How'd You Like To Spend Your Days Inn Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a problem with the rest of New Jersey - They just don't like the AC in-your-face do-what-you-want attitude. NJ, inspite of being in New York City's massively metropolitan shadow, is surprisingly conservative.

The small beachfront towns on the NJ shores don't like strangers, they don't like noise, and they do not want to see their precious little communities disturbed in any way. Point here being that not everyone in Atlantic City is a big spender and gambler.

They come from all over the state, and stay in the small Atlantic City motels peeping out onto the Boardwalk, in between the gigantic casino complexes. They enjoy a good time at the casinos, go around and take a tour of the sights, and then quietly catch a bus back to their home towns.

The Golden East motel, now simply a Days Inn motel, is one such motel located steps away from the Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk. It is within walking distance of the casinos - Ballys, Claridge, Caesars, Trump Plaza, Resorts, Taj Mahal, and Showboat - as well as local restaurants and Atlantic City attractions, and a few blocks from The Walk Factory Outlet Stores and the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The Days Inn offers a free continental breakfast, free local calls, ice machine, daily USA Today newspaper, coffee, and internet station which are all located in the lobby. And free parking for one vehicle per room. In-room amenities include a hair dryer, iron & ironing board, free high speed wireless internet, and a microwave oven. Some of the rooms have balconies and the suites have sofa beds.

Rates from $49.99 (plus taxes) per night. For this rate, you get an oceanview room (non-smoking) with a balcony, 2 double beds, coffee maker, wi-fi, hairdryer, fridge, cable TV and HBO, along with use of the other amenities mentioned above. You can get a 1 King bed room for the same rate. For $99.99, you can get a 3 double beds deluxe room, or a deluxe room with 2 King beds.

Info: 169 South Kentucky Avenue Atlantic City NJ 08401; (609) 344-7001; website

Got Truck? Stay Inn Denver

I am so truly fed up of the glitzy hotels like the Ritz, where Joe Blow would have to cough up his entire retirement savings to enjoy a decent week. America really, really needs to lower it's sights a bit. Has any of your neighbours been to the Colorado ski resorts this year? I don't think so.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy one. Just need to make the necessary course corrections. And if you are going to go there, why not go the whole hog, and enjoy the vacation, but without paying for the costly digs. Take away the hotel charges, and you're left with the ski lift tickets and food. And airfare, if required. Considering the cost of the hotels in Colorado in winter, it's a safe bet to say that your vacation cost is likely to be cut in half, at the very least.

So how does one go about doing this? Pretty simple. Find a decent motel. Costs around $35-60 per night. Best to check out the Denver motels which are a bit off the ski resorts. It's worth it, even if it takes an hour or so to get to the resorts. The ones in the immediate vicinity of the resorts are just as bad as the hotels, in terms of pricing.

One such cheap motel is the Stay Inn in Denver. Rates start from $39. If you want to pay for the week, that'll be $215 for a room with 1 King bed, and $235 for a room with a queen or two double beds. And if If you have a commerical drivers license, you can actually get a discount here.

Sure, it's a trucker's motel. If you have a truck and want to enjoy a family skiing vacation on the slopes of Colorado, and you wnat to do it on a budget, it's not that bad a deal. Even if you're not so fond of crude jokes scrawled in the loo, look on it this way - You're there to ski, not to critique the interior.

Info: 12033 E 38th Ave Denver CO 80239; (303) 371-0740; www.denvermotel.net/

$59.99 per night at San Diego Loma Lodge

Here's the deal - Non-smoking airconditioned room with a comfortable 1 King bed, complimentary hi-speed internet access, mini-fridge, satellite TV with HBO and ESPN,plus 16 channels. Iron, ironing Board are available upon request. Microwave may be available upon request.

And public amenities and facilities include free morning coffee & danish, daily newspaper in the lobby, guest laundry, swimming pool open year round, with a soda / candy / ice located in pool area. Name - Loma Lodge. Location - San Diego, CA. Rates from $59.99 per night. These are standard rates. Not specials. Specials and weekly rates are even lower.

If you want a room with 2 double beds, that's $64.99. Three double beds family guest room? $74.99. And if you want a little more luxury, then go for the $64.99 One King bed deluxe non-smoking, pillowtop California bed, upgraded towels and soap.

That's right. It sounds like a great deal. It is. Why pay in excess of $200 for a hotel room when you have decent and cheap San Diego motels like Loma Lodge? The Loma Lodge is a quaint 43 room Spanish style motel, centrally located just 2 miles west of hotel circle and with easy access to all freeways and San Diego attractions.

They have a 24 hour front desk, and a one stop concierge where you can book tours, rental cars and anything else you need.

Info: 3202 Rosecrans Street San Diego CA 92110; (619) 222-0511 / (800) 266-0511; www.lomalodge.com/

Where's the Heart O' Chicago?

The Heart of Chicago can be found where Hollywood meets Michigan. Huh? That's the Heart O' Chicago motel, which is located in Chicago, IL, one mile from the Hollywood Beach on Lake Michigan. If you're looking for Chicago motels, look no further. The Heart O' Chicago has everything you need, and then some.

A long and colorful history - you got it (built in 1959)
Complimentary continental breakfasts - you got it
Free wireless Internet access - you got it
Multilingual staff - you got it
24-hour front desk - you got it
Free parking - you got it
Air conditioning - you got it

Room options include 1 bed with bath, 2 beds with bath, and 1 King bed with bath. Average rates are around $110 per night. Location is in a friendly residential neighbourhood, but you might need a car or have to use some other mode of transportation (10 minute walk to the nearest subway station) if you wish to go visit the usual tourist attractions in Chicago. Rooms are generally known to be clean and service decent, although you are advised to exercise caution and use your own judgment.

For those who do not have the budget for checking into one of the high-end luxury hotels in Chicago, but dislike the 'seen one, seen them all' quality of the Motel 6 and Super 8 motels, a place like the Heart O' Chicago can really be a blessing.

Save money on accommodations, and spend it on yourself. Go on a shopping spree on the Magnificent Mile, hang out at a jazz club and enjoy the fine cuisine offered by Chicago's restaurants.

Info: 5990 North Ridge Ave Chicago IL 60660; (773) 271-9181; www.heartochicago.com/

$69 Ski Packages from Grand Sierra Resort Reno

Don't tell anyone, but I clicked on an advertisement on a website today. I know, it's shameful. Nobody clicks on advertisements anymore. But this one was just too good to let it go by. It was an ad from a resort in Reno, and the first image said $69 ski package at the Grand Sierra Resort, including a room and ski lift ticket.

The next picture says they'll give you $50 Match Play or $25 Free Play. The third image says you also get $50 dining credit or $50 spa credit. My math is not so good, and it seemed too good to be true, but I had to know the details. So I clicked.

And sure enough, they do offer all this. This season Grand Sierra Resort has the best ski packages available, starting at $69 per person. Take your pick of 11 ski resorts including Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows and Mount Rose. All ski packages include your choice of $50 Match Play or $25 Free Play and a choice of either a $50 Dining credit or $50 Spa credit.

Actually, the reason I found this package was because I was looking for some good indie Reno motels. But the only ones I found were the branded motels (Motel 6 & Super 8). One site had a huge list of motels and budget hotels, and when I looked deeper, most of them had closed down or joined up with the chains.

When you look at the ridiculously cheap prices offered by the ski resorts in Reno, you understand why there are no motels left.

Info: 2500 E. Second Street Reno NV 89595; (775) 789-2000; www.grandsierraresort.com/

Vegas Chalet Motel

The Vegas Chalet Motel in North Las Vegas is a rare breed - A motel which is just a motel and nothing else. More often than not, lodging is a secondary aspect for people who come to Sin City. There's many reasons for this, including the fact that one way or the other, everyone in Vegas - residents and visitors alike - has a very close connection to gambling and the casinos.

If you're a resident, then you work in a casino, or you work for a company or organization which deals with casinos. If you're a visitor, you'll be hard pressed to find a place to stay which does not have an attached casino, or at the very least - One within walking distance. My point is that most hotels in Las Vegas are way cheaper than the brand name motels. Secondly, like I said, most of them have a casino tucked in somewhere.

So you'll be hard pressed to find decent and cheap Las Vegas motels which simply offer a cheap place to stay without the usual Vegas 'experience'. Most of these stand-alones have either closed down or joined up with the lucrative casino business. The Vegas Chalet Motel is one of the last remaining breed of independent stand-alone motels.

It's quite some distance from the Strip, and offers 50 budget rooms with satellite television, complimentary parking, free local calls, daily housekeeping, 24 hour front desk, iron & ironing board, electronic locks, and vending machines. Rooms have heating and air-conditioning, and bathrooms have bathtubs & showers. You have a choice of rooms with single or twin beds.

You'll find restaurants (Mariscos Las Islitas) and shopping facilities close by, and of course, there's also some casinos in the vicinity. Or you can just drive or use public transportation to the Strip. Rates from around $60 per night. No pets allowed.

Info: 2401 Las Vegas Blvd N.North Las Vegas NV 89030; (702) 642-2115; www.vegaschaletmotel.com/

Miami Blu Motel

Got the recession blues but still dreaming of the hot and sizzling Miami? No worries. We got something for every budget. There's a bucketload of Miami motels which cater to every kind of traveler. Some are full of transients, some are family friendly, and some even offer the luxury facilities and amenities like big hotels.

The basic concept of settling for a motel is to cut down the cost, so first you need to find motels which are in betwen $50 to $75 max. Second, you ened to make sure said motel offers most, if not all, of the amenities one would expect from a big hotel. If you can do this, you end up saving well over a 100 dollars, while giving up very little comfort and luxury.

One such motel, which offers the best of both worlds, is Motel Blu. In fact, it fits the bill so perfectly that even the management is confused over whether to label themselves as a hotel or a motel. So they call themselves 'Motel Blu - A Miami Hotel in Biscayne.'

The hotel/motel is located within a few minutes of the Miami beaches, Miami downtown and the Interstate 95. Each guest room features high speed Internet access and cable satellite television with HBO®, Showtime and Disney. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and a new 5 Star Restaurant. In addition, you get air conditioning, spacious parking facilities and wireless internet.

Unless you're looking for snooty waiters with bow-toes, Motel Blu isn't that big a change from any of the decent Miami hotels you'll find in the vicinity. The kicker, of course, is that rates at Motel Blu start from $65 for an 'efficiency' room. For a room with double beds - $68. Throw in the Air/Cruise Port Shuttle Package for one person, and you have to pay out the grand sum of $89. Two people for the Air/Cruise Port Shuttle Package? $95.

So, you could either wait for a couple of years to get over the recession. Or, you could catch an economy flight right now, and book into Motel Blu. Miami vacations on the cheap like this - including airfare, motel charges, food and other expenses - will probably cost you less than what you'd pay just for a posh suite with an oceanfront view at a luxury hotel on Collins Avenue.

Info: 7700 Biscayne Blvd Miami Florida 33138; (305) 757-8451; www.motelblu.com/

Valentine Fever Strikes Hilton Concord in Oakland

Call pest control. Or the Department of Health! The Ghost Busters! There's a little guy wearing nothing but underwear, armed with a bow and arrow, terrorizing the good folks at the Hilton Concord Hotel in Oakland, CA.

Name tag says he's Cupid something and his stated mission, according to one victim, is to hit everyone he sees with his hi-tech chemical tipped arrows which apparently unleashes your inner romantic. He's doing very well, because he seems to be working in cahoots with some of the hotel staff, and the Hilton Concord finds itself in the shameful situation of becoming one of the most romantic hotels in Oakland and the East Bay.

The capitalist Hilton guys have drummed up three packages which make people more susceptible to the potent arrows from aforementioned tiny terror. Listed below are the three romantic getaways for Valentine's Day at the Hilton Concord.

1. Cupid's Arrow - You will be greeted in your room with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and a chilled bottle of house champagne. Wake up the next morning to have Breakfast in Bed with a select menu. Also included is a late check-out of 3pm. Rates from $174 per night. Valid from Feb 12 - Feb 16, 2009.
2. Be My Valentine - you will be greeted in your room with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and a chilled bottle of house champagne. Have a romantic dinner for two in the on-site restaurant Grissini Trattoria and Wine Bar. Dinner includes an appetizer to share, two House Salads, two entrées, and a Lover's Dessert to share. Wake up the next morning to have Breakfast in Bed with a select menu. Also included is a late check-out of 3pm. Rates from $304 per night. Valid from Feb 12 - Feb 16, 2009.
3. Always and Forever - You will be greeted in your room with a delicious box of See's Candies. Then, have a romantic dinner for two in our on-site restaurant Grissini Trattoria and Wine Bar. Rates from $319 per night. Valid from Feb 12 - Feb 16, 2009.

Hmm... Seems like the Always and Forever package offers less value for more money than the Be My Valentine package. But then, no one ever said that love makes any sense, or is based on any kind of logic.

Info: 1970 Diamond Blvd Concord CA 94520; (925) 827-2000; www.concordhilton.com/

Be Mine In ’09 Romance Package at Mayflower Park Seattle

The Superbowl is over, the Steelers stole the game, and its time to throw away the beer bottles, and start focusing on things you've been neglecting in football fever. Like that booking for a Valentine's Day celebration for the lady who's been toiling while you were sprawled out on the couch, stuffing chips and swilling beer.

It's the month of Cupid, and he's got his bow and arrow all ready and aimed at you. So you better stick 'em up and hand over everything you have, including your heart and your credit card. If you're looking to make 2009 the year when you made the pitch to that special someone who makes your heart go racing like a ferrari on nitrous boost, then I have the perfect place and package for you - The Be Mine In ’09 Romance Package at the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle.

Valid through February, the package includes:-

• Classic, deluxe or suite accommodations
• Champagne or sparkling cider upon check-in
• Full American breakfast for two
• Valet parking
• Late 2 pm check-out

Under this package, the classic guestroom costs $189, the deluxe guestroom $199, and suite accommodations at $209. More details and online booking here. Romantic getaways don't get any better than this.

The Mayflower park Hotel has plenty of history, having first opened it's doors way back in 1927. It was called as The Bergonian at that time. There aren't that many upscale Seattle hotels which have as much history as the Mayflower Park, and are still in business.

It's location in downtown Seattle, at Fourth Avenue and Olive Way, is also the perfect place for a frenetic day of shopping in Seattle. The Mayflower Park directly connects to Westlake Center, a four level shopping mall. Macy’s Department Store and Nordstrom are both across the street, and the Pacific Place mall is just two blocks away and houses Cartier, Tiffany & Co., the Pottery Barn and other fine shops.

The rooms at the Mayflower Park Hotel feature poster headboards and armoires in traditional Queen Anne styling. And you can make use of the many in-room amenities including hair dryer, iron and ironing board, free high-speed internet, coffee makers, luxury robes, large screen televisions and in-room safes.

Hotel amenities include a fitness studio, valet parking, same day laundry, business services, and in addition to the aforementioned Andaluca restaurant, there's also a lounge (Oliver's Lounge).

Info: 405 Olive Way Seattle WA 98101; (206) 623-8700; www.mayflowerpark.com/

Buy Buy Manhattan Special at Roger Williams NYC

Whether it's business, pleasure or a getaway from it all, there's no hotel which is more tuned into the needs of travelers and New Yorkers alike, than 'The Roger'. Great Murray Hill location on Madison Ave, just blocks from Grand Central Station and the Empire State Building and the other famed New York attractions, a short stroll from SoHo, the Fashion District, Union Square, Park Avenue, and the West Village.

The Roger Williams Hotel offers 193 guest rooms and suites, 15 garden terrace rooms boasting private, landscaped terraces, wireless internet (extra charge), full-service concierge, help-yourself breakfast pantry, with complimentary daily newspapers, signature cocktails and light fare on the Mezzanine Lounge, high-tech meeting space, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with latest-generation cardio fitness equipment.

And inspite of the location and popularity of the hotel amongst tourists enjoying their New York vacations, it's still surprisingly cheap. Rates for the specials start from $289 per night. And that's just the starting point. There's oodles of deals and packages inside, including the Sunday Stays deal, where you get 20% off on the best available rate.

Other notable specials include the Buy Buy Manhattan shopping package, which includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary champagne or valet parking, special welcome discount coupon, and free "I love NY" tote bag. They'll also provide you with all the information you need to enjoy a day out shopping in Manhattan.

There's also a 'Romantic Manhattan' package, and another one called 'Manhattan holidays' which offers 25% off for 3-night stays and 50% off for 4-night stays.

I've seen the insides of plenty of New York hotels, and very few are able to find the correct balance between luxury and affordability, and between discrete privacy and stylish flamboyance. The Roger Williams Hotel neatly straddles this divide, and that's about all you need to know.

Info: 131 Madison Avenue New York NY 10016; (888) 448-7788 / (212) 448-7000; www.hotelrogerwilliams.com/

Bundles of Free Smiles in Orlando

We're talking about the "Bundles of Free Smiles" promotion from the Orlando/Orange County CVB, running from now through June 30, which includes free admission to various attractions in Orlando, free room nights at Orlando hotels, and free perks and free events throughout the area.

What they've basically done is to collect all the existing deals and bring them all under one roof, thus making it even easier to enjoy affordable Orlando vacations. The offers are all listed on www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com/.

All you have to do is download an Orlando Smile Card (TM) at bundlesoffreesmiles.com or mention the promotional code associated with the offer.

Listed below are some of the deals on offer under this promotion :-

Hotels -

1. Rosen Shingle Creek - Stay 4 nights and get an additional 3 nights free; also includes free game room tokens and parking.
2. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa - Stay 3 nights and get an additional 2 nights free; also includes free parking and kids stay free.
3. WorldQuest Resort - Stay 3 nights and get an additional 2 nights free; also includes kids stay free and free parking.

Attractions -

1. SeaWorld Orlando - Adults at kids prices.
2. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides - Buy 2 tickets and get the 3rd free.
3. Orlando Balloon Rides - Buy 1 adult ride and get a free kids ride.

Vacation packages -

1. Universal Orlando Resort - Book a 3 night vacation package and receive 2 nights free
2. Walt Disney World Resort - Buy a 4 night vacation package and get 3 nights free including theme park tickets.

Winter Specials at The Sky Hotel Aspen

Colorado should actually be called the ski state, because it has the most popular winter resorts in the U.S. outside the CA-Nevada border area on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. And the one where those who are really, really rich - as in filthy rich - spend their winters skiing and enjoying the snow happens to be Aspen.

While you won't find any of these old moneybags at the resorts or even at any of the more luxurious hotels in Colorado (they have their own vacation homes), the top notch skiing and the excellent facilities do attract a fair amount of common trashy weekend getaway types.

So anyway, if you're the kind who doesn't have to worry about the fall in the value of your portfolio (because you don't have one...), but you still want to hit the slopes and hobnob with the uppity stiff-necked types at Aspen, then you want to stay at the Sky Hotel.

It's a Kimpton Hotel, so while rates aren't high enough to give you the hiccups, the facilities and amenities are decent enough so you don't have to be ashamed of not having your own private home. In their own words, the Sky Hotel is "A brilliant hotspot on the Aspen see-and-be scene...A high-style chill pad where beautiful people let loose."

And they're offering some cool winter specials. The specials include:-
Breakfast for Just $1 More - Like it says, you pay $1 extra for a continental breakfast, in addition to the standard room rates.

Ski In Rock Out Package - Discounted guest room accommodations, along with two lift tickets for each night of stay. Minimum 3 night stay required. Rates from $273 per night.

Sweet Indulgence Women's Package - Premier guest room accommodations for 2 nights, 2 après warm-up drinks in 39 Degrees Lounge, Chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, choice of 2 treatments from the Aspen Club & Spa (Hotel Concierge will contact you to discuss choices), and complete spa-day access to the Aspen Club & Spa. Rates from $437 per night.

Powder Love Couples Package - Discounted guest room accommodations, Full American breakfast buffet for 2 daily (in-bed optional), 1 in-room movie, 1 Couples Massage (50 minutes), Day of service access to Aspen Club & Spa facilities, and Sky Hotel fuzzy handcuffs. Rates from $570 per night.

Après Vows Honeymoon Package - Discounted guest room accommodations, Dinner for 2 at Rustique Bistro (valued at $100), Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, and Kama Sutra Weekender kit. Rates from $375 per night.

And if you think the prices are a wee bit on the higher side, then you should check out the prices offered by some of the other hotels in Aspen. It's scandalous. Besides, the Sky Hotel does offer value for money, it is pet friendly, and the weather, the surroundings, the views and service ain't so bad either.

Info: 709 East Durant Avenue Aspen CO 81611; (800) 882-2582; www.theskyhotel.com/

Valentine's Day at The St. Claire San Jose

San Jose is, by and large, quite a romantic place to be in. Inspite, or perhaps despite, all the geekiness. Even so, if you feel that you need to bring out the big guns for a Valentine's Day celebration in or around San Jose, then no place like The St. Claire Hotel.

The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of downtown San Jose, with cozy rooms, artsy decor and fireplaces and all. Best of all, they're offering a Valentine's Day package which they promise will be one of your best romantic getaways ever.

The package includes:-

Luxurious overnight accommodations
Early check-in (12pm)
Complimentary valet parking
A long stem rose
A bottle of chilled champagne for enjoyment in your room or downstairs next to the fireplace
A CD featuring romantic songs
Movie from the hotel's DVD collection
Romantic turndown service
Breakfast in bed
Late check-out (4pm)

Most San Jose hotels offer late check-outs at 2 pm atmost. The St. Claire is probably the only hotel I've ever seen that offers a 4pm late check-out. You've got several options for the accomodations, incuding a deluxe King Room at $249, Palm Suite at $649, and the Grand Suite at $699. More details and online booking here.

The St. Claire is a Larkspur hotel, and as such, offers a range of amenities common to the chain, including complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel in your guest room, the lobby, restaurants (Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana and Panetteria Bakery), and meeting facilities. And there's also a business center.

In-room amenities include a flat screen television, signature FeatherBorne® Bed, hair-dryer, iron & ironing board, and LATHER bath and body amenities.

Info: 302 South Market Street San Jose CA 95113; (408) 295-2000; www.thesainteclaire.com/

Valentine’s Day SiCC at Mandarin Oriental New York

I'm going to make some assumptions here. First that you're willing to blow a minimum of 1000 dollars to celebrate your love (or lack thereof) on Valentine's Day. Also assuming you do not have a beloved who just needs an excuse to start packing for romantic getaways, why not make the most of it with the Valentine’s Day SiCC at the Mandarin Oriental in New York?

SiCC as in Single in the City Celebration package special. Skip the throngs of sappy couples and opt for a fun-filled Manhattan escape with shopping, delicious cocktails, and classic movies. Valentine’s Day Single in the City Celebration includes:

• Shopping experience arranged through the hotel concierge’s custom “Pampered By Appointment” shopping service, which includes special access to a collection of Manhattan’s finest boutiques, designer stores and specialty shops
• Two complimentary cocktails each at the hotel’s scenic 35th floor Lobby Lounge
• Selection of classic movies from the hotel’s movie library to enjoy for the evening
• Overnight accommodations in a luxurious double bedded room

Valid from February 12 – 22, 2009. Rates from $1,025. More details and online booking here.

Now for the hotel. The name itself is quite enough to conjure up images of opulent luxury and royal treatment. All true. The Mandarin Oriental has been, and remains, one of the premier New York hotels which spans the divide between funky scandalous celebrity shakers on the one hand and stuffy, boring, rich and powerful movers on the other.

Both sets of clientele find the Mandarin's many comforts - the spa and the restaurants (Asiate, MObar, the Lobby Lounge), the 248 luxurious guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline or the scenic Hudson River quite to their liking.

So whether or not you have a romantic relationship, whatever your likings and lifestyle, there's a place for you at the Mandarin Oriental on Valentine's Day. Just need to blow 1 grand. Small price to pay, for replicating the joy and company of priceless love.

Info: 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street New York, NY 10023; (212) 805-8800; www.mandarinoriental.com/

Sunshine on Sale at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

How'd you like to buy some sunshine from the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego? That's right. The Hyatt has a special offer called 'sunshine on sale'. You get the third night free or stays in between now and March 31, 2009. And children ages 12 and under eat free off the Johnny Venture Menu and pets stay free.

If you've seen it, you'll know that the place really is grand. They have this magnificent long corridor/lobby which looks like Grand Central station or one of those old Czarist buildings in Russia - You know, with the tall ceilings and pillars and all. You look up and around and you feel like its something special. Now I'm not big on architecture and all that artsy stuff, but hotels in San Diego don't usually have this kind of thing, you know. It's really something special.

So anyway, the hotel is on San Diego Bay and steps from the Gaslamp Quarter,with two pools, fire pit, whirlpools, a full service spa, fitness center and a selection of restaurants and lounges. The hotel is also just minutes to the important attractions in San Diego like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park and Coronado Island.

The guestrooms offers partial views of either the city or Bay, and feature one king or two double Grand Beds fitted with luxurious linens and down duvet over pillow-top mattresses, windows that open to allow in the fresh air, generous work area and high-speed Internet access (fees apply).

In-room amenities include a hairdryer, coffee maker, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, video on demand, minibar, 24 hour room service and a lot of other stuff which you'renever going to use. Rollaways and cribs are available upon request.

Info: One Market Place San Diego CA 92101; (619) 232-1234; http://manchestergrand.hyatt.com/

Suitest Courses of Love at Warwick Denver

How'd you like to celebrate Valentine's Day with food as a turn-on? We're not talking about whipped cream and strawberries. This is much more subtle and more of an art form and a science, rather than some crude symbolism. The Warwick Hotel, as historic and luxurious as any of the hotels in Denver, is apparently also something of a wizard, when it comes to feeding their guests with cuisine appropriate for specific occasions.

Randolph's restaurant and the Warwick are offering a 'Courses of Love' package for the Valentine's Day weekend.

The temptation of taste begins upon delivery of an Aphrodite inspired
welcome amenity with libations, as well as your personal copy of Inter-Courses,
a cookbook inspired by foods with aphrodisiac properties. We will continue
to delight your senses as Executive Chef Kristen Cofrades prepares a forbidden
five (5) course meal at our award-winning restaurant, Randolph’s. From the
opening course (“The Introduction”) to the dessert (“Love is Forever”), the menu
was carefully designed using a variety of food deemed to have arousing
properties. The following morning, we bid you a fond farewell as you enjoy
breakfast in front of our cozy restaurant fireplace. Sleep in if you wish
because we have also extended your check-out to 2pm.

Food deemed to have arousing properties? Why didn't I know about this before? This just about settles the issue of whether romantic getaways at the Warwick are worth it or not. You can't put a price on love, but if you must know the details, the 'Suitest Courses of Love' package costs $249 (taxes and gratuities included). And here's what you get:-

• Accommodations for 2 in a spacious 1 Bedroom Suite
• A full bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries
• A box of chocolates at turndown
• The book Inter-Course, by Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge
• Forbidden five course dinner for two in Randolph’s Restaurant
• Breakfast for two in Randolph’s Restaurant
• 2 pm late check-out
  

More details here. The Warwick is situated in the heart of Denver's trendy Uptown neighborhood, and within minutes of the State Capitol, 16th Street Mall, the Denver Convention Center, Pepsi Center, the Cherry Creek shopping district and other Denver attractions.

And the hotel also offers complimentary car service (subject to availability) for use within the downtown Denver area. In addition to the restaurant, the Warwick offers a heated rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre and a 24-hour business center.

Most of the guest rooms have private balconies with two patio chairs and table with floor to ceiling glass windows offering impressive views of either downtown, the Front Range or the Downtown Denver skyline. In-room furnishings and amenities include new carpeting, imported Italian window treatments, a leather mahogany desk chair, 32" flat screen TVs, Serta Eurotop mattresses, and 300 thread count satin striped sheets.

Info: 1776 Grant Street Denver CO 80203; (303) 861-2000; www.warwickdenver.com/

Bohemian Boudoir at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

Every couple's concept of romance is vastly different from what others think, or want. Some prefer splendid isolation and beautiful, natural landscapes. Others might enjoy urban bliss, with wining and dining in posh restaurants, with post dinner theater or shows. But the one thing common to all romantic getaways is facilitation and privacy to jump into bed, and stay there as long as you want.

It's a cliche to say that all you need is each others' company, but the truth is that a little bit of grease to help ignite the fires of passion goes a long way. And some hotels in Orlando, like the Grand Bohemian, are all slippery with this romantic grease. The hotel is offering three smoking hot packages for romantically inclined guests:-

1. Cupid Visits the Grand Bohemian
2. The Bohemian Boudoir
3. Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Each package is specifically targeted to a different type of romantic experience - The Cupid Visits the Grand Bohemian package is for those who're newly in love, and want to get to take it to the next stage in luxurious accomodations with some champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, along with valet parking.

The Bohemian Boudoir package is for hot steamy love affairs, starting in the hotel's sexy Bosendorfer Lounge. Continue your sensual odyssey and explore your Bohemian Bliss Box while indulging in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches of love. Package includes:-

One-night stay in luxurious accommodations
One Bohemian Bliss Box
Bohemian truffles and signature cordials
Flameless candles to use in room during stay
Choice of one in-room movie
One Breakfast Between the Sheets for 2
Late check-out

And there's also the Today, Tomorrow and Forever package, which offers a romantic dinner for 2 in the Boheme Restaurant with special dessert, in addition to accomodations, valet parking, breakfast between the sheets, late check-out and other 'enhancements' for those looking to re-ignite that special spark in a relationship.

Info: 325 S. Orange Ave. Orlando FL 32801; (407) 313-9000; www.grandbohemianhotel.com/

2nd Night 50% Off at the Bedford Hotel New York

The Bedford is as New York as can be. Midtown Manhattan location on 40th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues in the Murray Hill area, and sandwiched between two very famous New York attractions, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, and its a nice short stroll to Fifth Avenue shopping, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, the theater district and the United Nations.

And unlike the usual pint sized rooms on display at most New York hotels, the Bedford offers 136 spacious studios and one bedroom suites, most with fully equipped kitchenettes, in-room safes, iron and ironing boards, hair dryers and all the usual amenities. What else could you ask for?

Well, how about a post-holiday sale, with 50% Off on 2nd nights, if you book one night at the regular price. Effective January 02-February 12, 2009. Use promo code post50off. Rates from $155.00/$77.50 (first night/second night) onwards. Rates are per night, do not include hotel taxes, and are based on single or double occupancy. More details here.

And the Bedford also houses Domenico's Italian restaurant (www.domeniconyc.com), which has been serving out classic Italian cuisine for over 20 years, with private dining rooms can accommodate up to 150 people. And even better, Domenico's has a Valentine special all lined up, with tender Long Island little neck clam chowder, beef tenderloin or veal slices with wild mushrooms & Marsala wine, and chocolate mousse cake or strawberries & whipped cream. Doemnico's also has a special pre-theater menu, if you're so inclined.

Romantic getaways in the Big Apple don't get any better than this. The rooms are decent and affordable, the hotel is perfectly located for checking out all the sights and some frenzied shopping, and more importantly, its perfect for a romantic evening of wining and dining and theater. You'd be hard pressed to come up with another hotel offering an entire weekend like this in New York City for $232.50 plus taxes.

Info: 118 E. 40th Street New York NY 10016; (800) 221-6881 / (212) 697-4800; www.bedfordhotel.com/

Yoshi's Romance at Jack London Square

What kind of a club is called Yoshi? And are you in the U.K., eating fish and chips, if you're standing in Jack London Square? In answer to the first question, there are Yoshi clubs and restaurants in Oakland and San Francisco.

The clubs feature live jazz, and the Oakland Yoshi's Club is widely considered to be the best East Bay nightclub with live music. The 320 seat San Francisco branch opened in November 2007. And the restaurants offer Japanese cuisine. I love sushi as much as the next guy, but I'm a lousy food critic, so we'll leave the restaurant reviews for those more worthy (and fat) and continue with question 2 - Jack London Square.

As you might have guessed, Jack London Square is the place to be, if you're in Oakland, CA and in much the same way as all the important hotels in San Francisco are bunched together in Union Square, so the best Oakland hotels boast of a location in Jack London Square. For someone from a big metropolis like New York or Chicago or Miami, the place can seem to be a bit surreal.

It's populated by a whole lot of nerds and geeks, and the pace is slow enough for a turtle to have a hissy fit, go nuts and scream - wake up, do something, faster please! Ok, maybe that's a bit of a whopper, but it's still a good way to understand that Oakland is as good a place as any for romantic getaways where nobody expects you to do anything, and you can get up late, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, stay in your room or laze around in the same spot all day long, and no one will bat an eyelid. Enjoy some light jazz and an excellent dinner in the evening at Yoshi's.

And this is where the appropriately named 'Inn at Jack London Square' comes in. They're offering a Yoshi's Romance special, which includes deluxe accommodations, 2 tickets to Yoshi's Jazz Club, and breakfast in the morning for two. More details here.

You've got each other, a nice private room in the best location in town, free tickets to the best East Bay jazz club, and complimentary breakfast. San Francisco is a ferry ride away, and the Amtrak station is 3 blocks from the hotel. Standard rates from $99 onwards. Have fun!

Info: 233 Broadway Oakland CA 94607; (800) 633-5973 / (510) 452-4565; www.innatthesquare.com

Snuggle & Smooch at EdgeWater Seattle

Maybe it's the wine or the location on water's edge or maybe it's just the weather in Seattle. Whatever 'it' may be, it's the cause of all the snuggling and smooching going on inside the warm confines of Seattle hotels. Especially the ones with a view of the water, as in the Edgewater Hotel.

The hotel is offering a steamy, sultry one-night escape with our newly redesigned romance package – Snuggle & Smooch. Start your overnight love-fest with chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room and hand made by our in-house pastry chef.

With an exclusive Romance Box made especially for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design, your romantic getaways are just a click away! Get down and chocolatey with chocolate body frosting, or indulge with ylang ylang and ginger lotion – perfect for a sensuous massage! To keep things easy, your overnight parking is also included!

Includes:-
Overnight accommodations for two
Romance box made exclusively for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design.
5 chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room
Complimentary valet parking for one vehicle

More details and online booking here.

For the record, the Edgewater is actually located right at the foot of Pier 67, with sweeping views of the Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains in the distance, and the downtown Seattle attractions just a few steps away. Half of the 223 guest rooms offer views of Elliott Bay, and the other half face the Seattle skyline from the isolation of the pier.

All rooms are furnished with custom-designed knotty pine furniture, overstuffed chairs and a fuzzy bear ottoman located in front of the gas fireplace. There's amber quartz slate flooring, glass surround European spa showers, and white vessel sinks atop absolute black granite counters and stainless steel base.

You get 100 percent Egyptian cotton bedding, hair dryers and bath amenities complete with a rubber ducky! Additional amenities include an iron and ironing board, in-room private bar and refrigerator, coffee service with complimentary Starbucks coffee and teas, seating area, cordless telephones and HDTV televisions with digital entertainment. Rooms service from the Six-Seven restaurant.

Info: 2411 Alaskan Way Pier 67 Seattle WA 98121 1; (800) 624-0670; www.edgewaterhotel.com/

Romance at the Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento

There's plenty romance in Sacramento, as it is. And there's no shortage of gardens and flowers either, manmade or of the natural variety. But when its freezing cold and you're thinking more in terms of room service with some bubbly and a warm fireplace and heated cozy rooms with large comfortable and deeply inviting mattresses and beds, then you're looking for the Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento-South Natomas Hotel. Sometimes, you just gotta enjoy the comforts of modernity.

And to make the notion of romantic getaways in Sacramento more inviting, the Hilton Garden Inn is offering a romance package. Includes:-
• Early check-in & pre-registration upon request
• In-room sparkling wine upon arrival
• Full American breakfast or buffet for two
• Late check-out available

More details and online booking here.

As for the hotel, it is located just across the river from downtown Sacramento and 10 miles from the Airport, with complimentary airport shuttle service. Offers 154 guest rooms, complimentary high-speed internet, coffee and a 24 hour business center, fitness center, outdoor pool and courtyard, valet and self laundry, and a Great American Grill restaurant.

The guest rooms are equipped with microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker, king or two double size beds and comfortable sitting area with an ottoman, and a spacious work desk with a specially designed ergonomic chair.

Compared to other upscale Sacramento hotels like the Hyatt Regency, the Hilton Garden Inn is a bit off the normal tourist track. Visitors usually want to stay somewhere near the State Capitol and within easy walking distance of Old Town Sacramento and the other visitable attractions in Sacramento. But look at it as a romantic getaway in Sacramento, and its near perfect. It's far removed from the bedlam of the downtown area, and yet easily accessible.

Info: 2540 Venture Oaks Way Sacramento CA 95833; (916) 568-5400; www.hiltongardeninnsacramento.com/

Shop & Stay Escape at Jumeirah Essex House

For those not in the know, Jumeirah Essex House is one of the most historical hotels in New York, imbued with an elegant Art Deco flair. There's even a Central Park walking tour which has Jumeirah Essex House as one of its stops.

In fact, it actually is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. And here's what they say about Essex House - For over seventy years, the Jumeirah Essex House has been an oasis of class and elegance on the edge of Central Park. The hotel offers stunning views of the park and the New York skyline, complemented by luxurious appointments and first-class service.

And this historic hotel with magnificent views of Central Park is offering a 'Shop & Stay Escape' package. Includes accomodations and exclusive shopping priviliges and benefits at Bloomingdale’s:
15% Savings Certificate
Bloomingdale's signature gift
Complimentary Frozen Yogurt or Cappuccino
Personal delivery for packages totaling $250
Signature gift with purchase of $200 or more
Appointment with a personal shopper

Rates from $309. More details and online booking here.

The hotel was simply known as Essex House, until it was recently purchased by the Jumeirah company. With 509 luxurious guest rooms and suites with views of Central Park and Manhattan, its an understatement to say that it is one of the more desirable properties in a prime location. To complement the Art Deco surroundings, the rooms offer high-speed internet access, cable television, make-up/shaving mirror & hairdryer, a minibar and a laptop compatible safe.

Amenities include health spa services with massage treatments and steam bath, fitness facility, jogging path, meeting and banquet rooms, and complimentary guest bicycles. There's also one restaurant (South Gate) and a Lobby Lounge.

All said and done, I wouldn't go so far as to label it as one of the attractions in New York, like the Plaza Hotel or the Chelsea, but Essex House makes up for it by offering its guests a glimpse of New York in the form of a Central Park walking tour and private art tours.

Info: 160 Central Park South New York NY 10019; (212) 247-0300; www.jumeirahessexhouse.com/

Great America Package at Clarion San Jose Airport

Lost in the craze over the big theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World, Legoland, and the Six Flags Parks are a gazillion amusement and theme parks which serve local communities. These parks are only visited by tourists when they 'happen' to be in town. No one comes to town spcifically to visit these poor second cousin parks.

So today, I thought we'd spotlight one of them - Paramount’s Great America in Santa Clara, CA. Great America features 10 pulse-pounding coasters, the world’s tallest double-decker carousel along with the wet and wild water rides of Boomerang Bay, a 2.7 acre Australian-themed water park with a variety of slides, splash areas and water activities built inside the existing theme park. For more information, visit www.pgathrills.com.

The reason we're talking about Great America is that I was looking up specials and package deals offered by San Jose hotels, and I bumped into this neat Great America Package at the Clarion Hotel San Jose Airport. Includes:-

Two Adult Tickets to Great America
Courtyard King, Double/Double or Queen/Queen Rooms
Free All-You-Can-Eat Hot Breakfast Buffet - 6:30am to 9:30am Mon-Fri (until 10am Sat/Sun)
Outdoor Pool (big pool and sunny all the time!)& Spa & Putting Green w/ putters at the desk
Pay In-Room Video Games
10% off the Island Grill with reasonable prices! (Steak & Seafood with a Tropical Twist!)

And best part is that the package, inclusive of all of the above, costs only $139.99 plus tax. Making it even more of a fun experience, the light rail runs past both the hotel and Great America, with a one way adult ticket costing $1.75 and $1.50 for children. Age 5 and below free. More details and online booking here.

As for the hotel, even by San Jose's relatively spacious and generous standards, the Clarion offers a heck of a lot. In addition to the complimentary hot breakfast buffet for all guests, the hotel also offers free airport shuttle, a fitness room, outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, a putting green with putters at the desk, free parking, free 24-hour business center, free USA Today, an on-site restaurant and lounge with live entertainment beginning at 9pm, free wireless and direct high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel, guest laundry with an on-site coin laundry, an ATM and a 24 hour gift shop.

Every room in the hotel has coffee makers, irons, laptop safes, ironing boards, hairdryers, HBO, TV Japan, Spanish TV (Univision), Pay-per-view movies, video check-out, two phones, 25" TV with cable television and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Info: 1355 North Fourth Street San Jose CA 95112; (888) 453-5340; www.clarionsj.com/

A Night to Remember at the San Diego Marriott

There's plenty of well documented ways of spending an unforgettable vacations in San Diego, especially in the bowels of the lets-all-go-wild hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter. Only problem is that you wake up in bed teh next morning with someone you 'think' you've seen somewhere before, and you remember the wild evening, but not the wild night that follows after all the margaritas kick in.

Not trashing San Diego, just making the point that there's a difference between evening and night, at least when you're inside one of the hotels in San Diego. And one hotel which is focused more on offering wine and romance, as opposed to hard liquor, wild parties and mindless passion, is the San Diego Marriott. And to that end, they're offering a package special which they call "San Diego Is a Magical Place to Spend A Night to Remember!"

Ok, so their marketing people need a little training on how to come up with catchy tag lines, but the package is the real deal. So take a look at it. Includes 1 night's stay, split of champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries - (must be 21 years old - ID must be shown at check-in), complimentary valet parking ($30 value), $50 food & beverage credit ($50 value) to be used at Soleil @ k, Altitude SkyBar, or room service, front-of-the-line access to Altitude Sky Bar, and a movie of your choice (up to $16 value).

Rates from $299. Use promo code LPR. More details and online booking here, or call or call 1-800-228-9290.

As for the hotel itself, well, it's located in the Gaslamp Quarter, adjacent to PETCO Park and 2 blocks to the San Diego Convention Center. They don't have a pool or jacuzzi, but there is a fitness center and a full service business center. Additional hotel facilities and amenities include coffee in the lobby, concierge desk, valet dry-cleaning, a gift shop, ATM machine and so on.

On-site dining facilities include the Soleil @k Restaurant, and the Latitude Lounge, in addition to afore mentioned Altitude Sky Lounge, which is a kind of a hot place to hang out at. Of course, considering the location of the place, finding good restaurants for any and all types of cuisine is not really an issue.

To sum it up, I wouldn't put the San Diego Marriott on my top 10 list of romantic getaways, but if you want to combine an urban holiday in San Diego with a candlelight dinner in the evening and some romancing to go, and that too on a budget, then no better place than the Marriott.

Info: 660 K Street San Diego CA 92101; (619) 696-0234; Website

Head Over Heels Shopping Package at The Muse New York

Did you know that lots of people fly in from the U.K. to New York just for pre-Christmas shopping? That's right. they fly in, do their shopping, and after a couple of days and a few brunches with the NYC society dames, its back to the manor outside London or Wales or Yorkshire or whatever pathetic soggy, dull fish and chips infested part of the U.K. that they happen to be trapped in.

Why am I telling you this now? Because if you need an excuse to fly to New York and let out some of that pent-up shopping mania that's bottled up inside, then I have just the ticket - The Muse Hotel, located just blocks from the holy ground - Fifth Avenue. As the name suggests, the Muse is an inspiration -Inspiration to let go your inhibitions and enjoy your vacations in New York, and join the 'can do' spirit of New York.

New York hotels don't get any more hip than this. And as exhibit A, consider their package specials. Their "Head Over Heels" shopping package includes:-
Deluxe accommodations
Champagne at Mini Bar - (1) bottle
A car service that takes you on a private tour of Fifth Avenue shoe shopping destinations including Jimmy Choo and Saks Fifth Avenue (the shoe store has its own zip code!) - (Car service - 2 hours)
A map of shoe shopping hotspots
A $25 credit towards in-room spa treatments for your soles, such as the pampering chamomile or eucalyptus pedicure

Like I said, won't get any more hip. And some of their other specials have names like Rub the One You're With Package, Road Warrior Package, Tyrannosaurus Rex Recess, Fashion Muse Package, and so on. I'm sure you can imagine what kind of things these packages offer. Well, at least I hope you do. If you don't have a vivid imagination, then you can find more details here.

The Muse offers 181 guestrooms and 19 hotel suites. Amenities and facilities include WIFI and High-speed Internet access, Ihome stereo with Ipod/mp3 docking station, complimentary morning newspaper, select guestrooms feature balconies with city views, essential travel items kit, pet friendly, lighted make-up mirrors, in-room spa services as well as a full compliment of health and fitness channels, including the Yoga Channel, on every TV, along with complimentary yoga accessories for use during your stay, in room dining, L'Occitane spa amenities, Frette linens, Kimpton dynasty plush pillow top mattresses, goose down feather beds and pillows, plush towels, animal print robes for adults and children (hypoallergenic bedding available too).

Also, you get complimentary morning coffee with tea in the living room, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, 37" and 42" LCD HDTV featuring over 150 channels, HBO, Showtime, and On Demand movies, fully stocked honor bar with Schott Zwiesel glassware, in room safe sized for a laptop, access to a 24-hour complimentary onsite fitness center, and in-room spa services and business center services.

Info: 130 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036; (212) 485-2400; www.themusehotel.com/

Romance Beach Vacation Package from Marriott Waikiki

There's no escaping the fact that the Hawaiian Islands with their Aloha Spirit and the warm sandy beaches and brilliant weather, not to mention some fantastic sunsets, volcanic erupions and lava tubes, lush flora and fauna, water sports and exotic culture and food, all make for a very fetching and attractive vacation destination.

That said, of late Hawaii has seen a serious decline in incoming tourists, what with the combination of costly flights, the over-priced Honolulu hotels and a recession which has curtailed the spending power of travelers.

Even so, when it comes to romantic getaways , there is no other destination or state in the U.S. which comes anywhere near Hawaii where newly wed couples, those deeply in love and others simply looking to re-ignite that flickering relationship spark are accorded such a welcome and so special and unforgettable an experience. And this is where the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa comes in, with a 'Romance Beach Vacation' package.

Enjoy a corner-deluxe, Ocean View Room for two, where you can sip on champagne or sparkling cider. Slip into a plush bathrobe and comfy slippers while you eat chocolate-covered strawberries and bask in magnificent ocean views. Whether you plan on proposing or just enjoying time alone together, this incredible Waikiki Beach vacation package includes:

• One corner deluxe, Ocean View Room for two
• Champagne or sparkling cider, and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival
• Bathrobes, slippers, and two drink coupons, at Moana Terrace Bar & Grill
• Breakfast for two daily, in the Kuhio Beach Grill

Rates from $465 per night. More details and online booking here. If you're simply looking for a room, the Marriott Waikiki has options starting from $179 onwards.

Info: 2552 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96815; (800) 848-8110; www.marriottwaikiki.com/

Shop and Stay at the Sheraton Safari Orlando

The Sheraton Safari is the very definition of what hotels in Orlando should be, with $99 family friendly guest rooms and suites and even more family friendly amenities including a spectacular pool complex, featuring a 79-foot python waterslide, Children's pool and hot tub.

There's also a fitness facility, game room, full-service restaurant, lounge and pool-side Tiki Bar, complimentary parking, high speed internet, business center, coin operated laundry, same day valet laundry and dry cleaning, and room service.

To add to that, they also have a gift shop in the lobby, a free scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Downtown Disney® Area, you can buy the Disney multi-day tickets at guest services, and it is a pet friendly hotel. Basically everything that Joe Six-Pack, and the wife and the kids are looking for in family hotels near the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Ok, so now that you're convinced that the Sheraton Safari doesn't sound all that bad, allow me to introduce their specials. Apart from the Florida Resident special, they have three other offers - Shop and Stay, Bed and Breakfast, and the 'Gas Up & Go' Special. The latter two are quite self-explanatory, I think.

As for the 'Shop and Stay' package, it includes $99 per night accomodations, discount shopping coupon booklets to Orlando Premium Outlets and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, worth hundreds of dollars. Complimentary shuttle available to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and to Orlando Premium Outlets. If you want, you can upgrade to a Safari Suite from $129 per night.

Info: 12205 S. Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando FL 32836; (407) 239-0444; www.sheratonsafari.com/

Amour at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo

It may be cold enough in Buffalo, NY right now to make a polar bear beg for mittens to cover his paws, but as a tourist destination, Buffalo vacations are scalding hot right now. The New York Times just listed Buffalo as one of the 44 places to go in 2009.

Besides, inside the confines of the warm and cozy confines of the Buffalo hotels, it's perfect for a bit of Amour, buffed up with a solid breakfast, cajoled along with chocolate truffles, and fired up with a free bottle of wine.

What we're talking about are winter romantic getaways at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The hotel is offering an Amour (that's romance in French...) package which includes daily breakfast for two. Breakfast buffet includes freshly baked pastries, fresh diced fruits, fluffy scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, and an array of fruits and nuts to prepare a yogurt.

Plus, you get a welcome amenity with a bottle of white wine and several different tasty chocolate truffles to choose from, and you get the benefit of a 1:00pm late checkout. More details and online booking here.

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo is situated adjacent to the Buffalo Convention Center, has 396 guest rooms, offers a full service business center along with high speed internet and extensive meeting and event space and facilities, a fitness center, hair/nail salon, gift shop, a stealhouse (E.B. Green's Steakhouse) and a restaurant (Harriet's). Nearby, you'll find the rest of what you need, like golf and tennis courses, pool, casinos and amusement parks and of course, the Niagara Falls.

Info: Two Fountain Plaza Buffalo NY 14202; (716) 856-1234; http://buffalo.hyatt.com/

Northern California Romantic Getaway with Regency Inn Oakland

For someone accustomed to the speed and vibrancy of the big cities in the NorthEast and the Midwest like New York and Chicago and maybe even some parts of SoCal, Northern California can sometimes seem to be a bit on the sleepy side. Kindof like a getaway, you know. A place where you go to enjoy some down time and rejunevate your body and mind and whatever else needs rejunevating.

And there's a heck of a lot of getaways tucked in here and there inside this big getaway. Actually, Northern California is the perfect place for romantic getaways, what with the climate and the rolling green plains and vineyards and cozy inns and a breathtaking display of nature's beauty at its vivid best.

Speaking of which, The Regency Inn Oakland apparently realizes Jack London Square's potential as a romantic rendezvous, and so the hotel is offering a 'Romantic Weekend Getaway' package, which includes overnight accommodations for two, deluxe room with upgraded amenities, complimentary "romance basket", and a complimentary movie rental (one per room per day). More details here.

As far as Oakland hotels go, The Regency Inn is right up there, both in terms of amenities and price. For starters, its extremely pet friendly. The guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, televisions/DVD players, coffee makers, free local calls, wireless internet, hairdryer, refrigerator/microwave, and self controlled heating/cooling system. You get free private parking, 24-hour front desk, free fax, and handicapped rooms, if necessary.

Info: 3720 Telegraph Ave Oakland CA 94609; (800) 393-8617; www.oaklandregencyinn.com/

Savor Seattle at The Fairmont Olympic

Every city, I believe, has a special DNA. Its a kind of feeling, something that's not really tangible, but very much there. Seattle, unlike most other cities, has a kind of laid back gandeur, which isn't like Southern hospitality or old world charm. More like an Officers' club of the British Empire in India or Africa.

And this special brand of plush luxury blending in with peaceful quarters and lakes in the middle of packed clubs and bars and a thriving market and games and all sorts of recreation - This is exactly what luxury hotels in Seattle, like The Fairmont Olympic, specialize in.

And in case you missed the point, they're making it explicitly clear with a series of $299 packages or as they call it - Special Experiences. Each special experience includes, in addition to luxury accomodations, some of the activities or attractions in Seattle which epitomise the spirit and DNA of the City.

One of these is the 'Savor Seattle' package, which includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious Executive Suite, 3-course dinner in The Georgian for two, and overnight valet parking. Rates from $299 plus tax for two people.

The other special experience packages are 'Shoppers Delight' which nets you a $100 Visa gift card, and 'Celebration' where guests are treated to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and truffles.

Info: 411 University Street Seattle Washington 98101; (206) 621 1700; www.fairmont.com/seattle/

Valentines Day Hotels in New York

In case you forgot, write Feb 14 on a big piece of paper and staple it to your forehead. That's so you can remember that Valentine's Day is coming soon. And since most New York hotels will be booked solid for Valentines well in advance, now would be a good time to make your pick, in case you want to enjoy Valentine's Day in the Big Apple with the apple of your eye.

And why not? Winter is the best time to enjoy romantic getaways in New York, when the City is at its most beautiful. Here's a brief outline of the many pleasures offered up by New York for couples who want to make the most of Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day in New York City is ice skating at Rockefeller Center, a buggy or rickshaw ride in Central Park, dinner for two almost anywhere. If you prefer to be entertained, tour wineries on Long Island, catch Le Scandal at The Cutting Room, or see a Broadway Show. Have a spa date for two in the afternoon, a drink and dinner at a romantic restaurant, and top it off by strolling around the Lincoln Center Fountain. Get married, or just pretend to, on top of the Empire State Building.

And getting back to the hotels most suitable for romance in New York, here you go:

Plaza Hotel - Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York, New York 10019; (212) 759-3000; www.fairmont.com/theplaza/; See full review.

Paramount Hotel - 235 West 46th Street New York NY 10036; Direct line (212) 764-5500 or Reservations (866) 760-3174; www.nycparamount.com/; See full review.

Bryant Park Hotel - 40 West 40th Street New York NY 10018; (212) 869.0100; www.bryantparkhotel.com/

Chelsea Hotel - 222 W 23rd St New York NY 10011; (212) 243-3700; www.hotelchelsea.com/

Better Tomorrows at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

Most hotels in San Diego, particularly those in the Gaslamp Quarter, will offer you a rollicking today. But The Westin Gaslamp Quarter goes one better. It gives you a Better Tomorrow™.

For every night you pay regular rates from $209, you can get the next for 50% off. So whether you stay 2 nights, 4 nights or more, your tomorrows will be that much better. And no, they won't tell you that tomorrow never comes. At least, I hope they won't...

Arrive Thursday - Sunday, now through March 31, 2009. Book online, or call (866) 716-8132 and mention promo code ZBT. Rates are pre-paid and non-refundable. 50% is taken off the best available non-restricted rate.

So are these tomorrows at the Westin worth it? Well, for a start, they have 450 guest rooms and suites. And most have at least the following - a 27" flat-screen television with in-room movies and cable channels, writing desk, individual climate control and air conditioning, in-room electronic safe, branded Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Shower/Bath® along with deluxe bath amenities and a hairdryer, alarm clock, dual-line cordless speaker telephone, voicemail, wi-fi internet (Charge), iron/ironing board, video check-out, 1-cup coffee maker, minibars, and 24 hour room service.

Plus, you can ask for additional amenities and facilities like connecting rooms, The Heavenly Crib(SM), and the Westin Heavenly Dog Bed. So if you're looking for family hotels for a weekend trip to San Diego, you could do a lot worse than the Westin.

As far as dining options are concerned, the Westin has four restaurants. There's Café Express, which is good for Starbucks coffee, light snacks and for surfing the web. The Café San Diego is known for its 'revitalizing breakfast' and imported teas. There's Horton's Bar & Grill which is a sports bar, so you might want to hang around there if there's a game on at the Ballpark. And then there's the The Lobby Lounge, where you can unwind with your choice of beverage and light cuisine.

Info: 910 Broadway Circle San Diego CA 92101; (619) 239-2200; Website

Tampa Bay Hotels for Super Bowl XLIII Fans

Dec 31, everyone - the media, television, news papers, the internet - was fixated on Times Square. Come Jan 20, the focus shifts to Washington DC, for Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President. After that, the focus moves to Tampa Bay, for Super Bowl XLIII on Feb 1. It's funny how the focus changes from city to city, like a game of musical chairs.

And along with each of these events, there's a mad rush for hotel rooms. Hotel rooms in NYC get sold out months in advance of Dec 31 each year. And this year, owing to the historic nature of Obama's victory, the demand for Washington DC hotels for the Inauguration is so great that almost everything available got sold out in a couple of days after Nov 4.

And as for the Super Bowl, you won't be needing to check availability for all the Tampa Bay hotels individually. There's an official fan reservation service set up by the host Committee, designed to provide hotel accommodations to individuals and groups coming to the Tampa Bay area for Super Bowl XLIII.

Offering both online and toll-free booking, visitors have access to a wide range of hotel accommodations throughout the region. If you are interested in reserving rooms for groups or individuals, visit the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII Fan Housing Web site or call 866-599-FANS (3267). Oh, and they're offering special NFL Super Bowl discounted rates for tickets to the Disney Parks.

And if you need a little more 'sophistication' and personalized service than what the fan reservation service has on offer, then there's plenty of tourism companies offering package deals and discounts on Tampa vacations and direct hotel bookings. Tampa Bay & Company has a special page for the Super Bowl, which includes the main tourist attractions in tampa Bay, along with a hotel booking engine. Sports Travel has customized Super Bowl packages, which look great, even if they're a bit over-priced for Joe six-pack.

New York Sightseeing Package from Hotel Paramount

New York is a multi-faceted City, with someting in it for everyone. Whether you're a nightlife party animal seeking clubs, or on a family vacation looking for kid-friendly activities, or whether you're interested in specific activities like art exhibitions, museums, book stores, theater, food or any kind of 'love' that you might be actively seeking, you'll find plenty of attractions in New York that are just right for you.

Only problem is, with such a plethora of options available, it becomes a bit difficult for ordinary tourists to decide which attractions to visit, and which ones to skip. Which is where these guided tours and bus tours with fixed itineraries come into the picture. And the most famous of these tours is the double decker tourist bus with an open top which you might have seen in some movies (Will Smith jumps down into one of these buses from an overpass in the first part of Men in Black).

And now you can get this tour, along with a stay in one of the finest of New York hotels located in the heart of bustling Times Square. We're talking about a special offer from the Paramount Hotel Times Square, which is offering a 'New York Sightseeing' package. Includes accommodations for one or more nights (all taxes included), and 48 hour pass to the hop - on, hop - off double decker bus (makes over 40 stops), plus a ticket to the ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and a ticket to the Empire State Building Observatory. More details here.

Now all you need is your 'I Love New York' t-shirt, sunglasses and camera, and you're all set to be a perfect role model for all the 47 million annual visitors who enjoy New York vacations.

FYI, if you need any more help, the Paramount Hotel's concierge staff can assist you with many services, including theater tickets, sightseeing tours, transportation to and from local airports, restaurant reservations, flowers, and more. The concierge can be reached at via email at paramountconcierge @ continentalguestservices.com or by phone at (212) 827-4211.

As for the hotel amenities and accomodations, the paramount has 567 guest rooms and suites, furnished with marble topped tables, white straight-backed chairs, custom lighting and checkered carpet embellish rooms with full, queen or king sized beds, all featuring gilt-framed headboards, with most depicting images from famous Vermeer paintings. All beds are cozily appointed with three, high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows and down-filled comforters.

The design, color schemes, lighting and furnishings are much more pleasing to the eye than what you'll find at most hotels. Pristine white, with shades of grey and black, its almost like something which you see in movies or in glitzy magazines.

Info: 235 West 46th Street New York NY 10036; Direct line (212) 764-5500 or Reservations (866) 760-3174; www.nycparamount.com/

Caribe Royale Orlando Disney Vacation Package

In the middle of all the economic uncertainity and people bailing out on planned vacations, one thing remains a certainity - The Disney magic is alive and kicking. Yes, fewer people are buying tickets the Disney parks and resorts, but they're still buying enough to keep it a going concern, and even more important - Its just about enough to keep the hotels in Orlando and Anaheim in business.

And you won't find a single hotel in Orlando/Kissimmee which does not promote a Disney vacation package. Leaving side the big resorts and costly rooms, I was poking around for a package which was a wee bit more economical. And that's when I bumped into the Caribe Royale Orlando.

The hotel is offering 1 bedroom suites for $129.99 on selected dates through March 2009. And if you want the full works, they're also offering a Disney vacation package which includes 4 nights accommodations in a one-bedroom queen suite, 3-day WDW Park Hopper pass with no expiration, full American buffet breakfast each day, scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, and a complimentary evening shuttle to Downtown Disney. More details and online booking here, or call (800) 823-8300.

FYI, the reason they're stressing on the suites is because the Caribe Royale is an all-suite hotel. And the free buffet breakfast on offer at The Tropicále is not something to be shrugged at either. If you're a fan of fine cuisine, then the hotel has six more restaurants and lounges, which offer everything from poolside snacks to gourmet Continental cuisine and fresh seafood. And that's on top of in-room dining.

Info: 8101 World Center Drive Orlando FL 32821; (407) 238-8000; www.cariberoyale.com/

Winter Ski Packages at the Atlantis Reno

They call Las Vegas an urban paradise, but actually, its more of a decaying paradise, which is falling apart at the seams and being swamped by the recession. The real paradise in Nevada is Reno. Especially at this year of the year, when the area in the California Nevada border is blanketed with snow and all the ski resorts are souped up to meet the expectations of winter vacationers.

And what better way to enjoy the myriad pleasures of Reno, including the casinos, spas, ski and snowboarding trails and the golfing, than in a city of redicovered pleasures - The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. Of course, same as Vegas, every casino complex is bigger and better and more extravagant than the next one. But as far as hotels in Reno, and the facilities on offer are concerned, its hard to top the Atlantis.

The Atlantis allows you to build custom ski packages for the Tahoe ski resorts. Starting at the ridiculously cheap price of $65, Atlantis guests can mix and match from nine world-class ski resorts. Your custom package may include Luxury Tower Accommodations, lift tickets, shuttle service to and from the ski resort(s), complimentary airport shuttle, resort food credits and ski storage. Concierge Room & Suite upgrades are available at an additional charge.

More details and online booking here. Or you can call (877) 348-0003. Course, ski packages are not the only thing the Atlantis has on offer. It would take a very long time to list everything on offer, but let's just say that whatever your needs, the Atlantis is quite up to the task.

Everything from golf packages to spa and adventure packages are available. There's lots of indoor entertainment and fine dining available in-house, in addition to the casino and outdoor sports options.

Info: 3800 S. Virginia St. Reno NV 89502; (800) 723-6500 or (775) 825-4700; www.atlantiscasino.com/

Discover San Jose Package at Fairmont San Jose

Actually, to get a taste of San Jose, you don't really need to leave the palatial Fairmont. That's because you can't really lump the Fairmont along with the other San Jose hotels. The Fairmont is what you might call a microcosm of San Jose as a whole. Almost every conference, event and press avail from any major company or organization in Silicon Valley is hosted by the Fairmont San Jose.

There's always a buzz in the lobby and in the bucketload of restaurants and lounges dotting the grounds, with talk about startups and VC funding and IPO chatter. And of course, you can't go 5 minutes without hearing about twitter meetups and social media. That, my friends, is Silicon Valley in a nutshell.

So, let's say you still want to check out the attractions in San Jose other than the Fairmont. In that case, you'd want to start by booking the 'Discover San Jose' package which the hotel offers. Includes 1 night accommodations in a luxurious Fairmont room, 2 tickets to the Winchester Mystery House, and 2 tickets to the Tech Museum of Innovation.

And that takes care of just about everything there is to see in San Jose. Just kidding. You still gotta see the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, San Jose Museum of Art, the Chinese Cultural Garden, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Mexican Heritage Plaza. And of course, if it interests you, then the vineyards and golf courses.

Anyway, rates for the Fairmont's Discovery package start from $209, and there's no expiry date on the offer. Its available all year round. You can find more information and online booking here.

Info: 170 South Market Street San Jose CA 95113; (408) 998-1900; www.fairmont.com/sanjose/

Best Hotel View of Times Square Ball Drop

Of all the New York hotels which are bunched in Manhattan, and specificially those in Times Square, which hotel has the best view of the Times Square Ball Drop on Dec 31? That would be, without any doubt, the Marriott Marquis.

You might be wondering why I'm writing this on Dec 31? Well, that's because the suites at the hotel which offer the best views of Times Square are booked solid a year in advance, and sometimes even more than that. So if you want to have any chance of being in a perfect location to see the Ball Drop without being engulfed by a sea of humanity and stuck on the streets of New York for well over half a day, then you have to book now for 2010, or for 2011.

So, what's the dope on the Marquis? Well, in their own words, "The Marriott Marquis sparkles with updated hotel rooms, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this New York City hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner."

Plus, they have a 4000 sq ft fitness center overlooking Times Square. And what about those rooms with a view? In addition to wired internet inside the rooms and wirless in public areas, the rooms at the Marriott Marquis are equipped with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and bathroom amenities, cable TV with pay per view movies, down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens, a pull-out sofa bed, rollaway bed and safe.

Info: 1535 Broadway New York NY 10036; (212) 398-1900; Web site.

New Year With a Capitol View at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento

I'm guessing most of you already have your New Year's Eve party plans finalized. But if you don't, then you could do a lot worse then end up at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. For starters, it's one of the few Sacramento hotels with a clear view of the State Capitol from the rooms and the rooftop bar.

Secondly, if its good enough for the Governator, it should be good enough for just about anyone. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had conned the state bureaucracy into renting him a Suite at the Hyatt Regency during weekdays, since his wife Maria Shriver is employed in Los Angeles, and they didn't want to have to maintain a second home in Sacramento.

Ok, so now that we've established that the Hyatt Regency is not so shabby a place to spend the last night of 2008 and ring in the New Year, let's see what they've got lined for revelers, in the form of entertainment, dining and overnight accomodations. As per their website, they have the following options:-

Amourath Lounge - join us in our lobby bar and enjoy complimentary music from 8:00pm - 12:30am. Sip champagne while listening to the sounds of Ryan Hernandez, who was recently voted the "Best New Big Thing" by the readers of Sacramento Magazine.

Dawson's - join us for a gourmet four course meal from Chef Ian Libberton and his culinary team. We will offer two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Reservations required by calling 916-443-1234

Captiol View - our rooftop bar will be transformed into a lounge featuring the music of Carte Blanche, a four piece ensemble that plays a range of music from soft jazz to powerhouse dance music. The lounge will be open from 8:00pm - 1:00am. Reservations required by calling 916-443-1234

As for accomodations what you get with a simple guest room is stunning views of the Capitol, park or cathedral in a spacious 375-sq.-ft. room featuring balcony, stylish sitting area and one king or two double Grand Beds with ultra-plush pillows, the softest sheeting and thick down blankets–all piled upon pillow-top mattresses. Deluxe amenities include generous work area, Portico bath products, wireless Internet access, and complimentary newspaper. Rollaways available upon request. Rates from $199.

Info: 1209 L Street Sacramento CA 95814; (916) 443-1234; www.sacramento.hyatt.com/

French Kiss New Year's Eve at Omni San Diego

If you're gonna be in San Diego on Dec 31, then you gotta be in the Gaslamp Quarter to be able to do it right. By right, I mean the right spirit and the right quantity of spirits. And if you're with me so far, and we're in the Gaslamp, then you need to home in on the King of all the San Diego hotels, the first among equals, as far as uncorking the spirits and letting it all flow is concerned. That would be the Omni San Diego (www.omnisandiegohotel.com/).

And this year, in addition to all the rip-roaring, eardrum-shattering stuff, they're also pulling out some mushy and romantic smoochy stuff from their top-hat full of specials and packages. This one is called the French Kiss New Year's Eve, where you and a guest will enjoy an authentic French dinner along with bubbly Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne as you celebrate the New Year.

Includes luxe accommodations for 2, French cheeses and Evian upon arrival, romantic French dinner for two, cocktails for two and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillate Champagne with dinner, French toast breakfast in the morning, and late checkout upon request. Rates from From $359 per night based on double occupancy. More details and online booking here.

As for what else the Omni offers, you can read the review here. And you'll find listed here a lot more events and attractions in San Diego specifically arranged to help you ring in 2009 with a bang and a bar. Lots of bars, actually...

Escape to W Seattle for the New Year

Usually, I try to stay away from chain hotels, and stick to reviews of the boutiques. Theory behind it is that if you've seen one outlet of a chain, then you've seen em all. I mean, a Marriott is a Marriott is a Marriott. Sure there'll be superficial changes, but the 'experience' is basically the same.

New Year's Eve parties and celebrations are a different matter. End of the day (make that night), you can hardly remember your own name, let alone what kind of room and shower and curtains and mattress the hotel has. Just need to find a good deal. Doesn't really matter if its a hotel chain or a padlock or a hammer. Or a W. In Seattle.

After poking around for some decent Seattle hotels which had good deals plus a fair bit of entertainment lined up for ringing in 2009, I bumped into this special offer from the W Seattle called 'Ring in 2009 With a W Escape to Remember'. Includes a W Hotels Limited Edition 2009 CFDA Calendar to fill with the year’s festivities, bottle of bubbly for a 2009 toast, W Camera for in-the-moment memories, Bliss® Spa baggage handler to keep you bright-eyed and bag-free, and a 2pm late checkout so you can sleep it all off.

Book and stay by Jan 25. Book online or call 1-877-WHOTELS and use promo code WNC. More details here.

The baggage handler is a nice touch, and the bubbly is a good deal, New Year or not. A camera is ... well, a camera, and the late checkout is absolutely a life-saver on Jan 1 to get over the hangover. So all said and done, not so shabby for rates from $265. And they do have a lot going on, in the form of events and parties and such.

But if that's not enough for you, the only place to really party hard in Seattle on New Year's Eve has to be the Indulgence party on the waterfront. You won't find any other New Year's Eve attractions in Seattle as attractive as this downtown party, with 5,000 party animals expected to fill up 6 areas of live entertainment, 5 dance floors and more than 35 bars.

Info: 1112 4th Avenue Seattle Washington 98101; (206) 264-6000; Website.