Details

Bluegreen's sales team would like Bluegreen Owners to believe that they can get more money out of their Bluegreen points by converting to Choice Privilege points and then exchanging the points for gift cards, etc.. A simple search of the various Bluegreen Facebook Groups will show quite a few hits where the poster mentions the salesperson or closer showing them (usually very rapidly) how they can get more money back doing the Choice Priveleges points conversion. Let us take a look at the process and see for ourselves

How does the Choice Priveleges points conversion actually work?

  • Every Bluegreen owner enrolled in Choice Privileges can convert Bluegreen Vacation Club Points to Choice Privilege points.
  • Choice Privileges points never expire as long as you have qualifying activity on your choice account within 18 months.
  • Bluegreen can also change the exchange rate at any time.
  • Premier owners can get an early conversion bonus if they convert points six months or more prior to their expiration date.
    • The conversion bonus depends upon the Premier level of the user and is in addition to the standard conversion rate
  • The conversion process must be completed over the phone
  • There is a $60 fee per conversion
  • The standard conversion rate of 2:1 typically appears within your Choice Privileges account the same day. The bonus conversion rate will be processed adding the additional points to your account within 5 business days.
Conversion RatesBronzeSilverGoldPlatinumDiamond
Standard Conversion Rate 2 2 2 2 2
Early Conversion Bonus for Choice Priveleges x2 x3 x4 x5 x7.5
Total Conversion Rate with Bonus 4 to 1 6 to 1 8 to 1 10 to 1 15 to 1*

 

Redeeming Choice Reward Points

  • Reward nights worldwide are available from 6,000 to 35,000 points (excluding all-inclusive resorts stays, where points required are up to 100,000).
    • Most Choice Hotels require 8,000 or more points for a free room.
  • Members must make their free night reservation by phone or through their online account no more than 100 days prior to planned arrival for all locations worldwide.
  • Members may redeem Choice Privileges points for airline miles or points/rewards in other participating eligible loyalty programs.
    • Exchange ratios can be found on the Rewards Exchange online portal.
    • Ratios can change from time to time and unless otherwise specified, Members must redeem a minimum of 5,000 Choice Privileges Points when exchanging for airline miles or points/rewards in other participating eligible loyalty program.
    • Members can exchange 5,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,000 miles by phone or online with the following:
      • Aeroplan®
      • Alaska Airlines®Mileage Plan™
      • Aeromexico Club Premier®(1,600 kilometers)
      • Spirit Airlines FREE SPIRIT™United MileagePlus®
    • Members can exchange 6,000 Choice Privileges points for 1,800 Southwest Rapid Rewards points by phone
    • Members can exchange 2,000 Choice Privileges points for 800 Qantas Frequent Flyer points by phone
    • Members can exchange 2,000 Choice Privileges points for 800 Velocity Frequent Flyer points by phone
  • Members can exchange 8,000 Choice Priveleges points for $25 gift cards to various locations
    • Limited to 1 gift card transaction every 48 hours
    • Limited to 4 plastic gift cards of the same denomination, from the same vendor
    • Limited to 2 digital gift cards of the same denomination, from the same vendor
    • Cannot be shipped to a PO Box

So let's look at an example of a Bluegreen to Choice point conversion in order to redeem for a hotel room

Read more: Bluegreen to Choice Point Conversion

Details

The Bluegreen reservation window starts 11 months prior to the check-in date at midnight eastern time.  As an owner, you can reserve the use of your deeded accommodations (specific week, for specific unit at a specific resort) as outlined in your Certificate of Beneficial Use (COBU) between 11 months and 1 day and 13 months prior to the check-in date.  This is called your Priority Use Period.

If you do not own a full week, you can only book the specific days of the week you are deeded for, not the full week.  For example we have two contracts deeded at the Club at Big Bear Village, one annual and one biennial-even.  Our first (annual) contract is written as follows: 17AK/28F, 17BJ/10F, 17CI/37F, 17CI/38F.  The second (biennial-even) is written as follows: 17DL/35E, 17DL/49E, 17DL/39E.

The breakdown on the first contract is as follows:

  • Unit 17A Thursday (17AK) of week 28 every year (F).
  • Unit 17B Wednesday (17BJ) of week 10 every year (F).
  • Unit 17C Tuesday (17CI) of week 30 every year (F).
  • Unit 17C Tuesday (17CI) of week 38 every year (F).

The breakdown on the second contract is as follows:

  • Unit 17D Friday (17DL) of week 35 in even years (E).
  • Unit 17D Friday (17DL) of week 49 in even years (E).
  • Unit 17D Friday (17DL) of week 39 in even years (E).

So a word of warning, IF you are considering an upgrade where you are trading a deed back to Bluegreen, be very careful to check the new deed information.  Make them explain it to you. We surrendered a full week deeded stay at The Fountains that we could have used for it's priority use period for deeds at Big Bear that are worthless for their priority use period!  They are only good as points...

The codes for the days of the week are different based upon the resort.  The table below outlines the Week Codes for Different Bluegreen Resorts.

Read more: Determining Your Bluegreen Priority Use Period

Details

NASHVILLE RESORTS

 Wyndham Nashville *

  • 2 miles to Grand Ole Opry
  • 3 pools & a hot tub
  • Shuttle from resort to downtown ($10/person round trip)
  • Sunday night welcome party (very good show) (information about what to do) (give away tickets to activities/shows)
  • Units 10 & 11 do not have elevators

Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - Nashville

  • Bar
  • Café
  • Fitness Center
  • Gift Shop

Bluegreen Downtown Nashville

  • Concierge
  • Valet parking (fee)

Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown *

  • Meeting space
  • Restaurant with live music stage
  • Fitness center
  • Indoor/outdoor heated pool

NASHVILLE RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • 55 South (in Franklin, TN) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Adele’s (in The Gulch area) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Aquarium Restaurant (in Opry Mills Mall) (Landry’s Select Club)
  • Arnold’s Country Kitchen (open Monday – Friday 10:30 AM – 2:45 PM) (Food Network City Guides) (experience was great & has good food)
  • Assembly Food Hall*
  • Athens Family Restaurant (lamb burger) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Bar-B Cuties (baked potatoes) (Franklin, TN)
  • Bavarian Bierhaus (in Opry Mills Mall) (German Food) (very noisy inside)
  • Bellevue Diner (gyros, Greek food) (was on Ginormous Food)
  • Biscuit Love (for bonuts) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Black Rabbit (Food Network City Guides)
  • Blue Bird Café*
  • Bob Evans (near Resort)
  • Bourbon Steak (Food Network City Guides)
  • Bro's Cajun Cuisine (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Burger Republic* (in the Gulch district) (excellent burgers) (tator tot 5 cheese fondue)
  • Butcher & Bee  (Food Network City Guides)
  • Butcher Town Hall (Food Network City Guides)
  • Cafe Rakka (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Cafe Roze (Food Network City Guides)
  • Caffe Nonna (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Caney Forks River Valley Grill (near resort) (good food & lots of character) (make s’mores at your table) (corn fritters are excellent) (very good catfish)
  • Capitol Grille (Food Network City Guides)
  • Catbird Seat (Food Network City Guides)
  • Center Point Pit Barbecue (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Chauhan Ale & Masala House (Food Network City Guides)
  • Chuy’s* (1901 Broadway & in Opry Mills Mall) (great Mexican food)
  • City House (Food Network City Guides)
  • City Winery
  • Claim Jumper (in Opry Mills Mall) (Landry’s Select Club)
  • Cock of the Walk (fried pickles are great) (serve food on camping tin plates & cups)
  • Cotton & Snow (snow cones & ice cream)
  • Cousins Maine Lobster (food truck)
  • Cracker Barrel (near resort)
  • Dave & Buster’s (in Opry Mills Mall)
  • Deacon's New South (Food Network City Guides)
  • Del Frisco’s (in The Gulch area)
  • Demos’ Steak & Spaghetti House (on Commerce St) (Italian food) (very good & reasonably priced)
  • Desano Pizza & Bakery (on 16th Street) (very good pizza) (they use cheese & meat imported from Italy)
  • Donut Dilstillery
  • Edley’s Bar-B-Que (3 locations) (best BBQ)
  • Ellendale’s
  • Ellington's (Food Network City Guides)
  • Elliston Place Soda Shoppe (classic diner)
  • Etch (pricey) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Fat Boys BBQ (on Murfreeboro Pike, Antioch, TN) (great ribs & brisket)
  • Fat Mo’s Burgers (5 locations)
  • FGL House* (Florida Georgia Line’s restaurant/bar) (live music) (rooftop seating area) (great food) (dirty kettle chips are awesome) (mac & cheese very good) (steak was excellent)
  • Five Daughters Bakery (great cakes) (Franklin, TN)
  • Folk (Food Network City Guides)
  • Fletcher’s Pizza
  • Gaylord Opryland Hotel restaurants (close to the resort) (most don’t open till 5 PM)
  • General Jackson Showboat (lunch or dinner)
  • GooGoo Cluster Shop (can watch them make the candy bars)
  • Graze (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • H&T’s Home Cooking
  • Hathorne  (Food Network City Guides)
  • Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (great southern fried chicken) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Henrietta Red (Food Network City Guides)
  • Honky Tonk Central (sandwiches & salads)
  • Hot Rod Ice Cream Shoppe
  • Hunter's Station (Food Network City Guides)
  • Husk (pricey) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Jack’s Bar-B-Que
  • Jamaicaway (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • John A’s Little Palace (near resort) (food OK)
  • Killebrew (Food Network City Guides)
  • Legendary Milkshake Bar
  • Legends Steakhouse (Smyrna, TN)
  • Liberty Common(Food Network City Guides)
  • Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar (Food Network City Guides)
  • Loveless Café (8400 TN-100) (great breakfast) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Lyra (Food Network City Guides)
  • Maggiano’s (very good food)
  • Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Belmont Blvd.) (excellent BBQ) (amazing brisket) (food was excellent) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Mas Tacos por Favor (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (good Irish food) (great music)
  • Midtown Café (high end restaurant) (good for a special evening)
  • Mike’s Ice Cream Fountain (best homemade ice cream)
  • Mission BBQ
  • Mister A’s (good music & food)
  • Monell's
  • Nicky's Coal Fired (Food Network City Guides)
  • Opry Mills Mall (there are many good places to eat at mall) (eat breakfast in the courtyard)
  • Pancake Pantry
  • Party Fowl* (Donelson, The Gulch)
  • Peg Leg Porker (excellent BBQ) (closed Sundays) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Phat Bites (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives) (Donelson, TN)
  • Pinewood Social(Food Network City Guides)
  • Piranhas (donut burger, cheesecake) (was on Ginormous Food)
  • Prince’s Hot Chicken (very hot) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Puckett’s*( 5th & Church (great food)
  • Rainforest Café (in Opry Mills Mall) (Landry’s Select Club) (good food)
  • Roberts Western World (good food & good prices) (Food Network City Guides)
  • Rolf & Daughters (Food Network City Guides)
  • Santa Fe Cattle Company (great place to eat) (5 to 10 minutes from resort) (2520 Music Valley Drive)
  • Scoreboard Bar & Grill (great hot chicken) (near resort) (live music under covered patio)
  • Sea Salts
  • Shipley Do-nuts
  • Skulls Rainbow Room
  • Sun Diner
  • Tailgate Brewery Music Row
  • Tailor (Food Network City Guides)
  • The 404 Kitchen (Food Network City Guides)
  • The Bluebird Café (need to make a reservation one week before at 8 AM)
  • The Farm House (Food Network City Guides)
  • The Flipside
  • The Patterson House (Food Network City Guides)
  • The Pharmacy (burgers) (thepharmacynashville.com)
  • The Southern Steak & Oyster
  • The Sweetest Day (great cakes)
  • Uncle Bud’s Catfish, Chicken, & Such (2719 Old Lebanon Road)
  • Walden (Food Network City Guides)
  • Ye Old Steakhouse (on Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN)
  • 'za (Food Network City Guides)

Read more: Nashville Recommendations

Details

We have been to Kauai numerous times since 1999. It is one of our favorite places to vacation, and our favorite of the Hawaiian Islands.

NIcknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and is very laid back.  You won't find a ton of night life on the island.  There is some, but nothing like Oahu.  You will find beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. 

We have compiled the information in the accordions below to help us remember places we have been to and enjoyed, as well as recommendations from others for places we might visit on future trips. We hope you find this information useful as well.

KAUAI RESORTS

Makai Club (Princeville)

  • 0.2 miles to Makai Golf Club
  • Clubhouse
  • Outdoor pool & hot tub

Makai Club Cottages (Princeville)

  • 0.2 miles to Makai Golf Club
  • Clubhouse
  • Outdoor pool & hot tub

Wyndham Bali Hai Villas* (Princeville)

  • 0.4 miles to Makai Golf Club
  • 2 pools & 3 hot tubs
  • Considered the flagship resort on Kauai
  • Has AC in some units
  • Nice resort
  • No ocean view units
  • Units are very nice

Wyndham Ka ‘Eo Kai (Princeville)

  • 1 mile to Makai Golf Club
  • Nice resort
  • Pools & hot tub
  • Putting green
  • Request an upper level unit
  • Very spacious units

Wyndham Shearwater (Princeville)

  • 1 mile to Makai Golf Club
  • 2-bedroom presidential are fantastic
  • Does not have AC in units
  • Great ocean views from all units
  • On cliff, right above ocean
  • Pool with panoramic ocean views
  • Small pool & hot tub
  • Small resort with large units
  • Very good resort to stay at

Wyndham Kauai Beach Villas* / Kauai Beach Villas (Bluegreen Direct Exchange) (Lihue)

  • 3.5 miles to Lihue
  • Beachfront resort
  • Buildings G & H have ocean views
  • Centrally located
  • Close to airport
  • Has AC in the bedrooms of the units
  • Most convenient for exploring Kauai
  • Nice resort
  • Older but nice units
  • Quieter than Princeville resorts
  • Request an ocean view unit

Worldmark Kapaa Shore (Club Pass Resort) (Kapa'a)

  • Beach access
  • Outdoor pool & hot tub

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy* (Kapa'a)

  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • Restaurant on site
  • Fitness center
  • Beach access
  • Walk to Coconut Marketplace

Lawai Beach Resort (Lawai)

  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • Fitness center
  • Beach access
  • Tennis court
  • BBQ area

Pono Kai Resort* (Kapa'a)

  • Tennis Court
  • Putting green
  • BBQ Area
  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • Beach access

The Cliffs Club (Princeville)

  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • Fitness center
  • Tennis court
  • Volleyball court
  • Playground
  • Basketball
  • BBQ area

Hanalei Bay Resort (Princeville)

  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • 1 bedroom units

KAUAI RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • AMA* (Hanalei)
  • Bangkok Happy Bowl* (Poipu)
  • Baracuda (Hanalei)
  • Brennecke’s Beach Grill* (Koloa)
  • Brick Oven Pizza* (Kalaheo)
  • Bubba’s Burgers* (3 locations – Hanalei, Kapaa, Poipu)
  • Bull Shed* (great steaks)
  • Cabana Gar & Grill
  • Chicken in a Barrel* (Hanalei, Kapaa 2 locations, Waimea)
  • Da Crack
  • DC Sweets* (Waimea)
  • Duane’s Ono-Char Burger* (Anahola)
  • Duke’s* (Lihue)
  • Hanalei Bread Company* (Hanalei)
  • Hanalei Poke (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Holoholo Grill
  • Holy Grail Donuts* (Hanalei, Kapaa)
  • Island Craves Kauai* (Kapaa)
  • Island Country Market* (Kapaa)
  • Kalypso* (Hanalei)
  • Kalapaki Joes* (Poipu)
  • Kauai Island Brewery and Grill
  • Kauai Juice Company* (Kapaa, Kilauea, Koloa)
  • Kenji Burger* (Kapaa, Koloa, Lihue) (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Keoki’s Paradise* (Poipu)
  • Kilauea Fish Market (great food & reasonably priced)
  • Koke’e Lodge*
  • Koloa Pizzeria
  • Kountry Kitchen (Kapaa)
  • Lappert’s Ice Cream* (Poipu, Princeville)
  • Lava Lava
  • La Spezia
  • Luau Kalamaku*
  • Lemongrass Grill (Kapaa)
  • Lilikoi Bar & Grill (Lihue)
  • Lotus Garden Chinese & Thai Cuisine* (Princeville)
  • Mariachis* (Kapaa, Lihue)
  • Mediterranean Gourmet (amazing views) (great food) (Hanalei)
  • Monico’s Taqueria* (Kapaa)
  • Olympic Cafe* (Kapaa) (great bloody mary's & loco moco)
  • Paco’s Tacos (great fish tacos) (inexpensive) (Anahola, Hanapepe, Kapaa)
  • Passion Bakery Cafe* (Kapaa)
  • Pono Café & Bakery* (Kapaa)
  • Poipu Rock’n’Roll Sushi* (Poipu)
  • Porky's (Koloa)
  • Puka Dog (Poipu)
  • Rob’s Good Time Grill*
  • Saimin Dojo (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Sam’s Ocean View* (Kapaa)
  • Shrimp Station (Waimea)
  • Sleeping Giant Grill
  • Sone's Deli & Catering* (Lihue)
  • Tahiti Nuis Restaurant* (Hanalei) (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • The Dolphin  (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • The Plantation House by Gaylords*
  • Tidepools
  • Tiki Iniki* (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Tiki Tacos* (Waimea & Kapaa) (must stop, every visit)
  • Wailua Shaved Ice (Kapaa) * (Kapaa)
  • Waipouli Deli & Restaurant* (Kapaa)

Read more: Kauai Recommendations

Details

AUSTIN RESORTS

Wyndham Austin *

  • Downtown location
  • Firepit
  • Owner lounge
  • Rooftop pool & sun deck

Worldmark Austin

  • Downtown location
  • Firepit
  • Owner lounge
  • Rooftop pool & sun deck

AUSTIN RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • Boteco Food Truck (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Casino El Camino* (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Corner* (In JW Marriot)
  • Cooper's*
  • Counter Café (626 N Lamar Blvd) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Foreign & Domestic (306 E 53rd St) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Franklin Barbeque
  • Green Mesquite BBQ & More (1400 Barton Spring Road) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Hey Cupcake
  • Holly Roller (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Home Slice Pizza (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Iron Works
  • Kerbey Lane Cafe
  • La Barbecue
  • La Condesa
  • Lambert's
  • Luke's Inside Out (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Magnolia Café 1920 S Congress Ave) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Maria’s Taco Express 2529 S Lamar Blvd) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Noble Sandwich Co. (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • OneTaco (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Pieous (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Ranch 616*
  • Saltgrass Steakhouse
  • Slab BBQ & Beer (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Stiles Switch BBQ
  • Taco More*
  • Taco Xpress
  • Terry Blacks BBQ
  • The Oasis
  • The Salt Lick BBQ (18300 Farm to Market Road 1826, Driftwood, TX) (one-hour drive) (location in airport for ticketed passengers)
  • Micklethwait Craft Meats
  • Mi Madre's Mexican Restaurant
  • Rosie's Tamale House
  • Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Verzcruz All Natural
  • Walton's

Read more: Austin Recommendations

Details

Lake Tahoe Photos

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LAKE TAHOE RESORTS

Wyndham South Shore (Zephyr Cove, NV)

  • Heated pool & 2 hot tubs

Worldmark Lake Tahoe (Club Pass Resort) (Stateline, NV)

  • Outdoor pools & hot tubs

Worldmark South Shore (Club Pass Resort) (Zephyr Cove, NV)

  • Heated pool & 2 hot tubs

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club (RCI Exchange)

  •  Game room
  • Tennis, pickleball, and basketball equipment are available upon request
  • Fitness Center with sauna and shower
  • Outdoor heated swimming pool
  • Two outdoor hot tubs
  • Outdoor Sports Court which offers tennis, pickleball, and basketball
  • Private beach with lounge and beach chairs
  • Horseshoes, volleyball, and ping-pong
  • Propane barbeques
  • Children’s playground
  • Gas beachside firepits

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Tahoe Ridge Resort (RCI Exchange)

  • Indoor recreation complex with a pool, a weight room, racquetball courts, and a sports court for tennis and badminton.
  • Restaurant and lounge
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Direct connection to Heavenly Mountain via their Skier Express gondola service

Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge (Bluegreen Direct Exchange)

  • Pool and spa situated lakeside where you can take in the gorgeous views and magnificent mountain sunsets
  • Studio and 1 bedroom units

Red Wolf Squaw Valley (Bluegreen Direct Exchange)

  • Hot tub
  • In winter, Squaw Valley comes alive with skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, there’s golf, fishing, hiking, water skiing, and sailing
  • The restaurants and casinos are nearby
  • Studio and 1 bedroom units

LAKE TAHOE RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • Alpine Union*
  • Blue Angel Café
  • Burger Me (Truckee) (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Café Fiore
  • Capisce
  • Casey's
  • Chart House
  • Ciera Steak & Chophouse*
  • Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar* (Truckee)
  • Edgewater Restaurant
  • Ernie's Coffee Shop*
  • Fatburger*
  • Fire & Ice*
  • Firehouse Saloon & Grill* (Virginia City)
  • Friday's Station*
  • FUMO Eatery & Bar* (Incline VIllage)
  • Gar Woods Grill & Pier (Carnelian Bay)
  • Gordon Ramsery's Hell's Kitchen* (pricy)
  • Gunbarrel Tavern & Eatery*
  • Happy Tiers Bakery* (Incline VIllage)
  • Heidi's Pancake House*
  • Jax at the Tracks (Truckee) (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Lucky Beaver, Bar & Burger*
  • Mofo's* (Incline VIllage)
  • Nestle Toll House Café (ice cream sundaes)
  • Red's Old 395 Grill* (Carson City)
  • Riva Grill on the Lake* (great dinners) (South Lake Tahoe)
  • Sage House*
  • Scusa Italian Ristorante
  • Steamer's Bar & Grill
  • The Beacon Bar & Grill (Camp Richardson)
  • The Naked Fish
  • The Red Hut Cafe* (good breakfast)

Read more: Lake Tahoe Recommendations

Details

Las Vegas Photos

New York New York and the Vegas Strip at Night
New York New York and MGM Grand at night Las Vegas
A wild donkey in the street in Oatman Arizona
A young donkey in the street in Oatman Arizona
Courtyard at the Venetian Las Vegas
Robin McCauley singing AC DC at Raiding the Rock Vault
Cindy with Paul Shortino after Raiding the Rock Vault
MGM Grand Las Vegas
Luxor Las Vegas
Monorail and Monte Carlo Las Vegas
Stratosphere Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas
The Lion Den at MGM Grand Las Vegas
The Lion Den at MGM Grand Las Vegas
Excalibur Las Vegas
New York New York in the daytime Las Vegas
New York New York and MGM Grand in the daytime Las Vegas
Hoover Dam Intake Towers
Hoover Dam Intake Towers
Hoover Dam
The powerhouse below Hoover Dam
The powerhouse below Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam Sign
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
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LAS VEGAS RESORTS

Bluegreen Club 36*

  • Just a few blocks off the magnificent Vegas Strip near the MGM Grand®, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Luxor and Excalibur
  • Covered pool
  • Adjacent retail center filled with popular restaurants, stores and more
  • 1- or 2-bedroom villas, Presidential Suite

Wyndham Desert Blue

  • Early arrival (you have access to pool area) (bellman will store your luggage till room is ready) (also have a fridge available to for you till room is ready)
  • Grill area
  • Have shuttle to grocery store once a day
  • Nice pool
  • Pool bar
  • Shuttle to Caesars Place from resort from 9:30 AM till 11:30 PM

Wyndham Grand Desert*

  • Limo to grocery store (for gold VIP & up) (must be booked ahead)
  • Movie theater on site
  • Pools & hot tub
  • Shuttle to grocery store
  • Shuttle to Harrah’s
  • Tower 1 (convenience store)
  • Tower 1 even numbered units face the airport or to the east
  • Tower 2 (Registration, main pool, bar)
  • Tower 2 even number units face the strip or to the north
  • Tower 3 (Quiet, Secluded, small pool, easy access to car)
  • Towers 1 & 2 odd numbered units are pool view

Wyndham Tropicana at Las Vegas

  • Close to Orleans Casino
  • Pool & 5 hot tubs
  • Pool is small
  • Shuttle to strip & grocery store

Harrah’s Las Vegas (Associate Hotel) (The Central Collection)

  • Casino & 7 restaurants on-site
  • Central strip location

Worldmark Las Vegas – Boulevard (Club Pass Resort)

  • Day spa
  • Lazy river & pools
  • Shuttle to strip

Worldmark Las Vegas – Spencer Street (Club Pass Resort)

  • Outdoor pool & hot tub
  • Shuttle to strip

Worldmark Las Vegas – Tropicana Avenue (Club Pass Resort)

  • Poll & 5 hot tubs
  • Shuttle to strip & grocery store

Desert Rose Resort (Bluegreen Direct Exchange)

  • 1 and 2 bedroom units
  • Continental breakfast daily
  • Sparkling heated resort pool and hot tub, surrounded by lush foliage
  • Complimentary “manager’s reception” Monday through Thursday
  • Fitness center and BBQ area

LAS VEGAS RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • Aloha Specialties (in California Hotel & Casino, downtown)
  • Angelina’s Italian/Pizzeria (great food with big portions)
  • Asian Noodle (at the Venetian)
  • BabyStacks Café (for breakfast) (2400 N Buffalo Drive)
  • Bachi Burger (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Battista’s Hole in the Wall
  • Black Bear Diner* (South LVB) (large portions)
  • Blondies Bacon Creations (food truck) (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Blossom (great Chinese food) (at the Aria)
  • Blueberry Hill
  • Brando’s 
  • Casa Calavera* (Virgin Hotels - old Hard Rock)
  • Chickpeas Mediterranean Cafe (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Circus Circus Steakhouse
  • Crepe Expectations (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Egg Works (5 locations, one is called Egg & I) (breakfast & lunch only) (great breakfasts)
  • Einstein Brothers Bagels* (By Club 36)
  • El Burro Borracho Restaurant* (at the Rio) (Guy Fieri’s Mexican restaurant)
  • El Cortez
  • Ellis Island Restaurant* (great food) (reasonably priced) (get steak special – not on menu)
  • Fat Choy (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Fire Tacos* (Fremont Hotel & Casino)
  • Forte European Tapas Bar & Bistro (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Four Kegs Sports Pub (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Furnace Creek Inn (Death Valley, CA)
  • Gallagher's Steakhouse
  • Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (Fashion Show Mall)
  • Giada’s (in Cromwell)
  • Guy Fieri's Kitchen and Bar (was on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives)
  • Hash House a Go Go* (4 locations, one in the Linq) (great food) (Huge servings)
  • Hofbrauhaus
  • House of Dutch Pot (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Javier’s (in the Aria)
  • John Mull's MEats & Road Kill Grill (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Johnny Rockets* (Silverton)
  • Lavo Italian Restaurant (was on Ginormous Food)
  • Letty's De Leticia's Cocina (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Lodge at Mt. Charleston (lovely lunch)
  • Lola's A Louisian Kitchen (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Lotus of Siam (on east Sahara) (good Thai food)
  • Lumberjack’s Restaurant
  • Lupo (at Mandalay Bay) (Wolfgang Puck restaurant)
  • Maggiano's Little Italy* (Fashion Show Mall)
  • Makino’s (sushi) (closes at 3 PM)
  • Marsigliano's Pizzeria and More (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Mona Ami Gabi (at the Paris Casino) (good breakfast) (eat on patio for awesome view)
  • Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 at Hard Rock Casino (ask for the 777 Special – get steak, shrimp, potato & salad for $9.99 if you have a player’s card)
  • Mr. Mamma’s (delicious food)
  • Naked City Pizza (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Nobutcher (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Osaks Japanese Bistro (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Oscar's Steakhouse* (Plaza Hotel & Casino)
  • Pampas* (Planet Hollywood)
  • Peppermill
  • Ping Pointe (sushi)
  • Polaris Café (across the street from Desert Blue (open 6 AM t0 2 PM) (huge plates of food for $10 or less)
  • Pink Taco (good cheap food)
  • Pioneer Saloon (Goodsprings, NV)
  • Public House (At Luxor)
  • Redrocks (in Red Rock Canyon) (good buffet) (go before 3 PM for the lunch buffet)
  • Rollin Smoke Barbeque (3185 S Highland Dr. was on Ginormous Food)
  • Skinny Fats
  • Studio B (great buffet) (lunch prices are a better deal)
  • The Buffet at Luxor*
  • The Coffee Cup (Boulder City) (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • The Front Yard*
  • The Noodle Den* (Sahara)
  • Those Guys Pies (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Top of Binion's* (Binion's)
  • Truffles N Bacon Café (was on Ginormous Food)
  • What's Zaap (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Vegas Best Pizza* (by Club 36)
  • Vegas Kitchen Bar (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)
  • Vickie’s Dinner
  • Wicked Spoon (great buffet) (lunch prices are a better deal)
  • Yama Sushi
  • Yard House* (Behind The LINQ)
  • Yayo Taco (was on Diner's Drive-ins and Dives)

Read more: Las Vegas Recommendations

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GATLINBURG/PIGEON FORGE/SEVIERVILLE RESORTS

Wyndham Smoky Mountains (Sevierville)

  • 3.9 miles to Dollywood
  • 4 pools & 2 hot tubs
  • Building 23 (very good) (pool right next to it)
  • Building 24, 25, & 26 are the best buildings
  • Can see Dollywood fireworks (to left of mountain)
  • Unit 2546 is a three-bedroom deluxe
  • Units 18 – 23 have been remodeled
  • Units 24 – 27 have the best views of the mountains

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge (Sevierville)

  • 3 water parks & adventure park on site (water park is amazing)
  • 8.8 miles to Dollywood
  • Adventure Forest unlimited card is worth the cost (covers bowling, mini golf, ropes course, laser tag,
  • rock climbing)
  • Building 6 closest to water park but backside overlooks the highway
  • Cabanas have a fee per day
  • Evergreen building (all golf view units are in this building) (across parking lot from water park)
  • Games at arcade are half price till 10 AM
  • Have access to Eagles Landing Golf Course
  • Request a top floor unit

Margaritaville Island Hotel Pigeon Forge (Associate Hotel) (Pigeon Forge)

  • 5.2 miles to Dollywood
  • Hotel rooms (no refrigerator or dishes)
  • Located in The Island complex
  • Not a scenic area
  • Some units have separate bedroom & living room with small refrigerator & microwave
  • Very crowded & noisy (quiet after 10 PM)

Mountainloft *

  • 2 Bedroom Chalet, Combined 3 Bedroom Townhome, 2 Bedroom Townhome, 1 bedroom townhome, combined 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom deluxe, 1 bedroom standard, 3-bedroom Presidential untis
  • Fitness center
  • Hot tubs
  • 3 heated pools
  • Sauna

Laurel Crest *

  • Combined 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhouses, 1-bedroom, combined 2 bedroom, hotel room
  • Indoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • Outdoor hot tubs

Mills Springs Lodge

  • Expected to open in 2024

GATLINBURG/PIGEON FORGE/SEVIERVILLE RESTAURANTS/FOOD

  • Alamo Steakhouse (in Gatlinburg)
  • Applewood Farmhouse Grill (Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store) (great food, big portions)
  • Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store)
  • Aunt Granny’s (in Dollywood)
  • Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
  • Big Daddy’s Pizzeria* (Gatlinburg)
  • Bluff’s (wing place)
  • Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company (in Gatlinburg) (Landry’s Select Club)
  • Bullfish Grill (steaks & seafood)
  • Bush Bean Café (in Dandridge, TN) (try the pie, never know it is made from beans)
  • Cherokee Grill (Gatlinburg)
  • Crockett’s Breakfast Camp (Gatlinburg)
  • Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill (Gatlinburg)
  • Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ (very good) (call ahead to make sure they have not run out)
  • Elvira’s Café (on wears Valley Road)
  • Flapjacks Pancake Cabin
  • Goats on the Roof
  • Harpoon Harry’s Crab House (great food)
  • Holston’s Kitchen
  • Huck Finn’s Catfish
  • Joe’s Crab Shack (near Smoky Mountain Resort)
  • Local Goat Tavern (great food & service) (excellent ribs) (excellent shrimp & grits)
  • Loco Burro
  • Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts
  • Mama’s Farmhouse
  • Margaritaville
  • McCloud Mountain Restaurant (La Follette, TN) (reservations required)
  • Mellow Mushroom*
  • Nino’s Pizza
  • Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille
  • Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg) (cash only)
  • Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (many people didn’t care for it, claim it is not that good & overpriced)
  • Pigeon Forge Deli
  • The Chop House
  • The Chop House Steakhouse
  • The Fox & Parrot Tavern
  • The Inn at Christmas Place
  • The Lost Sea
  • The Old Mill Restaurant* (go early or could have a long wait by 6 or 7)
  • The Peddler Steakhouse (Gatlinburg)
  • The Wild Plum Tea Room (Gatlinburg) (open Tues. – Sat. 11 AM – 3 PM)
  • Three Jimmy’s (in Gatlinburg) (awesome mac & cheese)
  • Typhoon Harry’s Restaurant (great food) (deco is worth the trip to see)
  • Ye Olde Steak House (Knoxville, TN) (one-hour drive)

Read more: Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge / Sevierville Recommendations

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