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Review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport

June 22, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

LUxx Lounge

Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

This is my review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport.  We passed through Frankfurt the other day on a connection from Baltimore to Dubrovnik.  I was really dreading the long layover but the departure was delayed so much, that we only had a couple of hours to spend at the lounge.  I am an American Express Platinum card holder, and as such, have access to all Priority Pass Lounges including Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport.

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Ellie Relaxing at Luxx

Ellie relaxing at Luxx Lounge

The Luxx Lounge is located airside in Terminal 1 between B and C.  First off, I would rather relax airside but the only other Priority Pass lounge is in a different terminal which airport staff advised against.  I have been to several lounges around the world and would rate it as ok.  The best part was the receptionist who helped my daughter leave a love note for her daddy, who happened to be coming through the next day.  The lounge is very boring for kids but thank goodness for iPads.

bar at Luxx Lounge

Drinks at Luxx Lounge

The lounge is split into three main areas. The front area that is supposed to be quiet (one guy obviously didn’t read or care about the no cell phone signs).  The middle area has the food and two tables for seating.  The third part is in the rear with more comfy seats.  There aren’t enough receptacles in the back room so we sat in the front quiet area.  Another thing I disliked was that there are only two toilets – one each for men and women. It is certainly not enough for the amount of customers they have coming though.  Later on I found out that if the showers are not occupied (which they were frequently), you can use any of the toilets in the shower rooms.  They have two shower rooms which you need to request a key from the staff.

SNacks at Luxx Lounge

Snacks at Luxx Lounge

The food was ok.  We arrived after breakfast and before lunch.  There were a few pastries and some fresh fruit but not much else to eat.  Later there were lots of frankfurters, rolls, a small crudités selection and some more fruit.   Maybe they have more selection in the evening.

If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and have a drink between flights – it’s a great place.

Filed Under: Europe, Europe, Germany, Travel Tips

Review of Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Spain

May 27, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

ELlie at Hilton Diagonal Mar

Ellie at Hilton Diagonal Mar

Here is my review of the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona, Spain …

I am currently on a three week trip through Europe with my husband and 5-year old daughter.  We decided to include a cruise out of Barcelona as part of our family vacation.  We are staying with friends on the back end of the cruise but we didn’t have any accommodation on the front end.  Our favorite is Airbnb but we had been staying in Airbnb’s most of the way.  We have been saving many of our Hilton points and thought this would be a good time to redeem them.

BEach Barcelona

Beach Barcelona Style

We checked the Hilton.com site to see which properties were available for points and there was only one – the Hilton Diagonal Mar.  We were shocked at the number of points they wanted per night (373,000 points for 3 nights) as we paid half that much in London.  I do know that (it was a weekend) and Barcelona is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe – and the world for that matter.  I also know that the Diagonal Mar has a very cool pool and is blocks from the beach.  It is much more of a resort property than London Tower Bridge where we stayed recently.

HIlton Diagonal Mar

Our Room at the Diagonal Mar

Soaking tub with a view

Nice soaking tub with a view

We decided to go ahead and use points. – it was either that or pay €300-400 per night. So here we are on the last night and there are no regrets. There were a few fumbles at check-in but the staff has really gone out of their way to make everything great.  We got a room on the 10th floor – a decent size room with a shower and a bath (my daughter was really happy as all of the Airbnb’s only had showers).  The room was very quiet and the beds were very comfortable.

Poolside at Purobeach

Poolside at Purobeach

POolside at Dark

Purobeach Poolside at Dark

The pool is located on the very hip Purobeach lounge area on the 2nd floor.  There are very nice sun beds, lots of chairs and umbrellas and two pools – the main one deep enough for laps and a baby pool as well.  There is poolside food and drink service and we were  pleasantly greeted with complimentary fruit and bottled water.  We had a delicious lunch – a fantastic grilled goat cheese salad and a decent sized burger for my daughter.  It was a bit pricey but feeling hungry and tired, it was worth it.

COol Purobeach Lounge Area

Cool Purobeach Lounge Area

Grab a BIte or Enjoy a Drink

Grab a Bite or Enjoy a Drink

PUrobeach Massage Cabana

Purobeach Massage Cabana

Also in the lounge area is a bar, a very comfy area for dining and relaxing in comfort.  There is also a massage cabana, although I wouldn’t want a massage to club music, which is played throughout the area so bring your headset if you’re not a fan.

GYm at Diagonal Mar

Gym at Diagonal Mar

We worked out each morning in the decent-sized gym.  It’s filled with hand weights, several cardio machines, several weight machines and it’s open 24 hours.  There is also a sauna in each restroom, but disappointingly, they were both being repaired.

INdigo Restaurant at Diagonal Mar

Indigo Restaurant at Diagonal Mar

BReakfast on the Patio at Indigo

Fun During Breakfast on the Patio at Indigo

Each morning we ate at the breakfast buffet in the 1st floor restaurant Indigo.  They have a comprehensive breakfast buffet with both American and European options.  There is also a nice terrace on which you can enjoy your meal.

making Friends at the Executive Lounge Diagonal Mar

Making Friends at the Executive Lounge Diagonal Mar

SUper staffer Senor Rosso

One of our Super Staff Senor Rosso

EXecutive Lounge

Hors d’Oeuvres at Executive Lounge

We were fortunate in that we had access to the 15th floor for the Executive Lounge.  The lounge has complimentary continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvres with open bar from 6-8pm.  It is open to gold (if you have the right room I understand) and diamond members.  The lounge was one of the greatest parts of our stay.  We met some really great people and enjoyed having a relaxing drink and light meal with a beautiful view.

The first night we arrived at 8pm (we were told it was open til 10) and found that they were putting all the food away.  I was quite upset at the misinformation at check-in and the staff went out of their way to get us some food.  Every night they had a different selection of tapas type foods and a decent selection of salads, fruits, etc.  It was just the perfect light dinner.

llevant Beach near Hilton Diagonal Mar

LLevant Beach Near Hilton Diagonal Mar

bambu Club at LLevant

Bambu Club at LLevant Beach

The others are fast asleep now after a long day at the beach.  Oh yes – Llevant beach is just a couple of blocks away.  There is everything you need – public restrooms, some showers, restaurants and even a few play areas scattered down the beach.  The water was cold but the sun was warm and — who cares we’re in Spain!

View of Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

View of Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

Playground at Diagonal Mar Center

Playground at Diagonal Mar Shopping Center

One of the favorite things for my daughter was the proximity to the Diagonal Mar Shopping Center.  It has one of the coolest playgrounds I have seen in the world!  Every night we went there and if the beach hadn’t worn her out, the playground put the finishing touch.

Good night, or as they say “buenas noches”, from the Hilton Diagonal Mar Hotel in Barcelona.  Our stay was just what the doctor ordered. If you need a little R&R, this might be just what you are looking for too!

Filed Under: Hilton, Spain

My Family got FREE Hotel Stays in London & Spain!

May 26, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

HIlton LOndon Towere Bridge

Hilton London Tower Bridge

My family got free hotels stays in London and Spain on our 3-week trip through Europe.  As many of you know I am all about FREE!  All three of us flew here free (just paid taxes), and we also got two different hotel stays free!  We spent 3 nights in London and we didn’t pay a dime in lodging.  Now we are having an amazing, FREE 3-night stay in Barcelona!

FRee Food at Executive Lounge

Free Food at Executive Lounge

View from Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

View from Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

EXecutive Lounge at London Tower Bridge

Family Time at Executive Lounge London Tower Bridge

My husband travels sometimes on business and he is very loyal to the Hilton brand.  In doing so, he has built up a decent amount of points and Diamond level status (the highest) with them as well.  It really has been very good for our travels. Every time we stay in a Hilton we get free breakfast and depending on the hotel, free “dinner” at the executive lounge.  During this current trip we were able to stay at the Hilton London Tower Bridge completely free and with free breakfast and “dinner”.  In the executive lounges they offer heavy hors d’oeuvres which is more than enough for a decent meal.  They also offer open bar FREE as well.

EXecutive Lounge at Hilton Diagonal Mr

Executive Lounge at Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

We are currently staying at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona which also has the same free breakfast and heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Executive Lounge.  This evening we had a lovely time on the 15th floor open air Executive Lounge with another couple from Germany.  The Lounge gives us the chance to mingle with people from all over the world and have some good FREE food.  What more can you ask for?

poolside at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

Relaxing Poolside at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

So if you haven’t been reading my blog posts – you should!  My family and I flew for free here to Europe, we are staying FREE part of the way and also getting some FREE meals.  Are you paying attention?

 

Filed Under: Europe, Hilton

Kids Travel (Almost) FREE on Scandinavian Airlines

January 21, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

That’s right – kids travel (almost) FREE on Scandinavian Airlines!  If you are looking for something different this spring, look no further than Scandinavia.  The airline is offering up to 4 kids to fly FREE (only pay taxes which are low) per each paying adult – for up to 8 kids per family on flights from the US to Scandinavia and Finland.  The children flying “free” must be between the ages of 2 and 11.  Also you must book by January 23, 2017 and travel between February 7th and April 9th 2017.

I can take my little one FREE

Thanks to the folks at Million Mile Secrets for sharing this deal with me.  You should read their blog as well, if you love travel as much as I do!

This is an amazing opportunity and there is no excuse not to take your family on a trip. Once you get to Sweden or Finland then you can easily take a ferry or cheap flight to another European city.

Filed Under: Europe

Croatia is Unbelievably Beautiful and Affordable – All for $400 in Summer

January 21, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

 

Croatia is unbelievably beautiful and affordable

Beautiful Croatia

Croatia is Unbelievable Beautiful and Affordable

Subscribe to the Flight Deal to get the best prices on flights

Croatia is unbelievably beautiful and affordable – all for $400 in summer.  If you’ve never been  – this is your opportunity to act fast.  Thanks to the folks at The Travel Deal, I found a fare for $399 per person, round trip from Baltimore (BWI) to Dubrovnik, Croatia.  The deal is on Condor which I have never flown, but I am willing to give it a try.  We booked June 19 through June 29, with a stop in Frankfurt. They don’t allow a stopover so we’ll just have to visit Germany on another trip.

Croatia is Unbelievably Beautiful and Affordable

Book your flight to CROATIA FOR $400

Dubrovnik is a very beautiful port city with a deep history, great food and amazing people.  It is one of my favorite countries in the world.    If you’re looking for a getaway this summer, why not join us in Croatia?

 

Filed Under: Croatia, Europe

INSANE – Flights to Scandinavia this Year for Less than $400

January 16, 2017 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Don’t wait any longer – there are insane flights to Scandinavia at peak summer and other times this year for less than $400.  Delta Airlines is offering round-trip flights from Washington DC to Stockholm/Gothenburg, Sweden.  I did a search on Priceline and found round-trip flights for $374 IAD – ARN (via JFK) and return 7 days later (through AMS).  I also used ITA Matrix and found flights for $398 during October (I put in 14 days for length of stay).

Flights to Sweden for Less than $400 in Summer

Find Cheap Flights to Sweden on ITA Matrix

You can then easily take a ferry to Latvia, Estonia, Finland or even Russia and see a lot of beautiful places.  You could even possibly stay free if you follow my travel advice.  We are renting our home again in October for two weeks and we will travel – so in the end we make more money than we spend going on vacation!

What are you waiting for – $398 to Scandinavia on Delta – that’s a REALLY great deal!

Get Flying with Chep Flights to Sweden

Filed Under: Europe

Listening to State Department Travel Warnings

December 20, 2016 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

I wrote recently about the US State Department’s Travel Advisories and Warnings.  State has been warning US travelers to avoid markets, festivals and large group events in Europe over the holiday season.

IMG_0844

In case you have been under a rock or just avoiding the barrage of bad news – there was a horrific attack on a Christmas market in Berlin on Monday.

I will continue to travel, as should you, but do heed the warnings because they are based on valuable information.

Filed Under: Europe, Travel Tips

“Brexit” Sale

July 6, 2016 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

With the recent vote to leave the EU, the British pound is at a very favorable exchange for Americans.  The last time I went to the UK (in 2012 we did a big trip to Ireland/Scotland to see Navy play football) the dollar was 1.6 to the pound. YUCK!  Now because of the “Brexit” backlash, July’s rates are expected to be around 1.2!  That’s a lot more Buckingham Palace for your dollar!

London - a beautiful city

Y London – a beautiful city

There are so many great reasons to visit the UK.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1.  They speak the same language (well almost, lol 😳 especially if your in Geordie country).

2.  London and Edinburgh are teeming with great restaurants and numerous attractions.

3.  It’s an easy 8-hour flight from Washington DC to London (take a Tylenol pm or watch a couple of movies).

4.  There are so many beautiful areas and small towns to explore like Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland – one of my favorites, and Dumfries is a sister city of Annapolis.

5.  Who needs anymore reasons?  Get your tail on a plane!

Travel FREE like ME! 😎

🌎

 

Filed Under: Europe, Travel Tips, Uncategorized

Now is the Time for a Vacation to Britain

June 26, 2016 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

I remember my first trip overseas (I was 20 I think) – it was to London in 1987.  The pound was approximately 1.5 to the dollar – not very good.  Today the pound is almost equal to the dollar and will probably be weak against most currencies for sometime, until the world figures out the effects of “Brexit”.  Don’t forget that there are several “places” that use the British Pound to include: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as, Gibraltar and all of the other British Territories (I heard the Isles of Man and Guernsey are cool).

So if you have ever had any of these places on your bucket list – go now while you get a lot more for your money!

flying with my co-pilot

Filed Under: Europe, Travel Tips

WOW Leap SALE $99 Boston – Iceland

February 29, 2016 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

WOW, the low cost airline of Iceland is offering a Leap Day Sale, with a fare of $149 one-way from Washington DC to Iceland.  This sale ends tomorrow!

Beautiful Icelandic landscape

Beautiful Icelandic landscape

You have to be careful because added baggage fees can really increase cost of ticket but if  you can pack lightly, Iceland is a great place for a long weekend getaway.

I once flew Icelandair to Belgium with a layover in Iceland.  These airlines let you have a “free” vacation on your way to other cities in Europe.   So next time you are looking for a European getaway consider WOW and a stopover in Iceland – it is amazingly beautiful!

Filed Under: Europe, Travel Tips, Uncategorized

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