Matador Network's Blog, page 345
February 13, 2023
10 Great Hotels on International Drive in Orlando Near Theme Parks
Sure, you get some extra perks if you stay at Disney World or Universal-owned hotels when you’re visiting theme parks in Orlando. But you may find that staying in a hotel on International Drive in Orlando is a better option if you want more space, lower prices, and a slightly more adult- or upscale-focused atmosphere for exploring not just theme parks, but also other things to do, like fun Orlando museums or nearby parks.
While Orlando’s hotels are some of the coolest in Florida, hotels aren’t the only option. Matador recently rounded up some of the coolest Airbnbs near the Disney World Resorts (including one with an impressive Star Wars-themed bedroom), as well as the best Airbnbs further north, closer to the Universal theme parks (some of which have private covered pools).
These are the 10 most fun hotels on International Drive in Orlando near theme parks, outlet shopping, event spaces, and great restaurants.
Traveling to Orlando? Check out Matador’s accommodation guides to Orlando:Orlando’s Tech-Savvy Wave Hotel Is Also Home To the Hotel World’s Coolest Art CollectionBookend Your Disney Trip at These Beautiful Orlando Airport HotelsThe Best 11 Airbnbs Near Universal Studios8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, OrlandoOn Your Visit To Orlando, You Should Actually Stay (and Eat) in Kissimmee
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The best hotels on International Drive in OrlandoInternational Drive is quite long and runs the length of the city, so pay attention to where the hotel is in relation to the parks (or other attractions) you want to visit. Orlando has major highways connecting most parts of the city, so traffic usually moves pretty fast, even when there are a lot of people in town.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando leans into the Pacific Island-inspired theme, with a lush, tropical atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a South Pacific island paradise. Throughout the large hotel on International Drive in Orlando, you can expect to find lush foliage, tiki torches, waterfalls, and tropical decor, along with vintage-looking maps and decor.
The hotel also has a range of Pacific Island-inspired dining options, including a traditional Polynesian restaurant and a swim-up pool bar with a sandy beach area. The hotel has both hotel rooms and suites and is walkable to the Universal Resorts and Universal water taxi. And because it’s one of the Universal-owned hotels on International Drive in Orlando, it comes with perks like early admission to the parks and free shuttle services. Rooms start around $390 a night but can go as high as $800 during peak vacation season.
Rates from: $390/night
Closest to: Universal Parks
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If you’re in the market for a slightly less pricey stay but still like the idea of staying at one of the Universal-owned hotels on International Drive in Orlando, consider Cabana Bay Resort, very close to the Royal Pacific. The hotel has a fun and retro atmosphere inspired by classic beach resorts from the 1950s and ’60s. Room types range from family suites that accommodate up to six guests to standard hotel rooms. The resort also has plenty of ways to play without going to a theme park, including two large swimming pools, a waterslide, a bowling alley, and a lazy river.
Cabana Bay also has an on-site food court, which is less expensive than dining at a restaurant for every meal and a great option if you’re traveling with picky eaters since everyone can get whatever they want. Just like in the rest of the hotel, the communal areas have bright colors, vintage furnishings, and fun, beach-inspired details. It’s a fun, playful place to stay in Orlando that won’t break the bank.
Rates from: $179/night
Closest to: Universal Parks
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
This is one of the best hotels on International Drive in Orlando to pick if you’re visiting both the Universal Resorts and Walt Disney World resorts as it’s roughly equidistant between the two (though, unfortunately, doesn’t offer transportation to either).
The hotel has fabulous outdoor facilities, including three outdoor pools. There’s a10,000-square-foot grotto pool with a 100-foot-long waterslide, a kid-friendly shallow wading pool, and the Terrace Pool, with lap lanes and more of an adult vibe. If you’re visiting the spa, there’s another private pool you can use before and after your treatments.
If you want a reliable hotel with high-end rooms and excellent service, the Hyatt Regency Orlando is a great pick.
Rates from: $199/night
Closest to: Universal Parks
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The Aloft brand is owned by Marriott but has a different vibe than the brand’s more well-known properties. Aloft hotels are more modern and hip, with more unique designs (like funky wallpapers and bright colors) and tech-forward rooms. And this one is no exception.
It’s one of the livelier lobbies you’ll find of any resorts on International Drive in Orlando, with bright purple and yellow couches, a lobby bar, and a social area with a billiards table. Conveniently, there’s a 24-hour grab-and-go snack station, which will come in handy if you get back to your hotel late at night and realize you’re starving but too tired from being outside all day to wait at a restaurant. Rooms are big and bright, and since the hotel is in Orlando’s downtown area, it’s roughly equidistant to the Disney and Universal parks. Rooms start around $170 but can go into the high $500s or $600s during busy weekends.
Rates from: $170/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Tuscany Village is one of the best hotels on International Drive in Orlando if you want to stay near the Disney properties — it’s 2.3 miles from the Magic Kingdom — but don’t necessarily want to be surrounded by all-things-Disney in the evenings. As you can likely guess from the name, this is a higher-end property themed after Tuscany in Italy. But that doesn’t mean cheesy plastic grapes hanging in the lobby. Instead, you can expect an elegant lobby decked out in shades of terra cotta and a large outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and arches.
One of the best things about this property is that the units are time-shares, which means a standard room isn’t your only option. The studios are the most like standard hotel rooms (though they do have kitchenettes), but if you opt for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite, you’ll get amenities like full kitchens, separate living areas, and a balcony or patio.
Rates from: $160/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks
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When you see the enormous bright-pink building of the Caribe Royale Orlando, and certainly once you walk through the palm-filled, glass-ceilinged atrium, you’ll know you’re in one of the best hotels on International Drive. Staying at the tropical-themed hotel feels like you’re someplace more exotic than Orlando, and the chinoiserie wallpaper, enormous bright-blue swimming pool, and rentable outdoor cabanas may just make you forget you’re not in the Caribbean.
All rooms are the Caribe Royale are suites, so they include separate living rooms, kitchenettes, and workstations. But if you want more space, you can book a villa, with screened-in patios, laundry in every unit, and access to a private pool.
If you’re going to the Disney parks, this is definitely one of the best hotels on International Drive in Orlando since it is a “Disney Good Neighbor” hotel. That means you can buy park tickets at the front desk and take the Caribe shuttle (the cost of which is included in the hotel’s resort fee) to all the Disney parks. Suites start in the low $300s, but villas start in the high $600s.
Rates from: $300(ish)/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks
Photo: Booking.com
Going to Orlando for a convention may not be as fun as going for a vacation, but fortunately, you can combine the two if you stay at the Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando Convention Center. Sure, it’s convenient to the convention center, but it’s also pretty close to the Disney parks, so you can add an extra day or two to your stay (or leave your convention a bit early to spend an evening at EPCOT).
The guest rooms are calm and relaxing, in shades of blue and grey with modern finishes and mini-fridges. But if you opt for a suite, you’ll get a space that feels more like a home, with warm colors and oversized armchairs. The hotel is very close to some of Orlando’s best theaters and venues and is only about five miles from the Universal Parks. It’s also a good pick if you want to stay near the Orlando airport as it’s only a 10-15-minute drive. Rooms start at $191, but note that it can book months in advance if there are large conventions in town.
Rates from: $191(ish)/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks (but just barely)
Photo: Booking.com
Okay — the Ritz-Carlton Orlando doesn’t technically count as being one the best hotels on International Drive in Orlando, but that’s only because it’s technically not on International Drive. It’s about two miles away on the Central Florida Parkway. But that shouldn’t matter if you’re going to the various theme parks as the hotel offers shuttle transportation to Universal and Disney World parks, so you don’t have to drive, anyway.
But that’s not all the hotel offers. It also has complimentary mountain bike rentals for pedaling around nearby lakes and parks, guided fishing and eco-tours on a nearby river that feeds into the Everglades, and a massive spa. Guests also get access to two pools (the resort pool and a lap pool at the spa), plus the Grand Lakes Waterpark at the hotel next door.
This is a Ritz-Carlton, so it’s not cheap. But considering you’ll get luxurious rooms with private balconies, access to poolside cabanas, and 11 options for eating and drinking on-site, it may be worth the steep price tag.
Rates from: $509/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you decide a resort isn’t your thing but still want to be on international drive, check out this stylish two-bedroom Airbnb rental on International Drive in Orlando. While it’s a home rental, it’s as stylish as any hotel room, with a greenery wall, neon lighting, and cozy linens and comforters that’ll make it hard not to fall asleep in 30 seconds. It’s five miles from the Disney resorts and has free parking plus access to a shared hot tub and pool.
One of the best things about this rental is that no one has to sleep in a tiny twin bed. One bedroom has a king and the other has two doubles, so everyone will have a little extra room to spread out. But the best best part is probably the price: it starts at under $100 a night.
Rates from: $98/night
Closest to: Disney World Parks (but just barely)
Photo: Juanan Barros Moreno/Shutterstock
Unfortunately, the Disney resorts do not offer free transportation to the parks from hotels other than the Disney-owned ones. Your best option for how to get to Disney from International Drive is to drive or use a rideshare. If you want to make your rideshare trip a little shorter, you can have the driver take you to Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, from where you can take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
A few hotels on International Drive in Orlando are Disney “Good Neighbor” resorts, a requirement of which is offering transportation to the parks. However, the details of that transportation (such as the cost and schedule) can vary from resort to resort, so check with the hotel before booking if that’s a priority for your trip.
Can you walk from Universal to International Drive?
Photo: Chansak Joe/Shutterstock
You can walk to the Universal Theme parks from some hotels on International Drive — some. International Drive is 11 miles long, which means what is or isn’t walkable depends mostly on where you’re staying. If you book a resort toward the northern portion of International Drive, like the Royal Pacific or Cabana Bay, it’s easy to walk to the Universal Resorts. There’s a paved footpath along the water that connects Universals Aventura, Sapphire Falls, and Royal Pacific resorts with Universal CityWalk Orlando (the gateway to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios). There’s also a free water taxi that shuttles guests between Sapphire Falls Resort and the Universal City walk. The boat shuttle is about a five-minute ride, while walking the footpath back to the resorts will be more like 25-30 minutes.
How much does an Uber cost from International Drive to Disney?
Photo: rustycanuck/Shutterstock
Again, the cost of an Uber between Disney and hotels on International Drive will depend on where you’re staying. If you’re at the southern end of International Drive, an Uber or Lyft will be relatively quick without traffic as the southern part of the road is less than three miles from the Disney parks. So it should be around $10 without any traffic, but Uber surge pricing could drive the price as high as $25.
If you’re staying at a resort further north on International Drive, the base fare on an Uber should still be no more than $16-$17. Keep in mind, of course, that surge pricing can drastically impact rideshare prices. Fortunately, however, there are almost always dozens of Uber and Lyft drivers around Orlando, which means the city is more protected from the abnormally high surge pricing rates you’d find in smaller destinations when the companies need to encourage more drivers by raising the rates.
The 8 Best Airbnbs in New Orleans for a Bachelorette Getaway
Bachelorette parties tend to be big extravagant parties. That’s why New Orleans is the ideal bachelorette party destination: There’s live music, seafood restaurants, drinking is allowed on the street – and of course, you can’t miss out on the rowdy atmosphere of the Bourbon street bars. So make the most of your time you need a New Orleans bachelorette party airbnb that is comfortable and stylish — and a pool doesn’t hurt either.
Usually lots of friends are involved, which can make the planning tedious – even if everyone is looking forward to the trip. You need a big space, with lots of room to lounge and relax (recovering from last night’s hangover is crucial so you can do it all again). Ideally, there will be space in the backyard for drinks, dinner, or just catching some rays in the afternoon before heading out for dinner or hitting the bars. And you probably want a pool too, because it’s not really a vacation if you can’t throw on your bathing suit and go for a dip. The New Orleans bachelorette party airbnb that your group lands on should be a space you look forward to coming back to at the end of the night.
The best New Orleans bachelorette party airbnb will sleep many people and have lots of communal lunge space, and there plenty of options that include several that are close to the French Quarter if you’re looking for easy access to restaurants and nightlife. These highly rated properties offer quirky decorations, spacious backyards for dinner parties and late night drinks, and comfortable bedrooms where you can get the rest you need to party all day with your friends. Here’s where to book your next stay.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. 8 bedroom mansion with elevator
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This epic mansion near Treme and the French Quarter has eight bedrooms and sleeps 24 people. It’s a great option if you have a big friend group, or members of your family are joining in the bachelorette party festivities. The interiors are elegant with a touch of character – there are velvet and leather couches, decorative rugs, taxidermied animals hanging on the walls, brick fireplaces, and antique chandeliers. Enjoy dinner in the backyard, or in the spacious kitchen. And don’t forget to check out the fully functional elevator.
Price: $1,311 per night
2. Private home with pool near the French Quarter
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
There’s so much to love about this elegant home in the French Quarter: Not only is it close to all the action but it has an outdoor dinner table for group meals in the evenings, a spacious, open kitchen, and comfy couches in the living that are perfect for lounging. The pool and hot tub in the backyard offer opportunities to keep the party at home if your group prefers. There’s a cute porch where you can drink your coffee in the morning, and even a soaking tub in one of the bathrooms.
Price: 1,094 per night
3. 5 bedroom home close to Frenchman Street
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With all white walls and decor, and polished wood floors, this house near Frenchman Street is a stylish option for a bachelorette with a more refined taste. There are live music venues close by and an outdoor patio give guests space to lounge or eat dinner outside.
Price: $939 per night
4. Colorful home with hot tub
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With a pool and cozy porch, your bachelorette party might not actually want to leave the backyard. Featuring a colorful mural of the beach, and other colorful details like teal walls and pink velvet chairs in the living room, this home will get you in a playful mood. The huge kitchen has two sinks and two kitchen islands will give everyone space to cook and eat. It’s also within walking distance of two famous New Orleans restaurants, Charlie’s Steakhouse and Pascal’s Manale.
Price: $881 per night
5. Historic home in the French Quarter
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With its proximity to three of New Orleans most famous streets – Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Esplanade Ave – the location is what might appeal to bachelorette parties staying here. This six room guesthouse has a shared patio, and all rooms are accessed from exterior corridors to give everyone privacy. Once you’re inside, pink and purple walls and antique decor gives this space an eccentric atmosphere.
Price: $707 per night
6. Townhouse in Bywater
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With a cozy porch outfitted with couches and a backyard patio complete with a pool, there’s plenty of space to relax in this townhouse. Hardwood floors and French doors add the home’s elegant interior design. With a kitchen island and a dining room table, guests can enjoy both casual meals and sit down dinners. The Bywater neighborhood is nearby New Orleans favorite Bacchanal restaurant and bar, as well as the French Quarter.
Price: $636 per night
7. Luxury home in Treme
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
At this luxury home, here’s a pool and hot tub tucked into this cozy patio, with a small table where you can sip drinks while the sun is out. The interiors are sleek and modern: Olive green tiles in the kitchen match the olive green dining room table chairs, and floor to ceiling windows fill every room with sunshine. The house is near the French Quarter and Willie Mae’s Scotch House – where some people say the best fried chicken in New Orleans is made.
Price: $468 per night
8. MidCity oasis with heated poolPhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With a colorful mural of plants and parrots on one wall, the outdoor area of this house is where your bachelorette party will want to hang out. The heated pool and grill will get the party started at home before you decide to head out – it’s just a five minute drive to the French Quarter. Multi colored throw pillows, wall art, and another mural inside add to the cheerful design.
Price: $307 per night
More like thisBudget Travel17 Free or Cheap Activities in New Orleans and Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip8 Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Orlando’s Easy Going Atmosphere
People come to Orlando to have fun. They want to splash in the clear blue water at the beach, try every roller coaster at Disney World, or treat the family to a weekend trying all the treats at the best restaurants in Epcot. If you love sunshine and Disney, Orlando is the place for you. What you might not know is that the restaurant scene in Orlando is worth exploring too (if fact there are so many things to do in Orlando besides theme parks). The best Orlando restaurants will surprise and delight anyone who goes thinking the only thing the city has to offer is Disney.
Because the atmosphere in Orlando is all about enjoyment and keeping the party, Orlando restaurants are full of energy. At the best Orlando restaurants, there’s live music, platters of oysters, prime cuts of steak, and of course plenty of locally sourced fish from the coast of Florida. While some restaurants might have romantic settings, don’t expect anything to be too stuffy or snobby in Orlando. Everyone just wants you to have a good time, while eating good food. Here are the best Orlando restaurants where you should book a table.
Kres ChophouseView this post on InstagramA post shared by Kres Chophouse (@kreschophouse)
Open late, this high energy restaurant is routinely named one the best steakhouses in Orlando. Beef is aged in-house and cut to order. Fish comes from the Florida coast delivered fresh to the restaurant every day. The restaurant is housed in a historic building, first erected in 1930, but the interior is modern – a reflection of the restaurant’s philosophy of traditional steak dishes done in a less pretentious setting.
Kres Chophouse: 17 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Price: $$$
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With a large bar in the center of the restaurant, an open kitchen, The Osprey feels trendy and stylish. The raw bar features stone crab, oysters, and caviar – and the rest of the menu focuses on local Florida seafood. Mussels, blue crab bisque, and a local catch of the day all sound tempting, and during happy hour there are deals on cava and daiquiris.
The Osprey : 4899 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814
Price: $$$
Maxine’s on ShineView this post on InstagramA post shared by Maxines On Shine (@maxinesonshine)
This restaurant’s award winning brunch isn’t the only reason to stop by. There’s also regular live music shows that play for guests. Chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes give the menu a Southern flair. It’s common to see neighborhood folks lining up outside the door, or hanging out on the outdoor patio. The cheerful ambience and friendly service is what keeps loyal customers coming back.
Maxine’s on Shine : 337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando, 32803, USA
Price: $$
KadenceView this post on InstagramA post shared by Kadence (@kadenceorlando)
Omakase earned Kadence a Michelin star, from sashimi to broth topped with truffles. With just eight seats, this cozy space feels like an exclusive club. The seating is communal and each dish is prepared directly in front of guests, so an intimacy develops between chefs and diners. With its cemented status as the best sushi restaurant in Orlando, this is where to go if you’re looking for a fine dining experience.
Kadence : 1809 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32803
Price: $$$$
Santiago’s BodegaView this post on InstagramA post shared by Santiago's Bodega Orlando (@santiagosbodegaorlando)
With its extensive patio seating, this tapas restaurant is the ideal place to meet up with friends for a casual evening out. The energetic restaurant is supposed to feel like a big party every night. That atmosphere pairs well with tapas style dining, in which every dish is meant to be shared and everyone can try a little of everything. Tuna ceviche, goat cheese filled dates, and chicken skewers seasoned with rosemary are all on the menu. Oh and if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, the restaurant offers a popular weekend brunch menu, too.
Santiago’s Bodega: 802 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Price: $$
Fresco Cucina ItalianaWhile some Italian restaurants might seem stuffy and formal, this charming spot embraces its casual side. Italian-American red sauce classics, fresh bread, and a warm feeling when you walk through the door all conspire to make it a local favorite. The portions are big enough to share or take home, and even better, the prices are reasonable given how much food you get.
Fresco Cucina Italiana : 7721 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
Price: $$
Chatham’s Place RestaurantView this post on InstagramA post shared by Chathams Place FINE DINING (@chathamsplacerestaurant)
For an intimate dinner best enjoyed with someone you love, head here. Past guests have praised the attentive, accommodating service. Meanwhile, the romantic dining room is lined with wine bottles, where live jazz piano is played for guests every night. Duck breast, filet mignon, and rack of lamb are among the decadent but refined dishes on the menu.
Chatham’s Place Restaurant : 7575 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Price: $$$$
Where to stay in Orlando
Photo: aphotostory/Shutterstock
Whether you’re looking at Orlando Airbnbs near Universal Studios, or an airport hotel that makes it easier to get to the theme parks, there are plenty of comfortable places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a stylish hotel or a big space with a pool for your family, check out these highly rated Orlando properties where you can book a room.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Alfond InnThis boutique hotel is in Winter Park, just 25 minutes outside Orlando. You’ll enjoy supporting this property: It’s owned by Rollins College, a liberal arts school, and some of the profits go toward supporting its scholarship fund. The hotel itself hosts a modern art collection which decorates the walls, and the rooms are simple but comfortable.
The Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Photo: Booking.com
With colorful cabanas and fake blue palm trees, the hotel gives off strong pool party vibes. There’s even a DJ by the pool on the weekends. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your family here: There’s a sculpture garden on the property kids will love to explore, as well as a library of kids books guests can borrow. There are also two restaurants and a bar within the hotel.
Margaritaville beachfront cottage
Photo: Airbnb
There’s a private pool and hot tub in this cheerful yellow house located on the Orlando Margaritaville property. There are three bedrooms, but the house can accommodate 10 people so this one is a great option for a family trip to Orlando. Enjoy breakfast on the cozy balcony, which overlooks a lake on the property.
This NYC Restaurant Serves 10-Foot-Long Pizzas
New York City is home to one of the most iconic pizza styles around the world, and New Yorkers tend to get heated about which famous pizzerias serve the best slices in the city. Judging criteria typically includes the crispiness and foldability of the crust, the flavor of the sauce and the ratio of sauce to cheese, and what other toppings are worthy of a New York City-style pizza. One restaurant in Lower Manhattan found another way to land on the must-eat list — by serving pizzas up to 10 feet long (and claiming to be the only restaurant in the world to do so).
@foodwtf This pizza shop in #NYC serves up a 10 foot pizza#BigaBite Restaurant
@biga.bite #foodie #foodtravel #nycfoodie #nycrestaurant #pizzanyc ♬ original sound – ice cream sandwich
In the video above, you’ll see that the largest size pie at Biga Bite is so long it has to be served from the sidewalk through an open window. These delicious and gargantuan concoctions are the brainchild of Giovanni Barbieri, the restaurant’s Italian-born pizza chef.
In addition to regular round pies, Biga Bite’s rectangular sharing-style pizzas are split into two categories designed for either small or large parties. Small group pizzas are made Roman-style and can be sized to feed two, three, or four people, working out to one flavor and one 10- to 11-inch square per person. The large group pizzas come in six, seven, eight, or 10 feet, which are meant to feed anywhere from five to 12 people.
Flavors range from classics like margherita and olive to specialties like the chips and guac pizza with the option to add shrimp, the vegan pizza with hummus and seasonal veggies, and the New Yorkish pizza with pepperoni, burrata, Korean chili, and spicy honey.
As if the novelty wasn’t tempting enough, the best part about ordering a massive pizza for a large group is the number of flavors and toppings you get to try as they’re divided into sections, starting with three and maxing out at six for the 10-foot pies.
Gluten free personal pizzas are also available, alongside starters and a couple of panini options. Surprisingly, pre-orders aren’t necessary even for the biggest pizzas on the menu, although reservations are recommended for big groups.
Where: 1 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Breathe the Fresh Mountain Air at This Swiss Retreat With Panoramic Alpine Views
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to the Swiss Alps for a tranquil getaway, look no further than the historic Berggasthaus Bollenwees. Located in the heart of Switzerland’s majestic mountains, this hotel is the perfect destination for those looking to explore nature and immerse themselves in local culture.
@visit The stunning Appenzell, Switzerland
Berggasthaus Bollenwees offers guests sweeping views of Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or go on an all-day hike, there are plenty of paths and trails to wander, with several activities like biking and skiing for more adventurous travelers. On a clear day, you can even see up to five different countries from the hotel’s terrace.
When it comes time to rest after a day spent exploring all that Berggasthaus Bollenwees has to offer, visitors have several lodging options available. Whether travelers are looking for a cozy room in one of the inn’s cozy cottages or want something more luxurious like one of the well-appointed suites in the nearby villas, there are plenty of comfortable accommodations at this mountain-top retreat.
What really sets this place apart is its commitment to introducing guests to local culture. From fun educational activities like cooking classes and cheese making workshops to guided excursions through nearby villages and towns, there are plenty of ways to get acquainted with Swiss culture during your stay. They even offer an annual “Local Legends” tour that allows guests to learn more about the history and customs of the region by visiting some of its most iconic sites.
In addition to cooking classes, Berggasthaus Bollenwees has a restaurant with a variety of classic Swiss dishes on the menu. The food here is made with fresh ingredients from local farms, and includes popular favorites like raclette and fondue, as well as hearty rosti (a type of potato hash) accompanied by bacon and eggs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their daily specials.
7 Yellowstone Restaurants and Bars for an Après-Hike Meal
Yellowstone National Park is famous for many things — wild bison, world-famous geysers, winter wildlife, and even a small section of the park where some say you can get away with murder.
And that’s all in addition to the draws of all national parks, like hiking, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for hiking and backpacking. Add into that the fact that Yellowstone National Park isn’t near any major towns — the closest town with more than 10,000 residents is Jackson Hole, about 60 miles to the south — and it’s easy to see why staying inside the park can sometimes be the best option.
Fortunately, because the park is so big and so popular, there are more than a few Yellowstone restaurants, bars, and lounges where you can grab anything from a picnic lunch to a creative cocktail to a multi-course wine-pairing meal. Here’s the scoop on where to go to wet your whistle or carbo-load before your all-day hike.
A quick history of YellowstoneWhen is the best time to visit Yellowstone?Where are the best restaurants in Yellowstone?The best restaurants in Yellowstone National ParkThe best bars in Yellowstone National ParkWhere to stay in YellowstoneThe history of Yellowstone National Park
Visitors at Old Faithful in Yellowstone, circa 1900-1920. Photo: U.S. National Park Service/Public Domain
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, established March 1, 1872. It’s mostly in Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone is also home to the Yellowstone Caldera, a super-volcano that last erupted 640,000 years ago and has the potential to cause a global volcanic winter if it were to erupt again (no, seriously). The park is visited annually by millions of tourists and was the 12th most popular site of the more than 400 managed by the National Park Service in 2022.
The park’s first hotel was the Lake Hotel, constructed in 1891. It remains one of the oldest structures in the park. While it’s obviously received some structural and design updates over the years, it still retains much of its original charm and character.
When to visit Yellowstone
Photo: YegoroV/Shutterstock
Yellowstone gets lots of snow, and not all the roads and entrances are open year-round. That also means most of the Yellowstone restaurants have a limited season. It’s usually around May to October, but it varies from place to place (and may change if there’s an early-season storm).
Matador has a full guide to the best time to visit Yellowstone, along with tips for what to do every season.
Where to find the best Yellowstone restaurants and barsThere are a few “villages” in the park, most of which have a few lodging and dining options. The park website has helpful maps of the various key locations in the park, most of which are to the north and west of Lake Yellowstone.
When you’re planning your trip, take into account where you’re coming from. Yellowstone has five park entrances, but only the north entrance is open year-round. The west entrance is usually the first to open in the spring, but it really depends on weather and snowfall.
The best Yellowstone restaurantsBear Paw Deli
Photo: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Closest entrance: West
Open: Early May to mid-October
The Bear Paw Deli is a quick, grab-and-go Yellowstone restaurant in the Norris Geyser Basin area of Yellowstone National Park. It serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and other light meals. The menu features a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The atmosphere at Bear Paw Deli is casual and relaxed; dirty hiking clothes are totally fine. It’s open during the peak tourist season in Yellowstone National Park, typically from late spring to early fall, but may be closed during the winter months due to severe weather conditions. It also closes around 1:30 PM.
Bear Paw Deli is inside Old Faithful Lodge and is one of the best places in the park to pick up a grab-and-go lunch near some of Yellowstone’s most popular sights — including Norris Geyser itself, which is the park’s hottest and oldest.
Wylie’s CanteenClosest entrance: East
Open: Mid-June to late September
Wylie’s Canteen is a counter-service restaurant in the park’s Lake Village area. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and serves various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The menu features classic American cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients, including fresh produce and meats from nearby ranches.
The dining room features large windows with stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for a meal with a view. The restaurant has a spacious interior with plenty of seating, making it a convenient option for families and large groups. You can also take your meal to go and find plenty of outdoor seating around the Lake Village Area.
The menu isn’t too creative, focused mostly on burgers and sandwiches, but it has options for most dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids’ menu options. It’s also not too expensive and is very kid-friendly, kind of like a ski lodge cafeteria (if ski lodge food was reasonably priced).
Canyon Lodge Ice Creamery
Photo: melissamn/Shutterstock
Closest entrance: North
Open: Mid-June to mid-September
It’s no surprise what this place serves up. This is one of the most popular Yellowstone restaurants in the summer, especially starting around 3 PM when people are finishing their hikes for the day and looking to treat themselves to something sweet.
The Canyon Lodge Ice Creamery is a dessert shop located in the Canyon Village area of Yellowstone National Park, named for the famous”Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.” The shop serves a variety of ice cream flavors, along with other sweet treats like shakes, sundaes, and cones. Visitors to the park can enjoy a refreshing scoop of ice cream on a hot day, or indulge in a sweet treat after a day of exploring.
The atmosphere at the Canyon Lodge Ice Creamery is relaxed and casual, with a focus on providing visitors with a fun and enjoyable dessert experience. The shop has indoor seating for those who want to sit down and enjoy their ice cream, and there is also outdoor seating available during the warm months. It serves up scoops and sundaes, and one of the most popular is the Mt. Washburn: several scoops of ice cream with seasonal berry sauce, chopped pecans, and low-fat granola. It’s best for a group to share, or someone seriously hungry after a long hike.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Photo: Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Closet entrance: East
Open: Mid-May to early October
If you like the idea of dining in a white-table restaurant but also want to ensure you don’t miss a second of Yellowstone’s gorgeous views, make reservations at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room. The hotel was built in 1891 and is one of the oldest structures in the park. The dining room is known for its elegant ambiance and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining areas has panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, adding great views to the great food. It’s a bit more expensive than other Yellowstone restaurants, but, hey, you’re paying for the ambiance.
Getting a reservation can be a little tricky. For starters, you stay in the park (camping counts). If you’re outside the park, you’re only allowed to dine on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re staying in the park, you can make your reservations up to 30 days in advance. But if you’re staying at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, you can reserve your table up to 60 days in advance. When you book your lodging in the park, your confirmation email will include a link to book reservations.
The best Yellowstone National Park barsThe Bear Pit LoungeView this post on Instagram
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Closet entrance: West
Open: Early May to mid-October
Whether you’re staying there or not, you can still cozy up to the large wooden bar at the Bear Pit Lounge inside The Old Faithful Inn. Technically, it’s also a dining option (in fact, it’s one of the more affordable Yellowstone restaurants), but it’s best known for its beer and cocktails, especially in the late afternoon before campers head back to their tents and people arriving for the weekend have just checked in.
Cocktails are reasonably priced, with most setting you back only $6-$9. And beers are even more affordable, at around $5.
If you plan to come for dinner or want to snag a table, be prepared to lurk and snag a spot as soon as you see it. The Bear Pit Lounge doesn’t take reservations and many people who can’t get walk-up reservations at the Old Faithful Dining room will instead try to dine at the Bear Pit. All that is to say, just get there early, and don’t be afraid to elbow your way up to the bar if need be.
The Firehole LoungeView this post on Instagram
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Closet entrance: West
Open: Year-round
The Firehole Lounge is a good option for a cocktail next to the fireplace in summer or winter. Though that said, it’s only reachable by snowcoach in the winter since it’s inside the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. The Snow Lodge also has a dining room (The Obsidian Dining Room), which can be a great place to get dinner after a drink at the Firehole.
Unlike most Yellowstone restaurants, the Obsidian Dining Rooms only takes reservations in winter, not summer. So if you’re there in the summer, feel free to wander into either option without a res. The Dining Room is slightly more formal as the Firehole Lounge is more of a plaid-flannel-and-exposed-wood type of place. And the prices match — beers are around $5.
You can drive to the Snow Lodge in the summer, but you’ll need to book a tour in the winter. You’ll get there via a Snowcoach — the park’s recognizable overland vehicles equipped with snowmobile-style treds for safely moving across ice and snow.
The Seven Stool SaloonCloset entrance: South
Open: Mid-May to early October
You won’t find much online about the Seven Stool Saloon, but that’s all the more reason to check it out. It’s a casual bar in Grant Village, an area of the park near West Thumb (and the closest in-park hotel to the other nearby national park, Grand Teton). The Saloon is just outside the entrance to the more well-known Grant Village Dining Room. It’s open with the same seasonal hours as the rest of Grant Village. And as you may expect from the name: it’s small. So expect to make friends with everyone else also throwing one back.
Where to stay in YellowstoneThe Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Photo: Kit Leong/Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park has one company that runs all the lodges within the park boundaries. It runs nine lodges, including a winter lodge (Old Faithful Snow Lodge) and most of the restaurants. You make reservations online through the Xanterra website for hotels or front-country campgrounds. As with most parks, backcountry campgrounds are managed via Recreation.gov.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Wander Camp Yellowstone
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
What’s more appropriate for a visit to a national park than sleeping under a tent? But if you want that tent to be comfortably furnished with cushy rugs, check out this Airbnb Plus glamping rental. It’s about 20 minutes from West Yellowstone. Rooms have solar lighting, shared bathrooms, access to unbelievably good stargazing, and start around $139 a night.
West Yellowstone Townhouse
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
While you probably do want to rent a car (or to sign up for a tour) if you’re visiting Yellowstone, you actually can walk to the park gate from this modern townhouse. The three-bedroom Airbnb rental in West Yellowstone is six blocks from the entrance. It’s a great pick for families as it has two bedrooms with large beds on the top floors and a third bedroom with twin beds on the bottom floor near a second living room, so kids can have their own section of the house. Rates start around $180 a night.
Bighorn Cabin
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If you’ve got a group or a few couples looking to spend some time together in the park, check out the reasonably priced Bighorn Cabin on Airbnb. It’s a high-end and roomy four-bedroom log cabin with a lofted space, and outdoor fire pit, and a private hot tub. It’s about 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s west entrance and starts around $350 a night, which is pretty good if you split it four (or five) ways.
February 12, 2023
How To Experience Undeveloped Beaches and Fresh Seafood In Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has over 27 miles of white sandy beach. And while that’s undeniably one of the main draws for anyone looking to visit, even people who prefer to stay sand free won’t run out of things to do in town. You can get in touch with nature at Camp Helen State Park, take a deep sea fishing charter trip, stroll along Pier Park boardwalk, and, of course, enjoy lots of delicious seafood at marina restaurants.
Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination for all ages. The best time to visit for good weather is in spring or fall, when temperatures during the day typically stay in the high 70s and early 80s, with nighttime temperatures rarely dropping below 65. During the summer season there are plenty of festivals, water activities, concerts, and more to enjoy.
The best way to get to PCB is by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches Airport. Major air carriers, such as Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, provide daily flights from major cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Nashville, and St. Louis. Once there, you’ll want to rent a car, as public transportation options can be limited.
Things to do in Panama City BeachThe best PCB beaches and beach-front activitiesPier Park
Visit Panama City Beach
Pier Park brings shopping, entertainment, and dining to the beach with a string of more than 120 storefronts. The Skywheel is the newest attraction in Pier Park, and offers a view of PCB from 200 feet up. The SkyTrail & SkyTykes ropes course is another adventurous way to get an elevated view. Finally, for a drink with a view, go to Hook’d, which has the best beach views on the strip, while you sip a cocktail out of a pineapple.
Camp Helen State ParkBird watching, kayaking, and hiking are just some activities you can explore while visiting this national state park. Kayak rentals are offered at the park daily from 8 AM to 5 PM (weather and season permitting).
Shell Island
Visit Panama City Beach
While the beach-front towns along Florida’s panhandle are often beloved for the accommodations, restaurants, and shops that butt up against the sand, Shell Island offers a seven-mile look at Florida’s undeveloped side. Nesting birds, sea turtles, deer, and ghost crabs utilize the beach, while bottlenose dolphins often play just off shore. Kayak, snorkel and swim at the beach, but know that you’ll need to bring your own refreshments and activities, when you get there by shuttle service, ferry, or by renting a boat to make the journey yourself.
St. Andrews State Park
Visit Panama City Beach
Birders and butterfly lovers will enjoy visiting this popular migratory stopping point to catch wildlife sightings while enjoying Florida’s famous Gulf coast. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, this state park has a mile-and-a-half of beach perfect for fishing, camping, and swimming, as well as dunes and plant life to explore. Perhaps the beach’s most famous non-winged guest was Theodore Tollofson (or “Teddy the Hermit”), who was shipwrecked in the area during a hurricane in 1929 and lived on his boat on the beach for the following 25 years.
Where to eat and drink in Panama City BeachFirefly
Visit Panama City Beach
Upscale dining with a beach vibe, Firefly focuses on the finest seafood in all its forms. The rotating menu features both locally caught fish and important species, while steaks and seasonal vegetables round out the rest of the menu. People also come for the cocktails, which are world class. Make sure you save room for dessert and try the creme brulee.
Firefly: Shoppes at Edgewater, 535 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Runaway IslandView this post on InstagramA post shared by Runaway Island (@runawayislandpcb)
Enjoy yourself at this beachfront restaurant with outdoor live entertainment on a private deck, local seafood, and frozen drinks. The outdoor deck and boardwalk goes straight to PCB’s famous sand, while there’s two levels of dining space inside.
Runaway Island: 14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Andy’s Flour PowerStart your day with a signature rolled omelet and French toast before your beach-filled adventure. Brunch is served all day on weekends and comes with live entertainment. Head to the bar for a signature cocktail, like the basil lemonade, while you wait for your seat.
Andy’s Flour Power: 2629 Thomas Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
Saltwater GrillView this post on InstagramA post shared by Saltwater Grill (@saltwatergrillpcb)
Even if you’ve dined with some impressive guests, you’ve likely never had dinner with an audience like like the 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium filled with exotic fish at Saltwater Grill. The menu features a modern take on seafood and steaks, and there’s a piano bar for entertainment.
Saltwater Grill: 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Thomas Donuts & Snack Shop
Visit Panama City Beach
This quaint family-owned bakery has endless breakfast options you have to try. Opened in 1971, its are known for fresh doughnuts, kolaches, muffins, sandwiches, and more.
Thomas Donuts & Snack Shop: 19208 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
The PourView this post on InstagramA post shared by The Pour ☻ (@thepourpcb)
Invest in the local community with a cup of coffee during your stay. All proceeds at this non-profit help bring sustainable change to those needing it the most. Before you leave, give an encouraging message in the guest book.
The Pour: 12902 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Where to say in Panama City BeachWe hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Hyatt Place Panama City BeachThis resort-style beachfront hotel is ideally placed for all your vacation needs. It has a pool, jacuzzi, and lazy river when you’re done with your private beach. If you visit in March through October, you can enjoy umbrellas and beach chairs free of charge. Wake up to Starbucks in the lobby while you overlook the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No need to leave your hotel for dinner, as Coconut Charlie’s is downstairs with live entertainment several times a week.
February 10, 2023
Nelson 151 Is Virginia’s One-Stop-Shop for Every Craft Beverage You Can Imagine
If you’re looking for a memorable beverage experience in Virginia, the Nelson 151 Virginia Craft Beverage Trail is the perfect answer. The trail is a self-guided tour of craft beverage producers located along Route 151 in Nelson County, Virginia. From small breweries and cideries to wineries and distilleries, there is no shortage of delicious beverages to sample along the way. Here’s what you can expect on your journey through the Nelson 151 trail.
The Nelson 151 route features several breweries and cideries offering up some of the best drinks in Virginia. From light lagers and stouts to fruity hard ciders, there’s something for everyone on this craft beverage trail. Many of these establishments also offer food pairings like artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards that make for great snacks while sipping your favorite beverage.
In addition to breweries and cideries, the Nelson 151 trail features several wineries and distilleries too. The wineries specialize in producing handcrafted wines made with local grapes, while the distilleries make unique spirits like whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum. You can even take guided tours to learn how they create their signature drinks from start to finish.
Of course, it’s not just about drinking along this route either. There are plenty of other activities as well. You can spend an afternoon exploring historic sites or visiting nearby attractions like hiking trails or antique stores. Or perhaps attend one of the many events hosted by local businesses throughout the year – from wine tastings to live music performances.
This Was the First Hotel in Aruba, and It’s Still One of the Caribbean’s Best
In the mid-20th century, Aruba was a mostly ignored deserted island. Compared to its lush and volcanic Caribbean neighbors like Cuba or the Bahamas, Aruba’s landscape of cactus-filled rock swept bare by hot trade winds didn’t seem as much like a vacation paradise as it did a place to send misbehaving sailors.
But in the 1950s, the Dutch Caribbean island realized it had a few natural advantages the more famous, foliage-covered islands did not: because it sits outside the hurricane belt and gets almost no rain, Aruba can offer tropical vacations with near-guaranteed sunshine.
That potential drew famed architect Morris Lapidus, who also designed Miami’s historic Fontainebleau Hotel, to Aruba, where he designed its first resort: the Aruba Caribbean Hotel. The first Aruba hotel opened in 1959 and almost instantly transformed the island into a top vacation destination.
A model of the Aruba Caribbean Hotel from Morris. Photo: Library of Congress/Public Domain
Dozens of other resorts have popped up in the decades since, but the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, now called the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino, still stands as the island’s original tourism icon. Staying at the Aruba hotel is like taking a trip back to a beachside paradise, showcasing why people still flock to this island more than 60 years later.
Here’s why you may want to stay at the island’s first hotel, where the Aruba of yesteryear perfectly blends with modern luxury.
Everything you need is within walking distance
The hotel’s Mira Solo lobby bar. Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino is on Aruba’s Palm Beach, one of the most popular (and beautiful) beaches in the Caribbean. Though it’s now lined with hotels and mega-resorts, the soft, white sand and turquoise water are still as idyllic and clean as they were in the 1950s. And because there’s a strip of beach bars and exciting restaurants just behind the hotel, you can explore the island’s food and nightlife without renting a car.
The ambiance at this Aruba hotel begins before you even check-in, as the big, breezy lobby is filled with tropical plants whose leaves sway in the warm tropical winds. Photos of actor Jack Benny and his windblown hair, Jackie O. by the pool, and vintage cars parked in front of the hotel’s 1960 facade fill the lobby, ensuring guests are immediately aware of the hotel’s lasting legacy before they’ve gotten their room keys.
Traveling through the lobby, guests will immediately arrive at the Mira Solo Bar. While it’s technically a lobby bar, it’s a notch above most, with nightly guitar or steel drum music and balmy sunset happy hours.
Views of tropical gardens and aquamarine water
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
The hotel’s footprint stretches across 15 acres, so the place never feels crowded even when its 357 rooms are filled. You might even find yourself remarking, “seems a little slow this week,” while you’re posted up under a palapa with nobody else around – but that focus on personal space sets it apart from other Aruba hotels.
The rooms are split across three towers named after the islands of the Leeward Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Aruba is the original tower and boasts the largest rooms, measuring nearly 500 square feet each. The decor leans heavily on dark woods and light walls, with driftwood lamps and ocean views. It’s a unique, mid-century-meets-coastal aesthetic that harkens back to the tropical vacation dreams of the 1950s and ’60s.
The other two towers keep a similar design motif, though the rooms are a bit smaller and lack the entryways of Aruba’s rooms. Many look out onto the resort’s tropical gardens rather than the ocean. As they come in at a lower price point, Bonaire and Curaçao rooms may be a better move for visitors planning on spending most of their time outdoors.
Parrots on your shoulder and palapas on the beach
Some ‘power palapas’ allow you to stay connected (if you want to, of course)Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
Steps from the beach live the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino’s resident parrots, who spend their days squawking at guests and posing for pictures. A board near their habitat tells you when the staff “bird whisperer” is available, whose job it is to teach guests how to safely hold and handle the birds while taking photos. If nothing else, it’s a fun photo op, but it’s also a chance to learn more about the protection and life cycle of macaws, cockatoos, and other tropical birds than you expected to learn on vacation.
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The birds are just a short walk from the Miramar Lawn, where cashew and mango trees cast shade over lawn games like oversized Connect Four and Jenga, and nearby couches offer places to relax if the competition gets too heated. Though the hotel did away with its kids club after COVID, it frequently hosts family- and kid-friendly activities in the space, the details of which are posted next to the parrots’ schedule.
The beach is what has kept the hotel going for seven decades
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
The main attraction, of course, is the beach, a stretch of fine white powder with the glimmering Caribbean beyond. The Hilton’s slice is dotted with rentable palapas; guests can lounge in the shade and order food and cocktails from their phones. So if you want a piña colada or an order of wings, just make a few taps on your phone and 10 minutes later, your items are arriving at your palapa (and automatically charged to your room).
You’ll want to choose your palapa carefully, though. On the beach, you’ll see signs warning of strong winds, and they’re not just there for decoration. While you won’t exactly be sunbathing in whipping winds, you may be fighting to turn the pages in your book if you read outside on windy days.
…but you can always skip the beachPhoto: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
The Hilton also offers two pools – passive and active. As the name might imply, the passive pool is a shallow lagoon surrounded by chaise lounges. Children are technically allowed, but you’re unlikely to see many as there’s not much to do at this pool other than sunbathing.
The active pool is just that, with a volleyball net, occasional water aerobics, and other in-pool activities. It’s not exactly akin to a Vegas pool party rager, but offers a little more action than the passive pool. This is where you’ll find the resort’s reservable pool-apas – similar to the palapas on the beach but, well, by the pool.
Just behind the pool is a sprawling waterfall lined with avocado trees, adding a touch of relaxing white noise to the otherwise lively poolside experience.
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
While you’d be remiss to leave Aruba without exploring the restaurants of the Palm Beach strip, you won’t have to leave the resort to find some solid nosh. The standout is Sunset Grille, an old-school steakhouse serving top-notch chops either in spacious booths or outside overlooking the ocean. And, in something you’d not expect in most Aruba hotels, the prices are slightly less than you’d find in a comparable steakhouse in major US cities. And while the wine list isn’t spectacular (it’s Aruba, after all), it does the job for vacation.
Breakfast is served at Laguna Restaurant, where an endless buffet of pastries, meats, and fresh fruits awaits. Tables are beside the resort’s tranquil lagoon, where ibis and roseate spoonbills often join guests for breakfast.
Lunch and afternoon cocktails are best enjoyed at Gilligan’s, the patio restaurant by the water. It offers the standard burgers and fish sandwiches one expects at such restaurants, although the burrata salad is a surprising gourmet addition that pairs perfectly with an Aruba-brewed Chill beer.
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If you’re looking for an Aruba hotel for an anniversary or to ratchet up the romance, you may be intrigued by the special sunset dining experience on the sand. Couples dine on Palm Beach, where private servers bring four courses and pour from reserved bottles of wine. Diners pre-select their courses, so the entire experience is seamless. And aside from some kindergarten-like heckling from over-served tourists strolling the beach, it’s a perfectly romantic experience (for $220 per person.)
One thing to note on dining at the resort: Hilton includes a service charge on all its checks but adds a “tip” line as well. The service charges are pooled and split between the staff, so while you’re welcome to tip more, understand that anything left on that line is an addition to the already-included gratuities.
On- and off-site activities are easy to make happenView this post on Instagram
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The gym has to be one of the most most scenic perhaps of anywhere in the Caribbean, as lines of treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes look onto the ocean. The gym is also the only place on the resort where you’ll ever feel crowded, though, and it can be a bit tricky to snag cardio equipment without a wait in the early morning or evening.
Of course, you’re in paradise, so there are plenty of places to be active outdoors. The resort is on Aruba’s beachside running path, a 3.5-mile route along the shore. If the treadmills are full, it’s an excellent place for an al fresco run. You’ll sweat a little more, but at least the views will change.
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
The gym shares a building with the hotel’s spa, a calming space where many treatments use Aruba’s most famous export: Aloe. While the beachside massage cabana sounds lovely, be warned: the lapping waves are indeed calming, until a family from Wisconsin with two small children sets up in the lounge chairs 15 feet away from your supposed peaceful space. Then, well, it’s like getting a massage at your local public beach. Opt for a treatment room.
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Of course, this is Aruba, and you’ll want to spend time away from the resort to visit places like the collapsed land bridge and the seaside desert of Arikok National Park. Fortunately, the concierge desk in the lobby can set you up with whatever you want to see or do. And that includes scuba diving. As hurricanes rarely hit the island, the reefs are mostly spared from heavy swells and waves, leaving them healthy and intact. That gives Aruba some of the Caribbean’s best diving and, fortunately, the concierge can also set up dives for everyone from expert divers to first timers.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino is still one of the island’s best
Photo: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
While you’ll want to see the island, staying at the resort is never a bad move. It still retains the full-service, gorgeous-as-can-be island resort that first drew visitors to Aruba, and there’s enough to keep you entertained and relaxed without having to stray far. Just like it has been for the last seven decades, the Hilton Aruba still beckons US travelers with the promise of experiencing the laid-back island how it should be. And even if that sounds a bit cheesy, after a few days under a beachside palapa, you’ll find it hard to feel any other way.
In Brussels, Bozar Restaurant Gives Belgian Cuisine the Michelin Treatment
Belgium is famous for a handful of foods: waffles, chocolate, fries, mussels, and beer. Of course, Belgian cuisine is more complex than that, with tastes similar to those of neighboring nations like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It’s big on both seafood and red meat, seasonal vegetables like potatoes and leeks, and like anywhere else varies greatly by region. Belgian food tends to be hearty and homey, but it can also be fine dining, especially in the capital city Brussels. Brussels currently plays host to 21 Michelin-starred restaurants: 18 with one star and three with two stars. One of those restaurants, Bozar, specializes in French-Belgian cuisine and is particularly famous for preparing proteins ranging from salmon and pork to pate and pigeon en croute, meaning baked in a beautiful golden brown pastry crust.
@foodwtf This #MichelinStar restaurant in #Brussels is best known for their #SalmonenCroute
Everything you need to know about Bozar Restaurant in Brussels
Helmed by chef Karen Torosyan, Bozar Restaurant is located in Brussels’ Palais des Beaux-Arts, or Center for Fine Arts. The center was designed by renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta in the Art Deco style although Horta was more famous for pioneering the Art Nouveau style, which became a national movement in Belgium in the late 19th century. The Palais des Beaux-Arts was Horta’s last project. The interior honors the original style, making it an especially beautiful and significant backdrop for one of Brussels’ premier dining experiences.
Once referred to as a brasserie, Bozar now bears the title of restaurant, but its food stays true to its elevated yet humble roots. The menu is refined but unpretentious, the food is comforting, the portions are generous, and the price is reasonable for a Michelin-starred establishment. (Bozar Restaurant also scored a 17 out of 20 in the prestigious French Gault&Millau restaurant guide.)
Bozar has several different prix fixe menus to choose from. The first centers on its classic dishes like the salmon koulibiac (a preparation that utilizes the en croute technique) and Normandy beef filet with truffles and foie gras. The classics preparations come with two starters, must be reserved 48 hours in advance, and cost 175 euros per person. Diners can also order the three-course lunch menu for 75 euros per person (plus 35 euros for wine), the four-course “Ravenstein” menu for 115 euros per person (plus 55 euros for wine), or six-course “Horta” menu for 155 euros per person (plus 75 euros for wine). There’s also a modest a la carte menu for those interested in a simpler meal.
Bozar Restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday, open for dinner between 7 PM and 10 PM on Tuesday through Saturday, and has an additional lunch service from 12 PM to 2 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Where: Rue Baron Horta 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
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