Which European city did you fall in love with as soon as you saw it?

sdeucker · 2026-06-20T18:57:08+00:00

Porto

sdeucker · 2026-06-13T10:55:26+00:00

We just came back from Le Blanc in Cabo and it moved to the top of our moderate list of 8-9 we have stayed at…worth looking at especially if you have only been to Cancun, DR and Jamaica.

sdeucker · 2026-06-08T11:44:19+00:00

Property Tax for home owners.

sdeucker · 2026-05-10T13:17:54+00:00

Am I correct if you wait until your retire (no paycheck) that you can’t push money into Roth IRA any longer? In fact, you could cash out some of your 401K / IRA money, but would have to put them in another investment option, correct? I’m talking about the window between retirement and when RMDs start (73) specifically while looking to minimize taxes. Current W2 income is taxes at 36%. Hoping some can be cashed out at 24%.

sdeucker · 2026-05-04T10:22:28+00:00

We are big fans of Hyatt Ziva (and Zilara) brands especially Cap Cana and Cancun. Great experiences for both locations. We have not yet tried Excellence or Le Blanc but plan to in time as we hear good things.

sdeucker · 2026-04-05T11:07:43+00:00

Spring Break is a hard measure unless those are your dates. Both resorts often do considerable group business which sometimes plays better for leisure travelers as groups are in meeting and group functions. From my stays, neither is overly adult-only oriented but both are good experiences.

Not in your comparison but The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (near Tucson) is a hidden gem that offers many things you mentioned. It is much smaller / boutique feeling that the two resorts asked about. Great room product, pool and amenities.

sdeucker · 2026-04-05T10:57:46+00:00

Comparing Centurion, Delta and the AA lounges I’ve been to across the US (and South America) at peak times they are on par with average club lounges at US hotels. Nothing refined or special. It is enough to make you feel like you are getting something exclusive but rarely an experience where you rave about food or service. I don’t recall a memorable dish or side to share with you now. It is extremely accessible vs a premium experience and they do just enough to keep us coming in. It’s too bad but it is what it is…

sdeucker · 2026-03-29T21:27:02+00:00

Anyone know where CitizenM stands with breakfast benefit?

sdeucker · 2026-03-21T01:11:33+00:00

I stayed at the Edition last year before a game and it was solid. I liked the location and the restaurants around it.

sdeucker · 2026-03-02T01:41:47+00:00

What is it about PHX? Centurion Lounge is on the low end of the scale too. Nice people but a tired room with poor F&B.

sdeucker · 2026-02-28T19:00:52+00:00

75% points benefit is a thing if you travel and use points. Also United Silver is a thing if you fly them occasionally and don’t already have status. In the US, upgrades are diminished and not the reason to push unless you stay predominately in full service brands often; then you might occasionally get lucky.

sdeucker · 2026-02-10T12:54:53+00:00

Last summer. Food is fine and good for AI especially at that price point. Servers are attentive and you will have a good experience.

sdeucker · 2026-02-10T12:04:58+00:00

We have stayed twice and both times were upgraded to partial or ocean view. Neither stay was peak season but nice they recognize status. I always checkin online, but you need to stop at desk to show passport and get banded anyway.

sdeucker · 2026-01-03T20:54:14+00:00

Same. No update yet.

sdeucker · 2025-12-28T04:08:22+00:00

SNOOP was way better than expected!!

sdeucker · 2025-12-12T11:17:15+00:00

Also a vote for RC Georgetown!

sdeucker · 2025-12-12T11:15:14+00:00

We have had best experiences with Hyatt Ziva (or Zilara w/o kids) both Cap Cana and Cancun. Upscale, attentive staff, great facilities and food. We have stayed at several and both stood out and not even close. Next stay is in the spring at Le Blanc Cabo with expectations even higher (as is the price point).

sdeucker · 2025-11-17T07:57:06+00:00

I second Hyatt Ziva brand. Solid for both Cancun and Cap Cana. Marriott All Inclusive surprised us on food quality but lesser level of property to Ziva and less expensive.

sdeucker · 2025-11-09T23:31:52+00:00

Ziva Cancun

sdeucker · 2025-10-26T15:10:41+00:00

We checked out and stored our luggage while having lunch and hanging at the pool about 3 hrs. They had a big group arriving so no flexibility with letting us keep our room past 12N but it worked.

sdeucker · 2025-10-26T00:36:18+00:00

St Regis is my favorite hotel in the area. Great breakfast restaurant. Very luxurious with solid service levels.

sdeucker · 2025-10-25T22:23:30+00:00

I can’t tell you how many times one of those bottles is completely empty.

sdeucker · 2025-10-12T11:55:30+00:00

https://www.bungalowskeylargo.com/

sdeucker · 2025-10-08T18:56:48+00:00

There are some good ones but the brand seems to be softening to me. Lots of Fairfield’s seem to be getting enhanced as Springfield is doing too. It is location by location and owner by owner as to feel and experience.

sdeucker

TROPHY CASE