The family-friendly Clarion Inn LBV is easily accessible to Walt Disney World Resort^® theme parks, Universal Orlando ^®, SeaWorld Orlando^® and Aquatica^®, with complimentary daily scheduled shuttle service.  There are also scheduled pick-ups for Orlando Premium Outlet shopping at Vineland Avenue.  A 24-hour video game room is open for kids of all ages.  Outdoors, guests can enjoy the hotel’s lush landscaped grounds and a children’s playground, as well as two seasonally heated outdoor pools, one of which features the new Ozzie’s Splash Zone for kids.  Guests can choose from a wide variety of onsite dining options to fuel up before the game or they can grab a post-game bite at the Boardwalk Buffet, Lite Bite Mini-Market/Deli or Comfort Zone Bar and Grille.

Extensive multi-million dollar renovations were recently completed at the hotel, which led to the new AAA 3-Diamond rating.  Every guest room received new American-made furnishings of a contemporary design including new ergonomic desks, as well as new carpet, window treatments, upgraded art work, luxurious Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top mattresses and stylish, yet comfortable bedding treatments.  Private bathrooms now feature granite-finish vanity and modern decorative lighting.  Each guest room offers a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, electronic safe and cable television with in-room movies.  Guests also enjoy complimentary WIFI in guest rooms and public areas and free onsite parking.

To book online or for more details and the 2011 Spring Training schedules for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in Orlando, visit www.clarionLBV.com/springtraining, or call 800-999-7300 and ask for the Spring Training rate.

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista – a Rosen Hotels & Resorts property – is located at 8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819 and features 640 newly renovated guest rooms in four high-rise buildings,  a playground and two swimming pools, one of which features the new “Ozzie the Otter Splash Zone.” The free scheduled shuttle provides transportation to Walt Disney World Resort^® theme parks and Downtown Disney as well as Universal Orlando, ^® SeaWorld Orlando^® and Aquatica^®. The hotel is located just off I-4, approximately 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.  For more information, visit www.clarionLBV.com or call 800-999-7300.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

and

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

For more features, visit www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate and

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort Offers Golf Package

Hit the greens and enjoy unlimited championship golf at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club located at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, where the Stay and Play Golf Package is in full swing! Available from $224 per room, per night through November 30, 2011 the package includes:

 

• One night’s deluxe accommodations
• Unlimited daily golf for two
• Breakfast buffet for two in Solaris restaurant
• Kids 15 and under play free with parents after 3:00 pm

 

Footsteps from the resorts atrium lobby, the immaculate 6,600-yard, par-71 Hawk’s Landing Golf Club wraps around the resort’s 200 tropical acres. This beautiful Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary engineered by acclaimed architect Robert E. Cupp Jr. boasts four sets of tees, modern architectural techniques and water on 15 of the 18 holes providing a fun and challenging round for players of all abilities. Prior to hitting the links, warm-up at the extensive practice facility, or schedule a private lesson at the Bill Madonna Golf Academy, which is under the tutelage of Bill Madonna, named a Top 100 Golf Teacher by Golf magazine.

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort offers guests with active lifestyles six distinctive pools ranging from the lagoon pool with its’ 106-foot curvy waterslide, cascading waterfalls and grotto; secluded spa pool; indoor pool; two children’s pools, and six whirlpool spas. Experience the full service Spa; lighted tennis courts; basketball and volleyball courts and 10 diverse restaurants and lounges including a food court, and a Starbucks^® for golfers on the go.

The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort is located 1 1/2 miles from Walt Disney World^® and just minutes from SeaWorld^® Orlando, Discovery Cove^®, Aquatica™, and Universal Studios^® Orlando. For more information or reservations, call 888-99-World and ask for rate code GOF, or visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.

See more stories about visiting Orlando a:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-traveler-in-long-island/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

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