Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Grand Country Inn Branson MO Provides Family Fun for All

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Grand Country Inn Branson MO is a family-friendly complex that provides guests with a variety of amenities in one convenient location. The Grand Country Inn strives to be a full vacation experience and after visiting, I can say they have succeeded. With amenities like the Grand Country Inn Splash Country Waterpark, three shows on-site at the Grand Country Music Hall, a 36-Hole Indoor Mini-Golf Course, the Grand Country Buffet and Fun Spot, a two-story attraction featuring arcade games, interactive games, a small laser tag area, a comfy land for tiny tykes, an indoor jungle-gym area, a second blacklight mini-golf area plus a Pizza Buffet. With all of this located on-site, the Grand Country Inn is definitely the place to be for families.

The Splash Country Indoor Waterpark is a real draw, as it provides endless hours of fun with over 20,000 square feet of aquatic activity. The indoor waterpark, which is in a separate building not attached to the hotel, features a lazy river, a three-level tree house with interactive water features and a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, two giant tube slides, a toddler area with jumping water features and a mini-slide, basketball play area and two extra large hot tubs. Plus, entry to the waterpark is FREE to Grand Country Inn Branson guests. The Mining Company Grill is also located at the waterpark and serves up tasty hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and more. They are open Friday-Sunday, and offer expanded hours during the summer season. For guests not staying at the Inn, there is $15 charge per person for a waterpark day pass. A large indoor pool is also located near building #2 for guest use.

Rooms at the Grand Country Inn are standard throughout, although décor does change a bit from building to building, of which there are three total. The rooms feature two Double Queen Beds, moderately used case goods, 27” TV, café style table & chairs and a large granite vanity adjoining the bath area for guests convenience. Most guests spend little to no time in their rooms though – there’s too much fun to be had elsewhere!

The Branson Grand Country Inn is a great choice when it comes to Branson Hotels. It is a solid choice for families, no matter what time of year it is.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach offers Knightly Fun

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Myrtle Beach Medieval Times show is a spectacular production inspired by an 11th century feast and tournament. The Medieval Times castle (theater) is located near Freestyle Music Park, directly off of Hwy 501 in Myrtle Beach. Medieval Times encourages guests to arrive 90 minutes prior to show time to experience the extensive gift shop, full-service bar, museum of torture and observe the master falconer and his birds of prey up close. The cast will gladly pose for photos during this time.

When my party and I arrived, we were ushered to the crowning area where we were given our crowns, which signaled the knight we would be cheering on. Our pictures were taken in royal fashion before we entered the Hall of Arms, which is where the aforementioned gift shop, bar, museum or torture and dance area is located. My companions and I decided to tour the museum of torture at this time, which was small, but packed a punch with its medieval devices and historical information. This museum might be a bit frightening to children, but it is an interesting look into medieval society and worth your time.

Entry in to the arena at Medieval Times Myrtle Beach begins 15 minutes prior to show time. The fun begins at once as sections begin to cheer and boo for their respective knights. I was seated in the green section and cheered for the green knight, of course. The royal action begins right away, with King Phillippe and his daughter-in-law, Princess Leonore presiding over a four-course feast for their guests. The food is delivered right away by waiters, called wenches and serfs, and the feast consists of tomato bisque soup, spare rib, half of a Cornish hen, garlic roll, potato and apple pastry for desert. While dining on the feast, we watched as the knights of Medieval Times competed in the tournament for Battle of Champion. The tournament featured knights astride Andalusian horses competing in games of skill, such as arrow shooting, and tests of courage, like sword fighting and jousting. The action-packed event made cheering for your knight and jeering the other knights a lot of fun. The equestrian displays were also impressive, from the prancing to the dancing.

Notables: The pictures taken prior to show time are delivered mid-show and the guests can purchase them at this time. Another photographer also comes by during the show to photograph your party. This photo is also available for purchase prior to the shows conclusion. A tip is also recommended for the waiters and waitresses that serve you, as this is not included in the price of admission.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Hampton Inn Oceanfront a Top Place to Stay in Myrtle Beach

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront in Myrtle Beach is an upscale property with a prime beach location offering the very best to their guests. The atmosphere of the hotel is very inviting, with sleek hardwood floors and austere blue and white colors accenting the overall theme. The Hampton Inn was also very spacious and open, with two hotel towers creating enough space so that every guest can enjoy the amenities offered. Speaking of, the amenities at this resort were plentiful, with the convenient access to the beach being number one. However, the three pools, two lazy rivers and two hot tubs plus a new splash zone area for kids really added to the hotels appeal. A business center with Macs and PCs available, as well as fax and printer, made doing business easy as well. A large fitness center, overlooking the beach, was also well equipped with both cardio and weight machines.

The free deluxe continental breakfast, served from 6am-10am, included waffles, eggs, biscuits & gravy, bacon, hot & cold cereals, fruit, yogurt, bagels, coffee and juices to create a breakfast that filled me up and started my day right.

My oceanfront room was outfitted with two queen beds, luxury linens that made for a peaceful night’s sleep, a desk and large flat screen TV. The décor was nautical-inspired. My room had a fantastic floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean, which was a major bonus while in Myrtle Beach. The bathroom featured a curved shower rod, WaterPik shower head and granite counter tops.

The accommodations at the Myrtle Beach Hampton Inn Oceanfront Hotel are superb, as are the amenities on-hand. This resort is a great option for any Myrtle Beach traveler.

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Myrtle Beach Grande Villas at World Tour are Upscale yet Affordable

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Grande Villas at World Tour in Myrtle Beach are exclusive golf villas offering privacy and upscale amenities to South Carolina visitors. The villas are situated around the greens of the World Tour Golf Course, a course that recreates 27 of the worlds most renowned and challenging golf layouts from 23 courses in six countries and 10 states. Other amenities at Grande Villas include an outdoor pool, fitness center, clubhouse with restaurant and a pro-shop. The landscaping is also immaculate, creating a beautiful atmosphere for guests.

The condominiums of the Myrtle Beach Grande Villas at World Tour feature nice case goods, have an open floor plan and boast comfortable furnishings and an attention to detail. The two bedroom unit I stayed in during my Myrtle Beach visit was spacious and well-designed, with a serene green and blue decor accenting the unit’s living room and bedroom. The living room was appointed with a large TV and cozy furnishings that made me feel right at home. There was patio/balcony access from the living room and Master Bedroom, which was nicely appointed as well and accessed a Master Bath with dual sinks for extra space. Two double beds outfitted the second bedroom, which connected to a private standard bath. The kitchen was gourmet and fully-stocked, creating an easy way for guests to save money on meals. Each unit also had a washer and dryer.

As this is a golf resort, there are golf racks located in the foyer for guest convenience. Plus, all condos have fantastic views of the greens while also providing easy access to other Myrtle Beach entertainment options.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Bay View Resort Offers New Lodging Options to Myrtle Beach Visitors

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comBay View Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is convenient to the downtown area, the pier at 2nd Avenue North, and the many restaurants and nightclubs found in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The Bay View Resort is a part of the new Myrtle Beach and is located right on the Boardwalk. 

As one of the newest properties in the area, the resort was able to capture the combination of relaxation and activity that visitors strive for. There is an expansive water amenities area that boasted a lazy river, kiddie pool with splash umbrella, indoor pool, spa and Jacuzzi. A unique outdoor Kiddie Splash Deck, with motion sensitive waster features, added to the area. This oceanfront property also has direct access to the beach. The 18 floor property was also home to a nice exercise facility, Starbucks coffee shop, open-air oversized chess and checkers and shuffleboard. A large parking garage is located across the street from the hotel for guest convenience.

The Myrtle Beach Bay View Resort featured a unique design, enabling every room to have some view of the ocean, which is always important when visiting the coast. The standard rooms were furnished with two double beds, a compact fridge, microwave and sink, and moderate case goods and bedding. However, new duvet-style linens are expected early 2010. Each standard room, whether ocean front or ocean view, had a private balcony for enjoying the scenery. The bathroom featured granite, tile and a curved shower rod. The room, although somewhat small, is an affordable yet comfortable way to stay right on the beach.

The sunset view condo is also an affordable choice and provides a bit more extra space for travelers. A queen bed & TV outfitted the bedroom, which connected to a bath similar to the standard units. The condo did, however, feature a fully equipped kitchen, a larger private balcony and a washer and dryer unit.

When visitors stay at Bay View Resort, they can expect a clean, family-friendly environment that won't break the bank.

Upscale Options Await Guests of Barefoot Yacht Club & Resort

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comBarefoot Yacht Club & Resort in Myrtle Beach is a luxury property offering only the finest accommodations to South Carolina visitors. There are a variety of lodging units available at this resort, from 1 bedroom units to 4, although each is beautiful in its design and décor. The amenities at Barefoot Resort are plentiful, with tennis courts, biking and jogging trails, over 14 pools, including South Carolina’s largest sandy bottom pool, a swim-up bar, four golf course, a marina and a docksider’s grill available to guests. There is also a seasonal shuttle to the beach, and there location right next door to Barefoot Landing makes entertainment and dining options easy to access.

When I visited the Myrtle Beach Barefoot Yacht Club Resort I had the pleasure of staying in a 3 bedroom unit that boasted upscale furnishings in the over 2,000 square feet of living space. The lavishness of the unit began in the large kitchen that housed modern appliances, accented by tile floors and granite countertops. The kitchen opened to the expansive dining and living area, which again, was furnished with only the finest case goods. A large balcony presented a fantastic view of the yacht club and lake, and due to the layout of the resort, every unit has this view. The bedrooms each featured luxury furnishings, and there are essentially two master suites. The first master suite featured a king bed, armoire with flat screen TV, exceptional bedding and connected to a bath with walk-in shower, whirlpool tub and dual sinks. The second master suite housed two queen beds, an armoire and flat screen TV and had patio access. It also connected to a large bath with dual sinks, a walk-in shower and large tub. Two queen beds and a standard bath were found in the 3rd bedroom.

A washer & dryer are available in all units and there is no daily maid service. Two color schemes create the décor of the units: a red/brown motif and blue/green theme.

Any Myrtle Beach visitor will be pleased with a stay at Barefoot Yacht Club & Resort.

Note: Guests must check-in at Beach Vacations, which is located on Hwy 17, directly across from the Barefoot Resort entrance.

True Blue Golf Resort features Sprawling Greens, Spacious Condos

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comTrue Blue Resort in Pawley’s Island, located just south of Myrtle Beach, is an enchanting golf resort offering a variety of 2 and 3 bedroom condos for South Carolina visitors. The resort is a sprawling property with condominium units located along the beautiful greens that create the True Blue Golf Course, which is rated as one of the top ten golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Many visitors choose to play a round or two of golf while visiting, but there are also other amenities like five outdoor pools, hot tubs, a children's playground and clay tennis courts to take advantage of. There is also a clubhouse on site that has a restaurant, pro shop and beautiful veranda with fantastic views of the golf course.

When I visited Pawley’s Island True Blue Plantation Resort I stayed in a 3 bedroom unit that was spacious, clean and inviting. The units are each individually owned, so the décor varies from condo to condo, but the floor plans remain the same. A large, fully equipped kitchen opened to the dining area and living room, which was furnished with a flat screen TV and nice case goods. A screened in patio could be accessed from the living room and the master bedroom, which was furnished with a small flat screen TV, king bed and opened to a master bath with a walk-in shower. The 2nd bedroom featured two single beds, while the 3rd was furnished with a king bed, and they shared a standard bath. A full size washer & dryer were available in the unit as well, an extra convenience for those traveling with kids.

Most all of the condos at True Blue Plantation Resort Myrtle Beach have spectacular views of the greens, and are equipped with Wi-Fi.