Beyond the Sea Special at the Chelsea Atlantic City

You know what's worse than not having a beach in your city? Having one and no one ever knowing that it exists. If that sounds cryptic, let me simplify it with two words - Atlantic City. All along the NJ shores, there are beautiful beaches, from Wildwood to Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City and Ocean City, all being prominent attractions in each of their locations. But if you go to a tour operator and ask about beaches for Atlantic City vacations, they'll laugh in your face.

That's because AC is in essence a Vegas clone, which just happens to be located on the waterfront. Meaning that there's only three things to do in Atlantic City, and they are gambling, nightlife and enjoying the carnival atmosphere, like at the Steel Pier. Sure, you get nice views of the ocean from the windows of beachfront casino resorts. But end of the day, when you have casinos with beach bars featuring nightly live bands, who needs the beach?

Which is why I was surprised to hear about the Chelsea Hotel (thechelsea-ac.com), the first non-gaming hotel to open in Atlantic City in about 50 years. All it offers is pure luxury, simple privacy and a beachfront location with a great view. Oh, and just about everything else that you get at the other Atlantic City hotels, including a full service spa, two restaurants, a coffee shop and a steakhouse, 4 bars, a rooftop pool with a poolside bar and private cabanas, transport to the casinos, fitness center, valet parking garage, and an indoor saltwater pool inspired spa (whatever that may be...).

Has 342 guest rooms and suites spread across two towers and 20 floors. And since they just opened, the Chelsea is offering opening specials at rates from $169 per night. There's a special beach package called 'Beyond the Sea', which allows you to experience the full charm of Chelsea's beach service with luxurious towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, private cabanas, and food and beverage service from the signature Stephen Starr restaurants on-site. For reservations call (800) 548-3030 or click here for more details of this and other specials at the Chelsea.

Info: 111 S. Chelsea Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401; (800) 548-3030; http://thechelsea-ac.com/

Hip Chicks Day Off at the Sorrento Seattle

Ever wonder what extras do hotels purporting to be 'girl getaway' friendly offer? I mean, ok, so they could give you a box of chocolates or candy or somthing kitschy like that, but that hardly counts as something concrete. Now if you throw in free treatment at a spa, brunch at a snooty hotel, and/or shopping coupons, then you got something to chew on.

And that's exactly what the Sorrento hotel in Seattle offers. They have this 'Hip Chicks Day Off' package, which includes your choice of a deluxe guest room or a Sorrento Suite with two Queen sized beds, two cosmopolitan cocktails upon arrival delivered to your room, lunch for two at the Hunt Club, both of you get a LuLu manicure and pedicure at Frenchy's in Madison Park, valet parking, and a surprise welcome amenity. Valid until Dec 31, 2010? I guess the hotel believes its guests should book a couple of years in advance... More details here.

Rates from $516. For which you get a deluxe room with one king, one queen or two queen size beds, 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, terry cloth bathrobes, bathrooms in Italian marble, desk and chair, full length mirror, sitting chair, JVC sound system with ten digital satellite stations and 3-disc CD changer.

Amenities and guest services include the spa Shiatsu Yasuo Mori at the lobby level, Yoga classes at the Pilates de Sorrento located in the lower lobby level, and two restaurants - The Hunt Club and the Fireside Room.

Oh, and the hotel is by far one of the most pet friendly hotels I've ever seen, in Seattle or anywhere else. If you have a pet tagging along, they charge a mandatory $60, in return for which you get a dog bed, organic locally made treats (for the dog, not you...), food and water bowls, special water/spill proof mats to place under the bowls, and poop scoopers so you don't have to make a face when you use tissue to pick up after your dog.

Oh, and if you want, they're also capable of arranging physical pet therapy, onsite pet massage, doggie day care with pick up and drop off service included, dog psychic sessions, and onsite dog grooming. I'm quite A-ok with the rest, but psychic sessions for dogs? You gotta be kidding me...

Info: 900 Madison St Seattle WA 98104; (206) 622-6400; www.hotelsorrento.com/

Tower Tails Pet Promo at the Tower Beverly hills

Its a well known fact that pooches in Beverly Hills are amongst the most spoilt and pampered pets in the world. The combined expense that Los Angeles residents incur annually on pets likely rivals the GDP of a small country. And Beverly Hills hotels are rightly at the top of their game when it comes to offering that extra something for pet owners.

The Tower Beverly Hills counts itself as one of these pet friendly hotels which goes down on all fours and lets the dogs and cats brought in guests walk all over them. They're offering a special for guests with pets called the Tower Tails Pet Promo, which includes a doggie bag at check in and friendly tips for making the most of Los Angeles vacations, pet in tow. Valid until Dec 30 2008. Rates from $279. Minimum 2 night stay required.

Amenities at the Tower include the Lot 1224 sports bar with happy hour from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm daily, a heated outdoor pool with private cabanas & lounge beds, mini bars in rooms, pet-friendly rooms, VIP lounge, onsite fitness room and business center with meeting space, and a continental Breakfast served daily in Studio 360. Services include laundry and drycleaning, valet parking, and car and limo rentals.

The best suite at the Tower is the Executive Jacuzzi Suite. Located on the top floor, this room is surrounded by 3 private balconies with a view of both the LA skyline and the ocean. You can see from downtown to the Rancho Park Golf Course. The suite is quite spacious - a 448 square foot room, with a dvd player, cd stereo and a sitting area. And a step-in jacuzzi for 2 in the bathroom.

Info: 1224 S. Beverwil Drive Beverly Hills CA 90035; (310) 277-2800; www.thetowerbeverlyhills.com/

$38 Special at Broadway Hotel & Hostel NYC

NYC is a costly city for visitors, but for the cheapo types, there's plenty of low budget lodging options. One of these happens to be the Broadway Hotel & Hostel in the Upper West Side. And they're offering a limited period $38 fall special.

Includes shared accomodations in a 4-bed dorm style room with a shared bath, and a complimentary drink at the Kazbar Lounge in the Marrakech hotel close by. Reservations for this offer begin Sept 22 and end Oct 1, for stays between now and Dec 30 2008. More details here (move mouse over the top banner to see the details).

As far as New York hotels are concerned, the Broadway is no great shakes, limited by the relative distance from the main tourist hot-spots. To be fair, that shouldn't really be a problem, since the nearest subway stop is just a couple of blocks off the hotel. Still...

But when it comes to hostels, its not so bad, with about 400 beds all put together. A stay in the shared accomodations includes access to high speed internet, white European bed linens, plush blankets, accent pillows, down comforters, in-room vanity, ceiling fan, air conditioner, hair dryer, private baths with shower massage head, Ecco natural bath products, complimentary linens, towels, and blankets, complimentary local newspaper, daily housekeeping service, and luggage storage for an extra $2 per day.

And you can stay out as late as you want, so you can experience the NYC nightlife, and enjoy languid dinners at restaurants and hit the dance floor at lounges and have fun in whatever way you want. There's a lotta things to do in New York after the sun goes down.

Info: 230 West 101 St New York Ny 10025; (212) 865-7710; www.broadwayhotelnyc.com/

Hotel & Car Package from Hawthorn Suites Sacramento

You know what I like about Sacramento hotels? You get a whole lot more for much less. Seriously, this ain't a catchy slogan or a sleazy marketing gimmick. It is a fact. Compare Sacramento to LA or San Diego or San Francisco, and you'll find that rates are less than half, and you get a room which is at least twice as big as waht you get in the other CA metros, and you get freebies like free parking and a complimentary breakfast. This is standard stuff at most all hotels in Sacramento.

Where the Hawthorn Suites, located in the heart of Sacramento 10 minutes off Sacramento International Airport, stands apart is in the fact that its offering a free rental car along with the usual room, breakfast and free parking. Package includes overnight hotel accommodations in a spacious queen studio suite, 1 day compact car rental per night’s stay, complimentary full, hot, buffet breakfast at the hotel, complimentary evening social hour Monday through Friday, access to the heated, outdoor pool and hottub and fitness center, and free high-speed wireless internet access. How much does all this cost you? $99 per night. Valid until Dec 31 2008, and you need to have a valid driver's license. More details here.

FYI, the hotel offers 1 & 2 bedroom suites, with cable television, in room movies, hairdryers and irons & ironing boards in every room, and full & half kitchen suites are available. In addition to all the stuff mentioned above, you get an outdoor heated pool, airport shuttle service, guest laundry services, free daily newspaper, sports court, Valet service, on-site restaurant (Memphis BBQ), and meeting and event space. And Old Town Sacramento is just 1 mile away.

Info: 321 Bercut Drive Sacramento CA 95814; (916) 441-1200; Website

Green Spa Getaway at the Shore Club Miami

Miami spas are the stuff of legends, and if said spa getaway happens to be green, and includes deluxe accomodations at one of the most luxurious hotels in South Beach, well, that makes it a true spa vacation. Which is what the Shore Club hotel on Collins Avenue offers.

Package includes accommodations, a choice of bamboo massage or organic facial and 2 Acai cocktails at Skybar per reservation. Rates from $375. More details and online reservations here.

The hotel offers a choice of 70 suites and 309 guestrooms, 7 duplex bungalows, triplex penthouse and an private oceanfront Beach House. The standard room that comes with the green getaway package has a king bed, with city or courtyard views, shower, high speed wireless internet, flat screen television and a DVD player. The spa therapy is offered poolside, while you relax with a mojito.

The hotel also houses the Skybar Miami Beach, with 4 bars nestled in a tropical garden setting, and is one of the hotetst and most happening nightlife watering holes in South Beach.

Info: 1901 Collins Avenue Miami Beach Florida 33139; (305) 695-3100; www.shoreclub.com/

So Material Girl at Alden-Houston

The Material Girl who rocked the Astrodome in Houston 18 years ago is back for a Sticky and Sweet tour that includes a Nov. 16 stop at Minute Maid Park. And the Alden-Houston, one of downtown Houston's finest boutique hotels 4 blocks from Minute Maid Park, is offering a 'so material girl' weekend package to help you party (not like a virgin...)

Package includes 2 night deluxe accomodations from Nov 15-16, a Madonna welcome amenity, 3 course dinner for two on Saturday with wine pairings at the hotel's swanky restaurant *17, admission for 2 to Alden's "Sticky and Sweet" pre-concert party on the Veranda with music, videos, and a look-a-like contest, transportation to and from Concert, and overnight valet parking for both evenings. Prices from $619. More details here.

The Alden is a 5 star luxury hotel with 97 deluxe rooms, including 9 luxury suites, all equipped with flat screen televisions, complimentary high-speed internet access, herman-miller ergonomic chairs, dvd and cd/stereo players, in-room safe, mini-bar, feather pillows and premium 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, plush terry bathrobes and towels in granite-walled bathrooms with glass enclosed showers and bathtubs big enough for 2 people, complimentary morning newspaper of your choice, 24-hour room service and fitness center.

The Alden also boasts of one of Houston's finest restaurants in *17, and a hip and happening lounge named a+.

Info: 1117 Prairie Street Houston TX 77002; (832) 200-8800; www.aldenhotels.com/

Breakfast Special from the Ala Moana Honolulu

I figure all Honolulu vacations ought to have at least the basic minimum ingredients including great food, perfect sunny weather, and the hotel itself should be as close to the beaches as possible. There's lots of other stuff you'll be wanting, but this is the foundation on which a weekend or a week in Hawaii is built.

And the Ala Moana, an Outrigger hotel, offers up all you want. And then some. They have a breakfast special package, under which you get select room categories, and vouchers for buffet breakfast at the Plantation Cafe restaurant. The buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, steamed rice, breakfast potatoes, French toast or waffles, assorted dry cereals, sliced fresh fruit, whole fruit, assorted yogurt, pastries and breads, juices and milk.

Package rates starting from $149 which offers up a room for 2 people in the Kona Tower with a view of the city, and upto $199 for a room for 2 in the Waikiki Tower with an ocean view. Valid until Dec 31 2008. More details here.

FYI, the hotel recetly reopened after a massive head-to-toe renovation, so everything is sparkling brand new. Rooms offer all the usual stuff, including cable TV, pay-per-view movies and video games, microwave and refrigirator, iron & ironing board, hairdryer, complimentary high speed internet, and bathrooms with tubs and showers.

The hotel is adjacent to the famed Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii Concention Center is a ston'e throw and the best part is the 76-acre Ala Moana Beach Park. Hotel amenities and services include four restaurants offering cuisines for every taste, a popular nightclub called Rumours, business and fitness centers with 14,000 sq ft of meeting space for events, conferences and functions, and a sundeck with a poolside cocktail bar.

Info: 410 Atkinson Drive Honolulu Hawaii 96814; (800) 367-6025; Website

Flemish House B&B Apartments in Chicago

Think about Chicago and history, and most people make a beeline for the Field Museum. But there's lots of history to be experienced, and lived in, on the streets. Take, for example, Flemish House, which dates back to 1892, and is one of the most historical Bed & Breakfasts on the Gold Coast's streets.

Its a posh residential neighbourhood in the city's North side just off Michigan Avenue, but the Inn itself has maintained its historical architecture, and the rates are as down to earth as possible ($155 to $225 depending on the season) in such a 'dignified' area, and considering that Flemish House offers A-grade vintage furnishings coupled with all the modern amenities. The guest rooms feature wood-paneling, fireplaces, in-laid wood floors, and high ceilings.

In-room amenities include wool and cotton blankets and down comforters, fully equipped kitchens with with refrigerator, gas range, sink, microwave oven, and utensils, color television with cable and VCR, individual air-conditioning, high speed wi-fi internet. You have a choice of 1-bedroom aprtaments and studios on each of the three floors. The InnKeepers, Mike Maczka and Tom Warnke, who acquired and renovated the palce in 1997, live on the floor above.

Units are available for 2 night minimums during mid-week and for 3 night minimums on weekends. If you're thinking of extended Chicago vacations, then weekly and monthly stay options and discounts are also available.

Info: 68 East Cedar Street Chicago Il 60611; (312) 664-9981; www.chicagobandb.com/

Pet Palace Package at the Serrano San Francisco

The thing about most pet friendly hotels is that they are pet friendly in name only. Meaning that they allow pet owners to keep their four legged friends in-room, but expect that none of the other guests should even notice that there are dogs or cats in the room next door. But a real hotel which welcomes pets wouldn't be like that. They'd make arrangements to make the pets feel at home, and offer doggie treats and such to entice pet owners to stay.

One such hotel is Kimpton's Serrano hotel in San Francisco's Union Square. They even have a 'Pet Palace package' which goes the extra mile, and in addition to deluxe accomodations, includes special doggy biscuits, and an ample supply of after-dinner disposable clean-up bags. And in case you need it, the hotel stocks convenient pet-friendly necessities such as gourmet lamb & rice dog food, leashes, and rawhide fetch-it sticks. Package rates from $189. Use promo code PPET. More details here.

Complimentary services at the Serrano include morning coffee and tea, and manager's hosted wine reception in the evening, free high speed internet, limo service to the Financial District on working days, a well equipped fitness and business centers.

Plus, most Kimptons, including the Serrano, are pretty neat family hotels and have all the little things like cribs and playpens and pacifiers available upon request. The Ponzu bar & restaurant takes care of the room service, and the hotel offers valet services, including valet parking. Oh, and if you bring in a hybrid vehicle, you get 25% off parking charges.

FYI, I tried a booking, but for dates in September, the only thing available was a couple of suites well above $300, and when I tried Oct, their system said the package was not available. Just so you know...

Info: 405 Taylor Street San Francisco CA 94102; (866) 289-6561; www.serranohotel.com/

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/