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The Westin Edmonton Hotel – Edmonton, AB

I really enjoy over night stays during my weekend trips and this time I ended up at The Westin Edmonton which was at an ideal location in downtown. It was within walking distance to everything! The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating and the hotel was nicely renovated where the stay was really nice. We got a Deluxe Room with King Bed and the bed was extraordinary! We’re even considering ordering a bed for our home!

The actual room was huge and just a lot of space, with a mini bar area with a coffee machine, mini fridge and a tea kettle. Of course with complimentary water, coffee and tea. If you’re here for business, the desk is just massive – you could get a lot of work done here if you wanted! There was also a spa, gym and pool on site and underground parking.

The bathroom was a good size bathroom with really nice spa like bath amenities. It smelled good and the soap felt good on the skin, the shampoo/conditioner was really nice in the hair.

The stay was really luxurious and we enjoyed our room thoroughly. We had no complaints and although we wanted to try their on location dining, we didn’t do it – but maybe next time!

Downtown Edmonton Westin Hotel

10135 100th Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 0N7
Phone: (780) 426-3636

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Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port

We made a stop at Fort Lauderdale right before a cruise on the Allure of the Seas and checked-in to the Crowne Plaza Airport/Cruise hotel which conveniently offered a shuttle to the hotel from the airport, and a really good rate on a taxi to the cruise port. This hotel was really much more than what we were hoping for, and it was really nice.

We checked in quite late as our flights got in late. Our room had 2 queen beds in the room which was really large and had tons of space. The beds were extremely comfortable, but I’m not sure if it was just me as we traveled all day or if it was a dreamy and luxurious of a bed as I remembered it to be.

The bathroom was a good size bathroom and had lots of counter space. It wasn’t anything special, but it was really nice with a modern design.

This hotel offered many amenities such as parking, pool and fitness room and a restaurant. The food and service at the restaurant was delicious as we ended up eating our late dinner there and an early breakfast before we left. It was an excellent stay and we would go back to this hotel again. It offered fair rates in the area.

The area wasn’t a bad area, there wasn’t a lot you can do within walking distance, but as mentioned it’s a convenient place to stop if you’re going to board a cruise.

Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise

455 State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
United States

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Royal Caribbean – Oasis Class: Allure of the Seas

I have been very fortunate and was able to go on a family cruise aboard Royal Caribbeans Cruise Line on a ship I’ve always wanted to try – the Allure of the Seas which is currently the largest passenger cruise ship.

We booked a Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony stateroom and we loved it. It was spacious enough and had enough storage for the 2 of us. We had our beds put together as an option – otherwise you can have a stateroom with 2 twin beds.

Once you walk into the stateroom, it would be the bathroom area. Our layout had the seating area first and then the bed right by the balcony. it as very nice. The beds were comfortable and the balcony offered spectacular ocean views through rain or shine. The bathrooms was a typical cruise bathroom shape and size with a stand-up shower, sink and toilet, of course with ample storage space.

In some of the staterooms, you can request a pull out sofa bed in the stateroom. I’m actually not sure if ours was a pull out bed or not – but I’m assuming not. One of my most favourite things aboard this ship was the dining – I enjoyed the dining so much I actually bought a cookbook and got it signed by their chef.

There are tons of things to do onboard the Allure of the seas, from family fun time, spa, sports, pools, bars, buffets and fine dining – the week seemed to have gone by too fast. It was a fun filled week with tons of great memories made and we had absolutely no complaints.

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The Donut Mill – Red Deer, AB

There’s no better little birthday cake than having a donut! We stopped at The Donut Mill on our way to Edmonton for a delicious donut in lieu of a birthday cake so when we walked inside this place that looks like a windmill, we were floored with the selection of delicious looking donuts.

Their display of donuts was quite impressive and there was never a quiet time in line – there’s always someone walking through their doors for either sweets or savoury foods. The selection is huge and they have quite a large dining area as well.

After I ordered my donut, I then saw some eclairs – which was what I really wanted when I was there. They were in a separate display case, but I’m sure that I will be going back to enjoy a giant eclair someday soon!

I ended up picking the Chocolate Venetian which was a donut filled with vanilla pudding topped with chocolate glaze. It was really quite delightful! The donut was really fresh, light, soft and fluffy!

The other donut we enjoyed was their monthly special called Donut of the Month which happens to be a maple donut with whipped cream inside! It was also really nice! The light airiness of the whipped cream inside the donut really was a treat as we’re use to creams, puddings or custards!

Overall, I loved this place and I already know I will be back – to try to eclair and some of their hot and savoury goodies! It’s a great stop whether you’re around this area for a quick bite or an actual meal.

The Donut Mill on Urbanspoon

The Donut Mill

Gasoline Alley Westside – 37420 Hwy 2
Red Deer, AB
(403) 347-8904

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Starlite Diner Car – Bowden, AB

I love looking for hidden jems in the middle of nowhere, and I can definitely say I found one in Bowden, Alberta. We made this stop just before our stop to Red Deer from Calgary just to try this diner car out. Situated just off the highway is Starlight Diner Car which is a diner car decorated to look like an old school diner – with extra terrestrial and alien decoration inside!

Just going inside puts a smile on anyone’s face and this was no different! It was just a wonderful place to experience and the service here was wonderful!

Once we sat down, we ordered a coffee each as it was early in the morning. I ordered their Starlite Breakfast which was a large breakfast with sausage, toast, eggs and hashbrowns. They had a generous portion size which was perfect for a long day ahead for me! The sausages were split in half, but you don’t normally get 4 sausages! It was delicious!

My husband ordered their Sirloin Steak and Eggs breakfast which was quite a large piece of sirloin steak, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. With the steak and eggs, it came with some toast, which was also a large breakfast

Overall, we really enjoyed this place and has recommended it to a few friends and family members — with strange looks on their faces as we tell them about here! But, it’s just fun and a great way to start off a weekend!

Starlite Diner Car on Urbanspoon

Starlite Diner Car

1-3 Heritage Dr
Bowden, AB
(403) 657-3503