How to recreate the hotel experience at home – life in the pandemic

Welcome to your new hotel…at home.

I do like being home, I admit it. But, there’s I also miss traveling. I miss soft beds, great restaurants, and exploring, and while I am stuck with my old mattress, I’m taking the time to explore my neighborhood as I walk daily and I’ve found a GREAT way to still get that hotel experience while at home and support the hotels, restaurants, and workers at the same time.

Tampa, FL

I love the Epicurean Hotel. Why? Because I love to eat and a hotel that is food-focused is a dream come true for me and during this time of shelterin in place they are offering gourmet items to go with curbside pick-up, open to the public. There will be several house-made specialties on the menu, including chicken and turkey sausage, smoked fish dip and tuna, pasta, and potato salads. Made-from-scratch sauces and spices such as shawarma spice, tamarind jus, caramelized onions, chicken wing rub, and Alabama spice sauce provide a welcome addition to any home-cooked meal. A variety of items including Delmonico steaks, shaved ribeye, seasoned chicken wings, jumbo lump crab, and smoked salmon will also be available as well as an extensive beer, wine, and beverage list.

If you’re out of at-home supplies, the service will also provide dairy products such as milk and select cheeses; frozen and fresh vegetables; and shelf staples such as pasta, beans, and rice. Paper and plastic items such as toilet paper, soap and sanitizers will also be sold (subject to availability).

Simply go online to review the menu online and call in your order. Once the order is received, a specific pick-up time will be given. Upon arrival for pick-up, simply call again and a gloved employee will bring the order out to your car.

• WHEN:              Epicurean Gourmet Market to Go is open Tues-Sun from 10am – 6pm.
• WHERE:           Epicurean Hotel (1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, Florida)
• HOW:                Call (813) 999-8700. Visit epicureanhotel.com/gourmetmarket for the menu.

Massanutten, VA

My mouth is already watering just by saying Massanutten and in addition to the delights that they produce in the many restaurants on property Massanutten Resort offers its very own grocery delivery service, called Store2Door, where you can order a wide selection of groceries and essentials to be delivered to your hotel, condo, or private home within the community. From grocery items like produce, beer, wine, snacks, and candy to convenient items like toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, and even gift baskets, the service aims to provide guests with everything they need while you are at the resort

But, my FAVORITE service? Getting take-out dining from the resort’s Campfire Grill and Virginia BBQ & Pizza Company. Currently open at the resort are hiking, tennis, horseback riding, and golf courses for staying active during this time.

• WHEN:             Store2Door will be open daily from 9am – 5pm (must be scheduled in advance)
• WHERE:          Massanutten Resort, 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, VA 22840
• HOW:               Call 540-289-4098. Visit www.massresort.com/shop/store2door to shop

Tropical Salad from Steelpan. Photo courtesy of Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL

OMG, I love Steelpan at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach and it’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed one of their fresh Tropical Salads. Thankfully, Steelpan’s all-day limited menu will be available for pick-up. I don’t know you, but I’m tired of cooking and fast food just doesn’t cut it. Steelpan’s to-go menu will consist of a range of Caribbean-American fusion dishes including their delicious Tropical Pancakes, Jerk Chicken Sandwich, Steelpan Burger, Vegetarian Pasta, Key Lime Pie, among other options.

• WHEN:            Steelpan will be open daily from 6:30am – 10pm 
• WHERE:         Located at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach
• HOW:              Call 954-302-5252. Visit steelpanftl.com to look over the menu before ordering.

Do you miss cruising?

I certainly do and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the only provider of daily two-night escapes to the Bahamas has updated its Sail With Ease Policy to give travelers affected by its extended pause on sailings and is offering future cruise credit of 125 percent to provide peace of mind during COVID-19. Now THAT’S a bargain.

To remain virtually connected with their guests, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has also adjusted its social media strategy to provide the fun and entertainment the cruise line is known for even while their ships are docked and guests are staying home. Follow on their social media channels and you’ll find family-friendly movie suggestions, trivia, “cruise from your couch” experience videos, and towel animal videos like THIS one. Upcoming content includes coloring pages, word searches, interactive games, and more! Stay tuned for family-friendly entertainment on the cruise line’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

• WHEN:            Because it’s all online, you can go ANY time you feel like it.
• WHERE:         Check Bahamas Paradise Cruise for future bookings 
• HOW:              Spend time with them NOW by following their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

• Coloring and Activities Book
• Mexican Toy Workshops
• Arts & Crafts
• Making Dreamcatchers
• What’s in Your Pantry? – Send in What You Have in Your Cupboard and Resort Chefs will Create Recipe
• Quick Recipes to do at home
• Kids Cooking Lessons
• Unique Cocktail and Margarita Recipes to Make at Home* 
• Mandala coloring book
• Kids Yoga
• DIY body scrubs
• Kids Relaxation
• Feet Reflexology
• Make Your Own Mandalas With your Kids
• Back and Shoulder Massage
• Creating a Serene Environment,
• Hotel-Style Bed-Making 
• etc.

Now that’s some hotel living at home!