the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

In today’s post, Bob Sehlinger, author of The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas, reviews the Tropicana. The southernmost hotel on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard South, the reestablished new Tropicana is well located at the busy intersection of Tropicana Avenue and the Strip, across from the MGM Grand, New York–New York, and the Excalibur. Once the “Tiffany of the Strip,” the

Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, went on a discovery mission and shares with us Universal Orlando fun facts. Film locations, fictional and real, are recognized in the facades in the New York section of the park. Some fictional film locations include Hudson Street Home for Girls (Annie), Embryo Books (Funny Face), Macy’s (Miracle on

Known primarily for its high-altitude thrill rides at the top of the “tallest (1,149 feet) free-standing observation tower in the United States,” the Stratosphere has decanted money into its guest rooms and casino and emerges crisp, bright, and a more significant player in the mid-priced competition for tourists. The main entrance has been moved directly onto the Strip, xeriscape landscaping

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is Universal’s first on-site hotel aimed at the value and moderate markets. I was happy to discover that the late 1950s/early 1960s theme (lots of bright colors, period-appropriate lighting and furniture) is carried over at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Beachside and Bayside Towers. The towers have a total of 360 standard rooms and 40 (two-bedroom) suites.

Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, recently visited Universal’s Volcano Bay. Here is her report!   Nearly one year after its opening, the overall theme of the park is well established, as palm trees and lush flora have fully developed. The theming of Universal’s Volcano Bay is perfect. The tropical surroundings, reminiscent of the