Visit Naples: Dining In Naples Florida
Jul 14
Posted: under Best of..., Destinations and Places, Florida, Restaurants News, South Florida, United States, Useful Tips and Gadgets.
Tags: dining in naples, naples florida restaurants, naples vacation rentals
As you may or may not know, Naples, Florida is known for its first-rate Naples restaurants. Now, the city is welcoming several new additions to that list. The home of master Naples restaurants is offering some new pleasures and some of the familiar classics are offering recession meal deals. Visit Naples and stay in Naples vacation rentals or holiday apartments in Naples and enjoy a great meal.
Below are the latest Naples restaurants updates:
Sea Salt
Venice-born restaurateurs, Fabrizio Aielli and his wife Ingrid are the owners of the Teatro Goldoni restaurant in Washington D.C. which serves well-known politicians and journalists. They have introduced Naples to Sea Salt, which was greeted with great reviews in Gourmet Magazine. For information, call 239-434-7258 or seasaltnaples.com.
Price Range: $22 to $46
Ridgway Bar and Grille
Local chef Tony Ridgway has slashed prices more than 30%. He made this drastic price cut possible with small changes such as substituting lobster mashed potatoes with French fries. For information, call 239-262-5500 or visit ridgwaybarandgrill.com.
Price Range: $20 to $34
Naples Tomato
Most people including the New York Times love the lasagna here. Although their pasta is fantastic, there is a lot more to Naples Tomato than that. For information, call 239-598-9800 or visit naplestomato.com.
Price Range: $13 to $35
Campiello
This restaurant has an outdoor bar that attracts an upscale crowd. It also serves one of Naples’s favorite appetizers, spicy fried calamari. In the winter season, the restaurant gets to popular you need to make reservations weeks in advance. For information, call 239-435-1166 or visit campiello.damico.com.
Price Range: $14 to $42
Escargot 41
This restaurant serves Naples’ best French cuisine which is made by Chef Patrick Fevrier. Its specialty: Escargot which comes in 7 different varieties on the menu. For information, call 239-793-5000 or visit escargot41.com.
Price Range: $18 to $33
Bleu Provence
Chef Lysielle Cariot and her husband Jacques moved from Provence, France to Naples to open a restaurant. Chef Lysielle Cariot had no formal training and, instead, used home recipes she learned as she grew up in Nigeria and France. For information, call 239-261-8239 or visit bleuprovencenaples.com.
Price Range: $24 to $38
Truluck’s
The main reason anyone comes to Truluck’s is for its ultra-fresher-than-any-other seafood. For information, call 239-530-3131 or visit trulucks.com.
Price Range: $22 to $45
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Hospitality &Tourism Industry Discounts for Orlando Vacations
Jul 08
Posted: under Adventure Holiday News, Destinations and Places, Florida, Lodging and Hotel News, Orlando, United States.
Tags: discounted rates, orlando tourism, orlando vacations
Orlando, Florida is the home of numerous theme parks and attractions such as Disney World, Sea World, MGM Studios and Universal Studios which help to keep the destination a favorite vacation spot on both the national and international levels. So with all these attractions, restaurants, a major airport and Orlando vacation rentals, it is no wonder the city is so familiar with the dedication it takes from industry employees to maintain a consistent level of service.
Because of this, much of the Orlando/Orange County tourism industry has teamed up to show its appreciation by offering “Hospitality Appreciation Days” from September 1-November 15, 2009. These days will feature special offers from over 115 stores, attractions, restaurants and Orlando vacation rentals.
Industry employees will be recognized by various forms of ID to receive industry rates. These forms of ID include employee ID, business card with valid ID and/or check stub. Those who take advantage of these offers can also take advantage of the “Orlando Magical Dining Month” at over 50 area restaurants who will be serving 3 course prix-fixe dinners for $20-$30.
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Daily Trips from Miami to Palm Beach - vacation villas in Palm Beach
Jul 08
Posted: under Florida, Palm Beach, United States.
Tags: Del Rey Beach, florida, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, miami, Miami Beach, naples, Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, south florida, travel, vacation rentals, vacation villas, West Palm Beach
While spending holidays in Miami Beach, visitors have the opportunity to easily visit other nearby South Florida vacation destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Palm Beach or Key West. South Florida offers plenty of vacation villas in Palm Beach, Palm Beach holiday rental apartments and hotels where you could stay while enjoying tours, sightseeing or activities. Visitors have two routes that they can use to get to Palm Beach: I-95 to Palm Beach or exiting I-95 around Pompano Beach and then using A1A towards the beach until you reach Palm Beach.
The quickest way to reach Palm Beach is also the most boring route which will get you there in 75 to 90 minutes without traffic. If making this trip during the week, it is best to leave Miami Beach before 7 AM or latest, by 10 AM. Many visitors in Miami will go to Palm Beach for the day.
The route along A1A provides a truly nice drive through the adorable towns of Del Rey Beach and Lantana. On this route, you will see multimillion-dollar waterfront mansions paving a large portion of the way.
The cities of Lantana and Palm Beach feature their architectural magnificence through huge modern palaces. Visitors in Palm Beach instantly love this upscale historic seaside town with expensive taste. The main commercial street in Palm Beach is named Worth Avenue. It boasts a concentration of the world’s most luxurious brand names such as Cartier, Prada and more. Shopping in Palm Beach is not for everyone; if you are on a tighter budget, hop on a taxi and head towards West Palm Beach, which is a 5-minute drive from Palm Beach. West Palm Beach is the downtown of Palm Beach with high-rise buildings and its new commercial district City Place. City Place features restaurants, cafes, bars, night clubs and stores.
Our trip to Palm Beach was at the end of June and the city was dead. The streets and restaurants were all empty. High season in Palm Beach is from December to April. If you plan to spend the night in Palm Beach, you may stay in the legendary Breakers Hotel or alternatively, in Palm Beach holiday rental apartments or vacation villas in Palm Beach.
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Comparing Miami Beach hotels and Miami Beach vacation rentals
Jun 15
Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, Lodging and Hotel News.
Tags: Art Deco, comparison, Flamingo, history of Miami, luxury buildings, Miami Beach hotels, Miami Beach vacation rentals, Portofino, Setai, Yacht Club
Miami Beach hotels, Miami Beach vacation rentals
Miami Beach was created in 1915, (read about the history of Miami) and most Miami Beach hotels were built in the 30’s and 40’s. Low cost Miami Beach hotel rooms (from 80 to $200/night) are within those charming historic Art Deco buildings. The average historic Miami Beach hotels are small and made up of about 20 to 50 rooms distributed among 2 stories. Most historic Miami Beach hotels offer limited amenities and usually do not have pools and gyms but they are located 2 minutes from the beach.
On average, the Miami Beach hotels rooms from this era were small and normally around 150 square feet. The bathrooms were also small. Throughout the years Miami Beach hotels were renovated. Still, hotel rooms are small compared to more modern buildings, where, by law, hotel rooms need to be at least 400 square feet.
Miami Beach vacation rentals are found within historic buildings in the art deco district or in luxury buildings such as the Yacht Club, Portofino, The Flamingo or the Setai. No matter their budget, vacationers will have plenty of choices. Travelers on a budget will likely stay in Miami Beach vacation rentals located in the art deco district. For the price of a hotel room, vacationers can have more space and a fully-furnished apartment in Miami Beach vacation rentals.
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Beach and Water Sport Vacations
Jun 12
Posted: under Adventure Holiday News, Destinations and Places, Florida, North Carolina.
Tags: Acapulco, beach vacation, beach vacation homes, boating, Cayman Islands, Croatia, jet skiing, Kayaking, miami, North Carolina, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, vacation apartment, water sports, White-water rafting
Vacation Apartment Rentals, Beach Vacation Homes
Although a beach vacation can also offer water sports, not all water sport vacations can offer a beach. Water sports can be practiced on rivers and lakes. If you want a combination of Beach and water sport vacations, search for vacation apartment rentals or beach vacation homes in destinations such as Miami, Acapulco or Croatia.
In water sport vacations, you can go white-water rafting in places such as North Carolina but in beach and water sport vacations you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling off the coast of the Cayman Islands. If you plan to immerse yourself in everything that is water, look into staying in beach vacation homes or vacation apartment rentals along a beach shore. Enjoy kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and boating as well as just laying out and sunbathing.
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Bouncing Back from the Tourism Slump?
Jun 03
Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, United States.
Tags: Florida Tourism, miami, Miami tourism, Miami-Dade, south florida
According to reports such as that of Smith Travel Research, the tourism industry in South Florida may have hit rock bottom and is making its way back. The month of April, although not great, was a bit better than March. In Miami-Dade County, room rates for the month of April fell 12 percent lower than last year. So far, that has been the smallest rate decline for Miami this year.
Come summer, hotels may have to start slashing prices to fill up rooms. Rolando Aedo, head of marketing for the Greater Miami tourism bureau, expects the same volume of foreign tourists as were welcomed last year. Some markets, particularly Germany, are actually reporting that their numbers for 2009 will be higher than their 2008 numbers. Professionals in the tourism industry already see signs of stabilization. Wayne Gales, sales director for the Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach, has more advanced bookings at this point for meetings in 2010 than he did for 2009 at this time last year.
Of South Florida, the Keys fared best during the month of April according to the Smith Travel Report. Occupancy improved 2 points in the Keys while it dropped 10 percent in both Broward and Miami-Dade. In order to fare this well, the Keys had to cut prices to fill beds. Rates dropped 12 percent. The discounted rates are likely to invite busier weekends this summer. People are cutting back on their expenses and are very price sensitive about everything. In this industry today, you have got to give a little to get a little.
Find Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals, Key West vacation rentals, Miami Beach vacation rentals, and Miami vacation rentals.
South Florida Building Binge - South Florida Vacations
Jun 03
Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, United States.
Tags: Canyon Ranch, Casa Marina, Clevelander, Downtown Miami, Eden Roc, Epic Hotel, Fontainebleau, Fort Lauderdale, fort lauderdale vacation rentals, Il Lugano, Key West, Key West vacation rentals, miami, Miami Beach, Miami Beach vacation rentals, Miami vacation rentals, Mondrian, South Beach, south florida, Viceroy, W Fort Lauderdale, W South Beach, Westin
South Florida has recently gone on a building binge that gives travelers more options than ever. This isn’t a good situation for hoteliers since the economy already negatively affects sales and now hotels must offer rooms at lower prices in order to compete. As for travelers, this means fancy hotels that you only dreamed of at affordable rates. More and more Floridians are vacationing in or near their hometowns for an exclusive, chic getaway.
Some of the new or recently renovated hotels offering deals are:
Casa Marina, Key West
Henry Flagler’s 1920s hotel underwent a $43 million renovation that added a contemporary style, a new pool area and updates to the 311 rooms. This full-scale resort includes a beach. Aside from standard rooms, Casa Marina also offers loft suites and rooms with rooftop balconies with ocean views. For more information, call 888-303-5717 or visit casamarinaresort.com.
Deal: Summer rates start at $149.
Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach
The 1950s Carillon Hotel was gutted and revamped into this beachfront version of Arizona’s famous medical resort. The resort’s focal point is the 70,000 square foot spa with medical offices, high tech equipments such as a body scanner and Chinese medicine experts. The exercise machines in the fitness center upload the customized workout program detailed in your room key. The 150-room hotel differs from its Arizona counterpart in that it serves alcohol. Because it is a condo-hotel, the units are more spacious and come with a kitchen and state-of-the-art appliances. For more information, call 305-514-7000 or visit canyonranch.com.
Deal: Stay two nights before September 30th and get the third night free. Introductory rates start at $250.
Eden Roc, Miami Beach
Eden Roc underwent a $180 million renovation which updated rooms in the existing hotel and added nearly 300 rooms in a new tower. An infinity pool was added and the lobby was redone. For more information, call 305-531-000 or visit boldnewedenroc.com
Deal: Book two nights and get a third one free by using code B4F. Rates start at $239.
Clevelander, Miami Beach
The Clevelander has a reputation as the ultimate party hotel. Recently, it got a $40 million renovation. The lobby was returned to original Art Deco style and an extra poll-deck bar was added. The new roof-top deck is a must-see. Most of the hotel’s 70 rooms were redone but the Rock Star suites offer the most with more space and nicer amenities. Bathrooms were updated with glass-walled shower and oversized shower heads. For more information, call 877-532-5006 or visit Clevelander.com.
Deal: Rooms start at $179.
Il Lugano, Fort Lauderdale
This 105-room hotel opened in January 2008 but recently upgraded its already contemporary lobby. The tower also features 26 additional condos on separate floors. All units are either one or two-bedroom suites with kitchens, water views and state-of-the-art appliances. For more information, call 954-226-5002 or visit illugano.com.
Deal: Florida residents booking the Home Suite Home package between June 1st and September 30th get a double for $149 per night as well as valet parking and continental breakfast for two. Use promo code PROFOD.
Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
This classic hotel recently reopened after a $500 million renovation. The stylish hotel has hot bars and nightclubs and an enormous pool. There are waterslides for the kids and an adults-only hideaway where women can go topless. The units in the condo-hotel tower are large and many have separate bedrooms and kitchens. The rooms in the original building were renovated as well. The hotel also has 3 restaurants headed by nationally-renowned chefs. For more information, call 305-538-2000 or visit fontainebleauresorts.com.
Deal: Summer rates start at $299 ($249 for weekdays). Midweek prices for Florida residents can drop down to $199. Also, get free valet parking.
Mondrian, Miami Beach
The Mondrian on West Avenue was recently renovated with a post-minimalist style and lots of black and white. The 335-condo-hotel-unit building faces downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay. There is a vending machine where you can purchase a $68,000 Corvette as well as other extravagant impulses. For more information, call 305-672-2662 or visit mondriansouthbeach.com.
Deal: Get a free poolside cabana, bottle of champagne, an upgrade to the next level room and 25% off spa treatments any time in 2009. Book online and use promo code PKMOFN. Rates start at $345.
Epic Hotel, Downtown Miami
This 411-room hotel sits on the Miami River and boasts a popular Area 31 seafood restaurant. The hotel overlooks Brickell Avenue. The bathrooms are the highlight of the renovation with bathtubs divided from the rest of the area by a shutter. The balconies overlook either the river or downtown. For more information, call 305-400-7399 or visit epichotel.com.
Deal: Florida residents get 20% off during the summer. Use promo code FSR. Rates start at $289.
Westin, Fort Lauderdale
This 433-unit hotel underwent a $65 million renovation. The pool was redone with a stone waterfall and the unit bathrooms are very impressive. For more information, call 954-467-1111 or visit westin.com/fortlauderdalebeach.
Deal: Rates start at $134 if you pay 21 days in advance. Buy three nights and get a fourth one free.
Viceroy, Downtown Miami
The Related Group brought this lush boutique hotel to Miami at the mouth of the Miami River. The 53rd floor of this urban hotel holds the rooftop pool deck and lounge. There is an enormous pool on the 10th floor for residents. The rooms were decorated with an Asian style. The hotel has a very chic club and views of the skyline. For more information, call 305-503-4400 or visit viceroymiami.com.
Deal: Florida residents get free valet parking, continental breakfast and a two hour rental for a Vespa scooter when they stay before September 30th. Stay at least two nights and get a $50 credit for hotel restaurants. Rates start at $255.
W South Beach, Miami Beach
The new pricey condo-hotel resort features 511 condo-hotel units. The hotel is schedule to open on June 2nd and the rooms are likely to be the best rooms on South Beach. The units will be large and will have kitchens. For more information, call 305-938-3000 or visit starwoodhotels.com.
Deal: Florida residents get 20% off and free parking this summer. Rates start at $369.
W Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale
This 517-unit resort is easily the boldest of Fort Lauderdale hotels. It bring South Beach chic to a more affordable location. The pool on the third floor has clear walls making it more like a human aquarium as you can see in the water from the stairs. The showers are separated from the rest of the room with a glass wall so you can see everything. Standard rooms are a decent size but if you upgrade to a suite for a little extra, most have balconies large enough for a cocktail party. A delicious restaurant, Steak 954, is located in the hotel. For more information, call 954-414-8200 or visit starwoodhotels.com.
Deal: Florida residents off during all of 2009. Summer rates start at $179.
Find Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals, Key West vacation rentals, Miami Beach vacation rentals, and Miami vacation rentals.
Siesta Key: One spot for all Beaches- Florida Vacation Rentals
May 13
Posted: under Adventure Holiday News, Best of..., Destinations and Places, Florida, Siesta Key, United States.
Tags: accommodations, beach, florida, Florida Holiday Rentals, Florida vacation rentals, sarasota, Siesta Key, siesta key village, smart travel, snorkeling, turtle beach
Siesta Key is 35 square miles of a variety of different kinds of beaches. For example, couples and families can enjoy the quieter beaches while young adults can enjoy a party beach. The beaches are covered in jelly-soft sand and surrounded by extraordinary Gulf and bay views. Siesta Key is low key yet high-energy and elegant yet laid back. The tree-lined residential streets run along old and new condos, mansions and cottages. There are three different beaches in Siesta Key. The public beach, the largest of all three, offers skimboarding, volleyball, concession stands, lifeguards and more. On Sundays, locals gather on the beach for sunset to watch drummers, hula hoopers and belly dancers. Siesta Key Village, just a block away from the Beach Palms beachfront bungalows, has a high-energy atmosphere. Here you can sit outside of cafes among the colorful architecture and live entertainment. Crescent Beach is the more private beach. Enjoy Sarasota’s best snorkeling around the coral and slabs at Point of Rocks. Make sure to stroll along Turtle Beach and search for sharks’ teeth.
For the best rates on vacation rentals in Siesta Key or Florida vacation rentals in Siesta Key, check Escaperental.com.
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North Captiva Island- Florida Vacation Rentals
May 13
Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, United States.
Tags: accommodations, florida, Florida Holiday Rentals, florida travel, Florida vacation rentals, Florida vacations, smart travel
In the 1920s storms divided Captiva Island and separated what is now known as North Captiva Island. North Captiva Island is a four-mile crescent of the coast of southwest Florida. The island has a private, exclusive feel. Vacationers came with a week’s worth of groceries and disappear into their North Captiva Island beach house rentals. The public beach has families and honeymooners but in Cayo Costa State Park, the beach is all yours. You will see gopher tortoises burrowing into the sand and dolphins playing close to the shore. One of the unique beauties of North Captiva Island is that there are no hotels. Rent North Captiva Island beach house rentals or North Captiva Island Florida vacation rentals.
Futuro House - Florida holiday homes
May 13
Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
Tags: accommodations, florida, florida holiday homes, florida travel, florida vacation apartments, Florida vacation rentals, futuro house, matti suuronen, panferio drive, pensacola beach, smart travel
Futuro House at 1304 Panferio Drive in Pensacola Beach resembles what was once considered futuristic architecture. Locals know the house as the “UFO house.” The house resembles a regular structure with a UFO-looking craft that landed on the roof. Finnish pop architect Matti Suuronen designed this private residence in the late 1960s using plastic and fiberglass. Reports on the number of these that were built, range from 20 to 100. The UFO house even has an airplane-hatch entrance. It is plenty sturdy, too. Since its construction in the late 1960s, the UFO house has toughed-out several storms and hurricanes.
If you happen to be visiting the area, pass by to get a glimpse of this must-see sight. Also, take a look at the Florida vacation apartments or Florida holiday homes in the area.