Best Hotels and Resorts For Gluten Free Travelers

BLOG HOP, DAY 4: In my post a few days ago I talked about choosing a condo or hotel that comes equipped with a kitchen, kitchenette -- or at the very least, a mini fridge and microwave --  when traveling. But there will be times this isn't possible -- like at some resorts. Then you'll need to spend a little more time in advance of your trip ensuring you'll be able to safely eat at the restaurants available to you.

First, call the resort (or hotel) and ask to speak with the Executive Chef to asses his or her gluten-free knowledge. Ask what type of choices you’ll have for meals — and if they don’t offer some of your favorite staples (a certain type of gluten-free pasta, bread, or pizza, for example), ask if you can ship some things on dry ice to arrive a few days before your stay. There’s a pretty big range of gluten-free knowledge when it comes to chefs. If you’re okay with “the path of least resistance” that some chefs take (serving you some form of protein — like plain, grilled chicken without sauce — and a baked potato and steamed veggies), that’s fine. But if you prefer more interesting preparations full of flavor and sauces, you’ll want to keep looking until you find a hotel or resort that is more creative with fancier GF food preparation. 

Some hotel chains have recently begun rolling out gluten-free breakfasts and an array of gourmet gluten-free choices in their restaurants. Particularly noteworthy are the Omni, Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, and now Hyatt chains. Many Club Med and Sandals & Beaches resorts also make an effort to accommodate gluten-free travelers, although it seems a bit inconsistent across properties (call before booking!). And then there are countless independent B&Bs and resorts both in the U.S. and overseas that are "GF friendly." There's something for everyone if you search the travel reviews on our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite. I was recently recommending honeymoon destinations to a GF friend, and my recommendations ranged from a hotel on Kauai to a resort in Phuket, Thailand to a cruise! Heck, there's even a dude ranch in Arizona that goes the extra mile to “wow” gluten-free guests!

What's the most memorable place YOU'VE ever stayed? Leave a comment below and you'll receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs listed below. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

 

Comments

[Emma]

When traveling, we won't stay anywhere that doesn't have a mini-fridge available. Mostly, we pack our breakfasts (in case there are no GF options) and lunches and go to restaurants that I have researched as being able to accommodate GF for dinner. So far, it's been smooth traveling.

[Natalie]

Thanks for all the info. It will certainly make gluten free traveling easier and safer.

[Cara]

I had no idea about Hyatt!

[Bonnie Belliston]

We haven't stayed anywhere since this journey began so the info is very helpful!

[julie]

the most memorable places we have stayed are in italy--pre diagnosis of course!