CheapTickets Travel Deals

My cheap Arizona hotel crush: The Montelucia

vmoloney — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:47:57 +0000

Luxe for less: Scottsdale's Montelucia teases with Camelback Mountain views & affordable weekday stays.

By Valerie Moloney

When online shopping, I’m painstaking and stalkeresque in my search. What’s a few hours of comparing, clicking and reclicking when the ultimate fruit the best deal on travel? So it’s nice when I don’t have to do the work, and an upscale beauty blazes to the top of the search results with everything on my wish list: a gorgeous pool, heavenly spa and otherworldly décor that channels the Andalusian region of Spain.

The InterContinental Alliance Resorts Montelucia Resort & Spa is a (bargain!) five-star hotel at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Prices are prime for weekday stays, with rates going for as low as $99 a night depending on availability.

Ranked one of the world’s best hotels by Travel & Leisure, it wows with 35 acres of desert decadence, and we’re not just talking mountain views (which, by the way, are best taken in during movies nights IN the pool). Four-poster beds climb to the ceiling. Sumptuous fabrics lend softness to heavy, espresso-colored wood. Amber lighting brings the warmth of the landscape indoors, a seamless experience from guest room to lobby.

Let’s talk pampering.

Pumping up Scottsdale’s street cred as a luxury spa destination, Joya Spa was named the No. 1 spa by Phoenix magazine. Spa regulars, you know the difference between a good spa experience and a great spa experience, starting with the lounge. At Joya, the room feels more like a Moroccan chamber, with plush day beds, brass light fixtures and candlelight melting every ounce of stress long before you enter the treatment room for a full body argan oil massage or coconut cream manicure and pedicure. For that rare treat, reserve a Hammam Ritual, where you’ll be exfoliated with black olive oil charcoal soap after a steam/sauna, hammam (warming room) and cold deluge.

Prado, an elegant example of sustainable, Mediterranean fare, is every bit as decadent as its surroundings. Dine al fresco on signatures such as an Arizona-sourced rib eye and Squid Ink Angel Hair with the Camelback mountains in easy view, or take it inside for 100 percent agave tequila and sommelier-chosen varietals at Mbar.

I’m not a golfer, but my husband will be glad to know guest have priority access to four area courses. And for the kids: Planet Trekkers Kids Club, where even the shortest of attention spans will be sated with life-sized chess, treasure hunts and a gaming room.

Done and done. Here’s to luxe experiences on a family-friendly budget.

Related resources

Valerie Moloney, who manages the CheapTickets blog and used to live in Morocco, has vivid memories of her mother scrubbing her down with charcoal soap. She would prefer those be replaced with a real life hammam ritual.

Boardroom meets bedroom in a Fort Lauderdale suite

vmoloney — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:00:42 +0000

A room that multitasks: The conference suite at Sheraton Suites Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale West.

By Mara Tilen

We get it. Spending your work week in hotel rooms can get monotonous after a while, but look at the bright side: Sometimes that hotel room is a gateway to a cheap vacation. Case in point: South Florida, a sunny, affordable destination that begs to be explored when the client meetings are said and done. With a thriving nightlife scene, serene spas and a 600,000-square-foot convention center, you’ll feel that much more productive in beautiful surroundings.

One of my favorite business hotels is the Sheraton Suites Plantation, Ft Lauderdale West. Centrally located and within minutes of corporate offices, local attractions, beaches, shopping, entertainment and recreation, it’s the expense-account traveler’s excuse to unwind post-presentation. Think heated outdoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.

And not that we would encourage this, but hey, we’re guilty of bringing work home, too: The hotel boasts a conference room suite – complete with a meeting space for 6 people on side, and a king bed on the other. Part room, part meeting space, it cuts out the travel time, and offers that extra few minutes to prep that proposal.

Just make sure that you at least partially make the bed.

Other great biz-friendly stays in Fort Lauderdale:

Mara Tilen is a market coordinator for Orbitz Worldwide.

Beignets to churros: The best bites at Disneyland

vmoloney — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:33 +0000

Top dogs: Get your hand-dipped, golden-brown corn dogs at several stands around Disneyland.

By Amanda Ficili

Snacking your way around the Disneyland Resort is an attraction all its own, and with so many deliciously tasty opportunities, it’s easy to see why. Sure, the spot is home to a multitude of fabulous restaurants and eateries, but sometimes you just need a little pick me up in between, especially after a few hours of adventurous park hopping at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland snacks come in all shapes and sizes and while some are widely available and obvious, some of the best ones can be found off the beaten path like hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

1. Dole Whip Float
Available at The Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland, this yummy concoction consists of the ever popular Dole pineapple soft-serve floating in a glass of fresh pineapple juice.

2. Caramel Apples
From simple to intricate, Disneyland takes caramel apples to the next level. Delicious apples dipped in sweet caramel and decorated in just about any fashion are widely available throughout the park.

3. Beignets
Nothing says “New Orleans” like an order of sweet and crispy beignets. The mouth-watering Mickey-shaped variety can be found in Disneyland’s own New Orleans Square. These doughnut-like pastries are fried to a golden hue and topped with powdered sugar.

4. Premium Mickey Bar
No trip to Disneyland is complete without one. Creamy, premium vanilla ice cream dipped in rich dark chocolate and of course, shaped like the main mouse himself can be found at snack carts everywhere!

5. Popcorn
For some reason, Disneyland Popcorn just tastes better. You just can’t beat a box of freshly popped Disneyland popcorn on a sunny afternoon at the parks.

6. Mint Julep
The non-alcoholic version of a Deep South favorite can really hit the spot on a warm day. The refreshing mix of lemonade and fresh mint is garnished with mint leaves and a cherry and is only available at the Mint Julep Stand in New Orleans Square.

7. Giant Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs
These corn dogs are available at a few locations around Disneyland, including Stage Door Cafe and The Little Red Wagon. They are hand-dipped in a sweet corn batter and fried to a crispy golden brown. So delicious.

8. Churro
Sold at snack carts throughout the park, the Churro may be one of the most popular Disneyland snacks. These crispy sticks are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and are sure to fix your sweet tooth craving in an instant.

9. Frozen Apple Juice
A nice change from the traditional frozen lemonade, refreshing frozen Minute Maid Apple Juice can be purchased in Fantasyland near the entrance to the Big Thunder Ranch area.

10. Cream Cheese Pretzels
When an ordinary pretzel just won’t do, take it up a notch with the sweet, cream cheese version available at several snack carts around the park. My favorite is the “it’s a small world” themed cart located near this nostalgic attraction.

Related resources

Amanda Ficili is a member of the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Resort or Disney Vacation Club vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their participation on the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. The views expressed in the Panel are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online prior to posting.

Disneyland on a dime: 7 money-saving tips

vmoloney — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:06:40 +0000

Catch Disneyland's new Mickey's Soundsational Parade, one of many freebies within the park.

By Amanda Ficili

There’s never been a better time to visit the Disneyland Resort and with the upcoming openings of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, you’ll want to get those bags packed and ready for an unforgettable summer vacation.

A trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth” can be more affordable than you think. Proper planning and careful budgeting are extremely important keys to successful Disneyland trip planning and with the right tools, anyone can plan a magical vacation that won’t break the bank. Here are a few money-saving tips to keep in mind as you plan for your next pixie-dusted Disneyland vacation:

1. Purchase your park tickets prior to your arrival.
In most cases, online prices are a bit lower than those at the gates. Naturally, start on CheapTickets, which is offering a 3-day Park Hopper for $199.

2. Purchase a complete vacation package.
Bundle your savings with flight and hotel rather than trying to put a trip together a la carte.

3. Bring your own snacks.
Disneyland allows guests to carry small, soft-sided coolers that can be filled with snacks and drinks (bottled water, juice boxes). This can save you at least $25 a day.

4. Eat outside of the parks.
While Disneyland is full of delicious restaurants and eateries, those traveling on a budget should consider “outside” meal opportunities. If you do plan to eat inside the parks, consider the vending carts and quick service locations, such as the all-new Jolly Holiday bakery.

5. Purchase souvenirs ahead of time.
When pinching pennies on your Disneyland vacation, save serious dough by buying Disney-themed souvenirs before your vacation. The online Disney Store is a great spot to shop for lower priced souvenirs.

6. Bring necessities from home.
Purchasing items such as ponchos, umbrellas, sunscreen, film and batteries prior to your trip will save you money on your Disneyland vacation.

7. Take advantage of freebies.

Free sourdough bread samples are available at the Boudin Bakery Tour at Disney’s California Adventure.
Grab a free celebration button from City Hall at Disneyland Park.
Enjoy the free entertainment offered throughout the park including live music, parades, theatrical performance shows, fireworks and more.
Character meet-and-greets and autographs are always free.
Grab a free “license” on Disneyland’s Autopia attraction.
Occasionally free maps of the Jungle Cruise attraction are available if you request one from a cast member.
Keep an eye out for Cast Members, especially security guards handing out free Mickey Mouse stickers. You can also visit any Disney Vacation Club kiosk to receive free colorful stickers.

Related resources

Amanda Ficili is a member of the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

Rainy day plans: Disneyland’s best indoor adventures

vmoloney — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:09 +0000

Find refuge at Disneyland's Animation Building to create cartoon characters & sing with the Seven Dwarves.

By Ari Krell

You know the old saying, “It never rains in southern California.” Well it’s totally true. Until it rains. And if it happens to be raining cats and dogs on a day you already planned on going to Disneyland Resort, then prepare yourself for a magical time even under threatening skies.

Certain attractions take on a different appearance on those gloomy, drizzly days. The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is the perfect example of how the rain can change the personality of an attraction. While my family and I have taken this classic adventure many times on dry days, it’s been a totally different experience in the rain.

Gliding along rivers, we felt that much closer to the adventure with raindrops pattering on our canvas roof. The attraction became smaller and the jungle animals larger. Moisture escaped the air, and even the skippers on boats cracked jokes about the rainy day ambiance.

At Disney California Adventure Park, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror becomes more ominous during a downpour. The Hollywood Tower Hotel façade appears even more menacing when the sky is dark grey. During a rainstorm the air hangs heavier, the music more haunting, the dust thicker and the dim lights flicker more. The creepy hotel cast members appear dourer during a long drizzle, which adds to the whole experience.

And here’s one more place to escape during a downpour: Innoventions in Tomorrowland, a two-story, interactive house. My two daughters always race upstairs to play interactive games like Power City, a shuffleboard type game that teaches about energy usage. My personal favorite: the Innoventions Dream Home, which sports all the technological bells and whistles of tomorrow’s real estate.

Move onto the Animation Building in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, where you can learn to draw your favorite Disney character, find the character you are most like, see a zoetrope in action, talk with Crush and sing with the Seven Dwarves. You can also just sit back on a comfortable couch in the main lobby and be blown away by the amazing video animation displays that fill the walls with the magic of your favorite Disney films.
So even if it isn’t always sunny in California, there’s no need to fret when the skies become grey. Take refuge indoors, one of the many reasons Disneyland Resort is indeed the Happiest Place on Earth.

Related resources

Ari Krell is a member of the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

The less you pay, the better it feels on CheapTickets

vmoloney — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:40:30 +0000

By Valerie Moloney

There are certain luxuries in life where you can – but shouldn’t – skimp on price. A great leather jacket. That pair of designer jeans. New hardwood floors for your house. But travel? The less you pay, the better it feels. With our Best Price Guarantee, we’re all about cheap flights, cheap hotels and cheap vacations. See our new commercial, and spread CheapTickets’ travel deals with your friends.

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5 tips for cheap vacations with kids

vmoloney — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:40 +0000

Not-so-cramped-quarters: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim at Disneyland Resort offers family suites on the cheap.

By Valerie Moloney

As the self-designated CEO of the household, I embrace any opportunity to shave money off the family budget. I’ll buy Irish Spring even if passion fruit pomegranate body mousse smells much prettier. I frequent flash sales, and scour the boards for promo codes (because who wants to pay for shipping?).

In my cheapness, which I flaunt, I’ve learned a thing or two about saving money while traveling with tots. Because like the kids, the bank of mommy and daddy needs to be disciplined from time to time.

Opt for a condo hotel or family suite.
You work 351 days for two glorious weeks of freedom. As tempting as it might be to snuggle with your kindergartener, keep the damn kid away from your bed. Residential style-properties such as Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim at Disneyland Resort separate parents’ quarters from tykes’ with French doors and boast cool bunk beds and a private TV. Genius.
Book a room with a kitchen.
This from a girl who’s packed juice bags and snacks in the family suitcase (hunger strikes silently, rapidly). Resort communities from Destin, Fla., to Kona, Hawaii cater to groups with condos equipped with kitchens sleeker than your own. Before your vacation, pinpoint the nearest grocer or see if your property has its own on-site pantry to stock up on necessities – like Funions and ice cream.
Don’t be afraid of public transit – or just walk.
Last Labor Day weekend, a rogue taxi driver unapologetically took me and my girls on a $25 cab ride around Boston. The venue, as we learned from the locals toting their picnic baskets just outside our window, was merely a 10-minute T ride from our hotel. Along the way the charm of Newbury Street: darling boutiques, matchbox restaurants, cobblestone streets, ye olde Beantown that would’ve better been appreciated by foot.
Love the lazy river.
Why go to a water park when there’s one at your hotel? Beachfront properties in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, S.C. are renowned for their kid-friendly amusements. And nothing tuckers the tots out like a day at the pool.
Eat a late lunch.
The chances of your belly growling at midnight because you ate fajitas at 4 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. are slim. At the earlier hour, the price is typically a few dollars cheaper, with portions just as plentiful

Related resources

Valerie Moloney, who publishes the CheapTickets blog, has yet to master the art of stacking coupons.

Florida’s cheap thrills, from mermaids to mullet tosses

vmoloney — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:30:54 +0000

By Valerie Moloney

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Florida is proud of its offbeat status — and cheap vacation deals. Where else would gators, Goths and bats share the same real estate? Expand your Floridian context beyond a Disney vacation this year to experience the sandy underbelly, and go back to your home state with a few quirky tories and a better tan.

1. Live mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs
Ariel mesmerized us with her auburn locks and golden voice, but she has nothing on these legends whose underwater escapades have been dazzling locals since 1947. Watch as Mermaid Stayce, Mermaid Tara and her sisters shimmy their fuchsia, royal blue and American flag fins through the deep, and learn from the pros on how to work a conch shell bikini.

Cheap Crystal River hotel near Weeki Wachee Springs: Quality Inn Crystal River

2. Interstate Mullet Toss (April 27-29)
If you’re looking for Billy Ray Cyrus lookalikes circa 1993, certainly you might find them in Pensacola, but the throwback look isn’t the focus of this main event at Flora-Bama Lounge at Perdido Beach. Although, the photo opps for thousands of bad throwback haircuts on one piece of real estate is indeed an intriguing one. No, we’re talking mullets — as in dead fish — being flung through the air from the Alabama border over the Florida state line. The cost to participate? A mere $15.

Cheap Pensacola hotel near the event: Windemere Condominiums by ResortQuest

3. Coral Castle
That one would drop a few clothing sizes — or overeat — after a breakup is to be expected. But Floridian Ed Leedskalnin took his suffering to the extremes, sculpting more than 1,100 tons of coral rock into a castle, a loving tribute to the girl who called off his wedding just a day before the scheduled event. As you walk through the attraction, which in some places is 4,000 feet thick, imagine how a 5-foot, 100-lb. man could physically move the stone. And you thought your ex was psycho.

Cheap Miami hotel near Coral Castle: Floridian Hotel in Homestead

Bargainista beauty: $50 treatments during Spa Week 2012

vmoloney — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:03:57 +0000

Enjoy the wet rooms at The Mirage after your $50 treatment during Spa Week, to be held April 16-22.

By Valerie Moloney

To those who love beauty bargains, this one ranks right up there with $1 Wet ‘n Wild eyeliner: 7 straight days of $50 spa treatments. Held twice yearly, Spa Week, to be held from April 16 to 22 at spas nationwide, treats the stressed, washed-out masses to $50 treatments and the savings to plan a cheap vacation. Considering that many spas charge $100 and up for the most basic services, guests can truly make a day of pampering and sampling the luxe life inside high-end properties.

Consider these offerings, and just how good it will feel to afford a few treatments for the price of one:

Exhale at Fairmont Battery Wharf
Spend $50 for a facial peel – because we like all dewy skin – or having your toes exfoliated with lavender scrub. Or choose wellness of a different sort: a 5-pack of yoga or core fusion classes in view of the tranquil Boston waterfront.
Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club
A company beloved for its faucets, body sprays and rainfall showerheads is going to know how to pamper. We dare you to resist the Lavender Rain Treatment, 50 uninterrupted minutes of bliss under a pulsating Vichy shower.
The Spa at The Mirage Hotel and Casino
Let’s not mince words. Your body might need an IV drip after the liquid abuse it will take during your cheap Las Vegas vacation. Here’s a better solution: a post-club visit to this spa on the Strip – complete with his- and her- saunas and whirlpools — where even the body scrubs are infused with hot whiskey. Call it the new hair of the dog.
Narande Spa at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort
So you didn’t get champagne and roses this year. You’ll like this treatment much better: a champagne and rose body exfoliation to buff that skin to a glowing sheen. Who says you need a mate to make you sparkle?

Related resources

Valerie Moloney, who manages the CheapTickets blog, is easily seduced by a sale and a spa treatment.

All about adrenaline: Spring ramps up with new rollercoasters

ajaime — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:09:51 +0000

Six Flags Great America's X-Flight is scheduled to open this May. Credit: Six Flags Great America

By Angie Jaime

Spring is here early (thanks global warming) and that means only one thing — time to take a family vacation to scope the season’s latest theme park expansions.

Heartland thrill junkies can soar at 3,000 feet on Six Flags Great Americas latest, X-Flight. Five inversions, a 12 story drop and a zero-gravity roll are more than enough to get the adrenaline pumping. Designed by the Swiss engineers behind the Raging Bull, SUPERMAN and BATMAN rides, the X-Flight is the first of its kind in the US. The unique “wing” design pairs riders on either side of the track, creating the illusion of free flight. This ride will make its home in the County Fair section of the park, replacing the old school Iron Wolf in May.

Disneyland kicks off the primavera party with tike-friendly rides at New Fantasyland. First phases of expansion will start in Storybook Circus, centered on an overhaul of the famed Dumbo ride. After the initial opening, the classic will double in size and feature twice the flying pachyderms. Brave kids can take to the sky with The Great Goofini on The Barnstormer, a newbie to the Storybook Circus. Led by a Goofy-as-circus-pilot, this ride embodies a daredevil stunt plane adventure.

On the other coast, Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure will be revamped with all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. Celebrating its centennial, Universal Orlando is also rolling out Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, a nighttime show lauding their impressive history in film. Though 100^th birthday additions will be revealed throughout 2012, this spring marks the start of the biggest theme park revisions.

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Angie Jaime is the Content Coordinator at Orbitz and CheapTickets. A Chicago native, she’s been surfing in Hawaii, hiking in Mexico and backpacking through Europe.