Traveling so much we get to spend a lot of time in all sorts of different accommodations. We love to write about them in particular because hotels and lodging is one of the biggest expenses families (and individuals) face when they’re planning travel.
Our hotel, resort, lodge and campground reviews are our honest opinions. If we have stayed somewhere and HAVEN’T written about it, chances are that we DON’T recommend it. Our blog is forever a work in progress, so if you’ve seen us post something on Instagram recently and you don’t see it here yet, send us a note and we’ll share our thoughts directly with you.
Starting out, here are the most recent hotel reviews and recommendations we’re shared. If you know that we’ve stayed someplace and HAVEN’T written about it, accept that as our non-recommendation. We choose to share the hotels and resorts that we really like, NOT the once that don’t meet our expectations. So yes, you’ll read through and think to yourself “They love every place they stay!” but the truth of the matter is that we only write about the places we do like and feel confident recommending.
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Universal’s Terra Luna Resort – the New Budget-friendly Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
The new Terra Luna Resort at Universal Orlando is a great budget hotel option RIGHT NEXT TO EPIC UNIVERSE. That’s right! you can actually save money AND be epically close to the new theme park (open May 2025).
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Staying at Sapphire Falls Resort – Our Second Favorite Universal Orlando Hotel
Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a great mid-tier option for staying on property. With an awesome pool, boat service into Universal CityWalk and more, it’s our #2 pick for Universal. Do you know what our #1 pick is?
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Review of the Kona Wyndham Hawaiian Resort – Spacious and Quiet on the Big Island
If you’re looking for a condo style stay in Kailua-Kona the Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian is a great choice. Very spacious units, an ideal location and good amenities make it one of our top picks for a stay on the Kona Coast of the Big Island.
National Park Lodges and Accommodations
While camping in National Parks is one of my favorite childhood memories, I’ve come to learn that staying in National Park lodges and hotels just outside the parks really is my preference. We still camp, but nice accommodations after a long day of hiking really is our preference. We haven’t stayed at every National Park lodge, but have several under our belts, and have some favorite hotels near the parks too.
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Staying at the Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park
The Yavapai Lodge at the Grand Canyon is one of the best options for staying in the park, having a central location and is one of the best budget places to stay, particularly in the off season. See what to expect and great things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
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Staying at the Seward Windsong Lodge on the Beautiful Kenai Peninsula of Alaska
The Seward Windsong Lodge is THE place to stay for experiencing Kenai Fjords National Park and the best of Seward, Alaska. From comfortable Alaskan rooms to really good dining at the lodge, it’s a top pick for where to stay in Seward.
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Glacier Park Lodge – a Yesteryear National Park Lodge Not to Miss
Full review of the Glacier Park Lodge on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana. From opinions about the rooms to reviews of the dining options at the lodge, this is what you can expect at this vintage National Park hotel.
Disney Properties – Disneyland, Disney World and Beyond
Apparently we do a lot of Disney Travel… Hopefully we’ll be able to someday say that we’ve been to each Disney hotel, but that’ll take a long time. We have stayed at quite a few though and have all the details of each. From the Galactic Starcuirser at Walt Disney World to the Grand Californian at Disneyland, we’re sharing our picks for room types and activities at the Disney hotels.
Florida Hotel and Resort Recommendations
Since we live in Florida, we do a lot of travel all around the state, staying in fun, beautiful Florida hotels. Like I said at the start of this page, we’re only sharing the hotels and resorts that we genuinely recommend. Yes, we’ve stayed in some crappy hotels AND YOU WON’T FIND THEM HERE. These are only our recommendations for great places to stay around Florida.
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Universal’s Terra Luna Resort – the New Budget-friendly Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
The new Terra Luna Resort at Universal Orlando is a great budget hotel option RIGHT NEXT TO EPIC UNIVERSE. That’s right! you can actually save money AND be epically close to the new theme park (open May 2025).
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The Local, St. Augustine, FL: You’ll LOVE this Pink Vintage Roadside Motel
Review of the Local Inn St Augustine, Florida. Located on Anastasia Island, this vintage Florida roadside motel is a fun, comfortable and budget friendly hotel in St Augustine close to the beach and downtown.
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Key West’s 24 North Hotel – Budget Friendly, Sunset View and Awesome Pool for Kids
The 24 North Hotel in Key West is a surprising pick because of its location, but it’s perfect for a budget family vacation. With a wonderful pool and recreation area, free shuttle to downtown Key West and affordable suite options, it’s an ideal choice.
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Review of the Gates Hotel in Key West: Budget Accommodations for a Lovely, Quiet Vacation
The Gates Hotel Key West is a great option for a budget visit to the Florida Keys. From the large pool to a free shuttle to downtown Key West see why we like the Gates Hotel for a family vacation.
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Perry Key West Hotel and Marina: Hidden Treasure in the Keys
The Perry Hotel Key West is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a great option for a quiet Key West vacation. See what we loved about the property and why we would choose to be so far from the action of this beautiful Florida Keys town.
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Marathon’s Grassy Flats Resort: Quiet Escape in the Middle Florida Keys
The Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club on Marathon is one of the most mellow places we’ve stayed in the Florida Keys. From room options to on-property activities and watersport gear, we’ve got the details of staying at the Grassy Flats Resort.
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Camp Margaritaville Resort Near Orlando – Tiny Home Getaway in Central Florida
Not sure what to expect of staying at Camp Margaritaville in Florida? The full scoop on accommodations, swimming pools, things to do at Camp and great ideas for a Central Florida vacation.
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Staying at the Sundial Beach Resort, Sanibel Island – REOPENED SINCE HURRICANE IAN
The Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island is great for families looking for a spacious beachfront hotel on the Florida Gulf Coast. Review of the hotel, amenities and ideas for things to do on Sanibel Island.
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Coconut Beach Resort: Quiet Waterfront Key West Hotel
The Coconut Beach Resort Key West is the ideal hotel for anyone looking for an oceanfront suite, heated pool and perfect Key West views. Details of the hotel, things to do in the Southernmost Point area, and tips for a great Key West vacation.
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Review of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a very different Walt Disney World Hotel. It feels unlike other Disney properties while still having the Disney touches and service. Review of Coronado Springs includes dining, transportation and more.
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Awesome and Trendy Hotel At Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original Walt Disney World Hotels, and with its latest update, is the coolest property to stay at. See what to expect, amenities, and how to get to the Disney Parks from the Contemporary.
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Review of Hawks Cay Resort in the Exact Middle of the Florida Keys
Review of Hawks Cay Resort halfway down the Florida Keys, a place you can check in and never have to leave. From vacation rentals to hotel rooms, there are a variety of accommodations and amenities.
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Review of the Shelborne South Beach, Miami – Trendy and Fun on the Beach
Review of the Shelborne South Beach hotel in Miami, including things to do and dining recommendations in the Art Deco District of Miami Beach. Tips for planning a fun weekend getaway to the Shelborne on the beach.
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Staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Vintage Vibes and All Fun
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort has been our favorite for years. Providing both the best value and the most fun, Cabana Bay is our top pick at Universal Orlando Resort. See why!
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The Marker Key West Resort: Fun, Tropical Hotel at the Historic Seaport
Review of the Marker Resort Hotel in Key West at the end of the Florida Keys. Get the details of this beautiful resort located in the Historic Seaport area of Key West, including rooms, dining and things to do nearby.
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Review of Hotel Laureate Key West: Family Suites in the Florida Keys
Review of the Laureate Key West, an all-suites hotel. In a great location that’s NOT downtown, the Laureate is perfect for families with plenty of space and hotel amenities, directly across from the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Top Pick for Value Level Resort
Review of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort includes Cars, Lion King, Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid themed suites and rooms. A fun family hotel, Art of Animation is a Value Level Walt Disney World resort and is ideal for families visiting on a budget (or not).
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Review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: It’s Pretty Magical
Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique experience at Walt Disney World and one to add to your bucket list. Review of the Lodge, tips for booking, and everything you need to know about staying near Animal Kingdom.
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Where to stay in St Augustine: Best Hotels, Unusual Inns and Fantastic Vacation Rentals
Top picks for hotels, interesting inns, vacation rentals and more in St Augustine. Bed and Breakfasts in the historic downtown or beach bungalows off the beaten path, family friendly or romantic getaway options in North Florida.
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The Casa Marina Hotel: vintage, golden age Florida at its best
The Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida reopening as the “grand lady” the Casa Marina was when she first welcomed guests to Jacksonville Beach 70 years prior. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation added the Casa Marina as one of the Historic Hotels of America, giving it a new lease on life…
Campgrounds and Rustic Stays
We write about camping much less frequently than we used to, but we still do it, so watch this space for updates about camping and rustic stays wherever we’re traveling!
