Spring Break

Got word about a new Spring Break website for Sandpiper Beach Beach Resort in Panama City, FL:

http://springbreakfunplace.com/

Sandpiper is awesome -- the Tiki Bar, the indoor river, lots of pools, and much more!!

Property spotlight: Summit Condo, Panama City Beach

Today's Property Spotlight shines on the Summit Condo Resort in Panama City Beach, Fl.

Located right on the beach, it's near the heart of all the fun & excitement in PCB.

1, 2, & 3 bed room units are available, so families & groups of all sizes are welcome. They've got 2 huge pools and 2 kid pools).

Of course, most folks visit for the beach, and the Summit boasts over 600 feet of sandy beach front goodness!

They've got on-site dining, too -- so definitely check them out! You can check rates/availability & book online.

Facebook profiles are for people, not businesses...

I'm seeing an increasing number of Facebook "profile" accounts being set up for businesses. This as alarming trend, and I just don't know what exactly to say.

According to the Facebook Terms of Service, profiles are for people, not businesses. At least -- I thought that was the case. Just took a look through the terms and didn't see any reference to that fact.

So, am I crazy? Did they change it??

Regardless, I think "pages" should be the proper outlet for a business.
What do you think?

Property spotlight: Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre

Just returned from a recent stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre -- although the name is ridiculously long, we had a great stay, and here's the review (recently posted at TripAdvisor).

Found a great rate for a stay at this Courtyard for Memorial Day weekend, when most other places were charging way more.

My wife and I try and stay at Courtyards whenever possible, so we were eager to stay here.

We arrived around 3am, and the front desk employee was nice and friendly, especially given the late hour.

We realized right away that this is not a typical Courtyard -- it's obviously an older building that has been branded a Courtyard. Not a complaint, per se, but if you are expecting a modern Courtyard, this is not it.

There are several separate buildings that make up the hotel, but all are interconnected. Rooms are accessed via indoor corridors which is nice. Our room had a hint of cigarette smell -- that lingering smell found in a lot of older hotels. Wasn't overpowering, so we didn't move rooms.

Parking is adequate (and free), there's a pool and plenty of soda machines and ice machines.

Overall, we were pleased. It's just 1 block down from the Walt Disney World Downtown Disney entrance, and surrounded by restaurants and shops, so the location is great.

You can check rates & book online, as well as read more reviews.

Property spotlight: Gaylord Palms, Orlando Florida

Good morning!!

I've been busy the last few weeks, so I haven't had much time to post or to update the "Hotels using Twitter" list -- but I'm back (for now, at least).

So, I thought I'd share some info about one of my favorite resorts, the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL.

Located just outside of Walt Disney World property, this gigantic resort is a beautiful place.

Encased under a huge glass atrium, Gaylord Palms is divided into several different sections, each representing a different part of Florida.

The center section is themed on St. Augustine, and even includes a fort you can explore. The "Everglades" section is amazing as well.

Although the focus is on conventions & convention-goers, its closeness to Disney makes it a good spot for families, too.

So, check them out -- room rates are reasonable, and you won't find a nicer place!

Property spotlight: Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, Panama City Beach Florida

Introducing a new segment today, the Property Spotlight. I'd like to highlight some lesser-known hotels from around the world here, in helps to bring attention to them they might not otherwise get.

So, without further delay, the first Property Spotlight shines on Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort, located in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Long known for attracting hordes of college spring breakers, the hotel has been catering towards families for the last several years, and the transformation really shows.

Suites with full kitchens are available -- this means that families can save money by preparing some (or all) meals without having to go out for every meal.

An on-site mini-golf course is great for kids of all ages.

There's several options for swimming: 2 outdoor pools, indoor heated pool, slides, lazy river ride, and the beach, of course! Sandpiper is located right on the Gulf of Mexico.

Sandpiper has partnered with Adventures at Sea to provide guests access to beach chairs, pontoon boat rides, jet skis & more!

You can find Sandpiper Beacon online at sandpiperbeacon.com, on Facebook & on Twitter, too!

Hotel Facebook "fan" pages

Last update: 10/03/2009

I'm turning over the "Hotels on Facebook" list back over to Resideo.com - please update your links and point them to:

http://resideohotels.blogspot.com/2009/08/hotels-on-facebook.html

Thanks!