Jenn Kennedy
G’day Mates!
While I am not an Australian, I have been ver...
Northstar Travel & Associates
Northstar isn't your typical travel agency. We're a company that loves to travel, just like you. Combined we have over 400 years of travel expertise and have covered the globe. Our passions is to share our knowledge with you which can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. We're your experienced guides through a myriad of choices out there. For over 25 years we have offered the best value for every vacation destination. Contact us for all your travel needs.
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Travel Consultants
Jenn Kennedy
G’day Mates!
While I am not an Australian, I have been ver...
Elizabeth Lakic
My first trip to Europe was in 1968. I was nine months old. I...
Michael Snider President
I started my travel career with Northstar Travel 15 years ago...
Chris Shoemaker
I have been involved in the travel industry for over 10 years...
Laurraine Payne
more to come
Tracey Anderson
"While I am new to the travel industry, I'm no stranger to my...
Lynn Livingstone
I have been an Owner/Manager and Sales Consultant in Travel a...
What's New at Northstar Travel & Associates
Craig and Melissa's Destination Wedding!
We Loved our vacation to Rendez-vous!
Hi Elizabeth:
We LOVED our vacation and LOVED Rendez-vous. I would highly recommend it and want to go back and take some friends with us. The staff was awesome and friendly. Anything you needed they did without making you feel like you we
by Elizabeth Lakic - 22 days ago - St. Lucia
Why I Love The Azores
- great weather, year-round....minimums are usually double-digits (even in winter)....highs are around 28/29 (plus humidity. If you check the internet for weather in Azores, it'll say "rain", that's because at any given time, somewhere on one of the nine islands there could be a bit of rain....but very localised. Luckily, there's plenty to do indoors in case the rain lasts for more than an hour or two.
- only a 5 hour flight from Toronto...so only slightly longer than flying to the Caribbean
- reasonable prices for airfare and affordable accommodations (from 4 star hotels to more authentic accommodations in pousadas, one and two bedroom apartments, there's something for everyone)
- there are nine islands in the Azores and each has something special to offer. In some cases (Faial to Pico) you can get to by ferry, in other cases a short flight is best.
I visited four of the nine islands: Sao Miguel was most populous (but NOT crowded at all!), Faial was quiet, Pico (my favourite) is SO picturesque and Terceira is great for shopping
- phenomenal eco-tourism....SO scenic and unspoiled and just plain gorgeous....I'm pretty sure I snapped about 2500 photos....edited down to over 1300 now.....so if you feel like you've "been there, done that", you HAVE to go to the Azores!
- delicious food (I had absolutely no issues with being accommodated due to being vegan....almost every meal I had was a 10 out of 10)...the rest of our group (15 in total) all said they loved the beef....but also the pork, chicken, and fish dishes....everyone cleaned their plate at almost every sitting...really great food! And wine!
- excellent shopping (shoes and clothing were at the top of the list for most of our group). Passion fruit is big there, so they have Passion Fruit Liquer (yum!), Passion Fruit Fanta, and Passion Fruit juice for breakfast....BEST pineapple I've EVER had in my life! The market in Sao Miguel is FANTASTIC!
- friendly people, CLEAN and safe towns and cities (I felt safer there than I do here in Canada!)
- roads are in immaculate condition..... great for renting a car and exploring....driving is on the right....drivers are very courteous and only once we came across a herd of goats being escorted across the road (150 of them!). Some roads (as you go up the mountains) are hair-pinny, but there are many that are just nicely winding along and others that are straight as an arrow. Around every bend, you'll see something beautiful and/or interesting.
- lots of options when it comes to excursions!
We visited a beautiful waterfall with a natural "infinity pool"....we visited a vineyard....a tea plantation....we went into the belly of a dormant volcano to check out the most incredible cave I've ever seen!.....we went whale watching and saw hundreds of dolphins...... when it rained we visited a really cool museum (to learn about volcanos in 3-D), we visited a convent, we stopped to take photos of "nature's swimming pool"....I felt like we'd just scratched the surface of all there is to see and do.
- although the Azorean islands are in the Atlantic,, sometimes I felt like I was in Switzerland (hills and mountains with green pastures and very healthy Holsteins grazing on lush grass), sometimes I felt like I was on Santorini (brilliant blue sky back-dropping white houses perched on cliffs; steep cobble-stoned pathways and roads), sometimes I felt like I was on Miami's Southbeach (palm trees, sound of the ocean nearby, and a plethora of cafes, great for people watching), and other times I felt like I was in the Caribbean with the hot sunshine on my back...truly SO diverse!
I loved the Azores so much, I've promised myself a return trip. And who knows, maybe I'll even buy a small property there some day and make it my home-away-from-home.
To check out my photos, go to the Northstar homepage and click on PHOTOS.
For more information, rates, and reservations, please contact me directly.
Honeymoon at The BodyHoliday LeSPORT
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for following up on our honeymoon to The BodyHoliday LeSPORT. We had an amazing vacation, it truly was everything you explained it to be! The resort was beautiful and so well maintained and the staff were ama
by Elizabeth Lakic - 26 days ago - St. Lucia
101 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent
Source: ASTA - American Society of Travel Agents:
1. Convenient One-Stop Shopping. Travel agents can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging, ground transportation, activities, tours and more.
2. Consumer Advocate. If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitutions are made.
3. Expert Guidance. Travel agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed were possible.
4. Save Time. Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call around and do all the time consuming work of planning a complex itinerary.
5. Choice. Travel agents offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of travel suppliers, giving you the upper hand when making your final travel decisions.
6. Less Stress. Planning a trip can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about. Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.
7. Updated Information. Travel agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you plan your trip.
8. Customer Service. Travel agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience- Offering help and advice that a website cannot provide.
9. Travel Documentation. Travel agents can help you to prepare and organize any necessary documents that you may need in order to travel outside of the country. They can direct you to your local passport office, and they know where you need a visa, as well as any other documentation that you might need along the way.
10. Travel Expertise. Many travel agents are considered experts in the area you are traveling to and have probably already been to your chosen destination.
11. Best Value for Your Money Spent. Travel agents can help you to make your dollars go farther while you are away. They have access to finding all sorts of deals ranging from flights to hotels to dinner recommendations.
12. Location, Location, Location!!!! Travel Specialists can help you to find a place to stay pretty much anywhere you desire. If it’s a hotel with a view of the ocean in Hawaii or a jungle hut in the Nilgiri foothills, a travel agent can help you make it happen.
13. Knowledge of All the Ins and Outs. Travel specialists can help bring you up to speed on the local laws and regulations of wherever your travels take you.
14. Credentials. Travel agents attend all sorts of seminars and classes to prepare themselves for trip requests like yours.
15. Tourist Attractions. Travel agents can give you a list of all the not-to-miss spots: such as amusement parks, museums, nature preserves, and historical locations.
16. Avoid International Flight Confusion. Travel specialists can help organize those confusing international flights that internet search engines don’t cover.
17. Where to Go With Kids. Travel agents can help you to find great locations that are kid- friendly.
18. Trip Cancellation. Something has come up and you need to cancel your trip? If you have used a travel agent they are the only person you need to call.
19. Travel Insurance. With all the countless options for travel insurance these days, it can become confusing. A travel agent can help you pick which package works best for your needs.
20. Personalized Trips. A travel agent can prepare you a personalized trip based on where you want to go and what you want to do.
21. Where to Go to Avoid Kids. Want to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults only.
22. Good Senior Trips. Need a trip with a good balance of sight-seeing, rest and relaxation? Travel agents can help lucky retirees plan great extended trips that are senior-friendly.
23. Student Discounts. Some travel agents are an excellent go- to source for students looking to go on discounted trips.
24. Exotic Adventures. Travel experts can help to recommend great once in a lifetime experiences. They can help you to find the best/safest shark cages to dive into and the highest free-fall bungees to jump off.
25. Great Deals without Sitting at a Time Share Presentation.Want an affordable trip to Florida without having to sit through a timeshare presentation? A travel agent can help you to exceptional deals without the stipulations.
26. What to Eat. Where are all the top chefs at your destination? Travel specialists give great advice on the best restaurants to hit on your trip.
27. What Not to Eat. Leaving your home country and not familiar with the new language? Travel agents can help give you some forewarnings so you don’t accidently order the local delicacy (which may or may not be specially prepared bugs) without meaning to.
28. Local Traditions. Travel specialists can update you on all local traditions and customs of places you are visiting, so you make a good impression. For example, in Japan many people expect their visitors to take their shoes off before entering their homes.
29. Local Laws. Many countries have laws that are very different from your own. Travel agents can help give you a quick rundown of what you need to be aware of before you go.
30. Busiest Travel Times to Avoid. If you want a quiet trip, travel experts know what dates you should avoid and can help you plan your trip accordingly.
31. Avoid Unexpected Expenses. Travel agents will be able to inform you about expenses you will incur on your trip, even ones you might never expect.
32. Exchange Rate Knowledge. Travel agents are knowledgeable of the countries where your dollar can go further.
33. Useful Travel Books to Have with You. A travel expert can give you advice on what travel books are the most useful to have with you. Some of these books list restaurants, customs, and small amounts of the local language.
34. List of Not- to- Miss Places. Travel specialists can give you a great list of not- to- miss hikes, waterfalls, and cliffs that may or may not be published elsewhere.
35. What to Wear. Many restaurants have different types of dress codes. If you are interested in dining at specific places on your trip, your travel expert can advise you on appropriate dress wear for the occasion.
36. What Not to Wear. Travel agents can help you to be in the know of local dress code restrictions. So if a thong is part of your favorite beachwear, you should know that they are illegal in places like the Isle of Palms.
37. Crime Rates. Travel experts are great at informing you about questionable parts of town that you may be heading to and can give you tips on what to look out for.
38. Someone to Call if Having a Problem During Your Trip. An online travel agency is not going to answer the phone when you call with any complications during your trip. A travel agent continues to give you that personal support even while you are away.
39. When You Shouldn’t Drink the Water. We are always told when you travel be careful of the water. Travel agents can advise you on when it is safe and when it’s not safe to drink the water.
40. Small Intercontinental Flights Delayed – What to do? Travel agents can help you find somewhere to stay when you are left helpless at an airport overnight due to flight delays.
41. Saves You Precious Time on Your Trip. To avoid 36 hours in the airport, your travel expert can help plan your trip so your time spent getting to where you want to go is the shortest it can be.
42. Anticipating Trouble. Travel agents are extremely useful if you are planning a trip to a known weather troubled area such as the hurricane plagued Caribbean islands. In the event of a natural disaster, your travel agent can work to immediately reschedule or cancel your trip so there are no worries for you.
43. Complicated Itineraries Made Simple. Travel experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them, such as hotel and transportation along the way.
44. Special Needs Travelers. Travel specialists can prearrange any wheelchair or special need that someone in your travel party may have. They can also take the time to make sure your reserved accommodations are safe and easily accessible for the special needs traveler.
45. What to Pack. Some activities you choose to partake in may require different layers of clothing throughout the day. Your travel agent can advise you on what to bring. A bike trip down an extinct volcano in Hawaii for example, may require you to start out with jackets and wool socks, but when you get to the bottom you may be down to shorts and a tank top.
46. Let Them Wait on Hold. By using a travel agent you no longer have to wait on hold and talk to automated systems while trying to book different parts of your trip.
47. Business Concerns. If the airline you are scheduled to use goes on strike or bankrupt while you are traveling, your travel agent can work to find you alternate travel means while you continue to relax at the hotel.
48. Transportation in Smaller Countries. Travel agents can arrange all your transportation and travel needs, especially in those smaller countries where you may not know if cabs or van services are safe.
49. Group Hotel Reservations. Travel agents can help to keep everyone in your group on the same floor at a hotel.
50. Charter Private Boating Trips. Travel specialists can help you to avoid paying top dollar for chartered snorkeling or fishing trips for large groups. They can often find great deals for large groups who want to do personalized tours.
51. Immunizations That May Be Needed. To enter certain countries you may be required to obtain certain immunizations first. Your travel expert can advise you on the steps you need to take.
52. Special Deals Worked Out in Advance. Travel agents may have a relationship with certain tour operators and could be able to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available.
53. Make Travel Meaningful for Children. Travel agents can offer information about kid-friendly activities on your trip to make the experience exciting and meaningful for everyone.
54. Where to Shop. Travel agents can offer excellent advice on great shopping neighborhoods in your destination city.
55. Avoid Scams. Not all 5 star hotels are treated equally. Many times photos are outdated and information about the hotel you are considering may not be true. Travel agents can make sure that what you are seeing beforehand is what you get.
56. What You Can Buy Later. New airline restrictions make packing for long trips hard. Travel experts can give you advice on what you might be able to purchase while you are on your trip to avoid having excess weight in your luggage beforehand.
57. Advice on Where to Go if You Get Sick. If you happen to be unfortunate enough to get hurt or fall ill while on your trip, your travel agent can help you find somewhere clean and safe for medical attention.
58. Trust. If you should have any questions after booking your trip, you know how to reach your travel agent and can avoid the confusing FAQ section on a website.
59. You Know How to Reach Them When You Need Them. Problems at the airport? Reservation issues at the hotel? Your travel agent is a phone call away from getting your problem solved.
60. Tips and Tricks. How early do you really need to be at the airport? What are the quickest ways to get through security? Your travel expert can advise you of the airport security levels the day of your trip and any new security checkpoints you may have to worry about.
61. Is the Upgrade Worth It? Your travel expert can help you save money by helping you decide if certain upgrades at hotels are really worth the extra money.
62. Difference in Days to Save Money. Instead of playing around with dates on the internet for hours, your travel agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save you hundreds of dollars.
63. Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions. Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.
64. Enhancing the Trip with Extra Amenities. Your travel specialist may be able to arrange for those little extras- like a bottle of champagne to be waiting in your room when you arrive.
65. Using Clout in Impossible Situations. Whether it is airline seats, cruise reservations, or overbooked activities travel experts have more buying power than the average consumer.
64. Clarifying the Fine Print. Your travel agent can advise you of all the cancelation penalties and restrictions hidden in the fine print of your travel documents.
65. Detailed Itineraries. Your travel expert can help you plan out your trip day- by -day to give you a good mix of fun and relaxation.
66. Advice on Activities to Book Beforehand. A travel expert can forewarn you of any activities that tend to sell out early so there are no unexpected disappointments when you are there. For example, character dining in Disney sells out months in advance.
67. General Ideas on Where to Go. A travel expert can offer excellent trip advice based on the details of what type of trip you want to take. Internet booking sites tend to require a destination up front.
68. A Trip to Nowhere…Sort of. Want to get away to somewhere that is not normally a vacation hot spot? Your travel specialist can help you find that perfect place.
69. Great Singles Trips. A travel agent can help find you exciting singles trips and cruises.
70. What to Pack. Your travel expert can give you great advice on what to pack to those exotic destinations.
71. Plan a Trip Where you Bring the Kids but Can Still Get Some Alone Time. Many cruises and resorts now offer activities throughout the day for young children that make the day fun for them and give you some time to yourself. Travel experts can help you find great family destination options such as these.
72. Higher Productivity Benefits. You have your trip planned while you are hard at work in the office.
73. You Get to be the Boss. You get to tell someone what to do for a change.
74. Great Group Trips. Trying to organize a trip for big group of people? A travel expert can help get all the details finalized and update everyone in the group.
75. Someone to Complain to. If that slim chance were to occur that you do not get what you were promised, you have a real person to go back and complain to. Travel agents will work hard to rectify the matter.
76. They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists. Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a preprogrammed website?
77. Best Pre-Seat Assignments Possible. Travel agents can talk directly with the airline to arrange for you to get the seats with the most leg room, seats that might not otherwise be released until the day of the flight.
78. Mapping Routes Out Ahead of Time. Not really good at reading maps? A good travel expert can help you to map out any basic directions you might need on your trip ahead of time.
79. Family with 3 Small Children and Only Want 1 Room? A travel expert might be able to find a way to help a family with small children get around the hotel policies of only 4 to a room.
80. Help, I’m Lost!!!!!! If you should get lost somewhere along the way, your travel agent could be a good outlet for help.
81. It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
82. They’re Out There… Use Them. Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can.
83. Possibility of a Free Gift. Some travel agents offer free incentives. Who doesn’t like the possibility of free presents?
84. Even if the Internet Goes Down Your Trip Can Still Be Planned. Your travel agent is still getting your trip planned even if your internet at home or at the office is not working.
85. Back-up Distributor of Documents. You can give your travel agent a copy of all your travel documents so if anything were to get lost you have someone to call that can send copies.
86. Because We Said So. Our business is to help you find a qualified travel specialist.
87. What to Expect on the Flight. Your travel expert can give you helpful answers on what to expect long flights to be like, and maybe some interesting activities to do while flying.
88. It is Their Job. Travel agents actually work to get different accreditations to increase their qualifications as a travel expert.
89. Lost Baggage. If the airline should lose your baggage, your travel agent can get on the phone and make sure the airline works as quickly as they can to solve the problem allowing you to at least go relax at the hotel.
90. Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right. They Sure Have a lot of Business. Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.
91. Don’t Like Letter Writing? A good travel agent will send a letter to the airline or hotel for you if you should have a bad flight or poor service at a hotel.
92. Sound Important When Talking About Your Trip. After a bragging about a great trip to coworkers or the neighbors, and they ask how you got all those details organized you can say, “My agent did it.”
93. Forbidden Fruit. Your travel agent can forewarn you of items not allowed to be brought back into the United States. –Yes, you have to smoke those Cuban cigars before you leave to come home and you can’t bring that “rattling rose apple” back with you from India!
94. Financial Planning. Travel experts can help you to create a budget to stick to while you are on your trip, so you can have a good time and not break the bank.
95. Good Babysitters. Travel experts might be able to help you find a local babysitter in the area you are traveling to if you want to plan a night out alone.
96. Good Lounge Recommendations. Travel specialists can help you decide if purchasing access to an airline lounge is worth it or not.
97. Good Airport Hangouts. Travel agents travel a lot. They can probably help you figure out what to do with that extra time you have in an airport after getting through security.
98. Where to Watch Your Wallet More Carefully. Although you should always take extra care to hold onto your wallet when traveling, travel agents can warn you if pick-pocketing is common at your future destination.
99. What to Put in the Hotel Safe. Travel agents can give you good advice on what you should be keeping in that hotel safe while you are out exploring the sites so there is nothing important missing when you return.
100. Altering Your Travel Arrangements. If you have already booked your trip but want to change some details your travel agency can help get all the necessary steps done, leaving you without the headache and confusion.
101. It Makes Traveling Easy. Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.
by Elizabeth Lakic - 26 days ago - Kitchener, On, Canada
Our vacation to the Iberostar Bavaro was amazing!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your email and your kind words.
Our vacation to the Iberostar Bavaro was amazing. It was our second time at an Iberostar property, and it was perfect. I loved how the accommodation
by Elizabeth Lakic - 28 days ago - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Gifting Travel
I recently celebrated a birthday...not a "big one", that one won't happen for another four years, but it got me to thinking about presents.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not materialistic, nor do I think that birthdays are just about presents, not at all. But it's still pretty neat when someone has put some thought into what you are interested in and comes to you with hands out stretched, saying, "Here, this is for you".
I know, sometimes not knowing what to get someone for their birthday (or anniversary, or other special occassion) can be stressful.
So here, to help alleviate some of your stress, are my suggestions for gifting travel:
Best destinations for golf: Scotland, Arizona, Bermuda, Hawaii, New Zealand, Las Vegas.
Best destinations for horticulture: Britain, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand.
Best destinations for foodies: Paris, Tokyo, New York, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Barcelona.
Best destinations for historians: Rome, Athens, Cairo, Bangkok, Machu Picchu, Beijing.
Best destinations for pampering (spas): Arizona, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hungary.
Best destinations for art lovers: Switzerland, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia.
Best destinations for photographers: Canada (ok, so I'm biased), Ukraine, Malawi, Ecuador, Myanmar, Greece.
Best destinations for divers: Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman, Curacao, St. Lucia, Belize.
Best destinations for gambling: Monte Carlo, Melbourne, Aruba, Las Vegas, Macau, Cruises.
Best destinations for shoppers: Madrid, Dubai, Vienna, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur.
Best destinations for families: Antigua, Barbados, BVI, USA, Mayan Riviera, Bahamas.
Best destinations for partying: New Orleans, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Rio De Janiero, New York City, Amsterdam.
Of course, many destinations are "best for" more than just one thing....this is just a short-list of some ideas.
My point here is that, as you can see, there is a destination to suit every budget and taste and interest and wish-list.
I welcome anyone to contact me directly and we can discuss your wish-list, your tastes, your interests and find something together that fits your budget.
P.S. If anyone ever wants to buy me a birthday gift, I'm open to going to ANY of the above mentioned destinations :-)
by Elizabeth Lakic - 29 days ago - Kitchener, On, Canada
"Thailand Splendours"
Great experience for great price. "Thailand Splendours":
http://www.exotiktours.com/en/brochures/world_2012-2013/page-9.pdf
Their newest offer: Thailand - 12 days, 10 nights, 14 meals from $2549.00.
Call or email me if you're interested.
by Elizabeth Lakic - about 1 month ago - Kitchener, On, Canada
Just returned from Couples San Souci!
“We had a great time and I would highly recommend Couples San Souci for couples who are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday with exceptional service and food. The facilities are great but not for physically challenged individuals as there are m
by Elizabeth Lakic - about 1 month ago - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
10 Reasons Why I Love The BodyHoliday LeSPORT, St. Lucia
1. Each guest gets a 50 minute daily spa treatment included with their stay which can be personalized in advance.
2 . Each guest receives an Activities Book...from 7:00am to 7:00pm there is something available to keep guests active. Group Exercise Classes include: Mind and Body Classes and Fitness and Tone Classes...Yoga, Golf, Tennis.... Scuba, Volcano and Snorkelling Tours, Bottom Fishing, Organized Early Morning Swim, Kayaking...
3. Property is compact. Rooms are spacious and clean. Guests receive a Pillow Menu.
4. Staff is friendly, professional, and courteous.
5. Food is fresh, healthy, plentiful and delicious; all dietary needs can be met. International-brand liquor. Dinner @ TAO is superb and highly recommended (reservations required).
6. Communal Dining Table available for solo travellers.
7. Variety of nightly entertainment. I really enjoyed the "Wine, Cheese and Jazz" with Saxophonist Rob "Zi" Taylor (bought his CD in the gift-shop on-site). There's also a Country & Western Band that comes in, there's a Steel Band for the Beach BBQ, Live DJs...always something different. All guests are invited to the sunset cruise and for cocktails at the "Oasis".
8. Beach is cove-like with clear water, soft light grey sand, and with no sudden drop-off.
9. No "all-inclusive bracelet" to wear; not necessary to sign for meals, beverages etc.
10. Resort guests are like-minded. Adults Only. High number of repeat-guests. Wedding Packages available.
Soraia and Tom's Destination Wedding
India & Bhutan: Dragon Kingdom
April 16-27, 2013
(Guided by Bert & Martha Lobe)
Jordan: Ancient Wonders
August 14-24, 2013 Only 2 Spots Remaining!
(Guided by Ed and Norilynn Epp)
Destination Wedding for Jenna and James
Hello, welcome to the Wedding Week Group for ...
Jenna and James!
&nbs
Karmina Palace Manzaillo
Just returned with our grandkids for the March Break from this very solid 4 star hotel. We could not find a thing to complain about other than we had to leave! Give Mike an email for any questions you might have. Below is a tripadvisor report I find sums it up
Stayed at the Karmina Palace Nov’2011. Went with new wife for honeymoon. Very happy with this resort and would go back again. Had great weather the entire stay between 25-30 degrees and sunshine. This is a solid all around 4 star resort.
Pool (4*) Lots of small pools fill this resorts main grounds and one main large pool. Large main pool has a separate Kid’s area. Always found a seat somewhere. Adult pool is nice and quiet however, you can’t see the ocean from this pool. Pool side drink service and servers were great. Beach was as expected not good but we knew that before we left so it didn’t disappoint us.
Bars (4*) Great service, lobby bar was very large. Nice furniture and a Big Screen TV (was able to get NFL but no luck seeing any hockey). Drinks were good some international liquor included on basic all inclusive plan. But you had to pay extra or be on the premium all inclusive plan to get the top shelf booze (pretty standard with other Barcelo resorts I stayed at). Beach bar was good, open all day and evening, nice bar to sit at after dinner in the open air. Try the Mango Margarita delicious.
Buffet (4*) My first impression of the buffet was “small”. But what the buffet lacked in quantity it made up in quality. I was very impressed with the buffet here in comparison to other AI’s I have stayed at. Here you have the choice to sit outside or inside. We sat outside 90% of our visits. Very nice view overlooking the ocean & candlelight made for the best dinner buffet atmosphere at any AI I have been too. The second half of our week the resort got busier and they opened up the Italian restaurant as a second lunch buffet. Here they had delicious wood brick oven pizza and the best fresh guacamole.
Al’a’Carte Restaurants (4*) – Ate at all of them they were all great. No problems at all getting reservations. The Mexican restaurant is out on the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean. Outdoor setting it was amazing setting out on the waters edge.
Room (4*) Room was big and very spacious. Furniture was little old and tired but respectable. All rooms have two TV’s with separate sunken living area. In room safes are old. You have to get a key lock from the front desk. Mini-fridge included beer, pop, peanuts, and water and was refilled every 2 days. Very large bathroom with two sinks on opposite sides of the room. Nice to have my own sink area separate from the wife.
Tips: Lobby area including bar has free WiFi. Ask the lobby bartender for peanuts he keeps them behind the bar. Lobby bar also serves bottled beer … just ask for it. We walked into the surrounding area. Not a lot of tourists walking around but I felt very safe everywhere I went. There is an indoor air-conditioned mall 15 mins walk away. A Banamex there to exchange money (lobby rate was 10 Peso’s to $1 Cdn). There is a Wal-Mart 15 mins away and we went to the “Soriana” grocery store 30 min walk away. There we bought Tequila to bring home, they have cheap prices and large selection. Keep in mind the Manzanillo airport is very small. They do not have a duty free shop. Just a very small closet of a store selling a small selection of overpriced liquor.
All in all I would definitely go back to the Karmina Palace and Manzanillo.
by Michael Snider President - about 1 month ago - Manzanillo, Col, Mexico
Travel Experiences
Destination Wedding for Jenna and James
Hello, welcome to the Wedding Week Group fo...
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