Halloween In Hershey

As it is, Hershey Park is one of those kiddie dream theme parks which is a cross between Chocolat and Neverland. And when its time for a costume-themed holiday fest like Halloween, well... Let's just say that the folks at Hershey go nuts.

The Hotel Hershey, which ranks up alongside the Nick in Orlando, as far as family hotels are concerned, is offering a holiday season package for Halloween. Includes deluxe accommodations, admission to HersheyPark in the Dark, breakfast with Hershey characters, complimentarty shuttle to HersheyPark in the Dark, and admission to Hershey Gardens.

Package rates per night from $419 for single, $478 for double, and $59 extra for kids aged 9-17 and $50 extra for children from age 3-8. Rates based on double occupancy and includes tax. Valid for weekend stays bookending 24th Oct and 1st Nov 2008. More details and online booking here.

I tried to do a package booking, and the displayed rate was $517.60, for both the double/double and a Queen bed rooms. The 230 guest rooms and suites, not to mention the hallways, are adorned with original artwork and historic photos. As is to be expected for a town whose claim to fame is the chocolate it produces, the Hotel Hershey is kindof like a dream house, with a streak of sweetness and chocolate running through most everything.

Info: 100 Hotel Road Hershey PA 17033; (717) 533-2171; www.thehotelhershey.com/

Sunday Brunch Cruise with Homewood Suites Del Mar

San Diego is home to a dazzling array of hotels and lodging options, both good and bad. And ugly. :) So when it comes to specials and packages, each of them has to go the extra mile to stand up above the crowd. And the Homewood Suites Del Mar does stand tall, with a Sunday Cruise brunch package.

Includes 1 night accommodations, 2 sunday brunch cruise tickets for adults, buffet-style Brunch, mimosas, champagne and chocolate fountain. Standard rates from $184. For package rates (varies based on holidays) and reservations here or call (858) 523-0500.

The hotel offers two room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, a fully-equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, and 27" television with cable TV and complimentary HBO, and free local calls. Complimentary hot breakfast every day and evening Manager's reception Monday through Thursday.

Info: 11025 Vista Sorrento Parkway San Diego CA 92130; (858) 523-0500; Website

MoMA Special at the Buckingham Hotel NYC

The Buckingham Hotel in midtown Manhattan may not be as opulent as its namesake in the U.K., but its more than luxurious enough for the common NYC trash who move around in cadillacs investing gazillions of dollars on Wall Street and downing martinis at swanky restaurants in snooty New York hotels. So if you want a slice of the Big Apple, and you want it in style, you aren't going to get any better than the Buckingham.

And they have some neat specials too. If you're interested in museums and art and stuff, one of the specials happens to the Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org/) special. Includes a deluxe suite and two VIP tickets to the Museum of Modern Art. Valid until October 31st, 2008. Rates starting from $339 per night with a minimum 2 night stay required. The musuem is closed on Tuesdays, so you might want to leave Tuesdays out of your trip plan. Online booking and more details about this package here.

MoMA is just a short stroll away from the hotel, and after having been given a complete facelift by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the new 630,000-square-foot Museum has nearly twice the capacity as before. The result, in the architect's own words, is "an ideal environment for art and people [created] through the imaginative and disciplined use of light, materials, and space."

Other specials at the Buckingham include a Central Park Zoo package, an Earth and Space package which includes a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and its Hayden Planetarium.

I'm not saying that these offers are something very special - After all, you could just buy tickets to all these places, and book yourself in at one of NYC's cheap hotels - but there's something to be said about visiting New York in style. You know, the red carpet treatment, limos and butlers and never having to hail a cab... You want to be treated like royalty, then the Buckinghan's the place to be at. And the rates aren't so outlandish either. $339 (which includes the tickets) is just a wee bit over the $250 something that you'd end up paying at other (less luxurious) hotels just for the room (not suite).

Info: 101 West 57th Street at 6th Avenue New York City; (888) 511-1900; http://buckinghamhotel.com/

Great Things Come in Small Packages at the Mosaic Beverly Hills

Yesterday, I wrote about how a free car and parking helps you when you book into one of these Los Angeles hotels. Today, I have another, and even better, car & parking package. Book a room at the Mosaic Hotel and drive a Mini Cooper S or a new 2008 c300 Mercedes each day of your stay. Includes complimentary pickup from baggage claim at LAX, or if you prefer they'll have your car waiting when you arrive at the Mosaic Hotel.

Includes free parking ($25 value). And if you turn up at the hotel in a Totota Prius, they'll top up the tank for you. Rates starting at $400 for the deluxe guestroom, and $420 for the luxury corner room. Book your reservation online and call to make your car arrangements with the hotel at (310) 278-0303.

The Mosaic isn't like the usual monstrosity hotels you find in LA with hundreds of rooms and a tower like building. Its a cozy and intimate experience, with the 49 rooms and suites and the rest of the hotel blending into a seamless tapestry of design and artworks which makes the whole place look like a stylish and luxurious setting in a movie set.

Amenities includes a restaurant & bar, a heated pool with wireless internet, one of the best spas in Los Angeles, and fitness and business centers. The rooms are all equipped with oversize workdesks, eye-level laptop connections and free high speed internet, in addition to a feather bed, goose down conforters, windows opening out into the garden courtyard, well stocked minibar, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron & ironing board and free morning newspaper delivery.

Info: 125 Spalding Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212; (310) 278-0303; www.mosaichotel.com/

Room With a Vroom from the Inn at Venice Beach

I'm getting a wee bit addicted to these catchy titles. Not that its a big deal, but just goes to show how you can market hotels using catchy titles for specials and packages. I mean, goofs like me pick it up, and write about it, and other people read it, and the hotel gets the media exposure.

What I'm babbling about is the 'Room With a Vroom' special from the Inn at Venice Beach. Includes a traditional room with 1 Queen Bed, a mid-size car rental with unlimited miles for 1 day, and complimentary parking for the duration of your stay. Costs $244 per night. The room comes with coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Complimentary continental breakfast served in the courtyard. More details about this and other specials from the Inn at Venice Beach here.

Other than the sexy title, the reason I'm attracted to the package is because Los Angeles is not a place where the sprawled out things to do on vacation can be seen or visited without some wheels. And $244 is not bad for digs a few blocks from the Venice Beach boardwalk, with a free car, free parking and a complimentary breakfast to boot - with baked goods, fresh fruits and juices, and a choice selection of coffees and teas. And with the price of gas so high, the free car is like getting a gas rebate card, in addition to being more convinient than public transit.

Additional amenities offered include complimentary wireless internet, private balcony, in-room safe, bathrobes, and a refrigirator.

Info: 327 Washington Blvd. Venice CA 90291; (310) 821-2557; www.innatvenicebeach.com/

The Art of Being a Kid, by Seattle's Alexis Hotel

No, this isn't some self-help book for grown-ups who want to find their inner kid. This is a Seattle vacations package from the Alexis hotel. The Alexis, being a Kimpton, is extremely kid-friendly anyway, and is one of Seattle's better known family hotels. What this package does is add to the family fun with 2 passes to the newly remodeled Seattle Aquarium, S'mores prepared in-house delivered to your room, the Kimpton Kids pack with watercolor paints, and 1 hour of in-room Nintendo.

For a family of four, with 2 adults and 2 children, daily rates for this package start from $327 for the Two Queen Deluxe room with 2 Queen beds, and $427 for an executive Suite with 1 King bed and a sofa bed.

The hotel was renovated less than a year ago, and the rooms and suites are as good as new. Each room features 300-count Frette linens, feather duvets, a 32” flat panel LCD TV, fully stocked honor bar, Torrefazione coffee, ergonomic Kielhauer work chair and desk, movies & Nintendo on-demand, terry bathrobes, and Aveda bath products, some including a balcony, and offer city views. All rooms feature an iron & board, are non smoking, and include complimentary wireless internet throughout.

In addition to the Etherea Salon & Spa, the Alexis offers a 24 hour fitness facility, private steam room, business center, shopping boutiques on the hotel's main level, concierge services and room service, and valet parking ($30).

Info: 1007 First Avenue Seattle WA 98104; (866) 356-8894; www.alexishotel.com/

Anaheim on a Dime with Tropicana Inn & Suites

Designated as a Good Neighbor Hotel by Disney, located across from the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District and also adjacent to the Pedestrian Parkway, so you can simply park your car for the duration of the trip, and just hop across to the theme parks. One would think that with all this going for it, the Tropicana Inn & Suites would ramp up their facilities and service and brand itself as an upscale family hotel.

Instead, the Tropicana goes the other way - Making a name for itself as one the many cheap hotels for the entire family which dot the Anaheim landscape. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing. I mean, I've seen many family hotels which offer rooms and suites for around $100 which can house the entire family, and which offer the same facilities and services and amenities offered by 4-star luxury resorts. All that's really necessary is for spacious, clean and comfortable rooms, usable bathrooms and good service. That's not so hard to manage, whether the hotel is big or small, luxurious or budget.

While the Tropicana manages to offer some of these things (Rooms from $91, pretty spacious, outsize pool, free parking and complimentary breakfast, great location, wi-fi internet, etc.), its not all sweetness and apple pie. The service leaves a lot to be desired, and their check-in staff need to be taught some basic manners. Secondly, the breakast is nothing to write home about, the internet carries an extra charge, and the entire hotel could do with a full renovation.

But if all you're looking for is a place to sleep in for a night, then you can do your Anaheim vacations on a dime with the Tropicana Inn & Suites.

Info: 1540 South Harbor Blvd Anaheim CA 92802; (714) 635-4082; www.tropicanainn-anaheim.com/

Family Vacation Revolution at Williamsburg Hospitality House

Nothing like good old-fashioned Southern hospitality in the Old Dominion and a history tour in Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg to connect you back to America's roots. And no one does it better than Williamsburg Hospitality House in Virginia, located across the street from the College of William and Mary, 3 blocks from Colonial Williamsburg amd 11 miles from Yorktown.

Whether you're looking for family things to do or golf courses, or simply romantic hotels for a cozy wine country getaway, the Williamsburg Hospitality House (WHH) offers something for everyone, alongwith 18th century ambience mixed in with the latest amenities and facilities.

Specials include a Family vacation Revolution package - 3 night package for a family of four, with accommodations, breakfast, $20.00 in WHH bucks, and 'Americas Historic Triangle' passes for 2 adults and 2 children, which allows admission to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, the Yorktown Battlefields and the Yorktown Victory Center. Package rates from $550. Click here for details of this and other specials at WHH.

Restaurants at WHH include the 415 Grill with a regional menu and a full service bar, and Papillion - a garden bistro with a spectacular breakfast spread. WHH also offers an outdoor pool, free garage parking, a fitness room, a game room, meeting and event facilities for upto 500 guests with 14 seperate meeting rooms, a gift shop (The Mole Hole), same day laundry, concierge services and room service. Wireless internet available (extra charge), and you can get cribs, rollaway beds and refrigirators upon request.

WHH offers 296 guest rooms, including 11 suites, 3 junior suites and 3 demi-suites. In-room amenities include hairdryers, iron & ironing boards, cable TV with in-room movies, in-room coffee with coffee/tea maker, complimentary toileteries and workdesks. Rates from $119.

Info: 415 Richmond Road Williamsburg VA 23185; (757) 229-4020; www.williamsburghosphouse.com/

Fishy Package at the Mutiny in Miami

Why on earth would somebody name a hotel as Mutiny? To make it even worse, the darn hotel is located in a place called Coconut Grove in the middle of Sailboat Bay, and has a restaurant called 'The Pirates Bar and Grill'. And the cup overflows when this hotel is steps away from the shops at CocoWalk and also offers a deep sea fishing package. Ahhh... Matey, its the rum talking.

Funnies aside, we're talking about the Mutiny Hotel in Miami. 12 story tower, 120 suites, outdoor heated swimming pool with whirlpool and spa and poolside deck chairs surrounded by swaying palms in a lush tropical setting, fitness center, sauna and steam room. Also accesible in the immediate vicinity of the Mutiny are jogging trails, bike rentals, beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, sailboat charters, restaurants and nightlife hot-spots.

The deep sea fishing package I was talking about includes 1 night accomodations, and 1/2 a day fishing trip for 2 people with all equipment included. Bring along your common sense (deep sea fishing is more difficult than it looks) and leave behind your seasickness. Oh, and after you book the package, call Captain Wayne at (786) 236-4842 to reconfirm your place on his fishing boat.

To make matters worse, whatever pathetic tiny creature you manage to coax out of the depths of the Atlantic will be cooked for you by the Mutiny's restaurant for $12.95 per piece. And don't forget your frickin' pirate eye-patch.

Package rates from $199. Valid until Dec 28 2008. With this rate, you get a 1-bedroom suite with a view of the Bay or the City, private balcony, a King bed, fully equipped kitchen, television with VCR, premium coffees and terry robes.

Info: 2951 South Bayshore Drive Miami Florida 33133; (305) 441-2100; www.mutinyhotel.com/

Romantic Escape at Half Moon Bay Lodge

You don't have to go looking for romantic things to do half way across the world. Half Moon Bay will do. The very name invokes a romantic essence wafting through the air. The sparkling blue ocean, the beautiful beach, the blooming flowery grass running alongside the coast, historical sites like Pillar Point Harbor, and the impeccable golf course on a bluff overlooking the ocean... All this adds to the laidback getaway quality that hangs over Half Moon Bay like a mist, 25 miles south of San Francisco.

And when you have a labor day weekend coming up and there's a quaint hotel offering a special romance package in such a romantic place a short drive from San Francisco, well, its not hard to deduce why the Half Moon Bay Lodge is considered as one of the premier romantic hotels in Northern California. Package includes 1 night stay for 2 in deluxe accomodations, sparkling wine and gourmet chocolate, a romantic gift basket, and complimentary late checkout. Rates from $279, inclusive of all taxes.

For this rate, you get a deluxe King room with a fireplace, private balcony or terrace with a view of either the landscaped garden or golf course. All rooms feature live plants, robes, coffee, refrigerators, and a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.

And if you want a couples massage for 2, call ahead with at least 72 hours notice. Oh, and this is a Best Western hotel, so book before August 29th, and you'll get a free $50 gift card. They also have a Stay & Play golf package and also a family fun package with complimentary beach blanket, beach toys, a kite and a selection of gourmet treats. Click here for more info about their specials and online booking.

Info: 2400 S. Cabrillo Highway Half Moon Bay CA 94019; (650) 726-9000; www.halfmoonbaylodge.com/

Book 1 Room, Get 1 Free at Hawaii Prince Hotel

The Hawaii Prince Hotel, Waikiki, is offering a 2 for 1 promotion - You book a room, you get one free. The complimentary room is based on double occupancy and must be of equal or lesser value than the 1st room booked. Dates of stay for both rooms must overlap. Valid until Decemer 22 2008. Watch out for the blackout dates, and make sure you're getting value for money, because rates per night, for the one room you need to pay for, begin from $390, which gives you an Oceanfront Marina room (or rooms, if you count the free one). More details and online booking here.

I was going to pass this one by, because they have other packages at rates starting from as low as $189 (for the same Oceanfront Marina room), but then, it comes to about the same, for two rooms. And the reason why I'm interested in this 2 for 1 promotion is because I was looking up family hotels in Oahu. Most hotels, including the Hawaii Prince, offer spacious suites designed to accomodate the entire family, along with a host of family-friendly amenities. It's way cheaper than booking two seperate rooms. Only problem is, you end up sleeping with the kids in the same suite. Kinda cramps your holiday fun a bit.

So let's say you do want two seperate rooms. That's about slightly less than $400 per night, which is on par with rates at comparable Honolulu hotels. The 420 sq ft oceanfront marina rooms are in between the 5th to 9th floors, with views of the ocean and Yacht Harbor. Contemporary decor, floor to ceiling windows that open. Beds are king or 2 beds assigned on arrival.

Speaking of par, mention needs to be made of their Golf Club, with 27 holes of championship golf. And the Hawaii Prince itself has a bit of an exhibitionist streak. 28 floors full of 521 oceanfront rooms and 57 luxury suites sit atop 5 floors worth of restaurants, lounges, meeting and banquet facilities, shops, and other guest and parking facilities.

All said and done, its one heck of a luxury resort with a fitness center, a business center over 20,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a day spa and beauty salon, multiple restaurants offering genuine Hawaiaan and Japanese cuisine. To top it off, the hotel is located 5 minutes from the Hawaii Convention Center, and 15 minutes from Honolulu International Airport, and just a short walk to the beaches.

Info: 100 Holomoana St Honolulu HI 96815; (888) 977-4623; www.princeresortshawaii.com/

Cocobelle Resort, Fort Lauderdale

No specials here, but the fact is that the Cocobelle Resort on Vistamar Street in Fort Lauderdale doesn't need to put on any specials to attract guests. If I was asked to describe the hotel, I'd say that the Cocobelle was the ubiquitous innocent girl next door - Beautiful, low maintenance, low profile, always welcomes you with a smile, and doesn't give you reason to complain. We're still talking about hotels. I think...

Anyway, you take a look yourself, and then consider the pros and cons. $119 average nightly rates with a choice of 16 rooms, studios and 1-bedroom suites, located 2 blocks and 5 minutes off the beach. In-room amenities include 1 King bed or 2 queens, coffee maker, microwave and a small refrigirator, full bathroom with hairdryers, cable TV with VCD/DVD player, and air-conditioning.

Free parking, free wireless internet and free local calls and cell phones available upon request. There's a neat tropical pool area with a large heated swimming pool. The poolside area has lounge chairs and a shaded table and chairs. Laundry facilities on-site, iron & ironing board available upon request, and you get beach towels when you check-in. No pets, no smoking and no spring break type college kids allowed. Some of the 1st floor units have their own private sitting area in the back.

In a nutshell, the Cocobelle ofers a cheap, homely and convinient lodgings to enjoy Fort Lauderdale vacations, and you have nothing to worry about when it comes to value for money. The hotel has been listed as the 'Best Bargain' in the United States by TripAdvisor in their 2008 travelers Choice listings, and it ranks 1st out of 140 Fort Lauderdale hotels listed in TripAdvisor.

Info: 2831 Vistamar Street Fort Lauderdale Florida 33304; (954) 561-5660; www.thecocobellehotel.com/

Discover Downtown Package from Millenium Hilton, NYC

If you want to wear your 'I Love NY' t-shirt and do NYC like it was meant to be done, then nothing better than the 'Discover Downtown Package' from the Millenium Hilton. After all, New York vacations are essentially all about shopping, theater, restaurants, museums, sight seeing and cruise rides around Manhattan.

Includes overnight accomodations and a $25 Century 21 gift card, 2-for-1 admission to nine lower Manhattan museums, $5.00 off CitySights NY Double Decker Downtown Tour & ZEPHYR Harbor Cruise, South Street Seaport gift bag, 15% off dining certificate to Alfama restaurant (Portugese cuisine) in the West Village, voucher for one complimentary champagne toast at Thalassa Restaurant (Greek cuisine) in Tribeca, and a 15% dining certificate to Church and Dey Restaurant.

And all of that for rates starting from $225 per night. Valid until Dec 31 2008. And this isn't the only special either. In fact, I've never seen so many specials being offered concurrently at other New York hotels. The other specials offered by the Millenium Hilton include the NYC Adventure package, 20% off the best available rates on Sunday, a special summer promo with rates from $189, a Shop and Stay package, Bloomingdale's Shop Til You Drop Package, and a Food Network Travel Package, among others. Click here for online booking and more information about the specials at the Millenium Hilton.

Info: 55 Church Street New York NY 10007; (212) 693-2001; Website

Hotelmare On Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach, it seems, is imperial for more than one reason. This impossibly beautiful beach front strip of land has no use for travelers. Or maybe it was just me. While hotels nationwide are struggling with dropping occupancy rates, Imperial Beach, just off San Diego, has only a handful of lodgings, and half of those are trash.

Don't get me wrong. For starters, of all the beaches I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot), Imperial Beach is probably the most scenic one ever. Secondly, I hate doing negative reviews. Usually, I just let it slide. But this was a bit too much - It was a hotelmare. I could just have booked in at any one of the hundreds of San Diego hotels. But I just wanted to stay at Imperial Beach. Is that too much to ask?

First hotel I went into, it was worse than a dump. Filthy rooms, rude staff and absolutely not worth even the $80 which they charged. I left after 20 minutes, paying a cancellation fee of $10. Next one I went to, it semmed pretty neat and clean and nice, and they didn't have a single room. I asked them if they would have a room the next day, and they said they were booked up well into the fall, and I could maybe try again next year. And with that, the clerk turned his back on me.

Which is when I gave up, and went back to San Diego. There were a couple more which I could have checked out, but after having voluntarily walked out of one, and being rejected out of hand at another one, I really didn't have the heart to face any more hotel heartbreak. I'm not naming names here, cause like I said, I don't do negative reviews. But note to the City of Imperial Beach - Build at least one good frickin' hotel.

Money Bags Special at Chamberlain West Hollywood

Feel like you're being taken for a ride by airlines and their new second bag check-in fees? Not when you're heading out for Los Angeles vacations. The Kor Hotel group's Los Angeles hotels are offering a 'Money Bags' special where they give you hotel credit matching the amount of your luggage fee, upto a maximum of $75. All you have to do to get the credit is to show your receipt at check-in. Participating hotels include the Chamberlain West Hollywood, Avalon Beverly Hills and Maison 140 Beverly Hills.

Use promo code 'MONEY' for online reservations, or visit the specials page on the Kor Hotel group's website, where you'll find other specials along with the Money Bags promo. This special is valid until Dec 29 2008. Rates per room, per night from $269 (taxes extra) based on single or double occupancy. The luggage receipt date must correspond to your hotel stay dates.

What you get for $269 is a Studio Suite, with other options all above $300. The studio suite for $269 is a 350 sq ft suite with a private bedroom separated from living room and work area. Bedroom features king bed with high thread count Italian linens, entertainment center with flat panel TV, DVD / CD player and VCR. Living room has spacious sitting area, large work desk and gas log fireplace, balcony.

The Chamberlain has 114 suites, and amenities and facilities include an American bistro restaurant and lounge, a rooftop heated pool with a sweeping view of the City, fitness and business centers with a conference room and additional meeting space, underground secure valet parking, dry cleaning and laundry services, along with maid service. Babysitting and childcare available on request. Wireless internet is available both in-room and in the public areas, but you have to pay for access.

Info: 1000 Westmount Drive West Hollywood California 90069; (310) 657-7400; www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com/

Endless Summer 2008 in Orlando - Get One Free

The Orlando Travel & Visitors Bureau has just spiked interest in Orlando vacations with something called Orlando’s Endless Summer. From August 15 through November 15, under the "Get One Free" offer, if you book a weekend retreat for two nights you get the third night free. Or buy one attractions ticket and get the second one free. More details here and here's the list of participating Orlando hotels.

And September is also Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, when participating restaurants will feature three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $19 or $29. Click here for more details and a list of participating restaurants.

Nothing much to say, except that free nights and free tickets to attractions are always in vogue. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this is the first time that I'm seeing the Orlando Visitors Bureau focusing on the other and more conventional things to do in Orlando for tourists and visitors, like dining and sightseeing and shopping and hotel discounts, etc... Everything else besides the theme parks, that is.

If you're thinking Orlando sounds good for a late summer blowout holiday, then you might want to sync your trip to coincide with some major events, so you get more bang for the buck. Here's a full and searchable list of events scheduled in Orlando for the near future.

$26.99 per night in Vegas - Sam's Town Getaway Summer Special

Sounds hard to believe, but its true. $26.99 per night at Sam's Town Casino, Las Vegas, until Sept 30 2008. Minimum 2 nights booking and taxes extra. You get either a deluxe room with a King bed or a deluxe with two double beds. Use promo code SUMMER8. I don't think you'll find a better deal at any of the Las Vegas hotels. More details about the specials and packages at Sam's Town can be found here.

The rooms are 375 sq ft in size with in-room hairdryer and iron/ironing Board, cable channels and movies, high speed internet connection available, with park view based on availability at $10.00 extra per night. You can also ask for rollaway beds and cribs, and refrigerators, if you need these things.

There's also a snug swimming pool lined with Palm trees, and lounge chairs to soak in the sun and the scenery. Roxy's Lounge has live bands and entertainment with sizzling headliners. Multiple dining options to satisfy every taste is available, including Billy Bob's SteakHouse & Saloon, Firelight Buffett, Willy and Jose's Cantina, Panda Express and a wealth of cafes for sandwiches, coffee and quick bites, along with an ice cream parlour and even a McDonald's and a Dunkin' Donuts.

If you're looking for cheap Las Vegas vacations with a bit of resort getaway downtime along with evenings lit up with Vegas style entertainment, then this Sam's Town summer getaway special is just what the doctor ordered. In fact, its actually a bit out of the way from the sizzling things to do in Las Vegas, so while its still signature Vegas, you do get some respite from the extravaganza and the breathless adrenalin pumping excitement of the Strip.

Info: 5111 Boulder Highway Las Vegas NV 89122; (702) 456-7777; www.samstownlv.com/

Hybrid happiness at the Allegro Hotel, Chicago

Chi-town and the myriad things to do in Chicago seem to be getting a lot of attention these days, and well primed to take full advantage of the spurt of interest in Chicago vacations is Kimpton's Allegro Hotel, sharing space with the historic Cadillac Palace Theatre in the trendy North Loop theatre district.

Social undercurrents are roiling the MidWest as the old mixes with the new, hip and cool Chicago - High-rise buildings in historic locations, green, environment-friendly lifestyle clashing with conspicous consumption, a fusion mix of art, theatre, jazz, rock concerts and tech gizmos.

And Chicago hotels sure know how to keep atop this changing culture with packages and specials designed to appeal to these social needs. Take for instance, the hybrid happiness package from the Allegro - deluxe accomodations, complimentary valet parking for your hybrid vehicle and a hosted wine reception in the lobby. Rates from $349. For this price, you get a Queen room, with 350 thread count Frette linens, 37" LCD HD flat-screen TV with cable access and on-demand movies, iHome docking station with alarm clock, fully-stocked honor bar with organic options, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, in-room safe designed to accommodate laptops, and Aveda bath amenities.

There's other packages like Metra Escape. Ride the Metra, present your stamped Metra ticket at check-in and you'll het $10 room credit per adult, valid for any food or beverage purchase, a guide for public transport and trolley use, and a hosted wine reception. And Kimpton makes a $10 donation to the Trust for Public Land for every Metra Escape package booked.

Click here for online booking and to see details about these and other specials at the Allegro.

Info: 171 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601; (800) 643-1500; www.allegrochicago.com/

Seattle Staycation, Virtual Golf at Hotel 1000

Search a thousand Seattle hotels for that really special 'special', and what you get is a Seattle Staycation package at the Hotel 1000 where you can play virtual golf in 'The Golf Club' which magically transports you to authentic and fabulous championship courses from Pebble Beach in Carmel to Princeville on Kauai.

In addition to the two rounds of virtual golf, the package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, 25% discount on spa services in 'The Spaahh at Hotel 1000', two tickets to the Seattle Art Museum, picnic lunch for two to enjoy at a destination of your choice within Seattle, and complimentary overnight valet parking. Rates from $299. Call (877) 315-1088 for reservations or visit the site for online booking and more details.

This hotel is a bit 'different' and more geeky than most other hotels you're ever going to see. For starters, the bathtubs fill from the ceiling. Then there's the 'intelligent' private bar service which takes privacy to a new level. The tech wizardry doesn't stop there either. Smart infra-red technology controls the temperature, the 'Do Not Disturb' signs are electronic, complimentary wireless internet and a 40" LCD HDTV await you in the rooms, and here's the kicker - even the art display is intelligent, and controlled and changed based on your preferences.

In addition to the Golf Club, the hotel also offers a full service spa, a fitness center, and a business center with individual workstations and 6200 sq ft of meeting and conference space.

Info: 1000 First Avenue Seattle WA 98104; (206) 957-1000; www.hotel1000seattle.com/

August Tasting Menu on Delta King Sacramento

Its considered good form to have dinner and take in a show aboard the Delta King riverboat when you happen to be in Sacramento. Kinda like one of the must-visit attractions for Sacramento vacations. And August happens to be a well.. august month for literally tasting the menu on the floating hotel cum restaurant cum theater moored in downtown Old Sacramento.

That's because the PilotHouse restaurant is offering a 4-course tasting menu until Aug 31 2008. First course of Oysters on the 1/2 shell with yuzu and ginger granita, second course of black seabass, a third one with duck breast and the last one with Duet of Parfait (lemon and blackberry cheesecake with chocolate amaretto cream). Prepared by chef Julian Vasquez, $36 for dinner and $13 for wine. For reservations, call (916) 441-4440.

You'll have to check their website for the latest shows being staged in the theater, and if you want to go the whole hog and book in for a floating hotel room, the Delta King offers 44 ornately decorated and completely renovated staterooms with either a view of the Sacramento River or Old Town Sacramento. Have to warn you, though, that the place is darn pretty in the late evenings, with the lights twinkling on the river and the peace and serene calm and slow pace of Sacramento, coupled with the sumptous feasts and the theater and well... its kinda addictive, and you'll hate to let go of it. Best part is the price - rates starting from $81 per night.

As far as floating hotels go, there isn't really anything to compare with, except for the Queen Mary, but as far as Sacramento hotels are concerned, you won't find much else which offers such a comprehensive mix of accomodation, entertainment, location, views and dining - A true Sacramento experience which you shouldn't miss.

Info: 1000 Front Street Old Sacramento CA 95814; www.deltaking.com/;
Tel: Delta King Hotel - (800) 825-5464 & (916) 444-5464; Delta King Theatre - (916) 995-5464; Pilothouse Restaurant - (916) 441-4440