Fantasy Fest in Key West in Full Swing

Travelape loves to have a good time as everyone knows. This weekend there is no better place then getting down in Key West at Fantasy Fest. For all the details check out the offic site http://www.fantasyfest.net/.

The big parade is on October 29th and is sponsorewd by Cpatian Morgans. I think there will be a little dirinking. For reviews of the Key West Bars. check out. Travelape.com. Duval Street is going to be going off.

Key West Hotels are in limited supply for the weekend. Travelape has some options also check out the comapre feature. It will hook you up with Expedia and More.

Hotels at Universal Studios Orlando

Hotels at Universal Studios Orlando

If you’re planning on staying in the Universal Studios area in Orlando, you’re going to need a little information on the hotels. It’s better to be informed than it is to guess and end up wasting your money. Below we will cover the three top Universal Studios hotels, which are Loews Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and Portofino Bay.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort is best known for its value. However, there is more to this hotel than just value. For instance, it’s a great option for both business travelers and families. For the business traveler, there is a business center and conference facilities. For families, or any leisure traveler, there is a game room, massage, fitness center, concierge, pool and sauna. Then again, business travelers also have the option of taking advantage of these amenities. One of the neatest features at this hotel is the tiki-bar restaurant with an open kitchen. A close second is the superb food and drinks by the pool.

Hard Rock is for the more active traveler. If you like to listen to rock and you want access to a fitness center, game room and sauna, this will be the best option for you. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to try the in-house ice cream. Many of the rooms are adjoining, which is a big plus for large groups. Another neat feature is the free ferry to Universal Studios.

Portofino Bay is the most visually pleasing hotel in the entire Orlando area. It offers most of the same amenities as the two hotels above plus Harbor Night and wine tasting. Portofino Bay has more than one pool, but the Villa Pool is the best option. This is also a great hotel for corporate functions and banquets.

New Site: Ape Likes Get Branson. 4 stars

Plan Your Trip
to Branson with GetBranson.com

GetBranson.com
is your first and only stop for information on Branson including shows, hotels
and deals. The city of Branson, located in Missouri, offers a plethora of
activities no matter the weather. If you’re planning on visiting Branson, the
website will help you plan your trip, decide on accommodations and find some
great deals to boot!



The website, done in blue and grey is eye-catching with a huge 888 number across
the top that you can phone to find some of the best deals in the city. The site
is extremely easy to navigate, offering choices like attractions, hotels, blog,
shows, featured and deals. Choosing any of these options will get your trip
planning started in the right direction.



By choosing Branson Deals the site takes you to a page that lets you enter your
travel and departure dates as well as the number of adults and children that
will be traveling with you. Some of the deals offered on the site include a
Silver Dollar City/Howard Johnson package, the Howard Johnson Secret Deal and a
Stone Castle Inn Branson Titanic Sale. Deals are subject to change and many
depend on your travel dates.



If you click on categories and then attractions, you’ll receive a listing of all
of the popular attractions in Branson and their average cost. This is helpful
when trying to plan activities for your family and a budget at the same time.
Some of the attractions include Branson
Zipline and Canopy Tours, Ride the Ducks,
Silver
Dollar City and White Water.



No matter when you are planning on traveling, GetBranson.com has been revamped
and is the most helpful guide in planning your vacation to the city of Branson,
Missouri. Start planning early and check the site often to get the best deals
available for your Branson vacation.

Summer Time Hit The Beach

If you're looking for a fun place to visit this summer, then here are a few
you might like to try. Catalina, or Santa Catalina Island, is one of the Channel
Islands of California and is located about 20 miles off the coast, near the city
of Los Angeles. With its quiet small-town atmosphere, Catalina Island is a great
place to get away from the bustle of the big city. This summer, the Catalina
Country Club is hosting unplugged and jazz nights on Thursdays and Fridays, and
is a great place to visit any day of the week. Great
Cheap Catalina Hotels

If you happen to live north of Los Angeles, then
Pismo Beach, in San Luis
Obispo county, is also a great place to kick back and enjoy the weather. Try a
relaxing stroll along Pismo Pier or the boardwalk and then remember to check out
the 26th Annual Classic at Pismo Beach car show. The show features over a
thousand classic cars, and the Hot Rod Bar and Grill will make sure you don't
leave hungry.

With nearly 15 million annual visitors,
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of America's most popular resort
cities. Known for its miles of beaches and hundreds of golf courses, Myrtle
Beach is also the home of the SummerFest at Barefoot Landing. This festival runs
from June through September and is a lot of fun for the whole family.

The Hamptons are New York's upscale beach towns and are a great place to
recuperate from the stress of the Big Apple. Favored by celebrities, the
Hamptons are known for their charity events as much as for their pricy beach
houses. If you need
cheap Long Island hotels travel has them for you. This year, the Mattiuck
Lions Club will hold its 57th
Annual Strawberry Festival between June 17th and 19th, in the town of
Mattiuck. Give it a try.

Best Western Catalina Canyon Hotel - Budget Accommodations Catalina Island

Happy Memorial Day 2011 from the Blue Ape !!! I'm about to leave this beautiful paradise of the "left coast" but not after one more day on the beautiful Catalina Island. I moved midweek from my former hotel to the Best Western Catalina Canyon Hotel, located at 888 Country Club Lane Avalon.

You and whomever you choose to enjoy this beautiful Island off the coast of California, will find a great budget hotel with all kinds of quality. You'll find the Best Western Catalina Canyon Hotel just above Avalon Bay. The property is beautiful offering a courtyard, patios and some rooms with private balconies. Enjoy the pool, have cocktails at the bar, or enjoy a dinner at the onsite restaurant. If you're looking for some fun off property, as I stated before, Catalina Island has lot's to offer. Go on a fishing expedition, go for a walk around the Bay, or go into any number of great shops and restaurants along the Avalon Bay. If you're thinking about taking the family, the Best Western Catalina Canyon Hotel offers specialty family rooms.

Room rates start at about $85 to $100 and you will find great rates toward the end of the summer in to the fall. Enjoy

Glenmore Plaza Hotel Catalina Island - A Great West Coast Hotel

Wheeewwww....Greetings and salutations to all the TravelApe fans and yes I am sorry. For those of you that are getting to this party late, I'm saying sorry to my regulars that come to enjoy these posts because the Big Blue Ape has had some other business to take care of and has not had the chance to post for some time.

Well I'm back and I'm in Catalina Island. To anyone who doesn't really know where Catalina Island is here is a map. Basically you'll find this wonderful California offshoot about a stones throw from San Diego. To that one of my favorite places to stay while on Catalina Island is the Glenmore Plaza Hotel Catalina Island. The Glenmore is located on the southern end of the Island at 118 Sumner Ave Avalon, CA 90704. Charm doesn't even begin to explain how lovely the Glenmore Plaza Hotel is and what it has to offer.

Guests will enjoy four floors and a choice of 46 different guest rooms. Guests of the Glenmore Plaza Hotel on Catalina Island also have access to a complimentary breakfast, concierge service, a complimentary newspaper each day, business center so those that need to stay in touch with the real life can do so, a wonderful public spa and access to a rollaway bed if you have extra guests.

The city of Avalon on Catalina Island offers quite a bit to do while visiting. Enjoy a round of golf at the Catalina Island Golf Club, take a tour on a boat or enjoy the conservancy on the island. This is beauty personified.

Hotel Blue Myrtle Beach - An Escape for Some Golf

I'm on the move now and it seems like the schedule is getting hotter. I made a jaunt out of the big city and headed south to Myrtle Beach for a few days stay at Hotel Blue Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach is absolutely gorgeous right now and the big blue ape wanted to get in some golf before the weather becomes a little more unpredictable in the coming weeks. Hurricane season is coming.

Any way, a stay at the Hotel Blue Myrtle Beach right now will run you, and I'm talking about rooms with ocean views, for a total of like $65 !!! An an efficiency and you're looking a a deal of like $85.

The Hotel Blue Myrtle Beach is located at 705 South Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach and is about a block away from the famed Family Kingdom Amusement Park.

Enjoy all this hotel has to offer. You'll enjoy an outdoor pool, swim up pool side bar, a lazy river, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a 20 lane bowling alley and an on site cafe. The Hotel Blue Myrtle Beach is value personified for a vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Hilton Times Square Hotel New York - In the Heart of the Action

Ok day two of my personalized reviews of great hotels in New York City that are smack dab near the fun of central park. The Hilton Times Square Hotel New York comes to you, but this one, Travel Ape has to admit is pricey.

That being said, however, the big blue ape may like value, but every once in a while splurging is fun. While you're in New York City and have the funds, the Hilton Times Square Hotel is not a bad place to toss them away. You may be looking at week day rates of about $485 to $535 but wait !!! If you have the weekends open, because the summer months are coming up, staying in the city is not a usual choice, we have great rates from $283 to $309. Again, these are high rates but this is a world class hotel.

The Hilton Times Square Hotel New York City is located less than a mile away from Central Park at 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY and has everything you need for a great stay. Each room comes with a minimum of a king sized bed or two queen sized beds. And these are big comfy beds with great linens. The hotel has 43 floors with 444 rooms. Rooms on the corner are a little more money, but the views are incredible. Be prepared to be pampered with incredible in house restaurants and eateries, including a restaurant overlooking 42nd street on the 26th floor and the Pinnacle Bar. If you want to work out they offer discount program with a nearby club.

Just a thought if you're looking for ideas to package a great vacation to New York City. Enjoy a Broadway Show like Jersey Boys, or take in the traveling show of Cirque du Soleil at Radio City Music Hall. I'm sure if you look into it, even during the summer you'll find some great events. Why not splurge and hit the Hilton Times Square Hotel.

Millenium Hilton Hotel New York City - Great Stay Near Central Park

The Millenium Hilton Hotel New York conjures up one of TravelApe's most favorite words. That is "VALUE". I've been in the city for a few weeks and I greatly apologize for not posting in a while, but I got caught up in a few personal things, but I'm back.

With that being said, may I submit to you all a great suggestion for a place to stay if you are looking to go to New York City and want to be near Central Park. After looking around I've found that the Millenium Hilton Hotel New York has great ratesrelative for everything it offers. If you check out the hotel section of my site you'll see some great summer time rates. This hotel offers babysitting services (not to mention children under 18 stay free when they come with their parents), has an on site bar and lounge, has a 24 hour business center, swimming pool and excellent fitness center. Quite simply this New York City hotel has the ability to handle most types of clientele.

Check out the events in the city near Central Park and maybe get a room for a few days. Word has it that the Black Eyed Peas are putting on a free concert this summer. Might be worth a trip to the Big Apple.

Lunch in the Big Apple - The Carnegie Deli

Today was full of all kinds of activities, but first I had to get lunch. Where else would this Big Blue Ape go then to the best damn sandwich shop in the world...the Carnegie Deli. I would fight someone to the death on this debate, because I actually dream of the Carnegie Deli's corn beef special sometimes and I have no issue admitting that.

We offer some great ideas and suggestions of places to eat at TravelApe.com if you take a look at the New York City Dining Guide, but to the the point of order for this post, one hell of a lunch.

First I started off with the Chicken Broth soup with Golden Noodles. For a bowl of soup the price, $8.95, is a little steep, but trust me people, the taste is pure bliss. Today, I went in a little different direction from the normal corned beef sandwich and tried out the "Woody Allen". This is a sandwich piled high with corned beef and pastrami. I add a little golden brown spicy mustard and I literally had an out of body experience. Then, because I wanted to treat myself, I had a delicious slice of cheese cake.

The entire meal with tax and tip was about $40. Yes, quite a price for lunch, but if you have the $$ and you're in New York City, you will be doing yourself an injustice if you don't try the Carnegie Deli.

New York City Central Park Hotels - A Favorite of the Ape's

I just got out of the shower and now just getting to the task at hand. That is do my little reports and personalized reviews of the New York City Hotels. Just a note, you'd be surprised how little people take notice of a big blue ape walking around the Big Apple, but that is just ok with me. Travel Ape likes to blend in to the scene.

Today's little assignment was to take a stroll through NYC's famed Central Park, but more importantly to visit some of the best lodging and hotels in the area. The first one I visited was the Dakota Hotel, located at the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West. The views of this hotel are literally picture perfect. Some may remember this hotel as the former resident of none other than John Lennon. The structure is built around a courtyard and has a 19th Century French decor. This is one beautiful hotel and class is an understatement

The next great hotel near Central Park is the Astor on the Park Hotel located at 465 Central Park West New York City. This hotel sports 7 floors with 112 rooms. The hotel is not heavily rated by a lot of online rating sites, but for the per night room rates, especially in NYC, the Astor on the Park Hotel New York is a great value. Let's not forget what this big blue ape feels about value. You'll be happy to find clean, crisp, no frill rooms and if you decide to stay here you'll be in walking distance to, of course, Central Park across the street, several museums, and in case you are interested in visiting someone at Columbia, you'll be very close.

Tomorrow, we'll take a look at a few more hotels in the area and I'll give my reviews of where I went to lunch. Where that will be is still up in the air. If anyone has any ideas, just post them here.

The Dakota, constructed from October 25, 1880 to October 27, 1884, is a co-op apartmeraent building located on the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. The building is most widely known as the location of the murder of musician John Lennon. The architectural firm of Henry Janeway Hardenbergh was commissioned to create the design for Edward

The Ape is in New York City

I'm out of the airport and I'm set up at my friends in Manhattan. I was admittedly a little nervous about leaving Florida because I just love the sunshine, but you know what, spring is here and it's pretty darn nice. Sure the clouds are out, but I heard it was almost in the 80's here today and it's supposed to be sunny and close to 80 tomorrow. So New York City, the ape is ready to do his thing.

I've got lots of things to do while I'm here, and we'll get to them over the next few days. The thing is tonight I'm tired and I need a nice meal and then a great nights sleep. So i just wanted to say hello and we'll be going over the famed New York City hotels and lodging.

If while I'm here anyone has any suggestions about where to go, see or stay please feel free to make it known to me.

The ape is hungry so we'll talk later.

Gay Travel - Not that There is anything wrong with it

Well my cousin Theresa the Monkey came to visit me yesterday as I was beginning to get ready to pack for my little excursion up to New York City. To get to the point, Theresa is a girl and has a girlfriend. Let me make myself clear, how and who someone loves is their business and Travelape makes no judgment about these things. This Ape doesn't "Swing that way" but I stand behind my cousin and love her.

To that issue, Theresa was able to point me in the direction of a site that caters to Gay Vacations and Gay Travel. Wow what a great community of users. The information they provide is fantastic, but the point is, the users really get involved with offering insight into events and specials relating to the gay and lesbian community. They keep you updated on Gay Pride Parades, parties and overall it seems like everyone is working for a classy feel on the site.

Theresa and her girlfriend will be here in Orlando staying in my rental as I travel, but they plan on staying through the Mark Barker Gay Festival between June 2 and June 6th.

So stay tuned and check out this site. I'm sure we all have people with alternative lifestyles and it's worth opening you eyes and hearts to the good people the are. While you're at it why not let them know where they can go to find information about travel and events :)..

Next time you hear from me I'll be in New York City, with my report on the New York City Central Park Hotels. Travel Ape is out of the building !!!

Best Fitness Center in Orlando - All About Value

Ok, it's no secret that the Big Blue Ape (Me that is) is just gorgeous. You think that's an easy thing to maintain. Think again. Well because I travel around so much I have several memberships to national and regional fitness centers. So the general theme of this blog could be Orlando Recreation, but the specific item of interest is finding a great Orlando fitness center for great value. Remember, Travel Ape is all about value.

So to the points at hand. What is the place I love to blow out my quads, run till I can't see and have my traps explode for all the wonderful ladies? Well, Lifestyle Family Fitness Center Orlando. I've been to a few Lifestyle fitness centers as they are prevalent in the state of Florida and I like the general feel of each of them. The ones I have graced have several things in common. First, they occupy large areas. You won't be on top of others as you work out. Second, they have plenty of equipment so people doing the same things aren't waiting on you to finish. Last, I can't name one Lifestyle Fitness Center where I was ever treated rudely. Most important, because Orlando is a huge destination resort town, they offer great one day to multiple day packages. As about the "One Free Day" special

So if you want to get ripped and moving without spending a lot of money on your trip to Orlando, do what the Big Blue Ape does. Get pumped and healthy at Lifestyle Family Fitness of Orlando.

JW Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes Hotel -- A Great Place to Get Away to in Orlando

Ok, I had a friend stay over a few days and he brought his dog. Well, Travel Ape having a big heart felt bad making him leave the poor fella in a kennel. The path to hell is paved with good intentions. My house is infested with fleas !! Got to get out and get it fumigated. Well I have no choice but to find a Orlando Hotel, so why not stay in a place that's a little fun. The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Hotel, located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando.

Ok the place has eateries and restaurants. And we all know the difference. You get big comfy beds and you just feel like you're doing something correct when you're staying at the JW Marriott Orlando. I'm not sure and I have to check with the front desk, but I think I get some kind of discount in playing golf at another associated hotel. I'll let you know about that. While I'm at it I probably need to just toss my clothes and buy new ones so here's a great place to find great shopping in Orlando. Obviously I forgot to tell everyone I got myself a rental down here now. Out of know where, but I'll be in Orlando for some time.

Orlando Golf - A Great Walk in the Sun with Lot's of Value

Ok it's Saturday night and I'm getting up from my nap. As you all know I wrote a few days ago about some things I like to do while making the nights hot in Orlando. You can check that post out about Orando Nightlife here. Anyway, in the spirit of this weekend's Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta I'm making plans to go golfing tomorrow afternoon. If you know me, the Big Blue Ape likes his discounts. So this Orlando Golf guide is more about value than flare. So penny pinchers here's my vote for some great golfing in Orlando.

Without a doubt the selection of golf courses in Orlando is enormous. That's what makes it difficult to try and find a place that will be fun, have the air of a great course and not cost you your children's first year of college to play a round and get a bite to eat. Well, the Royal St Cloud Links located at 5310 Michigan Avenue in St Cloud Fl, just outside of Orlando, fits the bill. The Royal St. Cloud Golf links features 27 hole golf course. To get warmed up the complex has a complete range of practice areas including putting greens, driving range and chipping area. What's more the place has excellent on site dining at the Stone Bridge Tavern & Grille. Get the ribs they are great. Oh, by the way, a round of golf...$18. How's that for a deal.

Great Steak Dinner for Great Value - Travel Ape Swings in for a Great Steakhouse Dinner

I'm a big steak lover. I mean A BIG STEAK LOVER !! Knocking around town I've come up with a great place to get a great steak at a great deal. I have to remember to add it to my Orlando Dining Guide, but for now I'll just tell you about this little known place whose specilaty is the culinary art of preparing a sumptuous bovine.

That place is Linda's La Cantina Restaurant located at 4721 East Colonial Drive Orlando Fl. This restaurant is not about the flare of a Morton's Steak House or Ruths Chris. The sheer fact is that La Cantina spends their money on getting great qaulity food. From what I've heard this place has been a favorite for locals since 1947. My favorite is a filet made up with Pittsburgh Medium Rare. You have to try that. La Cantina offers other options than steak, although I couldn't imagine going there and not indulging on their favorite staple. I had some of my family visit last week and some rave reviews came in for the spicy buttered shrimp and everyone loved the fried crown onion. If you're looking for a deal of a meal for an average price of $20, this Big Blue Ape would recommend swinging the whole family in to La Cantina. The restaurant is open 4pm til close Tuesday thru Saturday and is closed on Mondays.

Orlando Nightlife ... Rock, Party and Dance with Travel Ape

It is certainly no secret that I’m late riser and a late player. I’ve decided to take my Big Blue Ape “fun show” out for the night while I’m in Orlando. It goes without saying that you have all kinds of selection when it comes to Orlando nightlife.

Yeah, lot’s to do but if I had to take my choice there’s three top nightclubs in Orlando that I just love to tip the night fantastic. Ok first on the list, you’ll find located at the corner of Washington and Orange in Downtown Orlando, the Independent Bar. This bar pounds with energy, lights and lot’s of room. If you love to dance you’ll find 2 great venues each with their own style of music. When I’m looking for some hot salsa there’s no better place than the Samba Room. This Orlando favorite offers a sensual fair and mix of the Caribbean, Brazil and Cuba. What’s more they offer a great upscale restaurant area. Rounding out my list of fun places to hit on a night out in Orlando is the Club Firestone. Located at 478 North Orange Avenue this club is located in an abandoned Firestone Tire Factory. Club Firestone is all about hot new and hip live music. You can't help to rock out. If you happen to see a Big Blue Ape banging his head and rocking out, don't be shy come over and buy me a shot.

Travelape Loves Art - At Least teh Festivals

The big blue ape took his road show back to Orlando this weekend to check out the Winter Park Art Festival. Ok I am known for swinging from vine to vine and club to club but I do like the finer things in life.

If you have never been to the Winter Park Section of Orlando you are missing out. This is one of the older parts of town and has a train station right in the middle. There are nice little locally owned shops to gander at. The festival took over the whole park area. There were over 250 artist showing their stuff.

Me I like the pop art stuff and there was plenty of it. Uncle Chuckles and Chesty were in town and they went along with me. We enjoyed some smoothies from Strawberry Fields. They were yummy in the sunny weather. After that we headed back to Pointe Orlando and had dinner at The Funky Monkey Wine Company of course. I stumbled back to the Peabody Orlando to watch the duck walk on Monday and back on the road.

Feeling Lucky March Madness and The Irish

Ok the plane got in late last night in Ac and landed in Vegas late. Never made it to Studio 54. Instead I went to a strip club called Olympic Gardens. Its old school Vegas strip club style. $300 in one dollar bills later me and Uncle Chuckles counced.

We stayed at the Hard Rock beacasue we dig the pool and wanted to do some gambling But we got side tracked and instead got bottle service at the new club called Vanity. We didnt get out of the club till almost 5am. Grabbed grub at the great Mr Luckys 24/7.


We were thinking of going indoor skydiving but we decide to hit the Caesars Sportsbook to place our madness bets. Ape is the king of the brackets. Who you got?

St Patricks Day Fun

So I am getting ready for a big St Patricks Day tomorrow. As everyone who knows me knows I take thsi holiday very seriously. Im not really sure who St Patrick is, but I honor him any way. LOl. Each year I die myself green for a day. And drink green beer till I get naked and dance on the bar.

The Travelape Jet is all fueled up and ready for a few jumps. My plan is to start in New York City with the St Patricks day parade. I am staying athe Astor on the Park tonight. So I would avoid it if you can.

Then tomorrow night I will hop intoa limo to rush down to Atlantic City to go to the Irish Pub. This is teh place to go for St Pattys day in mini Sin City. Also if I had time I would stay for bag day a great day-after St Pattys day tradition.

After a dip in the Atlantic Ocean I am headed to the helipad at the Trump Taj Mahal. Hop over to the airport and fly out to Vegas to finish up in style. Going retro and hitting up Studio 54 at the MGM. Hope to see you out there.

Its hard out here for an ape.

Spring Break For Travelape

Its been a rough winter and the big blue guy needs to get away. Looks like Im going to do a little tour of the best Spring Break spots. I am starting with Daytona Beach for a wet t shirt contest.

Then Ill shoot over to Orlando for a night to hang out with my boy Mickey Mouse. He just got out of rehab again. Ill probably stay over at the Hilton Bonnet Creek cause I get crazy rates there. Or If not Ill try the Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista Hotel.

After that Im on a plane to Cancun for some real fun. Probably get down at Senior Frogs or La Boom. Travelape loves smoking a Cuban cigar and walking along the beautiful beaches of Mexico. And lovely coeds everywhere he looks. Its hard out here for an ape.

Oh yeah and I forgot to mention who is paying for it. Its the guys over at Go On Spring Break. Suckers. LOL :)