Trump International Hotel and Tower New York

30 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun, USA

Excerpts from this post were originally published on the TravelingMom.com site. This is a review for the Trump International Hotel and Tower. I was offered a media rate for my family and I to stay and experience the Trump Hotel at the Central Park Location.

It’s no surprise my family are big fans of the Trump Resort Collection. We also love the Trump Las Vegas.

My husband and I took our two older kids on a trip to the Big Apple for the holidays. Looking for the most perfect place to stay during our White Christmas style escapade, we happened upon the sophisticated luxury of the Trump International Hotel and Tower. As our car headed past the world’s largest menorah, Columbus Circle came into view, and the horse-drawn carriages of Central Park pulled up next to us, I spotted the distinct black and gold Trump tower and exhaled. We did it right.

A smartly dressed door man greeted our vehicle with a contagious smile, and welcomed us to the Trump International Hotel and Tower. The grand glass doors were opened for us, as we piled into the intimate lobby saving us from the chilled air outside. Check-in was a breeze, mainly because I had stayed in constant touch with the Front Desk, as well as enrolled in the Trump Card Privileges program, completing our Guest Profile on-line. The hotel staff was already aware of the types of pillows we requested, the tea we preferred, and the names and ages of our children.

A friendly bell hop escorted us to the 17th floor. It was love at first site for me. Don’t get me wrong, I adore walking into grand lobbies with elegant features that make you feel like you have arrived, but when you are in a city that doesn’t sleep, with two children, it’s kind of nice to feel a little more important than that. The one thing I loved about the Trump International Hotel and Tower is not just the fact that it is perfectly placed in one of the best spots in Manhattan, but that it is first and foremost a residential building. Each unit is individually owned, and maintained by the hotel management and staff at a level you would expect of nothing less from the Trump brand. It is quiet and calm, yet my family felt very welcomed there. Usually, I am on my two older children like a hawk making sure they are practicing their absolute best behavior. The hospitable staff at the Trump International Hotel and Tower, however, had them laughing and chatting in the lobby. Every time we popped out of the elevator, our kids felt like a million bucks- truthfully, they were the celebrities during our stay, which gave Mom a sigh of relief.

That was also confirmed the minute we walked into our room. Each child was gifted a Trump Kids back pack filled with fun goodies. Each night, their little slippers and robes were laid out for them, and a tiny token of chocolate covered animal crackers placed neatly at their turn down service. Being the little entrepreneur that he is, my son’s favorite item was the personalized business cards. My daughter loved her own letterhead stationery.

Another noteworthy amenity for families is the ability to order groceries delivered to your room prior to your arrival. This can be done through the Trump Card Privileges Program, and it was a great find. We stayed in a One Bedroom City View Suite, though every room has a European-style kitchen equipped with modern appliances: refrigerator, freezer, microwave, stove-top and oven. The cabinets are full of glass ware, dishes, and utensils. Again, such a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, especially with children. It was a major stress reliever to make a cup of coffee while getting ready and feeding the kids breakfast so you can head out on your big day’s adventure! Speaking of coffee- I thought I was testing the staff by ordering specific products that we are used to having at home. All natural, organic and name brand items, such as Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate mix, were highlighted on my list. Every single one of them was present in the kitchen when we walked in that day. I’m telling you, it made my trip to have my Starbucks Christmas Blend right there in my room. A special perk, however, is the two complimentary bottles of water each day, and a selection of coffee and tea for your Keurig coffee pot.

Though our itinerary was too full to enjoy the other fabulous amenities at Trump International Hotel and Tower this time, I did manage a sneak peek at the Spa. Recently renovated and absolutely gorgeous, if you can find the time to escape for an hour or two, do it. Included in the trip to the spa is a trip to the gym, complete with the latest equipment in the fitness circuit, as well as a 55- foot indoor lap pool, personal trainers upon request, steam and sauna. They even offer special fitness and spa programs for the tween set and up in your life.

Finally, one of the most unforgettable features at the Trump International Hotel and Tower are the two restaurants owned and operated by three-star Michelin rated chef, Jean Georges. One of my most favorite restaurants in Las Vegas is found at the Aria Resort and Casino, Jean Georges Steakhouse. My husband and I were ecstatic to know his signature restaurant, Jean Georges, and his casual dining restaurant, Nougatine, were located in the lobby of our hotel. Since there is an age minimum for our little diners to join us at Jean Georges, we chose instead, to order room service in the luxurious comfort of our cushy robe, slippers and hotel room. That’s right, all in-room dining is also curated by the master chef himself.

This experience with the Trump International Hotel and Tower has made it difficult for me to want to stay anywhere else in New York City. We had such a wonderful time, much due to the simple facts of being in a great location, with friendly, knowledgable staff in a comfortable, yet sophisticated atmosphere that made my family feel like we were at a home away from home. Be sure to consider the Trump Collection when you travel; it will make your stay.

Want to see more from our Big Apple Trip? Visit Google+.

I was given a media rate to stay at Trump International Hotel and Towers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay

26 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in International, Travel Inspiration

≈ 1 Comment

Excerpts of this post was originally published on TravelingMom.com, January 31, 2013.

Contemplating an international beach resort and luxury vacation at the same time? Ever considered Bali, Indonesia? I love it for the nostalgia of my honeymoon destination, and recently made new memories as I travelled alone to a best friend’s wedding. This time I was invited to stay at Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Let’s see if I can convince you!

It was as if I had just seen Halley’s Commet for the second time when my husband said to me, “Why don’t you go alone to Bali for 6 days to your best friend’s wedding?”. In my world, “alone” means without the little entourage…four kids that is. If I had heard him correctly, my husband had just given me permission to flee my lovely, chaotic life in Las Vegas for 6 days alone. Alone. By myself on a long haul flight, Business Class, on Cathay Pacific, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Alone again on a three hour lay over in the World Class Lounge. Flying solo 6 hours from Hong Kong into Bali. Then staying at one of the most amazing, tropical resorts in the world, Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Yes. Pinch me now. It’s not a dream. I actually had the chance to do such a thing.

You cannot mistake luxury. The air conditioned mercedes picked me up at the Denpasar Airport, and handed me a chilled bottled water along with an icy washcloth to cool myself. I had been to Bali once before, on my honeymoon ten years ago, and immmediately was transported back in time with the smells and sounds of a vibrant culture. The ride to the hotel was a bit more congested than I remembered, but nevertheless, a quick 35 minutes away from the airport would find me in a complete state of relaxation.

In Bali, you are almost always greeted with a Welcome drink to refresh while you sit and breathe in the ocean air and take in the scenic atmosphere, and wait to be checked in to your hotel room. The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay is no exception. Sweet girls from the surrounding village of Jimbaran, dressed in traditional garb, eagerly welcomed me into the vast, open air lobby at the Four Seasons. A sweet Welcome Drink in hand, fragrant flower bouquet in the other, I hopped on the golf cart called to take me to my villa.

My villa had a private plunge pool, overlooking Jimbaran Bay, and surrounded by the lush foliage of the property. One entrance lead me into my private enclave where I would take my breakfast and lounge pool side, while the other door opened into the serenity of a King sized bed protected with a sheer mosquitto netting. Colonial English furniture, along with a clawfoot tub beakoned my name, and the outdoor shower waved a fond hello. I have found Paradise Lost.

I spent the next five days, when I wasn’t involved with wedding activities, exploring the facilites and taking advantage of all the resort had to offer. Several of my favorite things about the resort include the Garden Tour, Yoga, and a personalized bath drawn in my villa each day. (Yes, I said each day!) At the time, I was also given the opportunity to have breakfast included in my stay, which was some of the most indulgent meals I had have for breakfast in long time.

The area surrounding the resort is a vibrant village filled with shopping and markets. The island itself is not that large, however, due to traffic and the availablilty of roads, traveling around the island can sometimes take up to an hour or more depending on where you want to go and what time you leave to get there. And, that is just beach villages. To go more inland is a whole other story.

The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay is more than just an escape for adults; I most defintely would have taken my children there, but my husband told me to go alone. Next time.

Love these photos? See more on Google+.

Disclosure: I was offered a Media Rate to stay at The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

The Big Wedding

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Archive It, Fun

≈ 1 Comment

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Movies

Who isn’t in the mood for a feel good, chick flick, big ol’ wedding movie? With, of course, some of my favorite rom-com actors, Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigel, Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams. It’s about time we pumped some fresh air into this heavy atmosphere we’ve all been living in lately. A nice light comedy about love and weddings and all that gushy stuff actually comes at the perfect time since my own wedding anniversary is just a few weeks away.

SYNOPSIS:

With an all-star cast led by Robert DeNiro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace, with Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams, THE BIG WEDDING is an uproarious romantic comedy about a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration that has the potential to become a full blown family fiasco. To the amusement of their adult children and friends, long divorced couple Don and Ellie Griffin (De Niro and Keaton) are once again forced to play the happy couple for the sake of their adopted son’s wedding after his ultra conservative biological mother unexpectedly decides to fly halfway across the world to attend. With all of the wedding guests looking on, the Griffins are hilariously forced to confront their past, present and future – and hopefully avoid killing each other in the process. Screenplay by Justin Zackham. Directed by Justin Zackham.

I love movies like this that allow me to reminisce about the moments that lead me down the aisle to my RockStar husband. We all think our stories are the best stories out there- all with a twist, something unexpected, remarkable, whatever the outcome, it shaped our memory of our own wedding day. My story looks something like this:

My husband and I are four years apart. Both born and raised in Las Vegas. Attended many of the same activities, but never even knew of each other until the day we met. I like to remind him now and then that when he was a sophomore in high school, I was playing on the monkey bars at the elementary school located right next door. He was in college while I was in high school. He graduated from college in 1993 and moved back to Las Vegas. I graduated high school in 1993 and left for college.

When I was 20 years old, my parents moved into a new neighborhood. His parents happened to live in the same neighborhood. On the same street. Our younger siblings went to high school together, and were friends. Six years later, we met at a party, thrown by our parents’ philanthropy group. We had both traveled all over the world. Studied in different countries. Went away to school. At our engagement party two years later, my favorite line was from my dad’s toast, “I sent Stefanie away to schools in California, and France. Sent her to Europe every summer for the last four years. Helped her find an apartment when she moved to Los Angeles. And, what does she do? She marries the boy next door. Imagine all the money I could have saved.”

We were married on May 4th, 2002. Our ceremony took place in a Catholic church, but the reception was a grand event held at the Four Seasons Las Vegas. Limos filled the valet area, as did the various painted cows from the CowParade. I thought my dad was going to flip when he saw a sculpture of a red cow with red hearts and boxer shorts greeting my guests. May 4th also happened to be the same night the De La Hoya fight was rescheduled due to him injuring his hand the month prior. Needlesstosay, it was quite a busy night.

And it was. Talk about The Big Wedding, having both been born and raised here, we happen to know quite a few people. Not to mention, my family alone, a large Irish-Italian clan, is 25 members alone, and that was before significant others and offspring! We invited 425 people. We partied all night long with 315 guests from Las Vegas and around the country.

The room was just how I imagined it would be. Subtle elegance. My girls wore a strapless ball gown in a color called Candlelight and carried a mixture of cream, golds and green flowers. My dress was by Reem Acra. It was the dress I dreamt about…an ivory, sweetheart strapless, beaded bodice, full ball gown, long train with embelishments, and a vail that reached almost the length of the church aisle. (Ok, not really, but in my romanticized version it did.) I carried a bouquet full of Black Magic roses. At the church, a couple sang, “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, and also “The Wedding Song,” by Peter, Paul and Mary, the song my parents walked down the aisle to at their own wedding.

At the reception, our guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner with impeccable, Four Seasons service, while one of the best Frank Sinatra impersonators in town, set the atmosphere. My husband and I ate dinner in our suite (yes the Sunrise Sunset panoramic one), enjoying our first moments as a married couple, during the cocktail hour, so at dinner we could mingle around the tables and thank our guests for coming. Our first dance was to “Someone Like You,” by Van Morrison, played by a phenomenal 10-piece band. After many wonderful toasts and other memorable dances, we cut into our Limoges inspired cake with a personalized white chocolate version of our monogram.

The following morning, we enjoyed a good-bye brunch with as many who could stay. Later that night, we were whisked away, First Class, to our honeymoon that lasted three weeks covering Bali and Thailand. It. Was. Absolutely. Amazing.

I will never forget the details of our wedding. Not just because I have 1000 copies of our wedding video covering every detail of the year leading up to it- bachelorette party in Santa Barbara, wedding gown fittings in Newport Beach, California- but because it is the one instant in time I always wish I could go back to. When I hear people say, “I wish I would have just taken the money and bought a house, or saved it, or whatever…” I always think, “Nah-ah, nope, not me. If I could go back and do it again, I would do it the same exact way, not leaving out one little detail. The good or the bad.” It was the one time in my and my husband’s lives, where everyone we knew and loved and cared about was in one place, happy, celebrating, enjoying life. Every picture we have in our album, people are smiling from ear to ear. Friends and family still tell us it was the best party they ever attended. I love that. I love that the people in our lives who have now passed, were there with us. And, they were 11 years younger, full of life and vigor- dancing and carrying on.

There are few moments in my life I would want to relive if ever offered the chance again. The births of all of my children, and my wedding day.

Doesn’t that make you want to relive your wedding story? Or, at least just escape into someone else’s for a few hours? The Big Wedding opens on April 26th, and they have cordially invited you to attend with a plus 1. All you have to do is follow this link to a special offer to get your tickets. Enjoy the show!

Tell me what your fondest memory is from your wedding day?