Passover 2010: Hotels and Resorts

on February 9th, 2010 | Buying Guides

Some couples getting married this time of year, while thinking of honeymoon, may also be thinking of Passover. And while Passover is a truly beautiful Jewish holiday, Passover preparations are not your typical idea of honeymoon. Most newlyweds ‘escape’ to their parents / in-laws for the seder and the 7 days that follow. But if you’re thinking of escaping to one of the dozens of Passover programs that happen yearly around the world, here’s a basic and simple run-down of Passover hotel options for Passover 2010.

{This year Passover begins on the night of March 29th and ends on the night of April 6th. Standard check in for most of these hotels is on March 29th and check out is on April 7th. Shorter stays are also available April 1-7  i.e. from the first day of Chol Hamoed until the end of the holiday.}

Florida

Orlando

Waldorf Astoria – Grand Getaways / Catering by RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3, 399 per person. (516) 734-0840

Doubletree Resort – Elite Dimensions; prices for the full stay start at $2,295 per person. (718) 454-5778

Regal Sun Resort – Elite Dimensions; prices for the full stay start at $2,595 per person. (718) 454-5778

Miami Beach

Fontainebleau  – Lasko Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3, 999 per person.

Eden Roc Resort – Lasko Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3, 699 per person.

Miami Biltmore Holtel – Kosherica; prices for the full stay start at $$3,480 per person.

Marco Polo Beach Resort (Sunny Isles) – Shechter Carribean Kosher;  prices for the full stay start at $3,480 per person; 305-937-7209; NK National Kashrut.

Ft. Lauderdale

Hyatt Regency Bonaventure  – Lakso Tours; Prices start at $7,099 per room (includes 2 people, $849 for each additional occupant).

Boca Raton

Boca Raton Resort & Club – Leisure Time / Prestige Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,605 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision: NK – National Kashrut

Coral Gables

Biltmore Hotel – Leisure Time / Prestige Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,480 per person. (718) 528-0700; ORB Glatt

Hollywood

Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa – Diplomat Passover Tours; prices for the full stay start at $3,399 per person. (888) 318 – 7477; ORB Glatt.

Arizona

Phoenix

Biltmore Resort & Spa – Leisure Time / catering by Stuart Morginstin of Danziger Kosher Catering; prices for the full stay start at $4,149 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision by Phoenix Vaad HaKashruth

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa – Twersky / RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $3,819 per person; (888) 757 – 2002

Nevada

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas – Twersky / Mark David Catering; prices for the full stay start at $3,819 per person; (888) 757 – 2002.

California

San Diego

Rancho Bernardo Inn – Kosher Travels Unlimited; prices for the full stay start at $2,900 per person; 877-501-8440; Vaad Harabonim of San Diego

Maryland

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort – Elite Dimensions / catering by Don Tkatch of Catering by Weiss; prices for the full stay start at $1,695 per person. (718) 454-5778

New Jersey

Ocean Place Resort & Spa – Matza Fun Tours; prices for the full stay start at $2,699 per person; (215) 332-5360; supervision under Rabbi Zushe Blech.

New York

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa (Ellenville, NY) – Elite Dimensions Catering by Weiss; (formerly Fallsview Resort & Spa); prices for the full stay start at $2,195 per person. (718) 454-5778

Rye Town Hilton (Westchester, NY) – Leisure Time and Twersky/ RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $2,759 per person. (718) 528-0700

Connecticut

Heritage Resort Hotel & Spa – Mendy Vim’s Holidays; (718) 998-4477

Aruba

Westin Resort – Afikoman Tours /(888) 234-5662; supervision by KSA – Rabbi Lisbon62

Costa Rica

Ocotal Beach Resort – Kosher Expeditions; prices for the full stay start at $3,790 per person. (310) 237-0122.

Mexico

Cancun

Le Blanc Beach & Spa Resort – the Travel Center of Miami; catering by staff of RAM Caterers; prices for the full stay start at $4,350 per person; (305) 949-6222

Italy

Augustus Hotel (Forte Dei Marmi) – Leisure Time / Minkowitz Caterers of Milan; prices for the full stay start at €2,345 per person. (718) 528-0700; supervision by Rabbi G.M. Gorelick.

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Chosson Watches – Part 1

on October 29th, 2009 | Buying Guides

Diamonds are forever, but who’s keeping track of time?

The Chassan’s watch – a commonly given gift by the Kallah (a.k.a. her parents) to her future husband, a gift among many others that are exchanged throughout the engagement, that says, as much as a Tallis, you’re now a married man. ….and don’t be late!

There are so many styles and brands to choose from, it seems like there’s a watch style for every person. Square or round, steel, gold, or platinum, black or white, clunky or light, showy or low key …and so on. Many have a weekday watch and a shabbos watch. A shabbos watch is usually more dressy and decorative. (Not only to show honor to the shabbos, but because it is then considered an adornment, an element of a person’s outfit, not just an instrument that tells time, and thus wouldn’t be considered carrying.)

Certain styles and brands are more popular in different communities. There are the more ‘yeshivish’ options, by Geneve, available at The Chassan’s Place (at last search the prices were lower than other websites and even Overstock). Some Examples:

I am not certain that these watches are not loosing their popularity even within the yeshivish circles. I am personally not a big fan. (understatement)

Another Gold watch option that I personally prefer to those above is this Concord Delirium (too in your face and flashy for my taste, but still better than the Geneve; I do like the rose gold, though):

This Concord is now available at theWatchery.com (a Jewish owned website) for a decent price (for it): $5,495, enter coupon code EMCRD10 at checkout and it will be $4,945.50.

The next two I really like for their simplicity and vintage feel. Also from the Watchery.

To be continued…

P.S.
Are you a watch person? Let us know your favorites.

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Finds at Macy's

on August 21st, 2009 | Buying Guides

This weekend, Aug 21-22, Macy’s is having a one day sale, which also coincides with their Semi-annual Home Sale. You might find stylish kitchen products for your new home or great gift items for that bridal shower at a great price. Unfortunately for us Shabbos keepers they always have them on Saturday. The sale is on their website as well, you might be able to get some of the good deals online (there’s a free shipping promotion that may work for you, read on.) Here are a few of our picks: (more…)

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Engagement Ring Buying Guide

on October 4th, 2008 | Buying Guides

The engagement ring buying guide will give you clear and useful information about buying the perfect engagement ring for the woman you love.

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