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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yoshi's Romance at Jack London Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snuggle & Smooch at EdgeWater Seattle

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

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

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

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

More details and online booking here.

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

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

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

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

Romance at the Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento

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

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

More details and online booking here.

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

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

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

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

Shop & Stay Escape at Jumeirah Essex House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great America Package at Clarion San Jose Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Night to Remember at the San Diego Marriott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Head Over Heels Shopping Package at The Muse New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romance Beach Vacation Package from Marriott Waikiki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop and Stay at the Sheraton Safari Orlando

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amour at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern California Romantic Getaway with Regency Inn Oakland

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

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

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

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

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

Savor Seattle at The Fairmont Olympic

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentines Day Hotels in New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Better Tomorrows at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa Bay Hotels for Super Bowl XLIII Fans

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

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

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

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

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

New York Sightseeing Package from Hotel Paramount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caribe Royale Orlando Disney Vacation Package

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Ski Packages at the Atlantis Reno

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover San Jose Package at Fairmont San Jose

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

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

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

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

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

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