On a Budget inn Virginia?

That's the Budget Inn at 7155 Lee Highway at Falls Church in Virginia. And why would you want to know anything about this Budget Inn? Because it is located within the much maligned Capital Beltway, and it's as cheap as, and much more luxurious, than any of the motels in Washington DC.

It's a nice place - quiet setting, spacious grounds with a garden like setting, massive parking lot, the Metro nearby and Washington National and Dulles International Airports just 20 minutes away. A sighseeing tour bus which takes you around to all the Washington DC attractions has a pickup stop right in front of the Inn. The White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Pentagon are just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Amenities and services include high speed internet access, cable TV with HBO,
complimentary coffee in the lounge, microwave and refrigerator. Accomodations include rooms with single beds, 2 twin size beds, 2 double beds, a King size bed and jacuzzi suites. The jacuzzi suites include a King size bed, recliner, sound machine, raised platform 2/3 seats, heart-shaped jacuzzi tubs, and romantic recessed lighting.

The heart shaped jacuzzi tubs, red in color, are an especially vivid touch. It looks like something straight out of a movie set, with wall-to-wall mirrors behind and a four-poster King bed in front.

3rd Night Free at Best Western Inn Palm Springs

With rates cheaper than the cheapest of motels in Palm Springs and facilities to rival that offered by the best of hotels, the Best Western Inn at Palm Springs straddles the fine line between budget and luxury accomodations.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains with a sweeping view from the hotel's sundeck, guests can relax and unwind and experience a true getaway without having to pay through the nose. The outdoor swimming pool and spa are open 24 hours.

The hotel's 70 guestrooms are equipped with suite-like luxury, with posturepedic beds, sofabeds for spreading out and relaxing, updated bathrooms, mini-refrigerators, microwave ovens, and high-speed wireless internet.

Guests start the day with a complimentary breakfast served on the poolside patio from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with a wide variety of juices, hot beverages, pastries, breads, bagels, cereals, fresh fruit, and hot eggs.

Additional amenities and services include a business center, laundry facilities, self-parking, 24 hour front desk with a safe deposit box, and discounted access to a nearby fitness center.

Standard rates from $99. Even better, you get 3rd night free if you book-in for 2 or more days. Now you can spend an extended 3-day weekend enjoying the famed golfing, shopping and other attractions in Palm Springs for around $200. And that includes the complimentary breakfast, parking and internet usage.

Info: 1633 South Palm Canyon Palm Springs CA; 92264; (800) 222-4678; www.bwpalmsprings.com/

Hybrid Hotel 500 West of San Diego

What's a hybrid hotel, and what's it doing 500 West of San Diego? Well, that's the 500 West Hotel in San Diego, which is apparently one of those quasi European style hostel hotels in San Diego. Ok, so what that mean?

Their website says that "In true European tradition, there are as many as sixteen private shared bathrooms and unisex lavatories on every guest floor. Professional housekeepers maintain all bathroom facilities on a 24-hour schedule. Every private bath is well equipped for your comfort, safety and convenience. Bathroom’s feature a roomy tiled shower, moisturizing shampoo and body wash and enclosed toilet with locking door."

So... Is it private or is it shared (as in public)? Confusion is what it is. They have 259 double rooms, single twin rooms, double twin rooms, dorm rooms and hostel lodging. Hostel lodging that's different from dorm rooms and private rooms? More confusion...

Anyway, rates from $49 onwards. For this rate (plus taxes) you get a room that includes 1 twin bed, wardrobe and writing desk. Hair dryers, ironing boards and wake up calls are available upon request. Individual shared bathrooms on all floors.

Amenities and services offered include an onsite restaurant, high-Speed wireless internet access, YMCA fitness center ($5.00 per day), 24-hour front desk, guest laundry facilities, and a gourmet eat-in kitchen. What the heck is a gourmet eat-in kitchen?

Not a bad deal, actually, and if you're a youngish backpacker type come to enjoy the San Diego beaches by day and the forbidden hedonistic pleasures of the Gaslamp Quarter after sundown, then not much point in splurging heavily on a luxury hotel. You're not going to be spending much time in there and a crash pad is just that - a crash pad. You need a cheap, decent and safe place to sleep and freshen up. And that's 500 West of San Diego - hybrid hostel+hotel.

Info: 500 West Broadway, San Diego CA 92101; Reservations: (866) 315-4251; Hotel Inquiries: (619) 234-5252; www.500westhotelsd.com/

Wanna meet a Downtowner inn Hollywood?

Head straight for 5601 Hollywood Blvd. Where you'll find the the Hollywood Downtowner Inn. Looks like a rundown convinience store from the outside, motel sign and all. But from the inside, it's a pretty neat place.

Run by an Indian couple (that's Asian-Indian), the motel has a neat swimming pool in the courtyard. The motel offers 30 rooms overlooking the courtyard and pool. You can get a deluxe King room for $89 and a deluxe double for $95.00.

You get parking, wi-fi, continental breakfast, HBO/Cable TV, microwave, refrigerator, iron w/board, hair dryer and in-room coffee. Summer of 2009, they're also planning to add some family suites.

It's not like you can smell the paint, and it's not the Westin Bonaventure either, but for less than $100, with free parking, a pool and breakfast in Hollywood - It's a difficult deal to match, even for the chain motels in Los Angeles. Place is well maintained and pretty clean. And within a short transit from the major Hollywood attractions (3 stops to Universal Studios). Don't expect to walk it, though.

Info: 5601 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028; (888) 323-5601; www.hollywooddowntowner.com/

Weekend Adventurer at the James Chicago

If you believe that Chicago vacations are adventures, then you've landed up at the right place. Because what we have here is one of finest hotels in President Obama's home base offering a weekend adventurer package.

This package from the James Hotel includes 2 Chicago City Pass tickets to 5 major Chicago attractions including The John Hancock Observatory, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry. Plus you get a map to navigate your expedition and in-room breakfast for two. Rates from $279. Valid only until March 31 2009. More details and online booking here.

The James sits on Ontario Avenue, just off the Magnificent Mile, and minutes away from the shopping, dining and nightlife destinations, as well as major attractions like Navy Pier and The John Hancock Center.

Treatments at The Spa by Asha offer a soothing and calm counterbalance to the magnificent culinary delights of David Burke’s Primehouse and the psychedelic rotating visual installations created by local artists. The James Chicago is as good, if not better, than any and all of the luxury Chicago hotels that dot the downtown landscape.

Info: 55 East Ontario Chicago IL 60611; (312) 337-1000; www.jameshotels.com/

$100 Dining Credit at Kimberly Hotel NYC

New York is a funny old city. While hotels in most cities are slashing rates to meet falling travel budgets, the good old New York hotels are competing to see who can offer the most outlandish and luxurious hotel experience.


In tune with this New York 'shock and awe' spirit, the Kimberly Hotel in midtown Manhattan has come up with a package which includes $100 worth of dining credit at their fine Italian restaurant - Ferro's. Offer valid only until March 31, 2009. More details here.


Obviously, the first question that comes to mind is - What kind of rates do they charge, if they can afford to give you $100 worth of dining credit? Well, rates start from $379 for a 1-bedroom suite and $389 for a luxury guestroom. Yes, the guestroom costs $10 more than the 1-bedroom suite. Welcome to New York City...


Here's the thing - The Kimberly is not for penny pinchers. It's all part of the whole New York experience. You check into a luxury hotel located close to the Broadway theaters and fifth avenue shopping and all the other upscale attractions in New York. You stay in a swanky suite well above the 20th floor with a great view of the Manhattan skyline. You enjoy exclusive access to clubs like the New York Health & Racquet Club. Pre-theater dinner at Ferro's, and then the show. Post-show, you unwind and enjoy relaxing cocktails and tapas at a chic club like Nikki's Beach Midtown, located next to the Kimberly.


The point is, this is the kind of life that the deep-pocketed crowd with private penthouses and condos in Manhattan enjoy. The Kimberly is offering it's guests teh same New York experience. Obviously it's going to cost more than your run-of-the-mill budget lodging for tourists in Times Square. But it'swell worth every penny.


Info: 145 East 50th Street New York NY 10022; (212) 702-1600; www.kimberlyhotel.com/

Go San Diego Special at Surfer Beach Hotel

The difference between other cities and San Diego, as a tourist destination, is that the San Diego beaches actually complement and prop up the attractions on offer. What I mean is, in most cities, the beach is an attraction all by itself, and then there's other attractions. But in San Diego, it's all one big beach-front party.

The most important tourist magnets with resorts, hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. are all beach-front communities - Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, Ocean Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado Island and so on.

So, naturally, you want to spend your San Diego vacations on the waterfront. The Surfer Beach Hotel is just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego and located on one of the pristine Pacific coast beaches. All the major attractions in San Diego, including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter, LegoLand, and Historic Old Town are easily accesible.

And if you're worried about the level of service and the facilities, well, don't be. The hotel is offering a Go San Diego package deal, which includes lodging in a King or Double guest room, two adult 2-day Go San Diego cards, and complimentary hotel parking. The Go San Diego card includes free admission to over 45 San Diego attractions and discounts on shopping, dining, and much more around the city. Rates from $229.00 per night. More details here.

The retro-chic standard guest rooms with contemporary furnishings offer ocean view balconies,
double pillow top beds, refrigerator, bathrobes, blackout drapes, flat screen television with cable TV, complimentary toileteries, hair dryers and iron and ironing board. Suites additionally offer wet bar with microwave and coffee pot. And seating area with queen sofa bed. The Sunset suites offer fully equipped kitchenettes. For an extra charge, you can avail of wireless internet and rollaway beds.

Amenities offered include complimentary hot coffee, tea, cocoa and cappuchinos in the lobby - any time you want. There's also a heated outdoor swimming pool, bar and lounge area, onsite restaurant, guest laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk, and onsite parking ($12 per day).

Info: 711 Pacific Beach Dr. San Diego CA 92109; (866) 251-2764; www.surferbeachhotel.com

Stay and Play at Don Hall's Guesthouse in Fort Wayne IN

Don Hall's Guesthouse in Fort Wayne, IN is not just some hicktown B&B. It's a mini-resort, offering golf vacations, an in-house Convention Center for meetings, weddings, conferences and other events, and also a historic restaurant from the 1940s.

And the best part is that as cheap as the ordinary motels in Fort Wayne. Don Hall's Guesthouse offers rooms starting from $89 - Which includes room for 2, along with free breakfast and dinner for 2. And if you're a golfing fan, you might want to check out their 'stay and play' package - $120 for lodging & 18 holes of golf with a cart.

Don Hall's Guesthouse offers 121 spacious guest rooms and suites. The standard rooms are all air conditioned, smoking and non smoking, and equipped with clock radio, coffee makers, free high speed internet access, hair dryers, and cable tv.

Amenities include free local calls, an exercise room, 2 swimming pools and a whirlpool. They also have jacuzzi, executive and hospitality suites, if you feel the need to splurge. The golfing vacations include access to the golf courses at the members only private Coyote Creek Golf Club.

Not ot say that it's better than a Hilton or any of the other posh hotels in Fort Wayne, but for this price,to be able to pack in so much, and still not compromise on quality, is indeed a good deal.

Info: 1313 W. Washington Center Road Fort Wayne IN 46825; (260) 489-2524; www.donhallsguesthouse.com/

Flamingo Motel, Atlantic City

Now you can doubletime Atlantic City by dancing with the high rollers at the Hilton Casino but going home to sleep with the Flamingo next door. That's the Flamingo Motel we're talking about, which sits straddling the space between the Hilton and Tropicana casinos in Atlantic City.

With 70 rooms half a block from the boardwalk and beach, with a casino within shouting distance and a police station 1 block away, the Flamingo offers an option to enjoy the attractions in Atlantic City without going broke. If you don't lose it all in the casinos first.

Amenities offered include cable/satelite TV, air conditioning, shower/tub combination, refrigerator, and jacuzzis. Hair dryers and microwaves available upon request. Free parking, 24 hour front desk and express check-out.

Rooms offer the option of 1 King bed or two double beds. Floor to ceiling windows through the balcony provide a good view of the city. Not that it's comparable to the luxurious casinos / hotels in Atlantic City, but for the price ($50-$75), and considering the location, it's a fair enough place to crash for the night.

They don't offer online booking, which is a bit odd. And prices are not listed on their website, which is even more surprising. But they do offer quotes individually, so you might be able to 'negotiate' your way into a better price.

The only comparable offers you'll get will be from the Super 8, Motel 6 and other chain motels in Atlantic City. It's not much either way, but then, if you've just lost a fortune to the casinos, the old lady back home will probably not take kindly to you adding to the hole by splurging on a costly suite at a luxury hotel. In that case, the Flamingo is ready to take you in, broke or not.

Info: 3101 Pacific Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401; (609) 344-3061; www.flamingomotelonline.com/

By the Oceanside inn Daytona Beach

What with the State Dept.'s dire Mexico travel advisories, travel to Cancun for Spring Break this year is a big no-can-do. So that leaves the field pretty much to Florida, and especially Daytona Beach. I mean, c'mon, there's tons of good beaches and spring break hot-spots, but still, none of them can hold a candle to Cancun and Daytona, in terms of sheer exuberance and the party atmosphere.

All of which means that Daytona is especially sizzling this year. Which also means that it'll be even harder to get hold of suitable accomodations. So you need to move out of your comfort zone, and check out some decent Daytona Beach motels, Inns and B&B's.

Which brings us to the Oceanside Inn, which offers 178 clean deluxe studios and 1-bedroom suites, with 23 miles of spectacular beach at your doorstep. Hang around their oversized freshwater pool, and leave the kids to enjoy the kiddie pool, or you could check out the 6,500 sq ft terrace garden with the sea breeze blowing away all your worries and allowing you to just take in the wonderfulness of the Daytona shores.

Start your mornings with the Inn's Continental breakfast buffet, check your mail with the free wireless internet, and then laze around with a drink at the poolside Tiki Bar & Grille. If you're looking for a serious drinking session to drown your sorrow or celebrate life, the Mariner Lounge is waiting for you.

The stardard rooms have either one king bed or two double beds, with sweeping ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In-room amenities include cable TV, an in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, and air conditioning.

Amenities offered include a continental breakfast with fresh-baked Danish, muffins, bagels, toast, fresh fruit, cereals, juices and hot beverages. In addition to all the above mentioned pools, free wireless, terrace garden, lounge and bar, there's also a fitness center and a conference center. And you get free parking.

Daytona Beach attractions in the vicinity of the Oceanside Inn include the Ocean Walk Shoppes with a 10-screen cinema, a range of restaurants, specialty and gift shops. There's also the Ocean Center, Daytona Beach Kennel Club, LGPA HQ, and the Peabody Auditorium. The Daytona Beach International Airport is easily accesible from the Oceanside Inn.

Info: 1909 South Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores FL 32118; (386) 255-4492; www.oceansidedaytona.com

3rd Night Free at Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg TN

If you're looking for a peaceful mountain getaway, and you want to spend the weekend sitting back enjoying the early morning freshness, sipping a hot cup of coffee, watching a meandering stream bubbling past you and the undulating hills and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains flourishing in the backdrop with the first signs of an early spring, well... look no further.

You get all this and more at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg TN. Even better, it's no less than a luxury resort, but the rates are comparable to the ordinary budget motels in Gatlinburg. In fact, it's a bit exotic. There's three swimming pools - an outdoor one for the summer, and a small pool for the children which looks like a giant toilet seat.

But the interesting one is the heated indoor swimming pool, which looks more like an atrium, with plenty of green , a waterfall and rocks and all. It's the kind of thing you see in the movies or in an eccentric billionare's mansion in Los Angeles, or in zoos and aquariums, but seldom at a motel in real life. Especially not in a place like Gatlinburg.

In addition to the three pools, the Sidney James also offers free wi-fi internet, guest laundry, jacuzzis, fireplaces, sauna room, free parking, and a poolside cafe. The trolley stop right in front of the building, so you hop abroad and check out all the downtown attractions in Gatlinburg.

It's located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the Sidney James Mountain Lodge offers visitors easy access to a variety of Parkway shops, award winning restaurants, and all the outdoor recreation that is possible in the Mountains.

The rates are seasonal, but for stays in between now and March 13, you can find accomodations here in between $49 to $139, based on your choice of room/suite/cabin/condo and whether it's a weekend or not. The jacuzzi suites offer panoramic views of the Smokies and Gatlinburg, mirrored ceilings, private balconies, and seasonal fireplaces.

Whatever you choose, you'll have in-room coffee and refrigirators. Great spot for romantic getaways. Oh, and they're offering the third night free if you book two or more nights. Offer valid until March 13 2009, and only if you book directly with them.

Info: 610 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg TN 37738; (800) 876-6888; www.sidneyjames.com/

The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

It's new, hip and cheap, even by Palm Springs standards. That's the new 180 room Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. The Ace is testing the boundries that exist between boutique hotels and the cheap Palm Springs motels.

In fact, the Ace was indeed a motel before it's recent makeover. Also, rooms at the Ace start from $89, which considering it's location on Palm Canyon Drive, and the kind of amenities, facilities and service that the hotel offers, is a very motel-y price.

They have their own 'Swim Club' with two saltwater pools open to the public for swimming, sunbathing and outdoor dining. Guests lounge on poolside hammocks and sip cocktails. Speaking of which, the Amigo Room Bar at the hotel serves up fresh and original cocktails using locally grown fruits and herbs from their own garden.

The spa offers treatments and juices which make good use of locally grown fruits and vegetables as well. And the spa also has Mongolian yurts for hot stone massages, facials, body scrubs and other natural treatments. The mountains and Indian Canyons loom in the background and offer excellent prospects for hiking and exercise.

A rickety van shuttles guests to and from the downtown attractions in Palm Springs. To top it all off, the hotel is extremely dog friendly. All said and done, a fine place for a relaxing spa getaway coupled with a weekend family vacation. And did we tell you about the excellent golf courses in Palm Springs?

Info: 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs CA 92264; (760) 325-9900; www.acehotel.com/palmsprings/

Is There a Motel on the Sea Shore in Santa Monica?

Yes, indeedy. That's the Sea Shore Motel, two blocks from Santa Monica's beach, located on Main Street, along with some of the city's best restaurants, funky coffee houses, retail stores and boutiques, art galleries, and the other attractions in Santa Monica.


You can count on your fingertips the number of indie motels in Los Angeles, and out of this handful, there must be less than 3-4 motels which are not plagued by unsavory transients and other nefarious elements.


One of these hard-to-find clean motels is the Sea Shore Motel. It's location within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach ensures that it remains popular among tourists inspite of being a motel, and this popularity in turn ensures that the management keep the place 'family-friendly', in a manner of speaking. Of course, in Los Angeles, the whole family-friendly concept is a bit hazy, but relatively speaking, the Sea Shore Motel is not a dump.


The 19 standard rooms, 1 junior suite, and 4 deluxe suites feature in-room refrigerators, free cable television, terra-cotta tile floors, and granite counter tops. The suite also has a sitting room and a microwave oven. The motel offers free parking, a sun deck, an on-site restaurant, and a laundromat right next door. Rates from $105 onwards.

Info: 2637 Main Street Santa Monica CA 90405; (310) 392-2787; www.seashoremotel.com/

California Suites You? Extended Stay Lodging in San Diego

That's the California Suites Hotel in San Diego, which offers budget rooms at prices comparable to any of the other San Diego motels, has extended stay options on a weekly and monthly pricing structure, and, as the name implies, offers suites and amenities good enough to compare against any decent hotel.

Basically, the California Suites is whatever type of lodging you want it to be, as long as you append the word 'cheap' to all shapes and sizes of accomodations offered. Standard rates from $59. If you stay for 2 nights, you get a 15% discount, so it becomes $50, and if you book in for 3 nights, you get a 20% discount, so you end up paying $47 per night for the standard room. If you want a standard room with 2 double beds, then the rate varies from $51 to $64, depending on how long you stay. For extended stay options, the rates are even lower.

The standard room with one queen bed comes kitted out with internet access (surcharge), premium TV channels, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), complimentary newspaper, cable/satellite TV, air conditioning, housekeeping (daily), cribs and rollaway beds (on request), and hair dryer. All rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, table and chairs.

Amenities offered include outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned public areas, complimentary newspaper in lobby, spa tub, laundry facilities, complimentary breakfast, and safe-deposit box. The rooms overlook a neat and flourishing courtyard garden in the center, next to the pool, with a fountain and statues and all.

Breakfast buffet includes cereal, breads, Danish, muffins, bagels, cream cheese, fruit spreads, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, tea, espresso or hot chocolate.

Best of all, the California Suites offers a good central location as a base for your vacations in San Diego. It's only 15 minutes away from San Diego International Airport, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, major shopping centers, and San Diego's white sandy beaches.

Info: 5415 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego CA 92117; (858) 560-0545; www.californiasuiteshotel.com/

Weekend in DC at the Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel

Washington DC is not really as stylish as New York or as much fun as Los Angeles or Miami, but the one thing they do have are really luxurious and grandiose hotels. That's probably because almost everyone who comes to visit DC has an ego the size of the Capitol, and needs to be treated like royalty.

And royalty like nothing better than to be at places which are steeped in tradition, like the White House, or the Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel. The Morrison-Clark is one of the few hotels in Washington DC which has seen many a President come and go. It's housed in a 19th Century Victorian mansion listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

It's location one block from the Washington DC Convention Center isn't too shabby either. It's 4 blocks from the Metro Center and Mt. Vernon Square Metrorail stations, and 10 minutes from Reagan National Airport, which doesn't hurt either.

Minutes from renowned restaurants, nightspots, theaters, museums, and other cultural destinations. And it's a short distance to the White House and Capitol Hill, the biggest attractions in Washington DC.

The Morrison-Clark offers authentic antique furnishings, Italian Carrera marble fireplaces, and private balconies. The Victorian rooms boast original turn of the century furnishings and crystal chandeliers with one queen bed. It includes mini bar, iron and ironing board. All rooms are non-smoking. Parlor suites are decorated in French Provincial or Neo-classic decor with a bedroom with one queen bed and a separate living area with a sofa bed.

Best of all, inspite of all this history and the whole Victorian experience, rates at the Morrison-Clark are low enough to tempt even the most die-hard fans of Washington DC motels. Their weekend getaway package, which includes complimentary continental breakfast for two, free parking, early check-in and late check-out upon request, has rates starting from $129 per night.

Info: 1015 L St NW Washington D.C. 20001; (202) 898-1200; www.morrisonclark.com/

Landing Inn Normandy, Waking up in Minneapolis

We're talking about the Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's supposed to be a cheap and decent alternative to save you from being savaged by the bugs and other nefarious elements that inhabit the dark corners of almost all Minneapolis motels.


But in truth, it looks more like someone picked a cozy cottage from the shores of Normandy and plonked it down in the twin cities. Decor aside, the Normandy Inn isn't so bad location-wise either.


Skyway across the street, 6 blocks from the Metrodome and the Minneapolis Convention Center, 3 blocks to the light rail line to the airport and Mall of America, it's a short stroll away from Orchestra Hall, the Orpheum and State Theatres, the Target center and other downtown Minneapolis attractions.


The Hotel's Landmarc Grill offers casual American dining at prices as affordable as the rooms themselevs. Speaking of which, the new suites are excellent and offer a 32-inch flat panel television, large work tables, free wireless internet, state of the art bathrooms with walk-in showers and a sleeper sofa.


Amenities include a garden atrium with a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. There's also a fully equipped fitness room. And the kicker - $99 rooms with children below 17 staying for free. You also get freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with cold milk at 10:00 pm.


If you really want to enjoy your Minneapolis vacations without maxing the card, then best place to start would be a landing at the Normandy Inn & Suites.

Info: 405 S 8th Street Minneapolis MN 55404; (612) 370-1400; website

Flop Down at the Bellwood Hotel, Chicago

$38 per night for a hotel room on Lincoln Road in Chicago. Is it possible? Apparently it is, if you do not book in advance. The Bellwood Hotel (1409 W Diversey Parkway Chicago, IL 60614; 773-404-6000) offers you dirt cheap rooms which you cannot book.

You have to land up in person, because apparently they haven't heard of this latest fad called a reservation system, or credit cards, or a website. You slip cash under a window to the guy behind the counter which is inside a cage. But they compensate for their lack of technological advancement by keeping rates as low as they were in the previous century.

I've seen a lot many Chicago motels in better shape than this so-called hotel, but even the motels usually charge in excess of $50 per night. Of course, these motels don't blow in stale cigarette smoke along with the air conditioning, which is what the Bellwood's airconditioning system seems to do. Or maybe it's just the years and years of ash and stubs which have penetrated into the walls and layered the furniture and floors and everything else.

On a positive note, if all you want is a place to sleep near to the attractions in Chicago without paying through your nose, well then, hold your nose and sleep soundly at the Bellwood.

$49.99 Per Night at Royal Sun Inn Palm Springs

The thing about Palm Springs is that your ordinary run-of-the-mill hotel is priced at or just above the standard price for the motels in Palm Springs. Bad deal for the motels, one might say. One might also be wrong, considering that the oridinary run-of-the-mill motel here is just about as decent and comfortable as the standard hotels. Point here is that in Palm Springs, the grey line between hotels & motels is kinda hazy.

Hotels like the Royal Sun Inn are offering rooms or $49.99 per night. The hotel has 66 rooms and suites, and each of them offers a private patio or balcony with views of the San Jacinto Mountains, shower and bath combo, complimentary buffet breakfast and in-room coffee service, cable TV, in-room safe, microwave and refrigirator. The suites additionally have kitchens and a jacuzzi tub.

Amenities offered include a sun terrace, internet access in the lobby, 2 gas barbeques and a picnic area, large heated pool, spa jacuzzi, and guest laundry.

And like all good hotels in Palm Springs, the Royal Sun Inn is located on Palm Canyon Drive, so it's a good place for a weekend getaway, and convinient if you're a tourist looking to see the prominent tourist attractions in Palm Springs.

Info: 1700 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92264; (760) 327-1564; www.royalsuninn.com/

Motel 6 Los Angeles - Hollywood

Looking for budget lodging in Los Angeles is like asking for a cheeseburger in a classy French joint. They got lots of cheese and lots of bread, but they won't put it together and give you a cheeseburger even if you put a gun to their head. It's just not done.

And if it is done, then it's a dump. Meaning that any kind of cheap digs in the City of Angels is very likely run over by transients, strugglers and potheads with more hope and dope than you'll find in any other city. But... There are a few Los Angeles motels which are cheap, decent and clean.

Like the Motel 6 Los Angeles - Hollywood on North Whitley Avenue. Being a Motel 6 means they try to maintain at least a bare minimum set of standards and basic amenities including free local calls, wireless internet, free morning coffee and a coin operated laundry.

And it's conviniently located within walking distance of the most visited attractions in Los Angeles including Hollywood Walk of Fame & Grauman's Chinese Theater. Rates from $62.99, which gives you an option to choose either a room with 2 full beds, a queen bed or a King.

Info: 1738 N Whitley Ave US 101/Hollywood Fwy at Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA, 90028; (323) 464-6006; website

Motel 6 Fort Wayne

The thing I hate most about motel chains is that you just seem to catch a lucky break. You know, like get a great motel with lots of amenities and freebies at a cheap price. Of course, you could also end up in a dump. But with chain motels, you know what you're getting, and it ain't much.

Still, you're on a budget and you want a nice, clean place to sleep and rest and shower, well, nothing better than a Motel 6. While their Fort Wayne motels look much like the ones in Tulsa or Scranton or any other God-forsaken waste, the least that can be said is that you're getting a non-smoking room with a queen bed and roll-in shower for $31.99.

You also get an outdoor pool, a coin laundry, and free morning coffee. Throw in the free local calls, parking, and easy access to nearby public transportation, restaurants, the airport (11.7 miles from Fort Wayne International Airport), and you can see why it's not such a bad deal.

Basically, you come in from the airport, the motel isn't that far. You can use public transport to get to the motel. You pay $31.99 for a room with 2 beds (so you can sleep four). Kids under 18 stay for free.

Again, if you're a family wanting to visit the tourist attractions in Fort Wayne, Motel 6 is located centrally enough for you to be able to go see all of them without having to go long distances. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is 2.3 miles off, Glenbrook Square Mall is 2.6 miles, Allen County Memorial Coliseum is 3.2 miles, the Lincoln Museum is 3.9 miles and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art is 4.0 miles off.

If you're an environmentally aware family, you could all rent bikes and check out all the attractions on a bicycle tour of Fort Wayne. It's cheap and good for the planet and for your health. Factor in food and other expenses, and you could wrap up weekend family vacations in Fort Wayne for as little as $200.

Info: 3003 West Coliseum Boulevard I-69 at Coliseum Boulevard, Exit #109-A Ft Wayne, IN, 46808; Phone: (260) 482-3972; website

El Greco Motel in Atlantic City

I've come to view most everything on offer in Atlantic City with a jaundiced eye. There's more hustlers per sq. ft. in AC nowadays than you'll find even in Vegas or Miami. Which is why when I come across something that sounds too good to be true in Atlantic City, I just keep moving. And that includes most, if not all, independent motels in Atlantic City.


See, the only thing you can trust in AC is a company which has a national reputation to look after, or at least a regional one. Meaning that a motel chain like Super 8 or Motel 6 or Days Inn won't throw it all away by hustling for a few tourist dollars in Atlantic City. To limit yourself to these chains is probably your only safe route to enjoying Atlantic City vacations, especially if you're on a budget.


Even so, when I bumped into the El Greco motel, it did look like a good deal. Located 1/2 block from the Boardwalk and the beach, sandwiched between the Hilton and Tropicana Casinos, free parking, sun deck, lounge area, daily maid service, ice, and coffee in the morning. 58 guest rooms with refrigerators, color cable TV, phones, one or two beds, air conditioning and electronic key access. Rollaway beds, game room, shower & tub, 24 hour front desk... You get the picture. Average rates from $137, which, considering the location and the amenities, was pretty decent.


The question that remains - What's the catch? You can get a hint by their cancellation policy. $20 cancellation fee, regardless. To sum it up, once you're booked, you're hooked. If you land up there and don't like it, you lose money. And the motel gets free money.


So, if you must stay there, I suggest you forego booking in advance, and just land up in person. Take a look around, and if you like it, well, have fun. If you don't, there's two big Atlantic City hotels to left and right, who'll be quite happy to part you of your money.


Info: 3200 Pacific Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401; (609) 345-6195; www.elgrecomotel.com/

Ripleys Aquarium Package at River Edge Motor Lodge Gatlinburg

There's a lot of mountain lodges and motels in Gatlinburg, up in the Smoky Mountains. Most of them are cozy getaway retreats, which offer heated pools and courtyards with tables and chairs to help you enjoy the morning sun. One of these cozy motels/hotels up in the Smoky Mountains is the River Edge Motor Lodge.

The lodge is within walking distance to many of the timeless attractions in Gatlinburg TN, including Ripley's Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg Tramway, Christus Gardens, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also within minutes of the lodge are Dollywood, Dolly's Splash Country, and Pigeon Forge, along with downtown shopping malls and music theatres.

Accomodation options vary from a standard queen room to a honeymoon jacuzzi suite and family suites with two baths. The standard queen room sleeps four and comes with 2 queen-sized beds, a private balcony, cable TV and HBO, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, hair dryer, free wireless internet.

Rates from $55. The honeymoon suite costs $70 and the family suite with twin baths clocks in at $95. The River Edge Motor Lodge is also offering some packages and discounts. One of the packages - Ripley's Aquarium package - costs $144.95 - $304.95 for 3 days/2 nights. And until March 31 2009, you'll get 15% off if you book 2 or more nights.

Info: 665 River Road Gatlinburg TN 37738; (865) 436-9292; www.hotel-gatlinburg.com/

Searching for Quality Inn Washington DC

There's a very real and tangible class divide in and around Washington DC. There's the haves - those who have something to with politics or federal bureaucracy, and the have-nots - those who're just ordinary District citizens working in local jobs.

Visitors in DC also get lumpe dinto these two categories, like it or not. If you're here on business or to visit someone who's someone in DC, then it's a good bet that you'll be staying at one of the posh Washington DC hotels lining Pennsylvania Ave.

On the other hand, if you're some ordinary Joe Schumck from Hicksville, then these hotels, which charge anywhere between $450-600 per night on average, have no place or you. For the have-nots, there's a string of Washington DC motels and cheap budget hotels, where the rates are more in tune with the rest of the nation ($80-150).

One of these cheapskate hotels happens to be the Quality Inn near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It's also one of the few places where you can check-in without automatically being lumped on to one or the other side of the class divide. At the Quality Inn, you'll find business travelers and liesure travelers alike - People with a corporate expense a/c who have business in DC, and those spending from their personal chekbooks, who just want to see how business is done in DC.

Of course they offer you rates from $99.99. But one of the main reasons the Quality Inn is so popular is it's location. The hotel is situated close to many of the tourist attractions in Washington DC, like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House and the United States Capitol building.

The New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U Metro station is within walking distance, providing easy access to everything the city has to offer. Enjoy a variety of restaurants, cocktail lounges, theaters and world-class shopping in the surrounding area.

Amenities include free limited parking, free continental breakfast and free coffee, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free local calls, and a seasonal outdoor pool. For business travelers, they offer additional conveniences like in-room desks and access to copy and fax services.

Info: 501 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002; (202) 543-7400; website

Dolphin in San Diego Bay

We're talking about the Dolphin Motel in San Diego, which is located 200 ft from the Bay. It's all about the splendid tradition of an 'American Owned' family motel, handed down from one generation to the next.

Dolphin Motel has been in operation for 32 years now, and it's one of the last remaining indie San Diego motels which hasn't given in to the temptation to sell out to a real estate developer or become part of a big chain and build a luxury hotel.

They offer cheap and clean rooms starting from $55 onwards. Located 5 minutes off San Diego airport and 12 minutes to the Cruise Terminal, Downtown, Broadway, the Gaslamp District and the other attractions in San Diego.

The air-conditioned rooms are furnished with 5 star diamond Serta beds and cable TV with over 78 Channels, and some of the rooms have refrigirators. You get free high speed internet and wi-fi and they even have a laptop you can use. To top that off, you get free morning coffee and pastries, luggage storage facilities and free monitored parking. There are 7 major restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the motel.

The Dolphin Motel is surrounded by major San Diego hotels and chains like the Ramada, Vagabond, Comfort Inn, and Holiday Inn, all of which offer essentially the same basic amenities and same Harbor view rooms, but at more than twice the price, and in some cases, more than 4 times the price.

Bottomline here is that if you're traveling on a budget in San Diego, then the Dolphin Motel is the perfect choice.

Info: 2912 Garrison St. San Diego CA 92106; (866) 353-7897 or (619) 758-1404; www.dolphin-motel.com/

50s Style Rooms at Ohio House Motel Chicago

Chicago is where Route 66 kicks off on it's long historical & colorful journey to the West Coast. As such, there's plenty of Chicago motels which are still stuck in the heydey of the Great American Roadtrip, even if Route 66 is only a faint memory now.

One of these antique motor courts is the Ohio House motel in the heart of downtown Chicago, which offers a classic 50s style double-decker roadside lot with free parking. Each of the 50 guest rooms offers a television, free cable TV, shower and bath. If you want to splurge, there's also a mini-suite with a Queen Bed, full sofa sleeper, refrigerator, and microwave.

There's an attached coffee coffee shop (Ohio House Coffee Shop) along with other restaurants, diners and other facilities close by, including laundromats, and shopping. The motel is located in the River North Area within walking distance of Hard Rock Cafe, Rock n' Roll McDonalds, ESPN Zone, Navy Pier, North Bridge and Merchandise Mart.

It's also just five blocks west of Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, and the other famed Chicago attractions on the lakefront.

It's simple and clean. Offers the necessities and is convinient for both tourists and for overnight guests passing through Chicago.

Info: 600 N. Lasalle Street Chicago IL 60610; (312) 943-6000; www.ohiohousemotel.com/

2 Nights Free at Metro Inn Motel Minneapolis

I figure if you're looking for Minneapolis motels, then you're looking to save money. Look no further. In addition to the usual low rate offered by most other motels in the Twin Cities, the Metro Inn Motel is offering a special - Stay for 5 mights, and you get 2 extra nights free.

Basically a sweet deal if you want to stay for a week, or an extended stay on a weekly rate. They also have 4 day rates. All you have to do is print the coupon you find here and present it when you check-in.

The Motel is close to all the attractions in Minneapolis, 3 blocks off I-35 & 62. To the East is Mall of America and Twin Cities Airport. To the West is the South-Dale Shopping Mall and great "Valley Fair". Plenty of restaurants close by, and it's minutes away from Down Town with a Bus Line around the corner.

The Metro Inn Motel offers 35 single, double and King rooms, with amenities including refrigirator, microwave and cable TV, airconditioned rooms, complimentary coffee and concierge service, and offers plenty of parking space.

It's not like it's the Ritz, and it has it's faults. Service isn't something to write home about, and even though the website says the place is pet friendly, the reality is that they don't really welcome people with pets. They don't have an online reservation system, so you'll have to either call them or take your chances.

But for all of that, it's a pretty good place if you're on a budget, which, after all, is the whole point of seeking out a cheap motel instead of a posh hotel.

Info: 5637 Lyndale Avenue S Minneapolis MN 55419; (612) 861-6011; www.metroinnmotel.com/

Free Room Upgrade at Palm Court Inn, Palm Springs

When you're in Palm Springs, it doesn't really matter if you're checking into a hotel, motel or some other boutique property, so long as none of it is upscale. Point I'm trying to make is that hotels in Palm Springs are just about as cheap as Palm Springs motels.

You could either say that the motels are better than other places, or that the budget hotels in Palm Spings aren't as good. That's your lookout, but far as I'm concerned, most properties are like the Palm Court Inn - You can't really call it a hotel nor a motel nor an Inn. It's what you want it to be.

And to make the distinction even more hazy, they're offering a free room upgrade. Book any standard room at the regular price and receive a free upgrade to a pool view or garden view room. Valid on Sunday through Thursday night only.

You can lounge by the pool and pretend it's a luxury hotel, or you can just walk in to your room straight from the street, like a motel. And you'll get personalized service, with a free breakfast, like an Inn.

Amenities at the Palm Court Inn include a 24 hour front desk, meeting, event and banquet facilities for upto 150 guests, 4 acres of lush gardens, pools and fountains, pool with sun deck, jacuzzi & children's wading pool, on-site restaurant (Rick's restaurant), exercise room, coin operated laundry, and complimentary parking.

In-room amenities include one King or two Queen beds, cable TV, room service from Rick's Restaurant, refrigerator & microwave, iron & ironing board, and hair dryer.

Info: 1983 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs CA 92262; (800) 667-7918 or (760) 416-2333; www.palmcourt-inn.com/

Looking for a motel with a Vibe in Los Angeles?

There's cities for the haves and there's others for the have-nots. Some cities, like New York and Los Angeles, are merciless to the have-nots. They will crush your spirit, chew you up and spit you out onto the streets and kick you in the pants back to where you came from - Unless you have the money and the right connections.

Very rarely are you allowed to stay at good hotels in Hollywood, and have a good time at a club or lounge in West Hollywood or Beverly Hills, unless you have a big wad and/or someone connected enough to get you in. The one exception to this rule is the Vibe Motel on Hollywood Blvd. You can hang out and meet actors, dancers, musicians, models, entertainment industry types, international travelers and more. The rooms are decorated funky and have a swinging retro 60's groovy motel feel.

The motel is located in the middle of all the visit-worthy Hollywood attractions, so you can walk to the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, Theater Row, Hollywood and Highland (Kodak Theater), Hollywood and Vine (subway metro rail station ).

As for the motel itself, you can drive right up to your room and park. You get free parking, free breakfast, free wi-fi, free coffee and tea, a free movie room, free BBQ and dinner parties, coin operated laundry, and discounted tours of LA.

The standard rooms have a queen size bed, a 27 inch TV with satellite, small refrigerator, microwave and private bathroom with a shower. Rates from $65 per night. The 'Regular Private Rooms' have one or two twin beds in addition to what you get in the standard room. 'Premium Private Rooms' have a queen size bed plus one or two twin beds, a full kitchen, a 27 inch TV with satellite, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with bathtub and shower.

Granted it's not the Beverly Hilton or the Roosevelt, but hey, even the big stars had to sleep with the common trash in Los Angeles motels before they got their break. Who knows, you may meet a few people who could end up as the biggest stars of the next decade.

Info: 5922 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood CA 90028; (866) 751-8600 or (323) 469-8600; www.vibehotel.com/

How to get the best value inn Fort Wayne, IN

When the going gets tough, the tough get going - To motels. What I mean is that instead of cancelling a vacation, you can still take it - but with a reduced budget. The three main expenses are airfare (or gas), food and lodging.

Airfare and as are specific to your destination, so that's your lookout. But as far as accomodations are concerned, you need to look or the best value or your buck. In other words, you need to check-in at America's Best Value Inn. They have a network of over 750 Inns, hotels and Suites in North America, so you can find one just about anywhere you ant to go. And they do indeed provide value.

Take for example, the Best Value Inn at Fort Wayne, IN. Slightly more individualistic than you'd expect from a chain motel, and much more by way of amenities and facilities than you'll find at any of the other Fort Wayne motels.

Located just off I-69 for easy on and off highway access, it offers 45 spacious guest rooms, easily accessed from exterior corridors with park-at-door convenience, jacuzzi suites, and hi speed wireless Internet access.

All rooms come equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, hairdryers, computer data port telephone, free HBO, VCR rentals, free local calls, and sofas (some rooms). Complimentary coffee, orange juice, and cookies are served every morning from available 6a.m. - 9a.m. Centrally located near major restaurants, business, and shopping and the other attractions in Fort Wayne.

All this for rates from $45.95 for a room with 1 King Bed. The jacuzzi room is $90, and if you want two double beds, it's $52.95.

Info: 1401 W. Washington Ctr. Road Fort Wayne IN 46825; (260) 489-3588; website

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/