Marriott Rewards Insider Beta Testers
Photo by Roland
Giveaway
Imagine yourself all cozy and relaxed in the fantastic Diamond Waffle Kimono Robe that you just won from Marriott Rewards Insider. Intrigued? Read on.
I was looking for good information on weekend getaways when I started the Things You Should Do website. The sites I found, which I will not name, rewarded contributors for being sarcastic and snarky or seemed to have many contributors who were extremely unsophisticated. So I started my own - as you may know, I feature things you should do, not things you shouldn’t do.
I’m very excited to be presenting the brand new Marriott Rewards Insider program for your preview. It’s still in beta testing, but looks fantastic! If you’d like to check it out for yourself, and are already are a Marriott Rewards member, just use your membership number to sign up. If not, sign up for free, and the next time you’re ready to stay at one of the Marriott network hotels, you’ll be ready to start racking up points. Marriott’s family of brands includes over 2,600 Marriott hotels in 65 countries including:
Marriott® Hotels & Resorts
Renaissance® Hotels & Resorts
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Vacation ClubSM International
Courtyard® by Marriott
Residence Inn® by Marriott
TownePlace Suites® by Marriott
SpringHill Suites® by Marriott
Fairfield Inn® by Marriott
What are you looking for when you go to a travel review site? Here at Things You Should Do, we give you suggestions and the tools for further research. Our goal is to give you the name, address, phone and website so that you can get the additional info that you need.
Marriott provides similar information. You’re right inside the Marriott system, so if you want to make a reservation or verify advice you get from a member, it’s at your fingertips. And, you can easily find out more about the person whose recommendation you might follow: you can see all comments and the membership status. A platinum elite member has obviously done a lot of traveling and can offer specific tips to help you plan.
In Nashville for business and want some good barbeque? According to DesertDragon, you’d be nuts to go anywhere but Jack’s in downtown. Layover in Copenhagen and afraid you’ll miss the Superbowl?
Member jerrymorgan knows just the spot for you to party down with some ex-pats. These are just a couple of the tips you’ll pick up on Marriott Rewards Insiders (http://www.marriottrewardsinsiders.marriott.com/) where members can share candid travel advice and informed opinions about the Rewards program, along with their intimate knowledge of the Marriott family of hotels and resorts.
Marriott Rewards Insider is sponsoring a giveaway for one lucky reader!
To celebrate the launch of the site, we’ve teamed up with Marriott to offer one lucky reader a Diamond Waffle Kimono Robe. To enter, write your favorite travel tip in the comments section below.
How To Enter:
1. Write your favorite travel tip (for instance - best restaurant, golf course, day spa in X town) and name one of the Marriott hotels this could be useful for in the comments section. You must comment with BOTH of those elements to be entered into the contest.
After you have completed the first entry, you are eligible for additional entries. Make sure you leave a separate comment for EACH entry.
Additional Entries:
2. Sign Up for Marriott Rewards Insider and post your tip in their travel forum.
3. Become a fan of Things You Should Do on Facebook. Make sure to leave your Facebook name in your comment.
4. Blog about the giveaway and link to Marriott Rewards Insider (http://www.marriottrewardsinsiders.marriott.com/) and Things You Should Do (http://thingsyoushoulddo.com) and leave the URL to your post in the comment.
5. Become a friend of Things You Should Do via Google Friend Connect.
6. Follow @juliemarg on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway.
7. Stumble this post (the post, not the site).
8. Add the “Things You Should Do” button to your sidebar.
This giveaway will end April 26th at 11:59 AM PDT. Winner will be chosen via random.org. US entries only, please.
I have moderated comments and I haven’t been able to figure out how to turn the moderation off for the contest. Do not worry - all non-spammy comments will be approved. I will go through and approve comments at least 3 times per day until I figure this out. Thanks for your patience.
Don’t forget to put a real email in the comment form — it will not be displayed — but if you win I need a way to contact you!
Want to write a Guest Post for Things You Should Do?
Travel Blogger Guest Posts: If you'd like to write a guest post about your favorite restaurant, hotel or golf course - I would love it. Requirements, it must be an independent property (No chains!), it must have a website, you must have a good photo and it must be someplace you LOVE! Contact me at julie -at- things you should do dot com (no spaces) with the subject line guest post. or Join my Facebook Fan Page and add your favorite restaurants, hotels, golf courses, etc. right to the wall.
My comment policy - I think of this blog as my living room. If you're friendly, you're welcome here, but I don't want to share my home with spammers or rude people. And please don't forget - if you have a question or comment for the business featured here - their website link is listed above.
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When staying at the Rennaissance Paris Vendome, take the metro over to the Marais and enjoy the BEST meal at a fair price by dining at Les Philosophes. It’s my home away from home when in the city of lights.
Became a fan on facebook - ID: zipporahs
posted a tip regarding the TGV on the insiders forum
I look for the Courtyard when traveling. It’s budget-friendly but still has the quality that all Marriott hotels offer. My travel tip? Check online reviews before hitting a restaurant.
I am already a fan of your page and your site, but here is what I have done so far for your giveaway!
I posted in the Marriott Rewards Insider forum (URL forthcoming as it has to be moderator-approved.
I posted links to your giveaway on my blog: http://cestbeth.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/things-you-should-do-marriott-rewards-insider-beta-testers-giveaway/
I am retweeting your giveaway on Twitter and I am already a follower.
I have a link to your site already in the sidebar of my blog: http://cestbeth.wordpress.com/
My C’est Beth Personal Travel Assistant page on Facebook is already a fan of your Facebook page!
I still have to Google Friend Connect and Stumble this post, I think!
I posted the link to StumbleUpon and I think I added it to my favorites at http://cestbeth.stumbleupon.com/.
And here: http://cestbeth.stumbleupon.com/blog/
My travel trip to find great places on Yelp.com. Yelp has the best reviews and good details. You’ll know exactly what you are getting into before you get there. It’s been very helpful in my trip planning. I read about the Residence Inn by Marriott in San Diego Downtown here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/residence-inn-by-marriott-san-diego-downtown-san-diego#hrid:PNvbA3jTRlsWtx7B-OctXA/src:search/query:marriot
–Michelle, blogattoday {*at) gmaildotcom
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakesgirl/status/1518537397 –Michelle, blogattoday {*at) gmaildotcom
Hi Julie!
Awesome stuff! We’re friends on Facebook and I just followed you on Twitter too (@KimberlyE) and tweeted about the contest.
You’re stumbled and I signed up for the program - but I couldn’t find the travel forum to post my tip!
I also became a fan of Things You Should Do on Facebook and left a comment there… (Kimberly Turner-Edwards)
Lots of fun! Thanks Julie…
Hey, you live in the same area code as my mom-in-law and fam!
Kimberly
For a beachy destination closer to home, consider a resort like Marriott’s Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. They have a spa for the fashionistas, a fab pool for the kids, great restaurants, a beautiful beach, and it is even a lovely place for a wedding. Plus, Alabama is a reasonably-priced destination. My sister got married there last year, and the entire wedding group (more than 100 people) had a blast.
I blogged about it here:
http://aknickerson.blogspot.com/2008/10/photo-friday-gulf-shores-alabama.html
Washington DC — fun things to see and do!
One of my favorite cities in the whole world is Washington, D.C. I love the history, monuments and architecture. We used to live in DC and we go all the time.
Most people buy a ticket to Dulles Airport because it is $25-50 cheaper to fly into Dulles Airport. What you dont know is that it will cost you $50 each way, per person to get into town. It’s about 45 minutes to l hour outside of DC in the Virginia Countryside. It’s actually cheaper in the longrun and saves valuable time to fly in to Reagan International Airport (DCA). This is just across the Potomac River. You can be in downtown DC in l0 minutes by taxi. Car rentals are also much easier at Reagan. (Also be wary of those cheap deals to Baltimore, Maryland by plane, if you are trying to cut costs. It’s an hour away and $100ish to get to DC. Most airfare search engines will ask you if you want surrounding airports like Dulles and Baltimore. Consider saying NO to that option. I’ve done them all; Reagan is cheaper and closer; saving $25 on travelocity will cost you $50 on the other end.)
When the purpose of my trip is sight seeing, I prefer to stay at a hotel close to the center of the city and metro. One of our favorite hotels is the Washington Marriott at 775 12th Street NW, Washington, 20005 USA
Phone: 1-202-737-2200 (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasmc-washington-marriott-at-metro-center/).
If you have not been to DC, one of the most important things to know is that you should probably NOT rent a car. Taxis are very cheap and parking is expensive and very limited. The metro is clean and safe. The Taxi charges per ZONE ride. If you stay at a hotel that is centrally located, you can hop a metro at Metro Center and go in any direction, including out to Maryland or down to Virginia. Taxis are lined up at each metro stop, however, if your little feet get tired after all the walking.
This Marriott is a few blocks from the WHite House and all of the really cool places to visit in and around Lafayette Square (like The Church of the Presidents, Blair House, etc.). It is also close to the FBI, which is one of the most interesting places I have ever visited in Washington. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is also a fabulous tour, especially if you have kids. The flats of $1000 bills will knock your socks off and you will end up buying $1 bills for $5 in the gift shop. (Quite an irony.) Buy sheets of uncut money, shreaded money in bags or pens and even TP made from old money. (More irony in that one…)
Fords Theater (where Lincoln was shot) is a few blocks away from this Marriott, and the Peterson House (where Lincoln died)is right across the street. Buy a Hard Rock Cafe DC Shirt on this block while you are here. One of the most popular places to visit is the International SPY MUSEUM. The gift shop here is really fun; buy invisible ink pens or lipstick pens for the kids and a coffee can safe! After this, you will want to go rent a James Bond movie, and the kids will think it’s cool….
Of course you have to go to the Capitol Building, just a 5 minute ride on the metro. Visit your Congressman’s office and take a ride in the underground private subway to the Capitol, or walk in the underground tunnels. Arlington Cemetery is about l0 minutes away and the Pentagon and Crystal City Shopping Center is only l5 minutes away. Time is saved by riding the metro. After 20 years of commuting to DC, I learned to give up the keys to the car when I go. There really is NO parking.
My absolutely favorite thing of all time to do in DC is to go to the Lincoln Monument at night. DC is one of the most “European” looking cities in the US — with the crazy diagonal streets and massive white marble buildings. The size and scope cannot be comprehended until you are actually on the ground.
If you visit Mr. Lincoln at night, it is best to take a taxi and have them drop you off right next to the monument. Walk up the steps to see Mr. Lincoln and then turn around and look back over the reflecting pool — to get an inspiring view of the Capitol. This is a kodak moment like few other. It is well lit and safe up until l0ish at night. Mr. Lincoln is best seen at night with the shadows and light. The marble literally glows at night. It still gives me shivers; the good kind! (The night tour of DC is well worth the $30.)
I made my l3 year old go see Lincoln at night, after a long day in heels…she complained all the way out of the taxi and up every single step…she stopped l/2 way up and said “I’ll just wait right here for you mom, I’m tired.” I dragged her. Then she stood at the feet of Abraham Lincoln and kissed me for making her go!
Then walk down the steps to the Vietnam Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, POW/MIA desk and walk around the water. By this time your feet will probably be tired and you may want to catch a taxi back to your hotel.
The Smithsonian Museum is not one building, but rather many buildings. My 2 favorites are the National Art Gallery and the Natural History Museum. The great elephant is in the rotunda at the natural history museum and the Hope Diamond upstairs. The National Art Gallery has maybe the largest collection in the country? You could spend a day in each of these buildings. My husband loves the Air & Space Museum.
Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria are NOT on any metro line. You must take a metro and TAXI or metro and LONG walk. They are similar. Georgetown has high end shops, lots of tourists and college kids. Lots of partys here! Old Town Alexandria is a little more laid back, slower and probably more historic. The Alexandria Walking Ghost Tour is a hoot if you like those things. Old Town Alexandria has lots of small specialty shops, although some of the big boys are edging their way in.
DC is incredible on July 4th, but the crowds rival or exceed Disneyland on New Years Day. It is a mob. The metro lines are long, parking aboslutely 0 and bathrooms limited. Staying at a central hotel, like the Marriott, is particularly important on a day like this or you will spend hours getting in and out. MILLIONS of people go to the grassy area (The Mall). It is something you should do once in your lifetime, kind of like the Macy’s Parade or Rose Bowl. If you have little children, mind the heat and lack of food and bathrooms. Difficult day with babies.
Cherry Blossom Festival is “big” but I think, personally, not worth the effort of TIMING. The trees are awsome when in bloom, but they are not on a pesky calendar, and alas, the festival IS. Sometimes the trees bloom and it snows on top of them. Or the wind and rain blows them off… Sometimes they bloom after the festival. It’s the first big wave of visitors each year. It’s a romantic notion - DC during Cherry Blossom Festival… but one hard to actually catch unless you live there. if you plan to go during this season, dont have your heart set on seeing the trees. Let it be a wonderful addition to your trip, if you get to see them. The tulips in front of the White House and Capitol will blow your socks off though!
DC is very cold in the winter; they get snow and ice. Recommend you go in the fall or spring.
Traveler tips for DC: (1) be mindful of your purse, it is a big city (2) wear very comfortable shoes and be prepared for lines like Disneyland, (3) buy $20 metro pass for each person when you arrive so you dont have to pay each time you get on - and dont loose the ticket (4) wear a fanny pack for you money to keep it safe, accessible and weight off your shoulders, (5) buy t-shirts from the man on the street, but not watches,(6) keep a debit card handy (next to your metro pass) and keep the wads of cash in your pocket, and (7) the humidity is shocking to most people in the summer - part of the city used to be a swamp — take Avon Skin So Soft spray or lotion.
Oh yes - you must go to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. This is 25 miles south of DC. You can take a taxi for about $30 each way or take the metro to Alexandria and THEN take a metro or metro bus to Mount Vernon. If you ever planned on renting a car, this would be where you’d take it! The drive down the GW Parkway, along the Potomac River is a winding drive into the countryside. Mount Vernon is fairly inexpensive, has fast food now and a huge gift shop. The Mount Vernon Inn is my favorite restaurant for a romantic candlelight dinner. We celebrated many happy anniversaries by the roaring fireplace in November. Walk down to the river or just sit in a chair on the patio and watch the boats go by. You can imagine why George Washington preferred to spend his time at home; he probably spent a good deal of time outside on the grounds. Be prepared to walk; there are little hills, gravel walkways, narrow steps, etc. Allow l/2 a day for Mt. Vernon. They close around 5ish, so this is a day trip!
Keep the camera charged each night and download photos to your laptop. You will take thousands of pictures if you have a digital camera!
Have a wonderful time in D.C.!
Tuck a pack of FreshenUp Personal disposable washcloths in your carry on bag. They are a big 7.9 X 12.5 inches. Also premoistened and disposable. You can use them to wipe hands and face or more personal areas for a quick refresh while traveling whether it be on a plane, train or by car. They come in a 48 pack and the package is crushable so it won’t take up a lot of space, plus it isn’t heavy. Good for kids or adults. Keep them in the car for emergencies too. It beats the heck out of those little baby wipey things.
Hi Julie,
What a great site; such wonderful info!
Anyway,thought all the foodies should know that on May 7-10, 2009 at the Wynn
& Encore Las Vegas resorts an Epicurean
Experience awaits: Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appetit. You can come
meet renowned culinary stars and taste their creations at exclusive events.. Check out wynn.com for more info. See you there!
Nice giveaway!
My travel tip for Hawaii is:
Plan a sunset beach picnic - you’ll discover that the beaches are almost deserted, the view is fantastic, and you’ll save money over the big resort restaurants. Your sunset beach picnic will most likely be your best Hawaii vacation memory.
Take some outfits and/or clothing which are not your favorites or pick up some cheap things at a thrift shop and then you can leave them behind on the trip and really travel light!
My Travel Tip for the New York City area is don’t stay in the city! I have taken college students to NYC three times and we always stay in Westchester County at one of these Marriott properties:
Courtyard Tarrytown/Greenburgh: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hpngr-courtyard-tarrytown-greenburgh/
SpringHill Suites Tarrytown/Greenburgh: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hpntr-springhill-suites-tarrytown-greenburgh/
Westchester Marriott: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycwe-westchester-marriott-tarrytown/
The reasons are numerous, but the Tarrytown/Greenburgh area is safe and less expensive for weekend stays. My students also get the experience of riding the Metro North Train from Tarrytown to Grand Central Station, which they absolutely love!
1. New York City Travel Tip and Marriott suggestions above.
2. I am me4yankees on the Marriott Insiders Forum and I posted two travel tips, one about Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards and one today about the NYC tip I posted here.
3. I’m a fan of Things You Should Do on Facebook.
4. I blogged at http://cestbeth.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/things-you-should-do-marriott-rewards-insider-beta-testers-giveaway/
5. I follow @juliemarg on Twitter and I Tweeted about this giveaway as @cestbeth.
6. I stumbled the post at http://cestbeth.stumbleupon.com and blogged about it at http://cestbeth.stumbleupon.com/blog
7. “Things You Should Do” is a link on my blog sidebar at http://cestbeth.wordpress.com/.
Still working on the Google Friend Connect! LOL
And I just created a Blogger blog and I am now connected via Google Friend Connect as Beth. You can see my photo on your blog above.
And….I added your button to the new blog.
The blog address is http://cestbeth.blogspot.com/.
Elizabeth (Beth) Smith
Go to my blog, http://cestbeth.wordpress.com/, and scroll down and you will see your Things You Should Do logo flashing!
Surely I have done everything now?
I will be attending the Portland Beerfest near the end of July and I am in the middle of making the preparations. I was looking at nearby hotels and noticed that the Marriott Portland City Center hotel is nearby. I actually stayed there a few years ago on a business trip!! If my extended family up in Portland does not have room for me, I will probably stay there. It was near the light rail and it was pretty nice. I checked out the rates and they look reasonable. If you need a place in Portland OR I would check them out!
Hi sis (and btw, don’t pick me!)…
so I’d say for my travel tip, that if you’re in Los Angeles and staying at the Marriott Resort, or any other Marriott, that a fun and unexpected bit of pleasure is to be had at the Sunset Junction, between Santa Monica and Silverlake Blvds. (on Sunset!), just off 101. I had the best food at the Casbah Cafe…I mean the best!, down the street is a sexy French cafe, there’s a genuine cheese shop, and many funky places in between. L.A. can be sterile, dusty and disheartening…it can also be gorgeous and expensive. Sunset Junction is sort of excentric hippy with a dash of class.
I want to thank everyone for their absolutely FANTASTIC travel tips! Random.org tells me that #12 is the number, so Congratulations to Paige, the winner of the diamond waffle kimono robe.
And thank you very much to Marriott for sponsoring this giveaway. They were great to work with!
Julie
aka the irishlass