Hotel Review - 5 Suitcases

Hotel 1001 Nott Review: Luxury Stay & Honest Insights for Your Visit

Elle MacRae — Sat, 10 May 2025 11:51:31 +0000

Hotel 1001 Nótt in Egilsstaðir, Iceland, offers a serene retreat that beautifully combines modern comfort with the natural splendor of East Iceland. Nestled on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót and surrounded by the expansive Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, the hotel provides guests with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Hotel 1001 Nótt, located near Egilsstaðir, Iceland, offers 16 spacious guest rooms, each featuring a private entrance and veranda.

The hotel opened its doors in June 2018, providing modern accommodations with amenities such as outdoor hot tubs overlooking Lake Lagarfljót.

Guests have consistently praised the hotel’s exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights right from their rooms. The combination of modern amenities, stunning natural surroundings, and warm hospitality makes Hotel 1001 Nótt a standout choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in Iceland.

Accommodations

The hotel features spacious, modern rooms measuring 22 square meters, each designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning lake or mountain vistas. Every room includes a private entrance from the hotel garden, ensuring both privacy and direct access to the picturesque surroundings. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of en-suite bathrooms and thoughtful amenities to enhance their stay.

Amenities

Hotel 1001 Nótt is equipped with a range of facilities to enrich your experience:

Outdoor Hot Tubs: Relax in hot tubs set in a beautiful setting, perfect for unwinding while soaking in the natural beauty.
On-Site Dining: Savor local delicacies at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a delightful culinary experience.
Bar and Cognac Lounge: Enjoy a selection of beverages in a cozy atmosphere, ideal for evening relaxation.
Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary internet access throughout the property.
Accessibility Features: The hotel offers facilities for disabled guests, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.

Our Experience

We checked into our hotel in the early afternoon. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. Within minutes of checking in, we grabbed a couple of beers from the bar and headed to the outdoor hot tubs that overlooked the lake. It was incredibly relaxing and an excellent way to unwind after being on the road.

The hotel was incredibly comfortable and offered incredible views of the lake. The bed was cozy and provided us with a great night’s sleep. I’d definitely stay here again!

Physical Address: 6GJH+GGX, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland

Web Address: https://1001nott.is/

Things to do Nearby

Hotel 1001 Nótt is surrounded by a variety of attractions and activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and those seeking cultural experiences. Here are some recommendations:

Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
As Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur offers numerous hiking trails, diverse flora, and designated picnic areas, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Hengifoss
One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, Hengifoss features striking red clay layers. The hike to the falls provides scenic views and passes by the smaller Litlanesfoss waterfall.
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Center
This historic site, once the home of author Gunnar Gunnarsson, now serves as a cultural center offering exhibitions and insights into local history.
Horseback Riding
Experience the Icelandic landscape on horseback with tours available from nearby Útnyrðingsstaðir, located just 1 km from the hotel.
Golfing at Ekkjufell
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a 9-hole, par 35 course at Ekkjufell, approximately 11.5 km from the hotel.
Fardagafoss
Not too far from the hotel is a gorgeous waterfall. Getting to Fardagafoss involves a short hike that passes by a couple of other smaller cascades.

Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to Lake Lagarfljót allows guests to explore its sandy shores and the unique confluence of glacier and freshwater rivers. The nearby town of Egilsstaðir, just 5 km away, offers shops, restaurants, and a swimming pool for further leisure activities.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the area surrounding Hotel 1001 Nótt provides a rich array of experiences to enhance your stay.

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The Great Wolf Lodge Perryville, Maryland: A Review

Elle MacRae — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 12:13:10 +0000

This year, as part of the kid’s Christmas gift, we booked a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland. Over Christmas Break, we struck out on a week-long road trip. Since few places are open on Christmas Day, I thought it would be the perfect place to spend the holiday.

We spent the holidays two years ago with a 4-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. The kids loved it, so we thought we’d surprise them with another visit.

If you’re unfamiliar with Great Wolf Lodge, it’s a hotel chain known for its indoor waterparks. Each Great Wolf Lodge is jam-packed with family-fun amenities to help make your vacation one to remember!

Accommodation Options at Great Wolf Lodge Perryville

The accommodation options at the Great Wolf Lodge are Standard Suites, Themed Suites, and Premium Suites. Most rooms will sleep 4 comfortably however, some options can sleep up to as many as 13 people!

Family Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Standard suite includes two queen beds as well as a living area with a full-size sofa sleeper.

2 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath
Living Area
Table & chairs

Themed Kid Cabin Suite

Sleeps 6-7

Standard suite features a log cabin-themed sleeping area, three twin beds, a queen bed, and a full sofa sleeper.

1 Queen Bed
1 Twin Bed
1 Bunk Bed
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath

Themed Wolf Den Suite

Sleeps 4-6

The standard suite includes an in-suite cave-themed sleeping area, a queen bed, and a full-size sofa sleeper.

1 Queen Bed
1 Bunk Bed
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath

Junior Cabin Suite

Sleeps 4

The Accessible bathtub suite features a log cabin-themed sleeping area.

1 Queen Bed
1 Bunk Bed

Deluxe KidCabin Suite

Sleeps 10-13

The standard suite includes a private bedroom with two queen beds, an in-suite log cabin with bunk beds and a day bed, one queen bed, a full-size sleeper sofa, and two bathrooms.

3 Queen Beds
1 Bunk Bed
1 Day bed
2 Full Sleeper Sofas
2 Full Baths

Deluxe Junior Kid Cabin Suite

Sleeps 8-10

This accessible bathtub suite includes a private bedroom with two queen beds, an in-suite log cabin with bunk beds, one queen bed, a full-size sleeper sofa, and two bathrooms.

3 Queen beds
1 Bunk Bed
1 Full Sleeper SOfa
1 Full bath

Deluxe Wolf Den Suite

Sleeps 8-12

This standard suite includes an in-suite cave-themed sleeping area with a queen bed, a private bedroom with two queen beds, and two bathrooms.

3 Queen Beds
1 Bunk Bed
2 Full Sleeper Sofas
2 Full Baths

Grizzly Bear Suite

Sleeps 6-8

This standard suite features a king bed in the primary bedroom, two queens in the second bedroom, and a full-size sleeper sofa in the main area.

1 King Bed
2 Queen Beds
1 Full Sleeper Sofa
2 Full Baths

Check In/ Check out at Great Wolf Lodge Perryville

Before arriving at the Great Wolf Lodge Perryville, you’ll receive a text with information for a pre-check-in. You’ll identify your estimated arrival time and have an opportunity to ask any questions.

Checking in at this GWL was much more simple than our previous stays. The front desk was conveniently located on the left side of the lobby. There are kiosks available for quick check-ins.

The front office staff was very courteous and helpful. Considering how busy they were, they maintained composure, which is impressive.

Great Wolf Lodge Perryville Amenities & Attractions

Water park
MagiQuest
Gift Shop
On-Site Restaurant
Oliver’s Mining Co.
Moonstone Mirror Maze
Ten Paw Alley (bowling)

Howlers Peak Ropes Course
Northern Lights Arcade
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Howl in One Mini-Golf

All About the Wolf Passes

The Great Wolf Lodge offers passes that bundle activities and special memorabilia. Purchasing the passes can help save you money in the long run. The passes are Wolf Pass ($99.99), Paw Pass ($79.99), and Pup Pass ($59.99).

We’ll explore the benefits of each of these passes in a future post.

Dining Options

Barnwood- This sit-down restaurant serves up a variety of burgers, salmon, steak, and pasta. Enjoy a glass of local wine or a handcrafted cocktail while you unwind from a fun-filled day.

Campfire Kitchen- This laid-back restaurant serves a scrumptious breakfast menu ranging from eggs, bacon, signature wolf waffles, and more. In the evenings, enjoy a carved meat station or Italian-inspired foods.

Hungry as a Wolf– This pizza joint is open for lunch and dinner. They serve pizza, meatball subs, fresh salads, and cheese bread.

Timbers- Enjoy mouth-watering burgs, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches at this lunch and dinner eatery.

Wood’s End Creamery- Indulge your pack’s sweet tooth with hand-crafted ice cream treats.

Dunkin’ Donuts– Grab donuts and coffee for breakfast lunch or dinner!

Our Honest Review

The Good

Before our arrival we received a text from “Willow” our “assistant” for our trip. Willow is actually anyone who is working down at the front office. They asked us if we had any questions or special requests. I was able to text back and forth with them before we arrived.
At this location, all of the amenities are on the first floor. This was excellent news! When we stayed at the GWL in Williamsburg, the MagiQuest Game spanned multiple floors and we heard kids running/yelling/being obnoxious late into the evening.
Great Wolf Lodge has an app that you can download that will tell you all of the events going on throughout the day. You can also pre-order some of your meals via the app.
The indoor water park was great. There was something for every different thrill level. There are complimentary towels and life jackets available.
The lifeguards in the waterpark are the most intentional lifeguards I’ve ever seen– and being from Florida, we see a lot of them. They make very calculated and deliberate sweeps of the pool areas to ensure everyone is safe. I was very impressed.
Someone is always cleaning! The overall cleanliness of the place is pretty impressive considering how many kids are running around the place.

The Bad

The wait times for food was pretty long. When you order meals on the app, you’re supposed to get a notification when they are ready. We didn’t get notifications for 2 of the meals we ordered.
The hotel has quiet hours that begin at 11 pm, which is pretty late considering the hotel is geared towards children.
The GWL nickles and dimes you for everything. The only amenity that is included with your fees is the water park. You have to pay for everything else.

The Ugly

This is our second trip to a Great Wolf Lodge…or as my wife calls it, “The Lawless Land.” At both locations, the kids are absolutely out of control. We’ve stayed at kids’ hotels (Legoland Hotel) and never experienced anything quite like this. This wasn’t necessarily the Lodge’s fault, it’s more on the parents.
There doesn’t seem to be any enforcement of any sort of rules– this extended to the waterpark. We’ve been to several waterparks and there is always someone reminding kids to walk- that didn’t happen at all here. We saw several kids fall.

Tips for Visiting the Great Wolf Lodge Perryville

Make sure you pack towels and/or cover-ups for the pool. The hotel has towels, but you can only use them in the pool area. If you’re visiting during the colder months, it can get chilly walking through the lodge in a wet bathing suit.
Consider buying one of the passes (Wolf, Paw, Pup) to save money on the add-on attractions. Trust me, after seeing all the other kids running around (literally) playing MagiQuest, your kid will want to, too.

Location & Booking Information

Address: 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903

Visit the official website to book your stay.

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For future reference, save our post: “Great Wolf Lodge Perryville: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly”. Check out our post, “10 Great Wolf Lodge Tips that are Perfect for YOUR Family” to help you plan your trip.

While on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, we also visited the nearby Hersheypark, Fort Mott State Park, New Castle, and Fort McHenry.

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A Complete Honest Review of Canaan Valley Resort: What to Expect During Your Stay

Elle MacRae — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:12:44 +0000

Each year we gift our kids a trip for Christmas. I dubbed this year’s trip the Mason-Dixon Road Trip because we would be dancing along the Mason-Dixon Line. The Mason-Dixon Line is a geographical boundary separating Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia.

We kicked off our trip with a stay at the Canaan Valley Resort. During our 2-night visit, we stayed in the Queen Jr. Suite. In this review, we’ll give our honest feedback on the room and the resort itself. We’ll also share other important information about the hotel.

The hotel is just a few hours from Pittsburgh, Washington DC, and Baltimore.

Accommodation Options at Canaan Valley Resort

The resort has 160 rooms, 23 cabins, and 59 campsites. The several different lodging options offer something for everyone.

Standard King Room

Sleeps 2

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
Balcony rooms available

Standard Queen

Sleeps 4

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
Balcony rooms available

King Jr. Suite

Sleeps 2

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board

Queen Jr. Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board

King Suite

Sleeps 2-4

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
Fireplace, balcony, and separate living and sleeping rooms (only in 1-bedroom suites)
Note: King and Governor suite rooms are connected to a separate Queen balcony room that may be rented for the same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.

Queen Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Includes:

Complimentary high-speed internet
37-inch flat-screen television
Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
Fireplace, balcony, and separate living and sleeping room.
Note: Queen suite rooms are connected to a separate King balcony room that may be rented for the same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.

Governor Suite

Sleeps 2-4

1 king bed and bathroom, plus separate living area, kitchenette/dining area, fireplace, and half bath. Governor suites are located on the top floors.

Note: King and Governor suite rooms are connected to a separate Queen balcony room that may be rented for same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.

Check In/ Check out at Canaan Valley Resort

The Canaan Valley Ski & Golf Resort lobby was incredibly inviting and the staff was very welcoming and helpful. The lodge is quite large- spanning 2 separate buildings so I was a little surprised when I checked in and they simply handed my key. I had to ask where my room was, and it’s a good thing that I did since we were in a different building.

Canaan Valley Resort Amenities & Activities

Championship golf course
Indoor and outdoor pool
47 slopes/trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing
Snow tubing
SNO-GO Biking
Ice Skating
Sporting Clays
Conference center
On-site restaurants

Our Honest Review

The Canaan Valley Resort was the first stop on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip. The resort came highly recommended on one of the Facebook groups I look to when planning a road trip so I had high hopes for it. The resort is just outside the charming, quaint, small town of Davis, West Virginia.

When approaching from the south, we had to take several country highways to reach the resort. I’m glad we had plenty of gas because we passed nothing but deer for miles and miles. Pulling into the resort was a welcome relief.

The resort was cozy but the color scheme made it feel a bit dated. We booked a Queen Jr. Suite (pictured above with details), that was perfect for our family of 5. The couch pulled out into an additional bed for our daughter.

The room came with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot, which gave us a place to store our leftovers and a way to heat them up.

Our room was very comfortable, and overall the hotel was quiet. After putting the kids to bed, we went downstairs to check out the bar. Our room was located in the north tower, and the bar/lounge and lobby were located in the main building. Fortunately, the two buildings were connected on the first floor so we didn’t have to venture out into the snow.

As we explored the resort, we continued to note that it was a bit tired. There’s an old indoor pool that had a broken hot tub, an old-school arcade, and several conference rooms that were poppin’.

I think with a bit of a remodel, this resort will be excellent! As is, it’s still a wonderful place to camp out and enjoy the area.

Location & Booking Information

The Canaan Valley Resort is located at 230 Main Lodge Rd.
Davis, West Virginia 26260.

Visit the website directly to book your stay and review the current offers.

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While in the area, we visited Blackwater Falls State Park, home to the longest sled run on the East Coast! Check out our video on YouTube to experience this awesome adventure for yourself!

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An Honest Review of the Ultra-Chic Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Elle MacRae — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 19:20:44 +0000

While we were in southern Iceland, we stayed at the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. The hotel is perfectly situated between two of the country’s most incredible natural attractions: Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon/Diamond Beach. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is surrounded by rolling mountains and remote countryside. Did I mention that it has its very own waterfall?

This four-star hotel offers 125 contemporary rooms and a top-notch restaurant onsite. One major plus is that the hotel has an on-site sauna! Upon check-in, be sure to book a spot so you can take advantage of this opportunity!

Our Experience

The Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is the swankiest hotel we stayed at during our Ring Road Tour. It was also the most expensive. The amenities were incredible: a sauna, hot tubs, a fabulous restaurant, an on-site waterfall, free parking, etc.

The hotel was a wonderful place to stop over for the night, but after a long day of travel, we didn’t take advantage of everything the hotel had to offer. We got in late, walked over to the waterfall, enjoyed a delectable dinner, and fell fast asleep. We didn’t even make it to the sauna that we booked (the earliest reservation they had was 10 PM). Perhaps if we utilized more of the amenities the price tag would have been worth it, but I have to admit, we stayed in less expensive hotels and had equally wonderful experiences during our Ring Road Tour.

One of my favorite things about the hotel (besides the waterfall!) was the fact there were so many sheep nearby. I loved being able to look out the windows and see herds of sheep sleeping or grazing right outside.

That being said, I don’t have any complaints at all about the hotel. It was well-decorated, modern, clean, and comfortable, and the staff was friendly. The location was fantastic. If you don’t mind the price tag, I would certainly recommend Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon!

Accommodation Options at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

For our stay, we booked the Standard Double Mountain View. The rooms were clean, sleek and comfortable.

Standard Double or Twin Mountain View

The room accommodates up to 2 people.

Room includes:

Satellite TV
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Ocean View Double or Twin Room

Accommodates up to 2 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Economy Double or Twin Room

Accommodates up to 2 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Triple Room

Accommodates up to 3 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Family Deluxe Room

Accommodates up to 3 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
More space
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Suite

Accommodates up to 2 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
More space
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Executive Suite

Accommodates up to 2 persons

Room includes:

Satellite TV
More space
Hair dryer
Coffee and tea maker
Safety box
Small fridge
Telephone
Free WiFi
Bathroom

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon Restaraunt

While you’re at the hotel, you have to dine at their restaurant. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. It was one of our best meals in Iceland. The cooking is inspired by the Icelandic nature surrounding the hotel. Be prepared for stunning presentations and scrumptious flavors!

Restaurant 6 pm-10 pm
Bar 12 pm-12 am
Bar menu 12 pm-10 pm
Happy Hour 4 pm-6 pm

A continental breakfast is served each morning in the restaurant. We were really impressed with the spread.

What is There to do Around the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon?

Fjallsárlón Lagoon- 12 miles away

Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach -18 miles away

Svartifoss– 18 miles away

Skaftafell National Park- 17 miles away

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip! We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post on Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon! Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Katla Ice Cave, Diamond Beach, Skogafoss, Svartifoss, and more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience**

Black Beach Suites: An Honest Review of Our Stay

Elle MacRae — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 22:44:19 +0000

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

The Black Beach Suites in Southern Iceland was one of our favorite stopovers on our trip around the Ring Road. During our visit, we stayed in a Standard Studio Apartment with a stunning sea view. The apartment was sleek, modern, and ultra-Scandanavian.

Accommodation Options at Black Beach Suites

Standard Studio Apartment with Sea View

These incredible, modern, studio apartments capture the Scandinavian spirit while offering outstanding views of nature as well as comfort. The rooms offer heated floors, incredible showers, and comfortable beds.

The rooms sleep up to 4 people (2 twin beds + 1 sofa bed) and come fully equipped with a kitchenette. Enjoy your private veranda with views of the Dyrhólaey cliffs and ocean shore.

Superior Delux King Studio

These cozy apartments sleep two people. Cozy up in a king-sized bed and enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped kitchenette. They offer balconies overlooking the Dyrhólaey cliffs and ocean shore.

Check In/Check Out at the Black Beach Suites

The reception area is located in the main building, attached to the hostel. Check-in is at 3 PM and Check-out is at noon.

Once you get your keys, you’ll be given directions to your apartment. Each apartment comes with its own parking spot(s), directly in front of the apartment. This makes unloading and loading your luggage incredibly easy!

Where's This Place At?

The hotel is located at: Black Beach Suites, Norðurfoss, 871

The apartments are located in the Mýrdalur region of Iceland. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts!

Nearby points of interest include:

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Dyrhólaey
Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Sólheimajökull

Black Rock Suites Breakfast

Breakfast is available for purchase, or as an add-on when booking your apartment. Our breakfast was a chocolate muffin, a turkey and cheese croissant, an apple, and a yogurt. I packed the sandwich, apple, and yogurt away for lunch and enjoyed the muffin. It was quite delicious!

Our Honest Review

We spent one night at Black Beach Suites during our trip around the Ring Road. The room was remarkably clean, quiet, and incredibly comfortable.

The apartments offered sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The views weren’t that picturesque, but it was still peaceful to look out at the ocean.

Black Beach Suites is a great place to spend a night or two, we definitely would recommend staying here!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: Black Beach Suites: An Honest Review. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited the Katla Ice Caves, Reynisfjara Beach, Kvernufoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Reykjavík’s Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels: An Honest Review

Elle MacRae — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 12:47:15 +0000

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Imagine a sleek, modern, boutique hotel located in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland. That, my friends, is the Sand Hotel Reykjavik. On our recent trip to Iceland, we stayed at the Sand Hotel Reykjavik at both the start and end of our journey around Iceland’s Ring Road. This hotel is perfectly located near all of the main tourist attractions in downtown Reykjavik, and about a 45 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport. It’s the idea spot to relax after a long flight, or serve as a base for the Golden Circle.

The Sand Hotel is owned by the pâtissiers that whip up some of the best pastries in Iceland over at Sandholt. Lucky for you, the eatery is located right next door to the hotel! The crew at the Sand Hotel whips up a pretty mean breakfast including some of the pastries you might find next door.

Oh…and did I mention Sand Hotel has the absolute best beds in all of Iceland? They are so incredibly comfortable!

Accommodation Options at Sand Hotel in Reykjavik

The Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels in Reykjavik is a 4 star boutique hotel with 78 rooms. The rooms feature USB connections, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a Bluetooth speaker.

Small Double Room- These cozy rooms are perfect for 1 or 2 adults that are just looking for a place to rest their heads. The rooms feature a comfortable Queen-size bed.

Standard Double Room- These double rooms are a little larger than the small double rooms and are suitable for 1 or 2 people. The rooms feature a queen sized bed.

Superior Room- The Superior Rooms are perfect for those who want to stretch out a little bit. The rooms have comfortable arm chairs, ample storage, and a lovely queen size bed. The rooms can sleep up to 3 adults.

Family Room- Finding a family room in Europe can be tricky…but if you’re a family of 4 (or traveling with a few friends), you’re in luck! The Sand Hotel has a Family Room. The room features a Queen and a King bed.

Junior Suite- Want to really relax on your vacation? Check out the Junior Suites! They sleep up to 3 and feature a luxurious King-sized bed, a seating area, ample storage space, and room to stretch your legs.

Suite- The suites sleep up to 4 people and feature a King bed and a sofa bed. Tuck the sofa bed away during the day for a comfortable living area for the whole family.

Sand Suite- ….YOLO, right??? The Sand Suite features a dining room, small kitchen, living room and private bedroom. It is the perfect romantic retreat for a couple!

Check In/Check out at the Sand Hotel

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. You’ll find the entrance for the boutique hotel down an alley off of Laugavegur.

The hotel does not offer free parking however, there is inexpensive metered parking nearby. We found parking off of Grettisgata and Frakkastigur, nearby.

To check in, enter the lobby and visit the desk on the left. The staff is helpful, informative, and friendly! Be prepared to have your passport or ID ready to confirm your reservation.

Sand Hotel Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the room just off the lobby. The food was absolutely delicious! You’ll find pastries, sliced meat and cheese, yogurt, fruit, granola, an assortment of juices and more!

Our Honest Review

We stayed at the Sand Hotel twice during our stay in Iceland, on our first night and our last night. We stayed in hotels ranging between $300 and $900 a night and honestly, this was our favorite hotel. The bed was absolutely heavenly and the room was exceptionally comfortable.

The room we were in the first night was located overlooking Laugavegur, one of the main roads in downtown Reykjavik. It got a little loud on the street when the bars closed down, but overall, the hotel was quiet.

During our second stay, our room was located on the alley side of the hotel. Voices echoed up through the alley into our rooms, but it wasn’t as loud that evening.

We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast at the hotel, especially the pastries!

We will absolutely be staying here when we return to Iceland!

Sand Hotel Location

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. It is just a quick walk to several eateries, the harbor, and sites like the Sun Voyager Statue, Penis Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, and more!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

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While we were in the area, we also visited Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!

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Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Elle MacRae — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:16:17 +0000

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave is a must-do if you’re visiting Kentucky. This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Nashville and Louisville. It is located within just miles of the magnificent Mammoth Cave National Park. There is plenty in the area, and at Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave, to keep you busy for days!

What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave?

We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park. From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!

Splash ground
Swimming Pool

Beach Area/Lake
- Swimming
- Paddle Boarding
- Floating Obstacle Course
Gem Mining
Pedal Cart Track
Fishing
Putt Putt Golf
Arcade
Playground
Jump Pillow & Pad
Planned Activities

Some of our favorite attractions were Karst Beach, putt putt golf, the jumping pillow, and the pedal cart track.

We strongly suggest renting or bringing a golf cart for your stay. The park is spread out over several acres and having a golf cart made zooming around a breeze.

The Attractions

Please find below the corrected version of the message:

- Splash Ground – The splash ground is the perfect spot to cool off after a round of mini-golf or a pedal cart race! The splash ground features water cannons, fountains and other water features that your kids will absolutely love!

- Swimming Pool – Adjacent to the splash ground, you’ll find the swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas to help you unwind after a long journey.

- Beach Area/Lake – The highlight of the Jellystone Mammoth Cave is Karst Beach. The 2.3-acre lake with a sandy beach features a 1300-square-foot Wibit (a floating, inflatable obstacle course!). The beach also features volleyball and Corcl (small boats). The beach is lined with beach loungers and chairs. It is conveniently located right next to the camp store which features full food services, including Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and Hunt’s Pizza.

- Gem Mining – You can’t visit cave country without doing a bit of mining. Lucky for you, you can mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in prices and quality, are available for purchase.

- Pedal Cart Track – Whew! The pedal carts are a workout, but boy are they fun! Challenge your kids to a race around the pedal cart track. The pedal carts come in various sizes, and the seats are easy to adjust.

- Fishing – Bring your fishing poles! Jellystone Park offers two different fishing holes. Live bait is available in the shop.

- Putt Putt Golf – Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf? The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play. The back 9 is a bit challenging and loads of fun!

- Arcade – Looking for a fun spot to cool down? You’ll find a super cool arcade located right next to the putt-putt golf course.

- Playground – Our kids had so much fun playing on the playground. The playground is located next to the pedal cart track, Jumping Pillow, and mining sluice. Be sure to play a round of Gaga Ball while you’re there! This is our family’s new favorite game!

- Jumping Pillow Pad – While the beach, pool, and splash pad may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours. And yes, grown-ups can jump, too.

- Planned Activities – Throughout the day, there are various activities throughout the park. These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more! We downloaded the app, and notifications were sent to my phone 15 minutes before the events began. It was a super convenient way to keep up with all of the wonderful planned activities.

Our Experience

We were graciously hosted by Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave during our stay. That being said, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

After an 11-hour drive from Florida, we arrived in Kentucky. We unloaded our belongings into our cozy cabin, put on our bathing suits, and immediately headed to the lake so the kids could burn off some energy. The water was extremely refreshing, and the kids had a blast showing off all of their best moves.

When the lake closed at 6, we ventured over to the splash area, jumping pillow, and pedal carts for some racing. It was a perfect way to spend an evening!

Our kids wake up early, which ended up working to our advantage. It started pouring at about 9:15 – the storm lasted the entire day. However, by the time the rain came, we had already played on the playground, raced pedal carts, played mini-golf, jumped on the pillow pad, and completed an art activity in the rec center.

The rest of the day was a bit of a wash, but Jellystone Park still had plenty of activities to keep everyone happy, and even had backup plans for activities that weren’t feasible with the weather.

On our last morning there, we spent a bit more time at the pedal cart track and playground. We played a round of our new favorite game, Gaga Ball, before we checked out.

The staff at Jellystone Mammoth Cave was extremely helpful and friendly. We enjoyed our stay there, despite the weather. The park was clean, comfortable, and offered several activities and amenities. There are countless things to do around the park, so we never ran out of stuff to do.”

Where is Jellystone Park located?

Yogi’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave is located at:

950 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127

Day Trips from Jellystone Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park
Hidden River Cave Adventure/American Cave Museum
Diamond Caverns
Lost River Cave
Mammoth Onyx Cave
Outlaw Cave
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace National Historic Site
Kentucky Museum
National Corvette Museum
Kentucky Stonehenge

Our Kentucky Itinerary

Check out our full itinerary to see how we spent 4 days exploring the Bluegrass State with our kiddos!

Our trip included visits to:

The National Corvette Museum
Mammoth Cave National Park
Lost River Cave
Kentucky Stonehenge
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Yogi’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave
Aviation Heritage Museum
and much, much more!

If you need help planning your road trip, we’ve got you covered! Learn how to plan a road trip the whole family will love, see our road trip essentials, check out our car packing tricks, or listen to our family-friendly playlist!

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The Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia- the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Elle MacRae — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 12:38:08 +0000

This year as part of the kids Christmas gift we booked a 4 night trip to the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia. The day after Christmas, we loaded up the car and drove about 9 hours north from Florida to Williamsburg, Virginia. In this post we’ll cover our entire experience at the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg- the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

If you’re not familiar with Great Wolf Lodge, it’s a hotel chain known for their indoor waterparks. Each Great Wolf Lodge is jam packed with family-fun amenities to help make your vacation one to remember!

Accommodation Options at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Family Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Standard suite includes two queen beds as well as a living area with a full-size sofa sleeper.

2 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath
Living Area
Table & chairs

Family Fireplace Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Standard suite includes two queen beds and a semi-private living area with a full-size sofa sleeper.

2 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath
Living Area
Fireplace

Luxury King Suite

Sleeps 4

Standard suite includes one king bed and a full-size sofa sleeper, comfortably sleeping up to four people.

1 King Bed
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath
Living Area
Table & chairs

ADA Queen Sofa Suite

Sleeps 4

Accessible Bathtub suite features one queen bed, a full-size sofa sleeper and is fully accessible.

1 Queen Bed
Full Sleeper Sofa
Accessible Bath
Table & chairs

Themed Kid Cabin Suite

Sleeps 6-7

Standard suite features a log cabin-themed sleeping area, three twin beds, a queen bed, and a full sofa sleeper.

1 Queen Bed
Cabin Theme
Bunk Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath

Themed Wolf Den Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Standard suite includes an in-suite cave-themed sleeping area, a queen bed, and full-size sofa sleeper.

1 Queen Bed
Cave Theme
Bunk Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath

Themed KidKamp Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Standard suite features a tent-themed sleeping area with bunk beds, a queen bed, and a full-size sofa sleeper.

1 Queen Bed
Tent Theme
Bunk Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Full Bath

Deluxe Wolf Den Suite

Sleeps 8-12

Standard suite includes an in-suite cave-themed sleeping area with a queen-sized bed, a private bedroom with two queen beds and two bathrooms.

3 Queen Beds
Cave Theme
Bunk Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
2 Full Baths

Grizzly Bear Suite

Sleeps 6-8

Standard suite features a queen bed in a master bedroom, two queens in a second bedroom and a full-size sofa sleeper in the main area.

3 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Fireplace
Living Area
2 Full Baths

Loft Fireplace Suite

Sleeps 6-8

Standard suite includes three queen beds and a full-size sofa sleeper with a lofted bedroom.

3 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Gas Fireplace
Living Area
Full Bath

Majestic Bear Suite

Sleeps 6-8

Standard suite includes a king bed in the private master bedroom, two queen beds and a full-size sofa sleeper.

1 King Bed
2 Queen Beds
Full Sleeper Sofa
Breakfast Bar
Full Bath

Royal Bear Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Accessible Bathtub suite features a king bed, a queen bed, and a full-size sofa sleeper.

1 King Bed
1 Queen Bed
Full Sleeper Sofa
Accessible Bath

Check In/ Check out at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Prior to arriving at the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg you’ll receive a text with information for a pre-check in. You’ll identify your estimated arrival time and have an opportunity to ask any questions.

Once you arrive at the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, you’ll check in at the front desk on the righthand side of the main lobby. There was a little confusion amongst several people at check-in. There wasn’t a line system and people weren’t sure if we were standing in one line or forming multiple lines.

The front office staff was very courteous and helpful. The lady checking us in gave me the low down on our food package, issued us our Wolf Badges, offered up lots of information, and guided us to the best place to park the car for the easiest access to our room.

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg Amenities & Attractions

Water Park
MagiQuest
Oliver Mining Sluice
Ten Paw Alley (bowling)
Laser Trail (laser tag)
Northern Lights Arcade
Candy store

Build-A-Bear Workshop
On-site restaurants
Bar
Gift shop
Planned activities
Wifi

The water park is such a huge attraction that it deserves a post of its own! We’ll soon be sharing all of our tips and tricks for the water park.

All About the Wolf Passes

We’ll explore the benefits of each of these passes in a future post.

Dining Options

Hungry as a Wolf– This pizza joint is open for lunch and dinner. They serve pizza, meatball subs, fresh salads, and cheese bread. View menu.

Dunkin’ Donuts– Grab donuts and coffee for breakfast lunch or dinner!

Loose Moose– This buffet is open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, French toast, yogurt, fruit, and breakfast pastries. The dinner menu rotates but the sides pretty much stay the same. You’ll find mac n cheese, potatoes, salads, vegetables, and desserts. The entrees range from fish, ham, beef, chicken, and more.

Buckets Incredible Craveables- This spot is perfect for those enjoying the waterpark. It is open for both lunch and dinner. The eatery serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. View menu.

Bear Paw– Open for lunch and dinner, this sweet shop serves up cupcakes, ice cream, and chocolate-covered fruit.

Our Honest Review

The Good

Before our arrival, we received a text from “Willow” our “assistant” for our trip. Willow is anyone who is working down at the front office. They asked us if we had any questions or special requests. I was able to text with them before we arrived.
Great Wolf Lodge has an app that you can download that will tell you all of the events going on throughout the day. You can also pre-order some of your meals via the app.
We bought each of the kids a $100 Wolf Pass (there is also a $80 Paw Pass and a $60 Pup Pass). This offered the family plenty of things to do when we were not at the waterpark. If you plan on doing any of the extra stuff at the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, you may want to consider one of these bundles as ultimately, it could save you money.
The indoor water park was great. There was something for every different thrill level. There are complimentary towels and life jackets available.
The lifeguards in the waterpark are the most intentional lifeguards I’ve ever seen– and being from Florida, we see a lot of them. They make very calculated and deliberate sweeps of the pool areas to ensure everyone is safe. I was very impressed.
Someone is always cleaning! The overall cleanliness of the place is pretty impressive considering how many kids are running around the place.

The Bad

Although there are a couple of different eating options (a breakfast/dinner buffet, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc.), there aren’t lots of places outside of the pool area to sit down and enjoy a meal. On our first full day there, we ordered a pizza for lunch and ended up just sitting on the hearth of the fireplace in the lobby because there weren’t tables to enjoy a meal.
Our room wasn’t in the best condition when we checked in. It was clean however, I noticed some random things like there is no toilet paper holder (it’s been broken) and the cover for our lock was broken off and on the floor.
Except for the ropes course and a pool (both were closed during our visit), there isn’t anything for families to do outside. It would be nice if there was a fire pit, outdoor hot tubs, or a play area outside.
The hotel has quiet hours that begin at 11 pm, which is pretty late considering the hotel is geared towards children.

The Ugly

My wife kept referring to the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg as a “lawless land.” There were kids literally running around everywhere. We’ve stayed at kids hotels before (Legoland Hotel) and never experienced anything quiet like this. This wasn’t necessarily the Lodge’s fault, it’s more on the parents.
There doesn’t seem to be any enforcement of any sort of rules– this extended to the waterpark. We’ve been to several waterparks and there is always someone reminding kids to walk- that didn’t happen at all here. We saw several kids fall.
The MagiQuest game covers multiple-floors by near the main lobby and hotel rooms. Many parents let their kids play this on their own (we are all for independence!) which often ends up in the kids yelling and running from floor to floor. This noise carries over into the rooms near the stairwells and lobby. It would be better if the game had a dedicated area that was closed off and away from people’s rooms. However…I get that by having it out in the open more people see it and want to play it.

Tips for Visiting the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Make sure you pack towels and/or cover ups for the pool. The hotel has towels, but you can only use them in the pool area. If you’re visiting during the colder months, it can get chilly walking through the lodge in a wet bathing suit.
Consider buying one of the passes (Wolf, Paw, Pup) to save money on the add-on attractions. Trust me, after seeing all of the other kids running around (literally) playing MagiQuest, your kid will want to, too.

Our Great Wolf Lodge Essentials from Amazon

Some non-wolfy things you’ll want to make sure you have on hand:

Bathing Suit Coverup
Swim Goggle
Pool Bag
Lotion

Location & Booking Information

The Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is located at 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Visit the website directly to book your stay and review current offers.

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A Review of the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Elle MacRae — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 15:19:45 +0000

On our recent trip to Washington, DC, we stayed at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall. This hotel is perfectly located between the National Mall and The Wharf, which features restaurants, shops, parks, piers, docks and marinas, and live music venues. It’s a great spot to relax after taking in all of the sights and sounds of Washington, DC.

In this post, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall and share our honest feedback. We were not compensated for this post.

Accommodation Options at Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

The Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall features 214 cozy, comfortable and sleek bedrooms. The rooms offer luxury pillowtop mattresses, modern media and work centers, a 42″ tv, a sofa/sleeper sofa, and a luxurious bathroom. The room options include:

King Bed One Bedroom Suite with Sofa Bed– a 770 to 880 square foot suite featuring a separate bedroom and living area, floor to ceiling windows, and a king sized bed.
King Bed Specialty Room with Sofa Bed– 550 square foot room with a separate sleeping and living area, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Jefferson Memorial.
King Bed High Floor (With Sofa Bed)- A high floor spacious guest room with a separate sleeping and living area, one king bed and a sleeper sofa.
Two Queen Beds High Floor with Sofa Bed– A high floor spacious guest room with separate sleeping and living areas includes 2 queen beds and a sofa sleeper.
King Bed with Sofa Bed- A spacious room featuring a separate sleeping and living area, a king bed and a sofa sleeper.
Two Queen Beds with a Sofa Bed- A spacious room featuring separate sleeping and living areas, two queen beds, and a sleeper sofa.
Accessible King/Roll-in Shower with Sofa Bed- ADA-compliant guest room with one king bed and roll in shower.
Accessible King Bed/Tub with Sofa Bed- ADA-compliant guest room with one king bed and accessible bathtub with hand rails.
Accessible Two Queen Beds/Roll-in Shower with Sofa Bed- ADA-compliant guest room with two queen beds and roll in shower.
Accessible Two Queen Beds/Tub with Sofa Bed- ADA-compliant guest room with two queen beds and accessible bathtub with hand rails.

Check In/ Check Out at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

The main entrance to the hotel is on the street level. To check in, take the elevator to the first floor to the crisp, clean, comfortable lobby area. The lobby offers plenty of seating and several computer stations which are great for printing off boarding passes and tickets for the area museums.

The staff is helpful, informative, and friendly. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you may have about the area!

There is also a digital-check in option which is super convenient and easy to use.

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall Amenities

Amenities at the hotel include:

Free breakfast buffet
Free internet
Fitness center
Saltwater outdoor pool
Pet-Friendly
Meeting facilities

All-day dining options
Rooftop bar
Digital Check-in
Business services
Laundry
Concierge

Dining at the Hotel

Attached to the main lobby you’ll find a restaurant and full-service bar. The restaurant boasts an all you can eat breakfast along with a limited lunch and dinner menu. The breakfast food was fairly good but to be 100% honest, we were extremely disappointed in the lunch and dinner options.

The food was frozen, hastily prepared and was poor quality. Considering the pricing, we were expecting much better quality. More details in the “Honest Review” section, below.

Our Honest Review

For our stay, we booked the Two Queen Beds with Sofa Bed room. The room was spacious and featured separate living and sleeping areas. There was plenty of storage space, and the room was clean and cozy. It was the perfect size for our family of five. We slept in one bed, the twins took the other queen and our daughter slept on the pull out couch.

We stayed in the room for a total of 3 nights. The hotel was relatively quiet, especially considering it’s attached to a fire station and located directly off the highway. Although we could hear sirens throughout the day and night, they weren’t loud enough to keep us up at night. We weren’t able to hear the highway traffic at all.

We started each morning with breakfast in the lobby restaurant. The food was adequate, but nothing to write home about. The breakfast morning changed a little each morning. Each of us was able to find something that we liked each day, which is a huge plus when traveling with kids. Each morning there was a selection of fruit, pastries, and yogurt.

On the first night, we had dinner at the hotel. To sum it up, it was horrible. We ordered a burger, two personal size pizzas (that were frozen), an order of parmesan fries, and two drinks and it cost us just over $100. The food was bland and plated fresh out of the microwave- which was extremely apparent considering it was at our table in about 10 minutes flat. We were really disappointed in our meal- so much so that we wouldn’t order lunch or dinner there again.

We simply used the hotel as a place to rest our heads and store our belongings. It was perfectly located between The Wharf (where you’ll find restaurants and shops) and the National Mall (where you’ll find many monuments and the Smithsonian museums). There were two metro stops (Federal Center SW and L’Enfant) within walking distance. It honestly was the perfect location. Both stops are on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. L’Enfant also serves the Yellow and Green Lines. Because of this, with our itinerary, we didn’t have to transfer to any other lines when we hopped on the metro.

The neighborhood was safe, especially during the day. We felt very comfortable walking from the hotel to the National mall. I also ventured off to The Wharf one night to pick us up on dinner. There was plenty of other people walking in that directions, so I felt extremely safe. I was a little nervous about walking around at night.

If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable hotel within walking distance to the metro and popular attractions, than this is a wonderful option for you. We would definitely recommend the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall.

Walking Distance to Popular Attractions

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum– .4 miles
District Wharf- .6 miles
International Spy Museum- .9 miles
Smithsonian National Museum of American History– 1.1 miles
Library of Congress– 1.1 miles
National Portrait Gallery- 1.2 miles
Washington Monument- 1.3 miles
White House- 1.9 miles
Lincoln Memorial- 2 miles

Transportation to the Hotel

The hotel is located at 400 E Street SW, Washington, D.C., United States, 20024. If you’re arriving by a car, there is a parking garage on the property. There is an additional cost to use the parking garage.

If you’ll be using the Metro, the hotel is easily accessed via the Orange Line, Blue Line or Silver Line. You can use either the Federal Center SW or L’Enfant Metro stops. They are about equal distances from the hotel. We used the L’Enfant stop

Ready to Start Planning?

Honestly, there’s nothing like a trip to Washington, DC. It is the perfect destination for families. If a museum or monument isn’t holding your kids attention, there’s always another one you can check out- and it’ll most likely be free!

If you’d like a little guidance for your itinerary, see our 4 Day Itinerary. It was designed with young kids in mind and hits a lot of the most popular sights in Washington, DC such as:

The White House
National Museum of American History
National Air & Space Museum
Ford’s Theater
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
National Children’s Museum

and so much more!

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An Honest Review of the Legacy Lodge at Lanier Island

Elle MacRae — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 15:39:00 +0000

This winter we stayed at the Legacy Lodge when we went on our Christmas trip to Lake Lanier. As part of the kids Christmas present, we got tickets to Snow Island at Margaritaville Lanier Islands. Snow Island is a winter event that features snow tubing, a giant snow pit for snowballs and snow angels, ice skating, a walk-through light show, carnival rides, and more.

The Legacy Lodge

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The Legacy Lodge serves as the main hotel for Margaritaville and Lanier Islands. This pet-friendly hotel is perfect for romantic getaways, girls trips, and family vacations. The hotel offers traditional hotel rooms as well as suites.

For our stay, we booked the Legacy Lodge Double Queen Room. The room was about 300 square feet and super comfortable! The beds were cozy and we had access to a mini-fridge, TV, and a private patio (some offer private balconies).

Our room was on the first floor which meant we had easy access to the lake (via our private patio), the heated salt-water pool, the bars, and restaurants. The amentities are all centrally located but spread out across different floors. For instance, the main bar was on the first floor, the game area was on the second floor with the fitness center and heated salt-water pool with firepit, and the upscale restaurant is on the third floor.

Legacy Lodge Amenities

Heated Saltwater Swimming Pool
Fire Pits
Gaming Area
Fitness Center
Business Center
Multiple Dining Options

Helpful Hints About Legacy Lodge

We suggest arriving at the Margaritaville complex during the daylight. We found the property difficult to navigate at night because there was not adequate lighting on the roads, and the signs were not lit up. Many cars had to brake at the signs in attempt to read them.
The Legacy Lodge offers a free shuttle to the Margaritaville water park (which is also where Snow Island is held). The front desk can provide you with a phone number to call to arrange for this service. It is super user-friendly and it means that you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot!
Parking at Margaritaville is $20 a day, however, this price is included with your hotel stay.
The Legacy Lodge offers go-kart rentals which are perfect for days at the lake and driving around the Margaritaville complex.
Check in time is at 4 PM, check out is at 11 AM.
All purchases at the Legacy Lodge can be charged to your room.

Getting to Legacy Lodge

The Legacy Lodge is located at:

7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

Phone: 770-945-8787

Our Honest Opinion of the Legacy Lodge

Honestly, for the price, you can’t beat the Legacy Lodge in Lake Lanier, Georgia. We booked the Double Queen Room and it went for$150 a night (at the end of December 2021). The room was comfortable and suited our needs.

The hotel itself didn’t have a lot to offer, but I think that’s because most visitors don’t spend much time at the hotel itself. Since the main reason most people visit Lanier Islands is to spend time on Lake Lanier or at Margaritaville, most visitors simply use the lodge as a place to rest their head.

That being said, I think the hotel has definitely missed out on the opportunity to capitalize on this being a family-friendly hotel. The amenities are limited to a heated salt-water pool, a fitness center, firepits, and a business center. None of them are really worth writing home about. The gaming area is just a foosball table and a pool table. The hotel definitely has the space to expand and add more amenities (a splash park, playground, mini-golf, etc) that would make the place a bit more enjoyable.

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