Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Smoky Mountain Style a Highlight of Old Creek Lodge in Gatlinburg TN

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comLocated along a meandering creek in downtown Gatlinburg, Old Creek Lodge is a rustic retreat featuring cozy yet spacious accommodations.  The lodge really brings home the feel of mountain living, as every room is outfitted with a balcony over the water as well as a flagstone rock gas fireplace.  Plus, the property’s location makes it easy to walk to all of Gatlinburg’s shops, eateries and attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium, and provides easy access to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 

A stay at the Old Creek Lodge Gatlinburg is a very pleasant one.  The main room type available is a Spa Queen Room.  It is equipped with every amenity one needs while on vacation, including a microwave and fridge, and upgrades like a walk-in tile shower, granite counters, flat screen TVs and fine linens.  The beds are very comfortable and the two-person whirlpool is the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the Smoky Mountains.  Rooms are decorated with earth tones and log furniture, and have a plush leather chair with ottoman as well as desk.  Everything feels very new and in excellent condition.  Size-wise, the Spa Two Queen Room is spacious and seemed larger than your everyday hotel room.
A heated pool is also available for guest enjoyment.  Although somewhat small, it is certainly sufficient for a swim.  You can also fill up in the morning on the property's deluxe continental breakfast, and check back in on emails as there is free Wi-Fi available throughout the property.  Riding the trolley around town is also an easy way to get around, and Old Creek Lodge is located on a trolley route for your convenience. 
I would recommend at stay at Old Creek Lodge to anyone looking for a true Smoky Mountain experience.  When you vacation in Gatlinburg, stay in mountain style without losing the comforts of an upscale property.  It’s all available at Old Creek Lodge Gatlinburg TN. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Stay on the Beach at Best Western Plus Carolinian Oceanfront

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comLooking for an award-winning hotel to stay in during your Myrtle Beach vacation?  Then, look no further than Best Western Plus Carolinian Oceanfront.  The family-friendly hotel offers a great location, affordable oceanfront rates and quality amenities. 

The Best Western Carolinian is equipped with oceanview and oceanfront rooms, with suites and standard accommodations available.  During my vacation, I stayed in an Oceanfront Efficiency room, which is one tier higher than the standard room.  The reason is the efficiency room has a kitchenette with medium size fridge, flat top stove (no oven), sink, microwave, coffee maker, 2-slice toaster, basic pots and pans and a service for 4.  The décor of the room, which was outfitted with two queen beds with nice linens, flat screen TV,  fits in nicely with the beach, with sandalwood browns and blues creating an inviting yet relaxing atmosphere.  Spaciously open, I felt like I had much more room than a normal hotel room supplies.  The oceanfront balcony was most definitely a highlight of my stay at Best Western Carolinian.  Watching the waves roll in at night and viewing the sunrises of the mornings made me truly feel like I was on a beach vacation.  If you can, splurge for oceanfront as it truly is worth the extra money you will spend. 
Aquatic Amenities at Best Western Carolinian Oceanfront aren’t as grand as they are at some of the other Oceana Resorts, but the hot tub, oceanfront heated pool and sun deck, as well as lazy river and kiddie pool certainly met my fun in the sun needs.   A basic fitness center, game room and business center add to the amenities available.  Of course, one of the best parts of a stay at this Best Western is its beachfront location.  Well-kept and in a great access location, I enjoyed walking the beach, picking up sea shells and diving into the salty ocean waters. 
Even better, as a Best Western Carolinian guest you have free access to Wild Water and Wheels, a sixteen-acre park filled with 24 slides, lazy river, lagoons, and more that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.