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#SobeSavvy .Com shares a #HiltonStory @Homewoodsuites @HiltonHotels #Charlotte #NC #Travel~#soNCsavvy #soTravelsavvy Recap

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My family and I just spent some time during the Thanksgiving weekend in the Queen City” of Charlotte, NC. Some good friends of ours recommended the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, known for its location to attractions, shopping and peacefulness. After looking at a few choices we decided that we would stay at the Homewood Suites
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This new all suite property is located within the fabulous Toringdon Circle and Ballantyne Village Shopping area. The hotel is within easy walking distance of various restaurants and wine bars. Upon pulling up I could tell this was not a “normal” Homewood Suites experience {although the normal experience is usually very nice also !}. A scenic water display was adjacent to the driveway.
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Upon entering, the modern huge public lobby/dining areas reminded me of a luxurious mountain lodge. Replete with fireplace and woodsy accents. I loved the little private alcoves in the lobby where you could relax with your own flat screen and enot a cup of coffee, hot tea or my lil girl’s favorite, hot cocoa! The business center has full size Apple Macs for their guests to utilize.
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Check in was friendly with a dash of that famous southern charm that Charlotte is known for. Our suite was very modern and of a trendy design aesthetic. Big and roomy for us 3. Full kitchen with beautiful granite counters. The bed was very comfortable and so were the pillows. All the furnishings had a very high end feel to them. The shower reminded me of a spa alcove. I wanted to just cocoon in the suite all day but I had to get a work out in. The gym was perfect. New Precor machines and plenty of free weights. I could have also chosen to take advantage of a free pass the hotel has arranged with the LA Fitness gym within walking distance of the hotel in the shopping center. Maybe next time.
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Due to it being late November we couldn’t take advantage of their attractive outdoor pool and grilling area.
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We had to get an early start the next morning, but not before indulging in the awesome free breakfast buffet. Make your own waffle station. Various eggs and meat choices. The oatmeal was great. My little one gives the waffles a big thumbs up!
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Great stay at a great property. It’s near the Ballyntyne corporate center. So whether in this part of Charlotte for work or play this Homewood Suites IS my base camp on every trip to the Queen City. Make it yours too !
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#SobeSavvy enjoys #ResortLife @BonnetCreek #HiltonBonnetCreek ~ A #soTravelsavvy Recap

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Spending the day at the theme parks in Orlando was going to be tiring. Knowing that, my family {hubby and a 4 yr old} needed a base camp to spend the previous day and evening relaxing before heading into the amazing theme parks there. We had three unwavering conditions that had to be met before deciding on a spot. 1. Awesome pool area for everyone. Not just a kiddie pool or a adult pool overran by kids. 2. A “real” luxury resort, not a low end motel masquerading as a “resort”. 3. Good Food. Finding those 3 things may sound easy, but anyone who visits Orlando knows that tourist traps await the uninformed. Cheap prices or deals too good to be true usually are.

With those prerequisites we decided on the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort in Lake Buena Vista http://www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com. Being familiar with the Hilton product, we felt this was the right choice. Their pool area was perfect. Big enough for adults to relax and also a REAL lazy river section that is incredible. They also have a small water slide that we all enjoyed. We even had couple of great cocktails from their pool area bar called “Beech”.

Our room was modern clean and comfortable. Fast Wifi and comfy luxurious bedding. After a post pool clean up we went to dinner at one of the numerous onsite restaurants. We chose the Harvest Bistro. Everything was great. The Steakhouse Burger and Roasted Chicken was superb. My little one loved their in house Candy Shop near the entrance. In the morning we stopped by their 24 hr grab and go store called Muse for some oatmeal and coffee. They also provide free charter transportation to and from the major parks. Proximity to most of the parks is very close.They have a regular schedule and it was accurate. Great stay at the Hilton Bonnet Creek. Will be my preferred lodging the next time I am in Orlando.

Enjoy my IG slide show below :
https://instagram.com/p/7jc3MICXC1/