Traveling with Trena

As my son prepares to enter his senior year of high school this summer , we embarked on a series of college tours, including visits to GA Tech and Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. During our trip, we had the pleasure of staying at the Atlanta Ritz-Carlton, perfectly located in the heart of downtown, just 10-15 minutes from each college we visited. Upon arrival, it was clear the hotel was bustling with activity, likely hosting a convention, yet we were treated as if we were the only guests. The valet service greeted us with warm smiles, swiftly took our luggage, and offered us cold bottles of water—a thoughtful touch, especially in the hot Atlanta weather. Nica at the front desk provided exceptional service, and our chauffeurs, Mr. Wallace and Fred made getting to our local destinations effortless. We encountered a minor issue in our bathroom, but it was promptly addressed by a helpful engineer as soon as I brought it to her attention. Every staff member's attentiveness and genuine...

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of staying at the luxury boutique Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem, NC. It had been a few years since my last visit to Winston-Salem, and this time, I was visiting Wake Forest University with my son. Wanting accommodations near the college, I chose IHG's boutique gem, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. After reading glowing reviews, I was eager to experience it for myself, and it did not disappoint. Upon arrival, the front desk staff welcomed us warmly and attended to our needs promptly. A special mention goes to Kenya, who checked us in with a smile, and Dave, who handled our room request efficiently. Their friendliness and professionalism set the tone for our stay. After a session in the fitness center, I picked up a delicious breakfast at the Katherine Brasserie & Bar to enjoy in my room. Both the food and service exceeded my expectations. Cynthia, our exceptional hostess, attended to me promptly and provided helpful directions to Wake F...

June 22, 2024, after a long day helping my family move from Northern VA to the Raleigh/Durham area, my teenage son and I needed a place to crash. We arrived at the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills around midnight, greeted by a bustling scene with cars coming and going, courtesy of the valet service catering to both the hotel and nearby hotspots like the Capital Grill. Despite the late hour and the busy front , our check-in was smooth and efficient . The AC Hotel impressed me with its chic, new,  modern aesthetic. While I'm a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member, usually opting for premium brands like The Renaissance or Westin, this was my first stay at an AC Hotel. We only needed one night and wanted something comfortable and reasonably priced. The AC Hotel did not disappoint. The hotel's design is simplistic yet elegant, catering perfectly to essential travel needs. My room was a model of efficiency and style, with everything conveniently placed. The layout included a bed, sink, and bat...

During May 3rd-5th, 2024, my sorority sisters and I had a reunion weekend that was nothing short of magical. Some of us hadn't seen each other in over 30 years, and we traveled from several states to be together. We needed a place to relax, reconnect, and luxuriate—someplace where all amenities were in one place, and no one needed to drive. The Lansdowne Resort met all our requirements and often exceeded expectations. Relaxation and Reconnection From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Lansdowne Resort was the perfect choice for our reunion. The resort offered a serene and picturesque setting on 500 acres overlooking the Potomac River Valley, just 30 miles outside Washington, D.C., and 12 miles from Dulles International Airport. The beautiful surroundings set the tone for a relaxing weekend where we could reconnect without a care in the world. Staying On Track I had just started a new workout and diet regimen, and I was thrilled that the resort had everything I needed to stay...

  Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Durham, NC, focusing on exploring Duke University and the vibrant Durham Arts community. Given my penchant for upscale accommodations, I was initially hesitant about staying at an "airport hotel." However, the Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport defied my expectations and delivered an exceptional experience I'll gladly recommend to anyone visiting the Raleigh-Durham area. Situated in the charming Brier Creek area, the hotel boasts a modern and stylish aesthetic that immediately impresses upon arrival. From a full-service Starbucks in the lobby to an outstanding Italian restaurant, the hotel offers a range of amenities to cater to guests' needs. The rooftop pool and well-equipped gym provide additional opportunities for relaxation and recreation. In terms of accommodations, the Westin excels in attention to detail. Small touches like a black washcloth for makeup removal and lavender essential oil pillow spray enhance the overall com...

Recently, I traveled from northern VA to Raleigh-Durham, NC, to see my daughter perform as a professional contemporary dancer. It was my first time staying in the Raleigh North Hills area, and I had a lovely stay. I stayed at the  Marriott's Renaissance Raleigh North Hill Hotel. It was perfect for my stay, and I highly recommend it to my travel clients. The hotel, located in an upscale shopping area, offers several restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel. My favorites on this visit were Bar Taco ( extended hours, quick service), Firebirds (extended hours, terrific menu options), and Coquette Brasserie ( authentic French cuisine). All three restaurants delivered outstanding customer service.  The Renaissance offers ample above and below complimentary parking and valet parking for a fee. The hotel staff was friendly, and the modern decor created an inviting atmosphere. The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable. The hotel amenities included an onsite rest...