These Hotels Are So Fun You Might Not Want To Leave
Usually, you go on vacation for the destination. You wake up early to explore every corner of the city, or you take off into the mountains for hikes, camping, and climbing. Either way, where you set down your luggage is typically an afterthought — it's all about what you're doing outside of the hotel room.
On the other hand, there are some pretty incredible resorts that will give you all of the entertainment, food, and relaxation you need under one roof. Yes, a really nice hotel can be the destination of your next trip, if you know where to book. You and your family won't be disappointed by anything these five lodgings have to offer — we promise. Read on to see which one suits your vision for your next getaway.
Montage Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
This resort marries your love for the outdoors with, well, your love of luxury. A mid-winter jaunt here will present a world's worth of activities at arm's length. Being that it's Park City, you should plan to spend a few days skiing and snowboarding right outside of the resort's front door.
Of course, there are more than just the slopes. You can go hiking, gather around the fire to make s'mores with the hotel's house-made marshmallows, take yoga lessons, bowl, or learn how to fly-cast for fish. They even have photography instructors to lead you through an outdoor picture-taking session. When your full day of activities is over, you can grab a seat at one of six on-site restaurants and indulge in the delicious food.
La Playa Beach & Golf Resort: Naples, Florida
La Playa Beach & Golf Resort is directly on the beach, and for some guests that might be enough to convince them to book. You can wake up looking at the ocean, too, since every guest room — complete with four-poster beds, mind you — has a Gulf view.
Aside from these obvious selling points, the resort obviously has a draw for golf enthusiasts. If that's not your thing, rent a poolside cabana for a day of relaxation in the sun and shade. Or, schedule a service in the on-site spa and really kick that relaxation into high gear.
Dover Downs Hotel and Casino: Dover, Delaware
You might not expect the First State to be a destination for your next vacation, but that's just because you haven't been to the Dover Downs. In fact, it's a great option for those in the northeast who want to drive off for a long weekend but still feel like they're escaping the grind.
Dover Downs obviously keeps its guests busy with a full slate of slots and table games. If you're not the gambling type, don't worry: comedians and musicians regularly make their way to the hotel, and they offer a variety of entertainment including shows. Oh, and there are always horseraces to watch and delicious meals to eat.
Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Quite frankly, the beauty of the Grand Hotel will take your breath away. Waking up every morning in this turn-of-the-twentieth-century building will make you feel on top of the world, which is just how you're supposed to start each day of your vacation.
The resort is situated on a pedestrian-only island, which makes it a wonderful option for families with kiddos to consider. The hotel knows this and plans activities such as duck pin bowling, Quidditch matches, movie nights, and arts-and-crafts sessions to keep little ones entertained.
You can also just grab a seat on the hotel's 600-foot porch and watch the kids play in the grass, take them to the pool, or take part in a lawn game set up by the Grand Hotel's staff. Time will fly, but the setting is timeless.
Sheraton Waikiki: Oahu, Hawaii
Of course Hawaii would make the list — who wants to go home from Hawaii? The island state is clearly an ideal vacation destination, and the Sheraton Waikiki's amenities make it even better. Grown-ups can slip into an infinity pool, while kids will enjoy racing down a huge water slide. There are also interactive fountains that splash just at the right moment: needless to say, kids will love this.
Hawaii itself has much to offer, too. You can head to the beach for a swim in the ocean or grab gear to go snorkeling. Hiking, surfing, and scuba diving could also be on the roster of activities. The possibilities are truly endless.
Now, obviously these aren't the only hotels that you'll want to lose yourself in on vacation. But they prove that choosing lodging is a big decision if you're looking for a place that has more to offer than a bed and continental breakfast. If you choose the resort that best suits you and your travel vision, you might not even have to leave — until, of course, your check out time.