When I started thinking about mine and Britt’s 30th birthday I knew I wanted to do something special. Since having babies, Britt and I often talk about the luxury it would be to go to a hotel for one night, no babies, and sleep in our own fluffy beds without worrying about waking up with a baby. I decided I wanted to make this a reality for our birthday, selflessly or not haha! I immediately knew that The Grand America would be the perfect venue to make us feel pampered and doted on for our little getaway. To make things extra special I put a little bug in the staff’s ear that it was our 30th birthday and that I would be surprising Britt. Of course, they came through 1000%!!! We were upgraded to the Executive Suite which is just pure heaven and so spacious. It has been SO hard to keep the getaway a surprise from Britt but it made the moment I told her that much more special! And yes, her eyes glistened a little as she thought about a full night’s sleep in her own quiet room after taking care of a sick baby all week.
To make things even more fun the staff had a personalized chocolate mousse birthday cake waiting for us in the suite! (Go to La Bonne Vie and try it immediately, so decadent and fluffy!)
All-in-all the weekend was picture-perfect.
Here are some insider recommendations for making the most of your weekend stay at The Grand America:
- Let the staff know what you are celebrating! They are incredibly accommodating and can point you in the right direction whether that is a spa day or breakfast buffet in the Garden Cafe.
- Speaking of the breakfast buffet – don’t miss it! This is fine dining at a really fair price point. You have your choice of everything from cronuts to savory cheese crepes. Being that breakfast is our favorite meal of the day we were in heaven.
- Make time to relax by the pool. The gardens surrounding the pool area are manicured to perfection and the setting is ideal for a fun beach read on your Kindle under one of the bungalows. The staff makes you feel extra special by bringing around little snacks every hour or so ranging from frozen grapes to mango smoothies. We also snacked on their queso and pico de gallo dip which we highly recommend. Next time we have a goal to try the gourmet popsicles that are made on-site.
- If you are staying without kids or babies check out The Grand Spa. It occupies 4-stories of the hotel and is on a completely different level than any other spa on earth. You can experience the relaxation rooms, 360 waterfall showers, and hot tub area. And once the clock strikes 9 pm the area is strictly 18 and up if you are looking for some peace and quiet.
Whether you are looking for a girlfriends getaway or want to surprise your spouse with a night away this is the place to do it. Thank you to everyone at The Grand for helping us ring in our 30th right! Here’s to the best year yet!
