Those summer nights...

As summer slowly begins to fade, I cannot help but sit and dwell about some of the best experiences I had at this same time last year. I clearly remember the sandy beaches, the friendly people, and the crazy nightlife I encountered while in Acapulco, Mexico. My friends and I stayed at the Hotel Emporio Acapulco and enjoyed sun kissed days with endless nights of dancing. The hotel could not have been more ideal for a group of girls just wanting to escape the realities of everyday life and indulge in a colorful city that never sleeps. The location was right in the middle of everything we needed:good dining, the best nightclubs, and taxis to safely end our nights/mornings :) If only every summer could end as memorable as that one did.

"Shore" Enjoyed Oahu

Bryan and I had a great time in Hawaii, soaking up the sun and embarking on the ultimate tourist adventure. While some activities were done out of obligation as first-time visitors (luau, Waikiki, Hanauma Bay), there were others that made the trip unbelievable.

If you're going, be sure to rent a car to escape the bustle of Honolulu. We drove to the edge of the island in three directions from our base camp on Waikiki, witnessing a vivid potpourri of landscapes and beaches. The highlight was a drive through the green Waianae Mountains to the Kamehama Highway on our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The waves to the north and east were fun but terrifying (my 220-pound husband was thrown into two full underwater cartwheels by one), and the full moon above Diamond Head reflecting off the waters of Waikiki was breathtaking.

Best Site - Halona Blowhole and the beaches along the eastern coast

Worst Site - the scratch the "parking garage pillar made" down the side of our rental car

Hola a Mexico!

I'm squeezing in one last hurrah at the beach before its time to say adios to summer. Puerto Villarta here I come! My big vacation activities include laying on the beach, eating great authentic Mexican food and then laying on the beach some more. I'm not sure how I'll make it through all that tough work, but I'll give it my best shot! Adios!

San Francisco Treat

Our two year anniversary is right around the corner (eek!) and I've been thinking about being a nice gf for once and planning a surprise weekend getaway for some QT. I saw a survey today from National Geographic Traveler showing the top U.S. destinations that people think are romantic with San Francisco ranking 2nd (Sorry, Hawaii -- you're too expensive, but there's always next year!). The Warwick Regis Hotel is right in the heart of SF's theatre district and is a historical landmark complete with four poster and canopied beds!

BLT anyone??

Well... More like clear Beaches, savoring Long Island ice teas, and moisturizing Tanning oils. Are you with me now? There is nothing more I crave other than the countless moments my sister will endulge herself in while at the Rio Othon Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Anticipating her departure this Saturday, she packs her suitcase with colorful swimsuits, comfortable sandals, and distinguished sun dresses. Oh, and who could forget their dancing shoes?! Not only is this golden city known for its beautiful beaches during the daytime, such as the Copacabana Beach, but also people recognize it as the city that never sleeps for its unique and energized variations of sambas and forras. Until my trip in December finally arrives, I will simply have to settle for the real thing: bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes please...

Water, Water Everywhere...

...Except in Dallas, that is!! The temperature here is steadily reaching record highs and there isn't a drop of rain in the forecast to be seen.  Ironically, the usually highly anticipated daily walk from the office to my car after work has become quite dreaded as hot leather on bare skin is never, ever a good thing. I (and might I add, my makeup that has slid halfway down my face) need relief from this Texas heat and a getaway to the Secrets Excellence Riviera Cancun in Mexico is exactly what I had in mind. All I need are white sand beaches and the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea -- a drink with a little umbrella wouldn't hurt either!!

Bally's Las Vegas Hotel Review

Guests walk into the Bally’s Las Vegas and know they have arrived. From its rich appointments to its wide open spaces, this is the good life in Las Vegas. A Harrah’s Property, Bally’s guests can check-in at the airport upon arrival and save some time once they arrive at the actual property itself which is highly recommended due to the magnitude of the property.

Amsterdam Podcast

Hello and welcome back to the Hotelbook.com podcast. In this episode we’re taking a trip to continental Europe and exploring the canals and narrow streets of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

There is something for everybody in the city of Amsterdam – from the Rembrandt and City museums, to the sex and marijuana museums. And when you’re not seeing great art, eating or shopping, then just walking or sailing around the city is an enjoyable experience in itself. Amsterdam has retained its characteristic horseshoe shape, the pattern of which is still clearly visible in the network of canals and streets in the city centre. The canals are lined by beautiful 16th and 17th century houses, which are now very desirable as each has its own story and history.

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I'm getting "lei'd"

Just a shout out to bid adieu to my fellow bloggers as I depart tomorrow for Hawaii. I beg you not to miss my clever posts too badly as I will return in short order to share all my tales of sun, surf and getting lei'd. Should you need to reach me...don't!