Destinations Reached "Travel Acronym of the Week" Series

Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services is running a “Travel Acronym of the Week” series to inform travelers of the various acronyms used within accommodation terms and policies, and how comprehension of these acronyms will prevent unexpected fees, obligation conditions, expectancies upon arrival, and how to properly prepare for overall travel.  Here’s to “protected” and enjoyable spring and summer travel!

DR Travel Acronym of the Week: CXL.  “CXL” stands for cancellation.  Comprehension of this acronym will notify travelers of their last day to cancel reservation(s) to prevent unexpected fees and/or condition obligations.  

 Image Source: http://ms3304hospitalitymgt.wordpress.com/

A Birthday Celebration to Remember! - Revel (Atlantic City)

My husband’s birthday weekend was already predicted to be a blast, but experiencing the Revel (Atlantic City) topped it off!  The Revel offers a great dose of class mixed with high tempo entertainment.  Whether you desire fine dining and a romantic ambience or bar hopping and a quick bite, you can bet that the Revel has it all!  Nestled at the end of the AC boardwalk, you cannot miss the reflective mirroring tower taking its stance over the island.  The resort screams exclusive!  From the moment we stepped inside the Revel's doors, the walls echoed luxury.  And that I can appreciate!

Considering the resort's size and elite status, one would assume that the check-in process may be complex and invasive.  But that assumption is invalid.  While making our way through the check-in line, we were personally welcomed and directed to the next available check-in clerk.  I instantly thought to myself: this resort definitely knows a thing or two about customer service and personalization.  As we approached the front desk, we were professionally, yet, kindly greeted and asked for ID and a confirmation number.  I will say.  While the level of organization was well in place, the Revel could improve their reservation system in terms of valid identification information.  Until the issue is resolved, be sure to carry the credit card used to book your reservation and a confirmation number.  Once check-in was complete, we were well away to a weekend of BIG wins and some well-deserved fun!

The King Suite Ocean View is nothing close to a standard room.  The view is breathtaking, and the amenities are of high quality and leading technology.  The entire room is operated by a remote control.  True Vegas style!  Once we settled, we headed straight for the casino.  No time to spare - :  )  We needed to get our feet wet before game time that evening.  Both of our winnings were decent in the early part of the afternoon, but we chose not to risk it all too early and prepare for our dinner reservation at no other than Amada, Revel's signature Spanish tapas restaurant. 

Amada is tucked in the back on the casino level overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Note: If you schedule a reservation around 5 p.m., one can capture a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic.  Simply beautiful!  Upon arrival, the host leads us to our private room.  The room was tucked away in the back and was well decorated to resemble true Mediterranean fashion.  While awaiting our guests, we ordered a few Lemon Drop martinis and some Spanish flat bread.  Before we knew it, our good friends (Rich and Erika Akwo, founders of All Is Well -Inspire!) joined us for dinner.  Amada's style of dining is tapas, family style.  All the dishes are small plates and are intended to be shared.  So, we collaborated our taste buds and ordered the following specialties: Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp), Patatas Bravas (Spicy Potatoes), Albondigas (Lamb Meatballs), and Jidori Free Range Chicken.  Might I just say: Nothing was left!  Every item was well cooked, well-seasoned and well presented.  I think our friends would agree that all was well, and that we couldn't have asked for a more memorable dining experience.  Towards the end of dinner, a couple of our other friends (the future Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Rita Morris - Congratulations on their recent engagement!) joined us as we prepared for a night of BIG wins and non-stop fun. 

We headed towards our preferred table game: Roulette.  Let me just say that we made our presence known, had an incredible time, and we all walked away pretty lucky!  A special shout out goes to our leading dealer of the night, Gina.  I owe my winnings to you, Girl!  Be sure to visit Gina during your next stay.  She is great luck!

In between placing bets, we strolled the casino and took in more of what the Revel had to offer.  The Social (Bar/Concert Stage) had the bar scene in check, while Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly burlesque dancers entertained guests strolling atop on staircases.  The resort also houses the top AC night club, H2.  The night continued on and the rest is history!  Our stay at the Revel is definitely one for the books, and it will be continued…later this year for Round 2! 

Rich, Erika, Me and Jerome

                                                                     Happy Birthday!

                                                               Revel's Burlesque Dancers
       

                                                                      Rita, Rich and Erika

                                                             King Suite with Ocean View
                             

                                                                           Revel Spa

                                                        Lounge section of the In/Out Pool
                                 

In/ Pool Area

/Out Pool Area

Suites Entrance

Courtyard

Lobby Bar - One of many!

Entry way to luxury shopping

Luxury shopping boutiques

From me to you...Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to take time to reflect on how grateful I am for the blessings in my life.  I am so appreciative to have a loving group of family and friends who are always there with support and encouragement.  I am also greatly appreciative to have continued support from existing and new clients who entrust my travel services in planning memorable vacations and providing expert consultation.  It is the support from all of you that encourages me to keep striving and work diligently towards providing the greatest resources that offer the best travel experiences.  I pray that each of you have a wonderful holiday season.  In recognition of my faith, be sure to remember the reason for the season: Christ Is Born!  From me to you, you are truly appreciated and I am truly thankful!

Love Your Travel Agent,

Loren J. Adams

 

Source: Crosswalk.com

A Ladies Getaway In The City That Never Sleeps...NYC!

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful, unseasonably warm day to take in our ladies getaway to the NYC, the capital of extreme fashion and nightlife!  We stayed at the Roger New York in the Flatiron District, located off of Madison Avenue.  This quaint boutique hotel had my name all over it!  It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, but it is still within walking distance (approx. 20 min.).  The hotel is simply defined by its trendy, chic décor.  The cool, pastel colors definitely contribute to the hotel’s relaxed ambience. The customer service at check-in was welcoming and non-confrontational which is an A+ in my book.  And as for security, guests must use their room key cards to access the elevator.  Here, security is on lock...literally.

Comfortable seating in the front lobby

Lobby Bar

Trend-setting decor: None other than Prince!

Hallway (7th Floor)

Room Category: Double Beds (Rm #717)

After settling into our rooms, we regrouped and headed to Times Square for tapas and evening cocktails at R Lounge.  R Lounge is the Renaissance New York Times Square hotel's staple lounge. The setting is simply remarkable!  The wide, elongated windows offer one of the best view's of Manhattan.  Note: It should definitely be included as a must for your next date night.  Evening cocktails consisted of Mojitos and Lemon Drop martinis, and our decadent small plates included crispy calamari, mini lobster rolls, and cheese burger sliders.  All three were simply delightlful!  I tell you.  There was NOTHING to take back.

 

Note: It is best to arrive close to 5 p.m. to reserve the lounge seating in the center. 

Beautiful view of Times Square

We simply love our Lemon Drop Martinis!

(Right to left: Erika, Me, and Nika)

Mini Lobster Rolls - Incredible!

 

Later that evening, we experienced fine dining at Tao Restaurant.  We are foodies at heart!  Tao is definitely the HOT spot for those looking their best and ready to take in some tasty cuisine.  The ambience is dark, but there is just enough lighting to set the mood.  A large Buddha graces the entire restaurant with its calming stance, but there is nothing laid back about this set as a live conga percussionist makes his way throughout the restaurant entertaining the crowd.  The menu offers Asian cuisine that is extremely flavorable.  I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Tempura with garlic chili sauce and the Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon with udon noodles and spinach.  BOTH dishes were delectable!  And being one that truly enjoys a great cocktail, the Ruby Red Dragon martini is out of this world!  Slightly sweet, gently tangy, and perfectly chilled! 

 

Tao Restaurant and Lounge

 

Ruby Red Dragon Martini - Phenomenal!

Courtesy of: SimplyShaka.com

 

Lovely Ladies!

(Right to left: Shanta, Erin, Bianca, Yunika, Erika, Anita, Me, and Marcie)

View of Tao from the upper deck

 

The evening did not stop there.  We definitely wanted to see what the NYC had to offer as far as nightlife. We headed to the Meat Packing District to check out the club scene.  This particular set is all about who you know!  It’s best to know someone working at the door in order to avoid waiting in line for long periods of time.  But, if you dress  your best and catch the bouncer's eye, it may all work in your favor.  But, if you're looking for a chill vibe and you're less concerned about bumping into one of the Kardashians - literally - than the Lower East Side (LES) may be a better fit.  And that's exactly what we did!  This side of town is simply about letting loose and having a good time.  It's for listening to some local music acts, bar hopping, and partying the night away.  We headed to a bar called, Pianos.  While there’s nothing real fancy or eye catching about this spot, it definitely allowed you to see a more artsy side of the city.  This crowd was here for one reason and one reason only: to have a good time.  And that’s exactly what we did!

 

                                                       Courtesy of: NYCMagazine.com

 

Good times and letting loose! @ Pianos

 

Our ladies’ getaway will definitely be a trip to remember.  And I’m glad the city of the Empire State allowed us to take in all that it has to offer...at least until next time!  We're coming to see you Rhianna @ Barclay Center.  We can't wait!

Give me a call to help plan your next girlfriends getaway filled with where to go for the latest fashion trends and happening hot spots!!!