"Where 2 Next Review" Las Vegas

C+

A mixed Vegas trip with great entertainment and dining, marred by plumbing issues. While the MGM Casino and upgrade via Marriott Titanium was nice, a recurring sewer smell in the bathroom was awful; luckily, staff removed resort fees. High parking and drink costs and great shows like Tape Face and the Sphere's Wizard of Oz made for a memorable, albeit costly, stay.

Hotel & Amenities (MGM Grand)

• Pros: As Marriott Bonvoy Titanium members, we received a nice room upgrade. Bonvoy members have their own check in area to the right of the front desk.

• Cons: We experienced a severe sewer smell coming from the bathroom for two nights. While the room was nicely designed, the odor issue was unacceptable. Some rooms could use a face lift, so ask for an updated room. ($20 tip goes along ways for upgrades at check in)

• Service: To their credit, the staff did remove our resort fees and Bonvoy points to compensate for the smell issue. 

• Parking: Parking is getting out of hand, costing over $4 0 day plus fees.

• Room Cost: Our Bonvoy rate was $149 a night plus tax and resort fees.

Entertainment & Dining  

• Sphere: The Wizard of Oz experience was absolutely worth the money.

• Shows: Saw a great comedy show with Tape Face from AGT.

• Dining: Had a fantastic dinner at Tom's Watch Bar in the New York-New York Casino. Must try: The wings and the prime rib sandwich. The MGM and NY NY both a have a Krispy Kremes Doughnut location for fresh glaze doughnuts each morning.   

• Late Night Dinning Tip: Head to Sirrico's Pizza next to the Dueling Piano bar and grab a large slice of pizza and a 20oz tap beer for $11. With food cost sky high in Vegas this a win! 

• Overall Summary
  Despite the room odor issues, the prime location and quick staff recovery on fees allowed us to enjoy the fantastic dining and top-tier entertainment (Sphere and Tape Face) that Las Vegas has to offer. Be prepared for high priced parking and drinks , though! 

• Hotel Website: Mgmresorts.com 

"Where 2 Next Review" Orlando

A-

  🌴 Unforgettable Weekend Getaway

We recently spent a weekend in Orlando, and I cannot rave enough about our stay at the 

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort

. If you are looking for a "destination within a destination" where you can perfectly blend excitement with relaxation, this is absolutely the place to be. From the moment we pulled up, we were blown away by the scale and beauty of the property. I think its the largest hotel in Orlando, but don't let that scary you.

Here is why our stay was so spectacular:

✨ Incredible Resort Grounds & Atmosphere

The resort is massive and impeccably maintained. The lobby area is bright, bustling, and beautiful, instantly setting the mood for a fun trip. Despite its size, everything was clean and well-staffed. We loved the welcoming atmosphere and the sheer number of activities available on-site.

🌊 The Water Park Area was the Highlight

The River Falls Water Park is on another level! The Falls Pool is a massive lagoon-style oasis, perfect for swimming and relaxing. We spent hours enjoying the waterslides (which are absolutely thrilling) and just floating down the lazy river. It was sunny, refreshing, and the service from the Falls Pool Bar & Grill meant we never had to leave our lounge chairs for food or drinks.

🏨 Newly Redone Room with a View

Our room was fantastic—newly redesigned, incredibly spacious, and very comfortable. It included a minibar/fridge, which was convenient, and an oversized private balcony. The highlight of our room was the view: we could see the hotel’s nightly laser light show from our balcony, and even caught a glimpse of fireworks from nearby parks in the distance.

🍴 Dining and Amenities

We had no need to leave the property for food. There are multiple restaurants on-site, but the

Siro Urban Italian Kitchen

was a standout for dinner, along with the Japanese steak house "Mikadu"

Central Pantry

was perfect for quick, high-quality grab-and-go options. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay.

🌟 Summary

The Marriott World Center

The MWC made our weekend getaway truly memorable, filling it with relaxation and fun. Whether you're traveling with family or for a couple's getaway, I highly recommend this resort. It is in the perfect location, only minutes from Disney, but feels like a private tropical oasis. We cannot wait to return!

Tips for Future Guests

• Balcony Views: Try to request a room facing the pool to enjoy the nightly laser light show.

• Pool Timing: The pool area gets crowded at peak times, so grab your spot early!

• Getting Around: As the resort is very large, be prepared to walk or utilize the shuttle.

• Theme Parks: A 20 minute Lift or Uber to Universal or Disney runs about $30 plus tip.

• Food Options: The on-site pantry is perfect for a fast, delicious snack or meal. 

• Room Rates: We got the AAA rate of $139 at night plus taxes. (lots of them by the way)

• Hotel Website: Marriott.com 

"Where 2 Next Review" Ketchum

A

Our weekend in Ketchum, ID was absolutely incredible, anchored by a stay at the Limelight Hotel. The service was welcoming, the rooms were modern and spacious, and it was perfectly located. We loved exploring on rented bikes, fueling up at the delicious Enoteca for wood-fired pizza and enjoying incredible ribs at The Sawtooth Club.

The Limelight truly set the stage for a perfect trip—the breakfast was exceptional and the staff proactive. This is a town of the rich and famous and the room  rates echo this $399 a night. We took advantage of their convenient, friendly service to explore the stunning town

   Dining:    Enoteca offered amazing, authentic wood-fired pizzas in a great atmosphere. The Sawtooth Club was a highlight for its classic, hearty ribs.

• Activity: Hiking up Bald Mountain offered breathtaking views, followed by a relaxing, scenic ride back down on the ski lift. Also rented ATV's for the day to do some off roading exploring.   

• It was an unforgettable weekend of great food, stunning mountain air, and unmatched hospitality at the Limelight. We are already talking about making this an annual trip

• Over all this should be on your must visit list!!! Only negative to this area is the cost. 

• Hotel Website: LimeLightHotels.com

"Where 2 Next Review" Mall Of America B+

2 days at the largest mall in the Midwest, The Mall of America and a overnight stay at The Element Bloomington Mall of America. The Element is a fantastic, modern choice for a quick trip, offering clean rooms, friendly staff, and a hearty free breakfast—all for a great value, even on Saturdays. Located right across from the massive, overwhelming, and walking-intensive Mall of America, it's perfect for accessing 500+ stores, diverse dining, and Nickelodean Universe

Hotel Review: Element Bloomington & Mall of America

• Value & Comfort: 

• For on a Saturday night, this newer hotel is a steal, we paid $109. The rooms are clean, modern, and often feature kitchenettes, providing a comfortable home-away-from-home feel.

• Service & Amenities: The staff is consistently described as helpful and friendly. The free breakfast is a highlight—more than just continental staples, featuring healthier, hot options.

• Location: You cannot beat being right across the street, making it easy to pop back to the room when the mall and parking gets too hectic. 

• Mall of America Tips:

• Prepare to Walk: With over 129 acres, wear comfortable shoes.You will get your 10,000 steps

• Dining: The top floor is a massive food court, but there are also plenty of chain and local restaurants throughout the mall. Locals pick Twin City Grill at the best place to eat. Runner up is Cedar + Stone attached to the J.W. Marriott. 

• Stores: Range from high end Macy's to the only magnet store.  

• Couples: MOA can be a great place for a date night with visit to the wine bar, dinner and the House of Comedy for a comedy show.

• Weekend Chaos: Weekends are extremely busy and filled with teenagers, which can be intense, so plan accordingly. Can you drive around for 15 to 20 minutes looking for a place to park.

• For Kids: Nickelodeon Universe is fantastic. The SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster is a must-ride

• Best Days to Visit: Tuesday and Wednesday, with Saturdays and Sunday's the busiest days. 

• Hotel Website: Marriott.com

• Mall Of American Website: MallOfAmerica.com 

"Where 2 Next Review" Portland

B+

A 3-day getaway to Portland, Oregon, offers a mix of urban luxury and Pacific Northwest charm, highlighted by a stay at the stunning Ritz-Carlton, Portland. The hotel features immaculate, high-floor corner suites and a high floor pool/spa with breathtaking city views. While the city offers incredible nearby attractions—including the coast and iconic Goonies filming locations—visitors should be aware of significant street-level homelessness and panhandling downtown.

Hotel & Relaxation

• Ritz-Carlton, Portland: A top-tier experience; ask for a high-floor corner suite for the best views. The pool and gym facilities are spectacular and located on higher floors.One of the higher cost hotels in downtown Portland $250 plus a night.

• Vibe: A true urban oasis that provides a relaxing break from the city bustle. 

• Highlights & Activities

• Next Level Pinball Shop and Museum: An absolute must-stop for fans of vintage games.Pay for a day pass and play games till your fingers hurt.

• Day Trips: The coast is easily accessible (approx. 45 mins), as are "Goonies" movie locations. Along with coastal towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach. When at CB visit the Cannon Beach  Smokehouse for killer BBQ.

• Scenic Views: While driving into downtown, especially from the airport, the skyline and Northwest scenery are incredible. 

• Local ExperienceDowntown Atmosphere: 

• Be prepared for a high volume of, often relentless, requests for food and money while exploring the central downtown area.

• This trip perfectly blends high-end luxury with the raw, natural beauty and unique pop-culture history of the Pacific Northwest. 

• Hotel Website: RitzCarlton.com