Christie Laplant, Travel Specialist at James TravelPOINTS recently traveled to San Francisco home of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Bay Bridge, Cable Cars, China town and so much more.  I could have not picked a better weekend because Sunday, the day that I arrived was the last day of “ Fleet Week ” . For those who are not familiar with Fleet week, every year in the fall San Francisco is the place to be for celebrating the men and woman of our armed forces. A spectacular weekend family event featuring the navy Blue angels, a Parade of Navy ships and other exciting flight demonstrations.

And I can tell you from my own experience that is ” spectacular ” to watch these unbelievable demonstrations while standing on the ” Golden Gate Bridge “

In only 2 full days I had to try to see as much of the City as possible, and I did it!!! In the fastest way possible but still never felt I was rushing it.

Sunday morning I took the earliest flight out and arrived  around 8am at the San Francisco airport, a taxi ride to Fisherman’s wharf takes about 20 min. (cost approx $45).

I made reservations at the Hyatt af Fisherman’s Wharf, a wonderful  low rise hotel, modern, contemporary, and all the luxury that the Hyatt has come to offer; great comfortable beds, large rooms, clean and personalized service. For example, if you would like to check-in for your flight 24-hours prior,  they have free internet down stairs in the lobby , with a printer, so you can just print out your boarding pass. A concierge that can help you with all the questions you have and will give you great recommendations on restaurants etc. Also voted ” best sports bar in town is right at the Hyatt, called “Knuckles Sports bar & Grill”.

I called the Lobby a couple of days before I arrived and told them about my early check in..they put down the request, and when I checked in at around 8.30am I was told that my room was ready!!

The Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is only 2 blocks away from Pier 39. This is the Premier Bay Attraction, at this Pier, with lots of different restaurants, shops, attractions, etc. You could spend at least a full day at Pier 39, that’s how much there is to see. My favorite ” totally free ” attraction was the  World Famous Sea Lions, located at the end of Pier 39, no worries..you will find them, just follow the sound

After walking around a bit I decided to take a tour. Like I said I only had 2 full days so I had to try to see most of all the sights, and there is no better way to do this by taking a ” hop on hop off tour “.

I was able to start the tour at Fisherman’s Wharf, on Mason street at the corner of Jefferson Street. You can buy the ticket on the bus for $32 per adult, kids 4-15 $16. Your ticket is valid for 2 days consecutive days. This is how it works:

* First departure is at 9am from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf

* Frequent departure every 30 min- all day long

* Last departure is at 5pm from stop 1 at Fisherman’s wharf

* There are 20 stops throughout San Francisco   

* A full tour last approx 1 hour and 30 min

* If you hotel is not located at Fisherman’s Wharf, no worries, you can buy a ticket on the bus at each stop they make.    

The weather was great so the view was amazing on this English style double Decker bus with open roof. The Tour stops really at all the most important sights of the City, and even drives over the Golden Gate Bridge, you can get off on both sides if you like , and take amazing pictures of the City Sky Line.

THE Shopping District is located all around Union Square, also 1 of the stops. Bring a big wallet, and you will able to spend all day here and visit at all the amazing stores they have http://www.unionsquareshop.com/

Golden Gate Park, also 1 of the stops during the Tour. Did you know that Golden Gate Park is even bigger then Central Park in New York!!!  Golden Gate National Parks has two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco. http://www.nps.gov/goga/

In Golden Gate Park, I visited the oldest Japanese Gardens in California, entree is $5. Its small, but for sure worth a visit if you are into gardens, and if you like to enjoy an oasis of beauty, relaxation, piece and quiet. After walking around I would for sure recommend to have some Japanese tea at the tea house, and enjoy the view, its also very romantic. http://www.holymtn.com/garden/Gallery/index_teagarden.html

San Francisco has for everybody something to offer, if you are into museums, de Young museum is number 1 at the moment also located in the Golden Gate Park, http://famsf.org/deyoung/index.asp the lines were long..I would for sure recommend to go very early in the morning. Or how about the Asian Art Museum http://www.asianart.org/ . For those who remember the show Full House, maybe you recognize these ladies!!!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Ladies

During her annual site inspection in the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun Christie Laplant visited the Riu Tequila in Playa Del Carmen.

The Riu Tequila is a great Value All Inclusive hotel in the heart of Playa del Carmen! The lobby adorned by grand pillars, arches, iron lanterns, ceilings of painted swirls, and mosaics with suspended fans let me think of the classic film, “Casablanca.” The resort’s very own trolley sweeps guests through landscaped gardens, past a raised gazebo bar, arriving at the private Riu Beach Club.

Great-carved doors open to the Jalisco Restaurant, bedecked in early Mexican décor with an extensive international buffet. Or enjoy informal dining at the Lupita Restaurant (reservations required). Tropical greenery and boulder rock landscaping encase a gorgeous swimming pool, and the La Piñata Disco attracts the dancing crowd from all of the Riu hotels. This resort is a great choice for families and the young at heart, just remember that you are not right on the beach, you can use the beach club or use the beach at the Riu Yucatan or the Riu Playacar.

Christie Laplant had the pleasure to stay at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya during her vacation to the Riviera Maya.

The latest addition to the Riu family in Playa del Carmen, this luxurious property sets the ultimate in pampering first class service Riu Style. Built along a stretch of white sand beach and framed by tropical palm trees, this gorgeous hotel boasts 400 elegant junior suites with hydro-massage bathtubs and all the distinctive Riu amenities such as minibar and liquor dispenser. Enjoy the exquisite selection of a-la-carte restaurants and bars, along with continental breakfast room service, 24-hour

As a guest of the Riu Palace Riviera Maya, you may take advantage of Riu’s generous exchange privileges and enjoy the facilities, restaurants, bars, shows & entertainment at the four other Riu properties adjacent to the resort. Note: Riu does not allow guests exchange privileges for dinner.

For the 2nd time Christie Laplant stayed at the Magnificent, Luxurious, Iberostar ” GRAND “  Hotel Paraiso  in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

This time I stayed in one of the Ocean Front junior suites, the view was breath taking, so for sure it was worth the upgrade.

This Adults Only hotel with a Greco-Roman design is a 5-star all inclusive luxury hotel in the Riviera Maya.  Parasols, sun loungers and towels are available to guests free of charge. Also guests are entitled to use all the facilities of the neighboring Iberostar hotels. There are 3 pools: one large salt water infinity pool with swim-up bar plus a quiet pool and a heated indoor pool. Also many Jacuzzis are surrounded the different pools.

Concierge and Butler service available 24 hours.The Butler service is excellent, and makes a big difference. From the moment you enter your room till the day that you have to go back home, he will be there for you and will make sure you have anything that your heart desires!!!

There are 312 rooms: 120 ocean front, 90 sea view junior suites, 90 standard junior suites and 12 suite style and “Honeymoon Villa’s” with private pools. Rooms have air conditioning, safety deposit box, telephone, cable TV, ceiling fan, DVD player, ipod alarm clock, minibar with soft drinks, juices, hard liquor,beer and bottled water, and  iron and ironing board, tea/coffee maker, bathrobes,  balcony or terrace.

24 hours all inclusive service, with all meals and drinks included in all the bars and restaurants. Offering the best in international cuisine at  the main buffet restaurant and  4 specialty restaurants ,  Italian, Gourmet, Oriental and Steak/Seafood. Specialty restaurants require reservation and 24 hour room service.

The 18-hole Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club was designed by P.B. Dye. There  is equipment rental available, golf carts and Club House.

My 2nd stay was again excellent, and I would love to go back again . If you like to hear more of my personal experiences and look at the pictures I have taken, please contact me at christiel@travelpoints.com or call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232 or 303-442-2340.

I am looking forward hearing from you,

Christie Laplant

Christie Laplant stayed recently for 3 nights at the Riu Yucatan in Playa del Carmen. 

The Riu Yucatan is a modern four/five-star all inclusive hotel located on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen in the luxury development of Playacar, directly on the white sandy Caribbean beach. It is part of an elegant development which includes a modern 18-hole championship golf course and the famous “Calle Mexican” or “Mexican Street” which features a variety of boutiques for your shopping pleasure. In addition, there are several restaurants and bars located within the complex offering a variety of choices for your dining pleasure.The Riu Yucatan features 507 rooms in nine three-story buildings set within beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, there are no elevators.Your all-inclusive privileges include all meals and beverages featuring an exquisite variety of international and local specialties as well as domestic and imported alcoholic beverages, nightly live entertainment ranging from spectacular shows to live music and dancing all night, daily poolside activities for adults and children, coordinated by  friendly entertainment supervisors, plus the use of the gym, Jacuzzi, three hard surface lighted tennis courts, table tennis, volleyball, trial scuba diving in the pool, kayaks, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing.  Also available for an additional charge is water skiing, banana boats, jet skis, parasailing, scuba diving and massage.

You also have access to all bars at the Riu Playacar and Riu Tequila.

The Riu Yucatan is a great hotel for families and couples that enjoy high energy entertainment all day long and all night long. I would love to share my personal experience with you, so please contact me at christiel@travelpoints.com or call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232 or 303-442-2340. My hours are Monday thru Friday from 8am till 5pm, mountain time.

I am looking forward hearing back from you,

Christie Laplant

If you have a taste for luxury, romance and relaxation, The Excellence Riviera Cancun is where you belong says Christie Laplant who has visited this amazing hotel in the Riviera Maya for a site inspection.

Excellence Riviera Cancun is only 30 miles from Cancun International Airport, a luxury all inclusive adults only Resort in a classic Mediterranean style of stucco, tile and marble, no wristbands needed.

Six meandering pools stretch over 8,000 square meters. Seven a la carte theme restaurants, a sumptuous breakfast buffet and nine bars ranging from elegant to swim-up, provide guests with a host of amenities for the discerning traveler. Amazing Spa offering outdoor and indoor treatments, a fitness center and three outdoor pool-intergraded Jacuzzi’s ensure that  guest are pampered and indulged. And enough entertainment, sightseeing, sports and recreational opportunities fill every waking hour.

Relax in the most luxurious surroundings while taking in the most captivating views of the Caribbean. Close attention to detail, exquisite architecture and the finest comforts make Excellence Riviera Maya a truly remarkable get-away.All finely appointed suites and guest rooms offer the following superior amenities:
4-poster King or 2 Double beds, private and furnished patio or balcony, full marble bathrooms, a jetted whirlpool bathtub for two, separate shower, double vanities, and separate water closet equipped with phone; bathrobes and slippers, 27” Satellite television, air-conditioning with in-room climate control, CD/DVD player, direct dial telephone, high speed internet data port (additional charge), alarm clock, electronic in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, stocked mini bar with beer, juices, soft drinks and water. 440 suites in total, the perfect size, not too big, not too small.

This Adults only hotel is perfect for honeymooners, or a special occasion, or just a relaxing getaway for two. If you like to see my pictures and hear more detailed info, please call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232 or email me at christiel@travelpoints.com

I am looking forward hearing from you,

Christie Laplant

Christie Laplant had the pleasure of staying for 4 nights at the Secrets Capri in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun is a tropical blend of luxury and all-inclusive hospitality on a long pristine sandy beach. It’s classical Mediterranean architecture looks out to sea from 71 lush tropical acres, just 35 minutes south of Cancun and 5 minutes from the eclectic sea side town of Playa del Carmen.

A personal concierge is available on each floor to assist guests or merely answer questions. Luxuriate in elegant accommodations featuring an array of conveniences including marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis, stocked mini bars, 24 hour room service, satellite television, internet access and CD/DVD players. Each of the 287 air-conditioned rooms are tastefully appointed with fine fabrics, tropical hardwoods and Travertino marble floors. Each  room also has a furnished patio or balcony with a view of either the ocean & pool or garden or mangrove/jungle. Spacious junior and presidential suites are available that offer up to 1900 sq. ft. of space.

Secrets Capri promises a vacation you’ll never forget with traditional colonial hospitality, luxury accommodations and world-class services. A proud member of Preferred Hotels® and Resorts Worldwide, Secrets Capri offers discerning travelers the level of elegance and quality they expect in a place of exceptional tropical beauty. Just 35 minutes from Cancun International airport, within easy reach of ancient Mayan ruins and a stone’s throw from one of the world’s longest barrier reefs, the resort’s attractions lie both within and beyond its boundaries. This is a great place to spread out, kick back and let go..

Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun stands well apart from the ordinary all-inclusive. No buffet lines, house brands or overbearing staff. Instead, enjoy a la carte service of the finest food and beverages, a superior selection of amenities and a team of professionals who make your comfort their only concern. There are 5 air-conditioned, gourmet, a la carte restaurants offering Mediterranean, Continental, Seafood and Pan-Asian cuisine. The chefs use the freshest local ingredients and the finest imported delicacies to make every meal a harvest. Enjoy freshly caught lobster at the beach front seafood restaurant, accompanied by premium brand wines and spirits. Of course, 24-hour room service is also available. All restaurants feature smoking and non-smoking areas; No reservations are required and no wrist bands!

I can highly recommend this hotel to couples, honeymooners or a special Anniversary vacation. I enjoyed my stay so much and have never been so relaxed. Please call me if you have any questions, or if you like to see my personal pictures, you can email me christiel@travelpoints.com or call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232. My hours are Monday thru Friday from 8am till 5pm, mountain time.

I am looking forward hearing back from you,

Christie

Christie Laplant enjoyed her site inspecations at the wonderful Barcelo Resorts, about 30 min south of Playa del Carmen in the area called Riviera Maya and loves to share her review with you.

This beautiful Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort consists of  five sections called: The Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Colonial Beach and Barceló Maya Tropical Beach and the Maya Palace . The Beach and Caribe are the original sections, the Tropical and Colonial  were build about 2 years ago and the Palace opened its doors in December 2007. An amazingly beautiful 2 kilometer stretch of private beach in a bay,  is only separated from the resort by huge swimming pools with giant built-in Jacuzzis, water jets and fountains. It’s quite a sight. The entire resort considered 5 star but the newest sections, The Tropical and Colonial sections, are described as “Premium” level with slightly higher rates and more upscale amenities than the original sections. The Palace section is the highest and is considered the most luxerious section .  

Known as the originators of the All-Inclusive, Barcelo are the masters, especially with grand buffet dining. A great array of freshly prepared delights, hot and cold with show cooking offers a variety dishes including nightly themes in cuisine. Two snack bars by the beach are open all day plus have 3 hours mid -day with a fired-up grill for succulent meats and fish. 

The pools are the largest I have ever seen and many with swim up bars. There are pools for activities, or other pools  with quiet ambience with slatted sun-shelters and hammocks for lazing and relaxing. Spectacular gardens immaculately kept, are filled with soaring palms trees and flowers explosive in color.

If you are looking for an amazing beach, and you like to stay at a very large resort complex, this is the place to be. Basically all facilities are large, beach, pools, restaurants and entertainment area.

Rates are very affordable, its a good value. Great for families with young children and teenagers or large groups.

You would not have to leave the complex there are plenty of activities during your stay.

If you are interested in rates and would like to hear more detailed information, please call me at 1-800-274-0436 ext 232.

Or you can email me at christiel@travelpoints.com

My hours are Monday thru Friday from 8am till 5pm, mountain time.

I am looking forward hearing back from you,

Christie Laplant