Bundles of Free Smiles in Orlando

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

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

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

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

Hotels -

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

Attractions -

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

Vacation packages -

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

Winter Specials at The Sky Hotel Aspen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentine's Day at The St. Claire San Jose

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

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

The package includes:-

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

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

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

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

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

Valentine’s Day SiCC at Mandarin Oriental New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunshine on Sale at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suitest Courses of Love at Warwick Denver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bohemian Boudoir at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yoshi's Romance at Jack London Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snuggle & Smooch at EdgeWater Seattle

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

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

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

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

More details and online booking here.

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

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

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

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

Romance at the Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento

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

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

More details and online booking here.

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

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

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

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

Shop & Stay Escape at Jumeirah Essex House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great America Package at Clarion San Jose Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Night to Remember at the San Diego Marriott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Head Over Heels Shopping Package at The Muse New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romance Beach Vacation Package from Marriott Waikiki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop and Stay at the Sheraton Safari Orlando

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amour at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern California Romantic Getaway with Regency Inn Oakland

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

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

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

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

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

Savor Seattle at The Fairmont Olympic

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

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

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

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

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

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