After speaking with Bruce Fery, Executive Vice President of Grand America Hotels and Resorts, it is easy to see why the Grand America Hotel in Utah has received a Real Traveler rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 46 reviews from across the web.

The hotel prides itself on great attention to detail in both its hotel property as well as its staff. With 775 guest rooms, 380 of which are dubbed “Premier,” the hotel provides plenty of space for its visitors. The smallest room available at this hotel is 700 square feet– compare this to the typical 320 square feet offered by hotel chains. Extravagant in nature, visitors are amazed by the overall elegance of The Grand America Hotel. With no expense spared in the design of this hotel, guests enjoy beautiful italian marble bathrooms, chandeliers imported from Murano and Milan, and hand crafted furnishings, all of which contribute to the “European boutique hotel feel on an American scale.”

Conveniently located in the heart of Salt Lake City, The Grand America Hotel is only 9 minutes from the airport, and 20 minutes from six world-class ski resorts. Even better, the hotel is located within 50 feet of the Trax station, Utah’s light-rail transportation service.

This grandiose hotel boasts of excellent service. Staff at the hotel exude the “Utah Spirit” of sincerity and genuine concern. The Grand America Hotel even has a designated Director of Guest Experience and Grand Ambassador. Three to five days before guests are due to arrive at the hotel, the Grand Ambassador contacts the guest to inquire about any personal needs the guest may have. These needs include: type of pillow, food requests, restaurant suggestions, and rental car reservations–to name a few. The hotel also asks about the guests’ arrival time, to ensure that guests receive a proper welcoming. In other words, it’s as if hotel guests have their own personal concierge. One guest describes, “From the moment of arrival to leaving, everything was perfect – people, room, food, atmosphere, and the grounds and pool area are the nicest I’’ve ever seen.”

For guests looking to book in advance, the popular “Advanced Purchase Package” allows for great rates when booking 21, 14, or 7 days ahead of time. Guests also enjoy the Ski Package, which includes one lift ticket to Snowbasin and complimentary access to The Grand Spa.

Whether catering to business or leisure travelers, The Grand America Hotel clearly demonstrates its “Commitment to Excellence” in every aspect, from its luxurious rooms to its personalized concierge service.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers rated the Holiday Inn Pittsburg Airport a 3.9 out of 5 based on 97 reviews from across the web. With such great reviews, one might wonder what makes this hotel a highly recommended hotel?

Craig Poole, the self described “ever-present” General Manager of the Holiday Inn Pittsburg Airport, explains that the hotel’s essence is based on “Caring by nature, empathy with practice.” Hotel staff members work hard to make their guests as comfortable as possible when staying in a new setting. The hotel strives to create a level of hospitality, in which all guests are “recognized and appreciated.” Poole describes a time when one guest’s dry cleaning was not picked up on time. As a result, one of the front desk clerks went out, bought the dry cleaning supplies, and personally dry-cleaned the guest’s clothing. Such remarkable efforts have landed this hotel within the top ten percent of Holiday Inn’s nationwide.

Located just five miles from the airport, the Holiday Inn Pittsburg is a 256 room, boutique-like hotel. With a jacuzzi, and a twenty-five meter indoor pool– the largest in the area, the hotel’s amenities are sure to keep visitors entertained. The hotel itself is themed “In a City of Firsts, You’re Our First Priority.” With this in mind, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the hotel’s art gallery of “Firsts of Pittsburgh” and admire the history of this great city. For example, visitors can view images of the first radio station and gas station of Pittsburgh. Whatever accommodations guests may need, hotel staff makes sure it’s top priority.

One of the hotel’s best offerings is the ever-popular Park and Fly package. This package allows guests to begin their vacation at the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh, leave their car at the hotel, and catch a flight out of the Pittsburgh Airport. Besides parking, also included in the package are two drinks and appetizers at the Iron City Grille and a free shuttle ride to and from the airport. Such an original package is sure to help visitors who do not want to deal with the hassle of airport parking. One visitor comments, “This Hotel has a combination of location and service that greatly reduces the stress of early morning flights.” Guests will also have fun with the “Best of Pittsburgh” goodie basket, complete with treats such as cd’s from local bands, famous candies, and other Pittsburgh souvenirs. Such packages allow visitors to have a rather unique experience in Pittsburgh.

With excellent offerings and superior service, the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport has what it takes to be one of Real Travel’s highly recommended hotels.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Located just four blocks from Disneyland, the Residence Inn Anaheim is a great hotel for family vacations. Real Traveler’s rate this hotel a 4.4 out of 5 based on 97 reviews from across the web.

An interesting fact about this hotel: more than half of the rooms in the hotel are two bedroom suites. With this said, there are four different types of two bedroom suites, the smallest fitting six people, the largest fitting eight guests. This is perfect for large families who are traveling, as everyone can be accommodated in one suite, rather than two separate hotel rooms. In addition, the hotel’s large dining area makes it easy for families to have a sit-down meal together. Families will also enjoy the on-site movie theatre (popcorn included) that is open from 6-8pm every Thursday through Saturday. Even better, guests love the ice cream social. This allows hotel staff to become acquainted with guests and establish relationships while snacking on some savory scoops of ice cream. In one instance, a guest at the social expressed concern because her husband was sick, and she was running back and forth, between the hotel and Disneyland with her kids. Taking note of this, staff members delivered soup to the guest’s sick husband, demonstrating their concern for their clients.

Attracting mostly family travelers, the Residence Inn Anaheim has a special promotion, rewarding kids who do well in school. Kids who got a 3.0 or above on their report card, within the last year, receive 10% off their hotel stay. Government travelers also frequent this hotel with their family members, as the Residence Inn Anaheim honors the government’s per diem rate.

A few extras— The hotel also includes a full buffet style breakfast, a sports court complete with basketball and volleyball equipment, as well as complimentary barbecue grills for those who wish to enjoy the sunny Southern California weather. For those looking to venture out, the hotel is just two blocks away from the convention center, and within a half mile there are about 25 different restaurants to choose from.

Brian Wagoner, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel, describes the Residence Inn as the “ideal location for families when traveling to Anaheim.” With the perfect location, and plenty of activities for the kids, it’s no wonder families chose to stay at this hotel.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Grand Hyatt DFW must be doing something right! With a Real Traveler rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 20 reviews from across the web, guests can’t help but rave about this hotel!

Vince Vito, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Grand Hyatt, tells Real Travel that guests are usually surprised when they walk into the hotel. He explains, “Airport hotels do not always have a positive connotation.” However, when guests visit the Grand Hyatt, they are taken back by the appearance and atmosphere, as it has the feel of a boutique hotel. One guest comments, “The hotel decor is beautiful – modern and extremely clean.”

Centrally located between Dallas and Forth Worth, the Grand Hyatt attracts many business travelers and hosts business meetings in its two conference centers as well as its meeting rooms. As a special practice for business travelers, the hotel offers a “Business Plan” in which guests pay a $25 upgrade fee and recieve free breakfast, free internet, and can have two shirts pressed. This plan provides added value for business travelers and saves them time!

What about the staff? At the Grand Hyatt DFW, management is very cautious about who they hire. Those who are chosen to work at the Hyatt, are believed to possess an innate talent for service, and go through an extensive training program. As part of their motto, the Hyatt DFW makes it their goal to “deliver authentic hospitality.” With this in mind, the Hyatt looks to hire individuals who have a desire to help others.

Finally, one of the Hotel’s most unique offerings can be found at Moka, the twenty-four hour coffee bar. The original “iTaste” option allows guests to choose from chocolate, wine, or cheese tasting. Once the guest has decided, hotel staff brings the guest an ipod so they can watch a taste-testing podcast. During the podcast, a chef walks guests through the food they are tasting. In addition, once a month at the Hotel’s Epicurean Studio, guests can participate in an interactive cooking class with the chef. This makes for great culinary entertainment while staying at the hotel!

Described as a “luxury hotel in the ultimate convenient location,” Grand Hyatt DFW provides guests with spectacular service and unique entertainment.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Looking to create a family-friendly environment at your hotel? It’s nearly impossible to out do the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, yet with a creative mind and a few small touches, your hotel can be kid-friendly too!

With a Real Traveler rating of 4.2 out of 5, from 765 guest reviews across the web, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort gets a gold star for overall kid appeal. When vacationing here, there’s no need for parents to go elsewhere to entertain the kids. Everything a kid could ever need, is located in this remarkable resort. On a hot day, kids can enjoy the two water parks at the resort. Yet, what makes these water parks so special, beside the infamous Nickelodeon “Slime,” are the poolside decorations and entertainment. Nickelodeon characters adorn the pool deck, and kids enjoy live poolside activities and games put on by an entertainment staff of one hundred people! So your hotel doesn’t have a water park? Well, perhaps it has a pool! With the help of hotel staff members, it’s easy to set up games and activities for families to enjoy, from face painting to an old-fashioned water balloon toss, a little creativity goes a long way when it comes to family fun.

The Nickelodeon Suites Resort also boasts of the perfect basketball court. With basketball hoops set at different heights, from four feet to regulation height, kids of all ages can practice shooting baskets. Going further, the Resort also includes a 4-D theatre complete with wind, water, bubbles, and scent! Kids will have a blast at the 3,000 square foot arcade, with games for kids of all ages, from 3 to 17. Okay, so your hotel definitely does not include a 4-D theatre or arcade– now what? Create a hotel dvd library for guests to enjoy, provide board games for guests, or even equip hotel rooms with video games for kids! Sure, you can’t compete with the scale of fun that Nickelodeon offers, however, you can take simple steps to improve your hotel’s family environment.

The Nickelodeon Suites Resort does an awesome job of getting the whole family involved and simplifies vacation for worn out parents. With awesome amenities to keep the kids entertained, there’s no need to ever leave the resort! The “Grand Trippin’ Package” allows grandparents to take advantage of the Resort’s many amenities, as it is somewhere they can visit without having to worry about keep their grandkids entertained. However, for those who do feel the need to explore Orlando, the Resort offers free transportation to neighboring Disney World, Sea World, Univesral Studios, and Wet n’ Wild. This is a great service for visitors, as parking at these theme parks costs about $14 per vehicle! One guest describes this resort, “Room rates are reasonable, great concept, super kid-friendly, kids love it, large complex, good parent’s night out option with activities for kids, ample parking, suites were very nicely decorated, cool flat-screen TV in room, rooms are comfortable and clean, well maintained, good maid service, good arcade (but small), incredible water slides, pool side drinks were good, plenty of life-guards, restaurant had a decent breakfast and dinner buffet.”

Focused on creating a kid-friendly environment, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort makes for a memorable experience for the whole family.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

This piece is based on an interview with Amanda Sullivan, Marketing Director at Old Edwards Inn and Spa, located in Highlands North Carolina. After speaking with Amanda, it’s easy to see why the Old Edwards Inn has received a Real Traveler rating of 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews across the web.

With charming European style, in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountain village, The Old Edwards Inn creates a sense of discovery within each of its visitors. Such a natural setting inspires guests to embrace the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. By taking advantage of their location, the Inn encourages visitors to enjoy the fresh mountain air while participating in hotel scheduled activities like fitness classes which promote the Inn’s “wellness lifestyle.”

Upon completion of its 50 million dollar renovation in 2007, and purchasing its own golf course, guests will surely delight in all that the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has to offer. Known for its culture of family, fun, and five star service, this four star hotel boasts of a “non-stuffy,” casual elegance. While here, visitors indulge themselves in the performing, visual, and culinary arts for a full-sensory experience. With celebrations for all occasions, guests can take part in the upcoming St. Patrick’s day party. With help from the chef, guests will make real Irish coffee and expereiment with Irish wiskey tasting.

Have some down time? Many visitors go to the fitness center, complete with personal trainers, yoga, and Tai Chi classes. Cool down and take a dip in the heated outdoor mineral pool. After working up an appetite, stop by the Inn’s Madison’s Restaurant or visit the Wine Garden, both of which are uniquely centered on healthy eating and bring food from “farm-to-table.” Meals are prepared with simple splendor, and guests learn to appreciate the taste of each individual ingredient. The Old Edward’s Inn focuses on teaching visitors about the importance of treating the earth right, from “seed to plate,” making the hotel experience more of a personal retreat. One visitor describes the Inn as “A beautiful, intimate hotel with a wonderful staff, a fabulous restaurant, great spa and fitness center, in a charming little mountaintop town.”

A four star hotel with five star service and amenities, The Old Edwards Inn utilizes its mountain setting to create an atmosphere of relaxation an rejuvenation.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Known for its friendly service “with a great smile,” the Best Western Luxbury Inn has achieved outstanding scores in guest reviews. With a Real Traveler rating of 3.9 out of 5, from 13 reviews across the web, Real Travel is proud to recommend this hotel.

With “heroic hospitality” as its motto, staff at the Best Western Luxbury Inn will go to any extreme to accommodate their guests. Customer service is top priority and makes this hotel stand apart from the rest. Recently, a young man who was staying at the hotel experienced car problems. Stepping in to help this man, the hotel staff graciously booked a Greyhound ticket, and the General Manager personally drove the young man to the Greyhound station. As a result of such caring actions, the Best Western Luxbury Inn is ranked in the top 5% of Best Westerns in the US and Canada. With a loyal customer base, the hotel has developed such close relationships with some business travelers, that staff members know the guests’ travel schedules. As a result, these guests do not have to make a reservation at the hotel, as staff members already what day of the week these guests will arrive. In addition, these loyal guests will never be charged for a no show! Now that’s an original approach to hospitality!

Right by the I-69, the Best Western Luxbury Inn is located off the nearest exit from the airport. With this said, half of the hotel’s guests are business travelers, the other half are leisure travelers. Centrally located, there are nine restaurants, two supermarkets, and a movie theatre within walking distance of the hotel. In the mood to work up a sweat? The hotel has a an agreement with the local YMCA, in which hotel customers can enjoy the gym’s workout equiptment and facilities. After working out, guests can retire to their notably spacious quarters. One guest comments, “nice location, decent price and good staff, very big rooms, I would go back again soon.”

It’s no wonder the The Best Western Luxbury Inn is a recommended hotel on Real Travel, it serves as an excellent example of premier customer service.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Rated 4.3 out 5, based on 680 reviews from across the web, Real Travel highly recommends The Excelsior Hotel in New York.

What makes this hotel so unique? Unlike Manhattan hotels, The Excelsior Hotel is surrounded by a suburban setting rather than a bustling downtown. When you walk out the front door of this exquisite hotel, you’ll see mothers pushing baby strollers and enjoy the laid back feel. In this residential setting, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and upscale bars. The hotel is located across the street from Central Park and overlooks the Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space. If you’re interested in visiting the Museum of Natural History, the Hotel even offers a discount package for the Museum, which also includes free continental breakfast for one.

Described as mostly a leisure traveler hotel, The Excelsior Hotel is also a perfect fit for business travelers. Conveniently equipped with Wi-Fi wireless internet, the hotel also offers cell phone rentals to its guests. Whether traveling for business or leisure, be sure to stop by Eighty One– The Excelsior’s contemporary restaurant with a modern American menu. Planning a special group event? This hotel is the perfect place for weddings and bah mitzfas.

The Excelsior’s staff has also received great reviews from hundreds of travelers. Known for being ultra-friendly and professional, the staff makes customers feel welcome. In addition, The Excelsior boasts of fast check-in and check-out. One traveler comments, “Very friendly staff from the desk folks to the doormen.”

As a highly recommended hotel, The Excelsior provides guests with the quiet comfort of its suburban neighborhood.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

As a recommended hotel on RealTravel.com, the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula, goes above and beyond to make customers feel right at home. With amazing amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and an astounding 22,000 square foot conference center, The Hilton Garden Inn dazzles with its “modern american western decor.” With original artwork, and custom mill and stonework, this upscale lodge makes for a perfect wedding venue.

Yet more important than these amenities, is the spectacular service the staff offers. No matter what the customer’s request, members of the Hilton Garden Inn staff, do not rest until guests are satisfied. Just the other day, a guest at the hotel became ill. Unable to make it to the pharmacy to pick up her medication, a member of the staff volunteered to pick up the prescription and delivered it to the ill guest. Such extraordinary gestures demonstrate the dedication of the staff. In addition, it is not uncommon to see guests hugging their breakfast servers goodbye on the last day of their trip. Guests get to know their severs very well after a few days stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula. It’s refreshing and rather unique to see such personal bonds formed between hotel staff and guests.

Think the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula is just for business travelers? Think again. Leisure travelers and families alike, enjoy vacations here. Know for its “creative american cooking, comfort food with a twist,” the hotel’s Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern will surely delight! An added bonus: kids under 12 eat here for free! Another kid friendly feature, hotel rooms are equipped with Game Boys to keep the kids entertained after a long day of traveling.

It’s no wonder the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula has received such excellent reviews. From awesome amenities to a sensational staff, guests will truly enjoy their stay.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

What can hotels do to make travelers feel at home?

After reading numerous traveler reviews, we’re certain that the Orchard Hotel in San Francisco has this question all figured out. With outstanding reviews, it seems customers care most about great location, friendly staff, and a few added bonuses. Guests also mention free wi-fi, delicious breakfasts, a free hotel dvd collection, and comfy robes as some of the extra touches that make staying at the Orchard Hotel so memorable.

Similarly, the White Swan Inn received excellent reviews. A smaller botique hotel in San Francisco, guests rave about the variety of the continental breakfasts. Guests also felt right at home with in-room fireplaces. Another unique practice, large teddy bears are placed atop the beds, bringing smiles to the faces of those who stay at the White Swan Inn.

So what does this mean for other hotels? Welcoming guests should be high priority. Something as simple as a dvd collection, or teddy bear, help guests to recognize the hotel’s efforts to make travelers comfortable. These personal touches keep guests entertained while in a foreign city, and give them something to write home about, or at least write reviews about. Perhaps a little bit does go a long way after all.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen