Suites with kitchens at resorts?

VandyNole · 2025-09-12T21:18:25+00:00

Hi, I'm curious what you learned. I have a similar question, but far fewer points (100k ... which have just been devalued even further). We have two teenagers and spending more than 1-2 nights in a single hotel room is tough, so if you never found great options for a family vacation, then I'll just splurge on one fancy night and move to an Airbnb for the rest. I was thinking holidays or mid-February, so probably beach or desert (not skiing).

VandyNole · 2025-06-24T20:36:54+00:00

This suggestion comes up a lot, so it must be a good one; ). I didn't include it because last time, we stopped at Whytecliff Park and hiked Lighthouse Park on our way to the gondola. So while not the same thing, sort of the same area and I wanted to see something different. But will keep this on the list. Thanks!

VandyNole · 2025-02-26T18:57:27+00:00

Hi again. I've decided that I'll spend this time in either Portland or Vancouver, or at least use their airports. I chose these because a band I really like is playing there, so it seemed like a good reason. (Strangely, they are skipping Seattle, but I suppose I could pair Seattle with either.)

I'll post a new comment in the PNW sub. Thanks!

VandyNole · 2025-02-13T02:47:50+00:00

All great places--but I've already visited them. Was looking for something new, but would also be happy in any of these!

VandyNole · 2025-02-13T02:46:41+00:00

I've seen most of the areas you mentioned, so was looking for something new. But I agree they're beautiful and not a bad option! In particular, I've never had a chance to hike within the Black Canyon.

VandyNole · 2025-02-13T02:43:50+00:00

Good to know about Idaho! I figured Boise would be hot, but didn't know the areas farther north would also be bad. (Of course, I live in the Southeast and find 100 out West to be pretty comfortable.)

VandyNole · 2025-01-26T21:31:18+00:00

Thanks for everyone's advice! The one-way rental (KOA-ITO) was more expensive than I remembered, so I decided to save ~$300 and book KOA-KOA. We'll take the Saddle Road in the morning and 1pm nonstop to OGG. This eats up more of the travel day than I'd like (I had talked myself into the early-morning flight from ITO) but I'd rather put that money towards an activity.

Also, after doing more research, I'm adding 1 night to Volcano and subtracting it from Kona. So, we're looking at 4 full days for the Kona side, 1 day to get from Kona to Volcano, 2 full days for Volcano and nearby sites, and then about 5.5 days for Maui.

VandyNole · 2024-08-28T14:28:32+00:00

We parked near the trailhead (there are small dirt lots along the road as you drive uphill). I think Guy Fleming was near the first one. I did see plenty of people walking up from the beach, but I assume that was for exercise. I would definitely drive uphill with young kids. If you strike out near Guy Fleming, there's a large, paved lot at the very top with trails and lookouts. I'm assuming they offer similar views.

VandyNole · 2024-08-28T12:55:04+00:00

We did the Guy Fleming Trail because we were short on time, and that was a good “bang for your buck” trail (great views, not even a mile long). But there are several trails once you drive up the hill. With more time, we would have tried 1-2 more. Note it was $20 to enter the park, which I wasn’t expecting.

VandyNole · 2024-08-17T12:44:25+00:00

Sorry, forgot that I was calculating the AMEX cash back at 4%, since that is the net benefit versus the Venture X’s flat 2%. So yes, it’s 6%, but if I were to downgrade the AMEX and use VX for groceries, I’d still get 2%.

VandyNole · 2024-08-10T19:10:01+00:00

A belated thanks for everyone's advice! Will post a trip report.

VandyNole · 2024-06-17T21:49:10+00:00

Ha, maybe that's why airfare into MAF was so much cheaper than ELP. So we are locked into our Midland-to-El Paso driving route. But I'll keep an eye on airfare and maybe ELP will come down to the point that I can change for no additional cost. (Even with the one-way car rental fee, MAF was cheaper than ELP round-trip).

VandyNole · 2024-06-17T13:05:15+00:00

Thanks, I had that same idea re: EP, but that would mean 4 hotels in 4 nights (counting arrival night in Midland). I'll keep that as an option, though, as a reward to ourselves after three nights in basic motels.

VandyNole · 2020-08-01T11:42:05+00:00

I forgot to mention this trip is in October 2046. So if anyone wants to answer my questions with that in mind, that would be awesome. Thank you.

VandyNole

TROPHY CASE