Hotels in Maple Valley, WA

Port Townsend is alot of fun!

Victoria and Vancouver are fun runaways as well....and the Clipper makes Victoria super easy and fast too! Second Port Townsend - some really cool B&Bs - we're partial to Victorians here! Ditto for Snohomish....ditto for the cute B&B's plus decent antiquing.

We love LaConner and stay at http://www.laconnercabin.com the owner is wonderful!!

Sun Mountain Lodge - Winthrop https://www.facebook.com/SunMountainLodge/

Langley Inn!! Gorgeous views from all room. Peaceful and such a fun little town.

Inn at Dicovery Coast in Long Beach. Pricey but it’s an adult only hotel most rooms have a beautiful ocean view! So worrh it.

McMenimans Anderson School in Bothell~ hotel, pubs, movie theater, music, a pool & they host different events as well. Also, some awesome cabins & yurts in Ashland, WA right outside of MtRainier

I just stayed at https://www.facebook.com/277761085664406 Manresa Castle Hotel in Port Townsend. It was beautiful.

Sahalish (spelling) overlooking https://www.facebook.com/151079088301554 Snoqualmie Falls

Kualoa Ranch on Oahu my favorite by far!

Pearl Harbor...buy tickets online if you can ($1 each) saves the time of having to go early to wait to see if you get tickets (when they run out, they are out for the day), plus, you can choose your time slot. Take time to go to the North Shore. Turtle Bay Resort is nice and condos can be found at VRBO for much less than the resort. Up that way: Kuoloa Ranch (filming location of Lost and Jurassic Park), Polynesian Cultural Center, Giovannis shrimp truck, Sunset Beach where turtles come ashore (when you see a bunch of cars parked on the side of the road across from the beach, you'll know that's the spot), Ted's Bakery, Haliewa (the original surf town), Sharks Cove which is a great beginner snorkeling place, and free, Dole Plantation. We like driving up the coast, stopping at Kailua Beach and the ranch on the way. There is also a fun little macademia nut farm on the way. We then stay at Turtle Bay a couple of days to do the rest, seeing Haliewa and Dole on the way back down the center of the Island. Diamond Head is a must, Hanauma Bay is beautiful, but can be rough snorkeling on cloudy days. Highway Inn for poi, and of all places, the Sam's club food court has the best (and cheapest Kahlua pork sandwiches!) If you rent a condo or such, often they will have boogie boards, small coolers, beach chairs etc. Otherwise, Wal-Mart was the place to go, behind the mall. Oh...and don't forget to watch the free fireworks show on the beach, anywhere near Hilton Hawaiian Village (which is another favorite place to stay). Oh, I could go on and on ... love Oahu!

1. Helena's* traditional Hawaiian food - MUST get pipikaula (featured on Anthony Bourdain and has won awards); everything else is good too, ie. lau lau, kahlua pig, chicken long rice - this is my go to place. Kam Bakery is right near here! See below. 2. Boots & Kimo's* must get macadamia nut pancakes to share (it's a bit rich and can be hard to finish alone); best pancakes i've ever had pulehu ribs, rice, and eggs - these are short ribs, but just seasoned with salt and pepper omelette - they have several and they're all just okay; i getting the one with portuguese sausage - if you eat it with the pancakes, it tastes like corn dogs come either really early or at off-peak times or else there will be a long wait this place in Kailua, so you can go kayaking nearby; lanikai beach (my favorite beach) is close by as well 3. Cinnamon's this is the other pancake place people like; they are known for guava chiffon and red velvet pancakes; these are super sweet, that's why i prefer the savory boots and kimos, but some people like these better LOCO MOCO is bomb here! add onions! this is right by boots & kimos 4. Ono's Hawaiian also traditional Hawaiian food - this one is actually more popular and closer to Waikiki than Helena's, but I'd say it's more "touristy"; pipikaula is a different, beef jerky style and not as good as Helena's; the other stuff like chicken long rice is better here, though 5. Ono Seafood * BEST poke EVER ... hands down served on hot rice with a drink i like getting the spicy ahi and the miso ahi 6. Side Street Inn* this is a bar-like restaurant that serves comfort food; there are two locations, one in waikiki and one near ala moana mall (the original) i always get the pork chops, ribeye, and the spinach salad misoyaki chicken is good, but i'm not a chicken person so it might be better if you like chicken lap cheong fried rice is not that good (but people seem to like it) 7. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck* if you're planning a trip to Haleiwa (north shore), there is one right here and close to Matsumoto's Shave Ice so you can hit two birds with one stone; otherwise, there is one in Kahuku, which is more northeast after you drive past all the popular North Shore beaches (Sunset, Waimea, Pipeline) get the garlic scampi; the other flavors aren't as good don't let others convince you that the other trucks are better 8. Ted's Bakery* haupia pie! stop by here if you're in the north shore; it's right near shark's cove where you can go snorkeling 9. Aiea Bowl - The Alley* there is a restaurant in this bowling alley that has BOMB food tasty chicken and oxtail are good the lemon crunch cake is soooooooooooo bomb 10. Sugoi garlic fried chicken and spicy garlic fried chicken! you will smell like and burp garlic all day, but totally worth it if you like garlic 11. W&M Burgers Hal's Special - burger with teriyaki beef on top; kind of small but tasty 12. Matsumoto's Shave Ice in North Shore; get ice cream and red bean! 13. Waiola Shave Ice* I prefer this over Matsumoto's because the ice is softer and it's more Chinese style; with the red bean, snow cap, mochi, etc. 14. Shimazu Shave Ice another shaved ice place ppl like 15. Bubbies* awesome desserts and home-made mochi! come here! 16. Dave's Ice Cream they have special Hawaiian flavors like haupia (love this), taro, etc. 17. Leonard's Bakery famous for malasadas, Hawaiian donuts 18. Liliha Bakery get cocopuffs! they're like Hawaiian cream puffs with different flavored fillings like haupia, coconut, grean tea, etc. 19. Kamehameha Bakery get the poi glazed donuts! sooo good! open at like 2am to noon or something, so go early in the morning or if you're up late; call to make sure they have the poi glazed donuts left 20. Sushi Izakaya Gaku good izakaya and sushi! 21. McDonald's* sounds silly, but their breakfast is not like in the States their Big Breakfast is either spam or portuguese sausage with rice and eggs! they have baked banana pie with the good crust that we used to have in the states 22. Zippy's* you will see one of these on every corner Hawaiian fast food I like the chili chicken combo 23. Tokkuri Tei another izakaya spot I frequent, but again ... limited time, I wouldn't make it high priority 24. Luau Paradise Cove is better than Germaine's; prettier guys/girls and food is better 25. Shokudo fun restaurant that serves japanese tapas; i think it's like Tokyo Table, but better 26. Uncle Bo's good for "pupus" actually, if you walk into any sports bar, they all have really good "pupus"

If you do end up going to Kauai - Airport code is LIH Tips: Great book: Kauai Revealed, (you can also get it on an app for I think $9.95) * This book is also avail for other Islands too. Kauai.com is a great website too! On Facebook: 'Hike with me Kauai' 'What's Happening On Kauai' 'Kauai Bound' 'Hawaii Revealed ' In Lihue' - Walmart Kukui Grove (Kauai's shopping mall) Costco Costco gas Starbucks To the East- Po'ipu: -on the way to Po'ipu, you'll go under the 'tunnel of trees'. It’s just beautiful -Spouting Horn- on your way here, you will see many places to stop & swim - look for turtles. -Kukuiula Market – you will find nice Restaurants and shops -Bubba's Burgers -Lappert's ice cream -Ruth’s Chris In the Poi’pu Shopping Village - -Puka Dog has great hot dogs & and lemonade -Starbucks here -Whaler’s Village for little needs -Keoki's Paradise (Duke’s sister restaurants) -Olympia Café (breakfast is amazing here) -Po'ipu Beach Park- is area there that is beautiful, not too strong currents. There are a lot of turtles too, Keep your eyes open. Seals like to sun bathe there too -The Beach House restaurant is pricy & good food- the sunset is gorgeous & the best part about it!!!!!! Kalaheo: (on the way to Waimea) Brick Over Pizza -our fav *(Kapaa has one too, it’s almost as good) Hanapepe & Ele'ele- Kauai Coffee company - YUM! Just after that is Port Allen - where they have Kauai Chocolate Company- SOOO DOUBLE YUM! Captin Andy's Boat tours of the Napali Coast! Waimea- The gorgeous Waimea canyon... About a 4-5 hr trip... Very senic, fill up on gas before you leave town!!! Salt Pond Beach - is nice Okay, now going from Lihue' to the West & up to the North shore Hanalei: Lihue'- -kalapaki Beach- is where the Cruise ships dock.. Duke's is at the Marriott, it's our favorite restaurant on the island. -Verde is OPEN in LIH!!! Where the Safeway is:) It's delicious Mexican- best fish tacos on the Island!!! In between Lihue' & Kapaa is: -Kauaibackcountry.com- for Tubing! It's so much fun!!! -Lydgate park- EXCELLENT spot for swimming. It has a rock wall to keep it safe. You can snorkel too!! - A little past Lydgate to the left, is the Wailua River (Smith Tropical Paradise, Family Luau (5-9:30pm) is there & Smith Fern Grotto Boat tours (1-3 hrs)... -Smith Luau I think is the best on the island. You also, can just walk around the grounds (which are huge with a lot if peacocks, Roosters, Chickens, & other birds) during the day time. The Fern Grotto is beautiful- lush & just gorgeous. We renewed our vows here in 2013. -You can rent Kayaks to go up the Wailua river if you want & see Secret Beach - Kauamo'o road (just after Smiths) road- is where the famous "Coco Palms" used to stand... It doesn't look quite as good as it once did. Also, if you go up this road, you'll see a water fall & miles & miles further are Colored Eucalyptus trees After Smiths, you'll go through Kapaa'... There's a Safeway here, Starbucks, Panda Express... If you keep going through the town, they have bikes for rent- you can ride them in the long trail (it follows the beach). Shave ice is great in Kapaa' too! - Kapaa Verde'... It’s as good as the Lihue’ location. Can be REALLLY Crowded! -Street Burger – in Kapaa’ (near Brick Over pizza) – is hands down the best - freshest burger on the Island! https://streetburgerkauai.com/ -After a bit of a drive, comes Kilauea Lighthouse (sometimes not open on Sun or Mon). It's a nice little walk & the birds and water/Waves are amazing!!!! There is a cost to get into walk around part of it. If you don't want to pay or if it's closed- it's still a beautiful view!! - After Kilauea, you'll see small signs for Anini beach... This is gorgeous! You can snorkel or wade out for quite awhile till it gets deep. The one thing about this beach though- the sand is different than anywhere else. It's like fine rocks that don't want to come off. They do have a rest area though & you can wash off. -Princeville... Has some cute shops, grocery store, Lappert’s Ice cream!!, Shave Ice (yum)... Oh- shave ice with ice cream in the bottom is our favorite - Queens Bath is in Princeville- it's a hike down to get to though & if the tide is in, can be very dangerous.. If the tide is way out though, you can walk on the rocks & see turtles. We try to get there early since there's about 10 parking spots. People come & go often though. Be careful where you park – they will ticket & tow you away. - After Princeville is down the hill to Hanalei! Taro fields everywhere!! There is a one-lane bridge (about 5-7 cars through at a time). We do this as a day trip- -Hanalei has shopping, Shave ice, & restaurants -Hanalei Bay is beautiful- you can walk out on the famous dock (the sock is in most of the pictures)... -Make sure you look to the hills- if it has rained, the waterfalls will be breathtakingly beautiful! -Drive out past Hanalei -The water, everything is beautiful! -You can drive, till the road ends (25-40 mins) - it ends at Ke'e Beach- beautiful beach, there is a coral reef here too if you swim out to it. It does have lifeguards & showers here. -You will see hikers too- this starts the Kalalau Trail . It's one of the top 10 hiking trails in the world. After the first the first 2 miles, you get to a nice beach. If you don't have time for the whole thing- just go up 1/4 mile- the view is Amazing!!

Try VRBO. I got a great deal on a studio apartment across the street from the Honolulu Zoo a couple weeks ago ($65/night). If you're planning on hotel/resort, my personal favorite is the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Great views and a semi-private beach area plus all the amenities of a resort (it's a bit pricey though). As far as sights.. depends on what you're looking to do/who you're taking. Check Groupon for some "experience" deals. I took my daughter on a "Scuba Scooter" trip that got us up close and personal with sea turtles and fish. Hanauma Bay is a pretty neat snorkel area (Pro tip: Arrive just before 7am and entry and parking are free. Also, pay the $1.50/person for the ride UP the driveway when you've finished your day in the sun. Trust me.) North Shore/Hale'iwa are cool. Winter time gives big surf, but Shark Cove is another neat snorkel area to check out. The Dole Plantation is a must stop. Check out the tour and have some Dole Whip. Diamondhead has a hike you can do, or you can check out one of the other cool hiking areas (Makapuu Lighthouse, Aiea Loop, etc.) If you're not tied to Oahu for week two, maybe check out one of the other islands? Flights are fairly cheap (HNL to KOA is something like $80 one way). Big Island is pretty cool if you want to check out the volcanoes. I've heard nothing but good things about Kauai as well, but I've never been.

And, to get great meal strategies to save on meals, snacks, etc check out mousesavers.com - there are usually some good ideas on there about stategizing meals.

desertpalmshotel.com that is where we stayed last time we went. It is a 5 minute walk to the park, it is on the same block as California Adventure. From the roof top you can see California Adventure and they offer a huge free breakfast everyday. You get a % off if you stay 3 or more days too. Request to not be on the 1 st floor the traffic is loud but the rest of the floors are fine. There is a mini fridge in each room too.

Yes, I believe it was - there are two Best Westerns, but I am fairly sure that is it - it is nothing glamorous, but was clean and worked for us very well - we would stay there again unless we win the lottery and can stay at the Grand Californian some day. We have over our lives stayed both in the park resorts and outside. Unless it is summer time and you want to be able to go back and forth to do a pool break, the other hotels outside the park are fine in my opinion. It is nice to stay in a Disney resort especially with little ones to head back for a few hours and take advantage of the really nice grounds and pools, but honestly we still did some nap times even going back out to Best Western.

MouseSavers.com is a fabulous web site.... it also tells you what rides are open and closed etc

Check into City Strollers for stroller rental. They bring the stroller to the hotel and pick it up for you. Its soo much better than renting from the park. Goofys kitchen is great for the whole family. Bibbity bobbity botique is a must if you have a little girl. The Plaza inn is the best character breakfast. You see characters you dont see in the park. Parent passes are also great. Similar to fast passes. Its a great way to take advantage of rides that sell out fast (cars ride). Jedi training for the littles is super fun! Dont forget to ask for your "1st time buttons" also a "birthday button" even if there are no bdays...you wear this button and EVERYONE in the park is supposed to say HBD to you (even in parades) it gives your littlea some extra tlc

Contact Sabrina at Enchanted Traveler in Puyallup. She will help you get all set up and plan your dream vacation. She’s amazing.

https://www.facebook.com/255842464574532 Kini's Travel with Cindi Riess!!!

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland for tips on the parks, fast passes, etc. King County library should have a copy! We always stay just off property (but still walking distance), & packed snacks & sandwiches daily to save $$. We also gave the kids a set amount of $ they could spend on souvenirs- they could buy anything they wanted until they maxed out. It cut down on the pestering at every gift shop, and they really thought about what they wanted to spend “their” $ on. We also bought some inexpensive pins beforehand for pin trading. Have a great time!

Costco travel has extra perks, we have Gone twice and used cheap tickets for flight and hotel. We have stayed at the Tropicana hotel it’s across the street and within walking distance to the park.

Erin, follow Disneyland Daily on FB and search her blog. She has sooo many tips and tricks about the park and reviews on all the various character meals, etc. And info on Fast passes, switch riders and which rides to hit first since you have kids. We just did it in February and her info was so helpful. When you're there download the Disneyland app which shows wait times for rides, where food and bathrooms are based on your location in the park, where the characters are at that moment, etc. Lifesaver! You all are going to have such a great time!!:)

If you're prepared to spend a ton of money, stay at the Grand Californian. It's seriously an amazing hotel. The others are pretty good, but not worth the cost in my opinion vs staying across the street. We're going next year too and staying at the Marriott (not my first choice but free because of points) which is a 9 minute walk. vs 15 mins at Paradise Pier or 10 mins at Dland Hotel. The week we're going GC is 459, DLH is 357, and PP is 291 a NIGHT vs. the Best Western across the street from the main gate at 159/nt. Easy choice for me. In terms of tickets you can't really go wrong with multiple days at Disneyland, but the park hopper is only marginally more expensive if you're gonna be there 2+ days. California Adventure is a lot of fun, too. Cars ride itself is worth the admission in my opinion. There are lots of sites out there with plans to maximize your time, etc. In my opinion bring snacks and flexible attitudes and you'll have a ton of fun.

Don't forget to download the Disney app before you go!! (My husband's job is working on that app) If you can, get reservations for the Blue Bayou restaurant, it's so good and such a fun atmosphere.. It's the restaurant that the Pirates of the carribean ride goes through. You have to have a mint julep either at the restaurant or at the mint julep bar in New Orleans Square... Soooooo so so good!! The Plaza Inn has the best character breakfast at Disney hands down. The Grand Californian is expensive but an amazing hotel. One of its entrances goes right into California Adventure, so you are right there at the park. Stop in Starbucks at Disneyland and California Adventure to get a "you are here" mug that can only be bought at those stores. If you have any military family that is the best deal to get tickets through. Take them with you and use their discount. Make time for a few shows! The cars ride in California Adventure is one of my favorites.. Try to get a fast pass right away if possible. Be sure to do Soarin' Around the World at California Adventure.. So amazing!! Just try to go with the flow.. Stay on top of your fast passes when you can.. Expect A LOT of walking. Pack a water bottle to fill up and snacks/a meal. Expect it to get a bit chilly when the sun goes down. Have a blast!

Call Mary North Travel in west seattle

Definitely Costco travel! If you have kiddos, one of the Disney hotels is the way to go and worth the cost.

Canvas is a fun wine and painting thing, they have Fremont and Kirkland locations. Paint Nite is one that comes to local bars (I'm doing their painting tomorrow night in Renton). Also, Round 1 at South Center has bowling, billiards, ping pong, darts, and a full bar area. 18+ after 10 pm, 21+ after midnight. Puzzle Break in Seattle is super fun too. With lots of neat bars and other fun stuff around in the area. The Unicorn is a super fun dive bar.

I went to the Pink Door for a Burlesque show for my 30 th. It was AWESOME! Le Faux at Julia's is really fun too!

Snowshoeing - Wine Tour out of Leavenworth

Seattle Pinball Museum is a blast.

Flatstick Pub in Seattle flatstickpub.com

I love NY NY be cause it's on the big corner with sky bridges and all the rooms are relatively close to walk out. Stayed at Excalibur and Tropicana on the same corner and they were good but rooms are way far from main gambling and outside.

East Flamingo is your midpoint. If you want to be central, pick one at that intersection. Venetian is really, really nice. MGM is a hopping place for younger adults because of the edm club djs and the pool. And there's amazing Tacos El Gordo at the north end, Ellis Island off the strip on Koval for the bbq.

MGM Hotel!!

http://www.theplatinumhotel.com/

Mandala Bay. Beautiful rooms, all granite or marble. They have their own beach and river water run. Order room service. The fruit tray for 1 feeds a family of 4. Definitely go check it out. .

Try West Seattle. Just a quick bus trip downtown and good walking distance to the WS Junction. http://www.grovewestseattle.com/

There are lots of nice hotels around Disneyland. You can spend time in Downtown Disney. Knotts Berry Farm is nearby. If you want to drive a bit, about one hour away, there's the LaBrea Tar Pit on Museum Row. There's LACMA and The Peterson Museum near the Tar Pit.

Corona Del Mar is my favorite place in Orange County, nice beach. Chronic taco is also a must located on Orchid St about three blocks from the beach

The Paul Getty museumis awesome!

Definitely Corona and Laguna - lots of arts, cute shops! My daughter really wanted to do a day of Rodeo Drive and honestly, it was really fun - of course the OUTRAGEOUS shops...Great food and people watching - there is also a 5$ vintage trolley tour operated by the chamber of commerce that takes you across the BLVD and into the gorgeous old Beverly Hills Homes and back through the historical parts of town (all very tastefully done lol)

Mission San Juan Capistrano, Laguna, Newport Beach -Balboa Pier

Re relocated from NE almost 7 years ago. We came to Maple Valley because of the highly rated school system and affordable (by WA standards) housing. Other areas were to expensive for us. Schools are great, the community is wonderful and it is beautiful here. We have some great local restaurants, Test Chef for breakfast or lunch, Hop Jacks and Maple Valley Bar and Grill for lunch and dinner are among a few of my favorites. We had a wonderful dinner at Azafran Bistro last night. We have great shopping and medical care in town! Welcome!!!!

Megan Sheridan..