Money Bags Special at Chamberlain West Hollywood

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

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

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

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

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

Endless Summer 2008 in Orlando - Get One Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hybrid happiness at the Allegro Hotel, Chicago

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seattle Staycation, Virtual Golf at Hotel 1000

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

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

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

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

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

August Tasting Menu on Delta King Sacramento

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

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

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

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

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

Best Western Stovall's Inn Anaheim

All of America is taking cookie-cutter Anaheim vacations in cookie-cutter chain hotels. Bad as it might sound, there must be something to it if so many people are doing 'it'. And the 'it' is the Best Western Stovall's Inn - Cheap rooms spacious enough to pack in the entire family, decent facilities and perfect location slam-bang directly across the street from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.

The guest rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, iron & ironing boards, hairdryers, high-speed wireless internet and the hotel offers a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Amenities for guests include a business center and fully equipped fitness center.

And what's it got for the family? Well, other than the free breakfast, children under 17 stay free, you get free parking, there's 2 swimming pools, 2 spas & a children's wading pool, a coin-operated laundry and laundry and valet service. And a restaurant next door serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then there's the Disneyland shuttle, sighseeing tours and park hopper tickets (ask at the front desk).

Last, but most important, you get an extra-large room with two double beds, seperate vanity area and bathroom (and all the stuff mentioned above) at rates starting from $85 per night (for a family of four, with two adults and two children). Plus, stay 3 consecutive nights, and you get a $25 gas card (offer valid until Sept 30 2008). Factor in the gas card and your hotel bill gets slashed to $230 for 3 nights.

Info: 1110 W Katella Avenue Anaheim CA 92802; (714) 778-1880; www.stovallsinn.com/

Got BART? 20% Off at Kimpton Hotels San Francisco

Riding the BART used to be the fun part of San Francisco vacations. Now its also a good way to shave 20% off your hotel bill. Show your ticket stub from BART, Amtrak or Caltrain, and you're entitled to 20% off on the best available rate at any one of the Kimpton Hotels in San Francisco.

Valid until December 31 2008. Participating hotels include Argonaut Hotel, Harbor Court Hotel, Hotel Monaco San Francisco, Hotel Triton, Hotel Palomar San Francisco, Prescott Hotel, Serrano Hotel and the Sir Francis Drake. Call (800) 546-7866 or visit the Kimpton website for more details about the offer and online booking. Use promo code RTR.

Not to make too big a deal about it, but the Triton is the greenest (green as in eco-friendly green) of the lot, while the Drake is the oldest and kindof an institution if you're looking for more than just a hotel room.

And the Argonaut is the most kid-friendly of the lot - Which is saying a lot since they're all Kimptons, which are all extremely good family hotels, with the Kimpton Kids program and other stuff meant to breed loyalty among family travelers. In addition to the usual stuff that Kimpton hotels have, the Argonaut has a great location on Fisherman's Wharf.

Spa Treatment Package At Beacon Hotel Miami

Miami vacations mean squat unless you enjoy the guilty pleasures of one of the high-end South Beach spas which proliferate on the oceanfront like weeds in an unkept garden. Thankfully, almost all the oceanfront Miami hotels have an in-house spa or offer discounted referrrals to one of the nearby spas. Point is, I was just looking through the spa offerings in Miami, and a couple of good spa packages from the Beacon Hotel on Ocean Drive caught my eye.

The first, a spa treatment pacakge, includes room accommodation, 15% off all spa treatments at Miami City Massage. Minimum 2 nights booking required. Rates starting from $159 ($199 for weekends). The second package, called 'Calma ', is a bit more comprehensive and offers two nights and three days in an ocean front room with two certificates for a 45 minute Swedish massage at Le Spa, and valet parking. $284 per night ($344 per night if you book for a weekend). More details about these and other specials from the Beacon Hotel here.

The room that comes with the Calma package has a King bed with a sweeping view of the Atlantic, and is furnished with in-room safe, mini-bar, flat panel LCD TV, cable TV, complimentary wireless high speed Internet, and complimentary breakfast from 9-11 am. The rooms are pristine white, with glistening marble flooring and luxurious haeavy furnishings. Large windows with light drapes cover nearly half the wall and offer a sweeping view of the Ocean.

The Rendezvous restaurant and 'The Bar' make up the dining and drinking options, with both in-door and out-door seating. Other than this, the Beacon offers all the usual amenities like room service, concierge services, valet laundry and turn-down. All said and done, not a bad way to spend a weekend exploring the things to do in Miami, with a couple of relaxing spa treatments at Le Spa, valet parking and a free breakfast thrown in. Sounds like an ideal getaway.

Info: 720 Ocean Drive Miami Beach FL 33139; (305) 674-8200; www.beacon-hotel.com/

Labor Day Hotel Sale & Specials

The clock's ticking out the summer, and Labor Day is almost here. Made plans for the Labor Day weekend? If you haven't had time yet, here's a listing of Labor Day specials and packages for hotels nationwide.

Expedia has a nice listing of 3 and 4 day labor weekend discount deals with air+hotel packages, and gas rebates. Rates from $373. Details here.

Orbitz's Insider Index offers up details about the top 10 Labor Day getaways, along with a promo for flight + hotel package for 3+ nights. Receive $50 off instantly when you book a flight + hotel package for 3+ nights to any of our destinations when you enter promo code LABOR50. Travel must occur between August 29 and September 8. Book by September 1. Details here.

Missing from both these offers are Labor Day specific destinations with family hotels and things to do on vacation which are especially relevant on Labor Day. One such location is Mackinaw City, MI, where the Grand Hotel On Mackinac Island has a Labor Day Jazz package. If you're there, don't miss the Mackinac Bridge walk on Sept 1.

Fall for Hawaii Special at ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel

The ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel is offering a 1 night free special - 3rd night free if you pay for 2 nights. Offer includes a free "Breakfast on the Beach", 2-for-1 Luau, an Aloha Book, free daily newspaper, free wifi service, and children receive a free toy at check-in. Offer valid until Dec 25th 2008. Rates from $174 for an oceanview room. More details here.

Before you start packing and dreaming about Honolulu vacations with Hula dances and Tiki restaurants and snooze-fests on Waikiki beach, you might want to take a look at the weather forecasts, because some volcano just blew its top in Hawaii, and the resultant spew of volcanic ash has closed down flights for the moment. But it should be clear in a day or so.

Comparing this offer with other Honolulu hotels is a bit like apples and oranges, since very few 'decent' hotels actually offer a 3rd night free in Oahu. Getting a good hotel room on the beach, with a view of the ocean, for less than $100 per night is a pipe-dream, even in late summer.

For the record, rooms at the ResortQuest Waikiki sport a cool decor with a tropical tinge and are equipped with air conditioning, a 32" flat-screen TV, and refrigerator. Most of the rooms have partial or full oceanviews, with a private lanai. Standard size rooms aren't all that big, but big enough to comfortably accomodate at least 2 people, with 1 King Bed or two doubles. Standard rates (for online booking) from $225.

On the 2nd floor of the hotel is the cavernous and popular Tiki's Grill & Bar, with lots of space and even more people, ofefring up sumptous seafood and Hawaiaan specials like Coconut Shrimp and Kalua Pig Quesadillas for appetizers, and entrees like a Hawaiian Plate of kalua pig, lau lau, lomi salmon, ahi poke, and coconut haupia.

And since the hotel is located on Kalakaua Avenue, its a pretty good place to start an exploration of all the things to do in Honolulu.

Info: 2570 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu HI 96815; (877) 997-6667; Website

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Staycation Package

Finally, SoCal residents can enjoy smokin hot San Diego vacations without having to shell out the big dough on upscale San Diego hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter. That's cause the Hard Rock hotel is offering a Staycation package for Southern California residents.

During the summer months, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is extending a special discounted rate to Southern California residents of $199 per night, Sunday through Thursday for studio accommodations, with a complimentary upgrade to a Hard Rock Suite, or $239 per night Friday and Saturday for studio accommodations with a complimentary upgrade to a Hard Rock Suite. The rate is valid from August 1 through September 30 and is subject to availability.

In a press statement regarding the package, Eric Seise, hotel manager at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, says that "The word Staycation can be wonderfully appealing in a city like San Diego. There are so many things to do here and we are just a short drive from the L.A, Orange County and Inland Empire areas. We have it all here at the Hard Rock Hotel including luxury accommodations, awesome restaurants, a spa, nightlife and an ideal location. It’s everything you would fly to places like Vegas or Miami to experience."

Click here for more details or call (888) 593-6177.

The entire hotel is a party animal's dream come true, but special mention needs to be made of the Moonstone Lounge and the poolside area. As it is, the Gaslamp has acquired a rep for Vegas style hard partying, but even for the Gaslamp, the sizzling heat of the Moonstone Lounge with a crush of bodies and parties within parties mixing it up with alcohol fueled abondon is something special.

The guest rooms are equally 'different', with a nod to Rock N'Roll memorabilia, and a mix of funkiness and luxury catering to both music and baseball fans come to enjoy the offerings of the Ballpark. All said and done, this staycation package bridges the gap between the haves in the luxury suites and the have-nots partying poolside, and on the streets.

Info: 207 5th Ave San Diego CA 92101; (619) 702-3000; www.hardrockhotelsd.com/

Escape from Big Apple with The Madison Hotel, NJ

Facing up to traffic-clogged streets is one of the inescapable truths of New York vacations. Or is it? There's a new trend on to beat the bedlam and road rage - By putting up instead at decent New Jersey hotels. Thus, you can enjoy the dazzling array of things to do in New York by day and relax in the relative peace of the quiet NJ neighbourhoods in the late evenings and nights. Not to mention the fact that hotel rates in NJ are way cheaper than what you'd pay in NYC. And hotels in New Jersey are making the most of this by pushing NYC package deals offering free shuttle rides or transit tickets from NJ to exit and entry points in NYC.

Take for instance the Madison Hotel, located in Morristown, NJ. The hotel is offering a 'Big Apple Escape' package which includes deluxe accommodations for two, either Friday or Saturday night, a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, free parking, complimentary continental Breakfast served in the lobby, $50 food and beverage credit towards dinner at Rod's Steak and Seafood Grille, and two roundtrip tickets on New Jersey Transit's Midtown Direct train to New York's Penn Station. rates from $189 (plus taxes).

Now if you were to try to get all this in NYC (and you can forget the free parking, which is a virtual impossibility for New York hotels near Times Square), you'd end up paying well over $350 per night.

The Madison is a family owned hotel, and has been for the last 57 years since 1951. In keeping with this individuality, the hotel offers a home away from home, with large and comfortable guest rooms with four poster beds, intricate and solid wooden furnishings, vanity mirrors, a work desk and cabinet, in addition to the usual modern gizmos and add-ons like high speed internet, first-run movies and a beverage center. Hotel amenities and facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness center.

Rod's Steak and Seafood Grille serves up fresh seafood, prime beef and has an award winning wine list. And the experience of dinner in a luxuriously refurbished turn of the century railway parlour car is not one to be missed.

What's not to like? Free parking, free breakfast, cheap and spacious well-appointed rooms, free transport to NYC and when you come back at night, you have free credits towards a royal dinner with a fine menu and excellent wine abroad a make-believe railway coach.

Info: One Convent Road Morristown NJ 07960 ; (800) 526-0729; www.themadisonhotel.com/

End of Summer Special from Clift Hotel San Francisco

If you're planning for San Francisco vacations in September, the Clift Hotel in Union Square is offering an 'End of Summer' special for the month of September 2008 with $50 off the best available rate and a complimentary one-level room upgrade. Use promo code LDP for online booking. rates from $305. Online booking and details about this and other specials at the Clift available here.

In addition to its prime location on Union Square (San Francisco hotels which are not in Union Square are treated like poor second cousins), the Clift also has nearly a century of history to flout. Not to mention the majestic soaring lobby and digital art exhibitions in the famous Redwood Room. Its more like a palace, actually. Which also likely explains why you're treated (and fleeced) like royalty.

Amenities and facilities at the Clift include a state-of-the-art Gym with a top-notch fitness center, 24 hour concierge services and valet parking, in-room massage and spa services, and in addition to the aforementioned Redwood Room, there's also Jeffrey Chodorow’s Asia de Cuba restaurant with Asian-Latin cuisine.

The guest rooms are equally luxurious and oversized, with King and Queen beds, down comforters, 400 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, branded bath amenities, cable television with multiple channels, video on demand and entertainment system, and an in-room safe, in addition to the usual basic travel necessities.

Info: 495 Geary Street San Francisco CA 94102; (415) 775-4700; www.clifthotel.com/

Hotel Menage Anaheim

In the middle of all the big chain and brand name Anaheim hotels on South Harbor Blvd sits the boutique Hotel Menage, which is decidely a change, at the very least, from the kitschy family friendliness of the whole zone. Situated a mile form the Anaheim Convention Center and just a block from Disneyland, the Menage bills itself as a cool place to hang out for the younger crowd, with a swanky restaurant and lounge and a hip pool which aims more for Vegas style heat with a party atmosphere and a poolside bar.

Even the rooms aim to be 'different' with 7 foot tall leather headboards and stunning decor which is not the norm in Anaheim. Loft style accommodations offer either a king bed and queen sleep-sofa, or two queen beds, leather wrapped headboards over seven feet high, midnight toned striped carpet, ambient lighting, cozy sitting area, stunning oversized custom desk, and a state-of-the-art 42" high-definition plasma television. Additional amenities include sunflower showerheads.

Amenities include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, imported coffees and teas, hair dryer, and iron & ironing board. Hotel facilities include the K'ya restaurant featuring Pacific Rim cuisine with sumptous seafood options on the menu. Then there's the Mist Pool Bar with tropical palms overlooking an exotic pool and cozy, private cabanas. The pool also offers a spectacular view of the nightly Fireworks extravaganza from Disneyland.

All said and done, a stay at the Menage is a totally different animal from the usual cookie-cutter hotels which offer cheap Anaheim vacations for the entire family. There's nothing cheap about any aspect of the Menage - except for the rates - starting from $119 per night for a Studio King capable of accomodating 4 people, with the Studio Loft King going at $129. Definitely recommended if you're a youngish group touring the attarctions and things to do in Anaheim and in the neighbourhood.

Info: 1221 South Harbor Blvd. Anaheim CA 92805; (888) 462-7275; www.hotelmenage.com/

Givin up the Gas Package from LAX Custom Hotel

I've been talking about the futility of hotels offering gas cards without free parking, and hotels situated in the middle of nowhere offering gas rebates to offset the extra driving distance. These are not real 'rebates'. They're just intended to fray extra costs. Then I bump into this special from the Custom Hotel, Los Angeles.

If you're talking Los Angeles vacations, this is what I call a 'complete' gas package - $25 gas rebate card, free valet parking, and best of all, the hotel is located just off LAX, which further reduces your transport costs. Rates from $139. These are all actually pluses which reduce costs over and above that you would pay at comparable Los Angeles hotels.

The hotel offering this Givin' up the Gas Package is the Custom, located high up on a hill on Lincoln Blvd, a short drive from Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu, with easy access via the the 10, 405 and 105 freeways to all the important businesses and leisure things to do in Los Angeles.

Amenities at the hotel include espresso check-in, an on-the-go breakfast bar, Bistrotek restaurant, heated outdoor pool, stadium sundeck, Hopscotch pool bar and grill, poolside cabanas, fire pit and DJ lounge. The 250 guest rooms and suites spread over 12 floors are furnished with flat screen LCD televisions, stereos with iPod docking stations, minibars, complimentary high speed internet, Percale Italian linens and Egyptian cotton bath towels.

Info: 8639 Lincoln Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90045; (310) 645-0400; www.customhotel.com/

Louvre Atlanta High Museum Packages

The Atlanta CVB, along with select Atlanta hotels, is offering a Paris in Atlanta 'experience', with specials that include tickets for Louvre Atlanta and High Museum of Art. While packages offered by each hotel are unique, most of them are offering one night deluxe accomodations for two, two Louvre Atlanta High Museum tickets, complimentary buffet breakfast and complimentary hotel self parking.

Participating hotels include Mariott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Atlanta Hotel Downtown, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Regency Suites, and Wyndham Garden Hotel, among others. Full listing of all the hotels and packages offered can be seen here.

But Atlanta vacations are not all about the Civil Rights Movement, and there's lots of things to do in Atlanta in addition to paying homage to Dr. King. Take the soul food, for example. In addition to arguably having the best soul food restaurants, Atlanta also has a soul food museum. Then there's the 'Gone with the Wind' tours.

But still, all said and done, Atlanta was, is and always will be, about Dr. King. So unquestionably the best and most visitable place remains the Sweet Auburn District with The King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Dr. King's boyhood home.

Artsy Packages at Hotel San Carlos, Phoenix

Who says Phoenix is all wild west and no art? Hotel San Carlos, located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, offers multiple packages for art lovers combining artsy Phoenix vacations with premium accomodations.

For starters there's the Ballet Arizona package, which includes accomodations with preferred seating at Ballet Arizona performance, bicycle rickshaw transportation to and from the Orpheum Theatre, and pre-show dinner at the hotel's 'Copper Door' restaurant. Rates from $149 for single and $179 for double occupancy. There's also a Phoenix Art Museum package and an Arizona Desert Botanical Gardens package. For more details and online booking, click here.

Not saying that this is the best that Phoenix hotels can come up with, in terms of mixing art and hospitality and all the things to do in Phoenix, but for a 'cultured' visitor (or an 'elitist snob', depends on your viewpoint, I suppose ...) from either Coast, its way better than simply being dumped in the middle of the burning desert and told to look out for yourself.

Anyway, the Hotel San Carlos has 121 guest rooms, including 12 suites, all equipped with coffee makers and complimentary gourmet coffee, cable television with 4 complimentary HBO channels, and iron & ironing boards. Each of the suites are named and themed to remind guests of Hollywood legends who frequented the hotel like Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant. And yes, the hotel does have a pretty long and rich history, having opened its doors in 1928. The Hotel San Carlos is a State Historic landmark and is the only operating historic boutique hotel in Phoenix.

Info: 202 N. Central Avenue Phoenix AZ 85004; (866) 253-4121; http://hotelsancarlos.com

Play & Stay Deal at the Pearl Hotel, San Diego

The Pearl Hotel at Point Loma, near Downtown San Diego is a boutique with a strong personality and maintains a fun, easygoing environment for guests (especially poolside after sundown). The location - One block from San Diego Bay and 10 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter - is excellent as a base camp for San Diego vacations. Best part of the deal is that the hotel is relatively cheap, when you compare the rates (starting from $153 at the Pearl) with other San Diego hotels.

But it gets better. If you think of yourself as lucky, you might want to give their 'Play & Stay' special a try. Way it works is pretty simple - You land up in person at their front desk after midnight, and you can book any available room for $79 (plus taxes). Now even if you compare that against their lowest standard rate, you end up saving $74 per night. And what do you have to do? Wait until after midnight to go in and get yourself a room.

Have to warn you, though. When there's a convention in progress, or something big, like Comic-Con or the SD County Fair, or a big Padres game at the ballpark, or even holidays like the 4th of July, it can become virtually impossible to get a room in the area at the last minute. So before you think about Play & Stay at the Pearl, you might want to check your calenders and San Diego event listings, and make sure you're not going to end up on the streets.

Guestroom amenities include desk and chair, free Wi-Fi access, Roku SoundBridge Radio, and 32" and 42" LCD televisions. Special mention needs to be made of the fabulous pool at the Pearl. Even though the hotel is not so big as to be called a resort, the poolside atmosphere - with the cabanas, and dining service and cozy nooks - makes it a fitting place for parties and get togethers.

Info: 1410 Rosecrans Street (at Fenelon) San Diego, CA 92106; 877-PEARL-SD; www.thepearlsd.com/

Orlando Package Deals from WorldQuest Resorts

Let's face the facts here. Orlando vacations are increasingly becoming the preserve of the rich and the fortunate. But there's hope yet - With WorldQuest Resorts building a family friendly hotel cum resort cum condo complex which straddles the divide between these 'Two Americas', to borrow a phrase from former Sen. John Edwards' campaign. The Resort offers 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can house upto 8 people. Rates from $119 per night, based on quadraple occupancy for a family of 4, with 2 adults and 2 children.

Best part is that the resort has package deals under which your stay is not limited to 2 or 3 days. Instead, you can stay for as long as you want, for upto 12 days. That's upto 8 people for 12 days, in a resort one mile from the Disney World Resort.

And that's not all. If you book in for one of the specials, like the 'Walt Disney World Vacation Package', what you get is :-

• Accommodations Up to 8
• Complimentary Transportation to Disney World
• Your choice of ticket type: Park Hopper, Magic Your Way, Waterpark Fun and More! No expiration option
• Your choice of Park: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studio, Disney Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon.
• No Restrictions - you can stay 1 night or 12 nights, it's your choice!

More details about this and other specials here. For the record, amenities at WorldQuest Resorts include cable and satellite television with pay-per-view movies, coffee/tea maker, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, in-room safe, high speed onternet access (additional charge), iron/ironing board, jetted bathtub, kitchen with microwave and refrigirator, and private patio/balcony with seperate entrance to the suites from outside.

Also for the record, while its cheaper than most Orlando hotels and resorts close to the theme parks, WorldQuest is still under construction, so all the facilities may not be available as yet. Please check with the management before you book in.

Info: 8849 WorldQuest Blvd. Orlando FL 32821; (877) 987-8378; www.worldquestorlando.com/

Online Special - 10% Off At Old Monterey Inn

Monterey hotels don't come any more steeped in tradition and history than this delightful boutique property - The Old Monterey Inn. For that matter, neither do they come with any more charm, wrapped in a pleasant rustic look and a unique beauty - Shutter windows which open wide to light up the entire room, a giant bed, heavy wooden furnishings, crackling fireplace, stained glass windows, skylights, free and sumptous breakfast, lush foliage and a garden with trails outside - all of which are signature traits of a luxurious old Country Inn.

Of course, it helps when the things to do in Monterey and in the area surrounding the Monterey Peninsula - Carmel, Big Sur, Pacific Grove - are just as hauntingly beautiful as the Inn. According to their own description, the Old Monterey Inn website says that "this 4-Diamond AAA rated Monterey bed and breakfast was recently awarded a position on the coveted Conde Nast Travel Reader's Choice Gold List and is a popular choice for those seeking romantic honeymoon destinations or Monterey vacations."

And it gets even better if you're offered 10% off the standard room rates. Book yourself in online at the Old Monterey Inn, and get 10% off regular room rates. Pre-payment required at the time of booking. No changes or cancellations allowed. Mention this promotion in "Special Needs" section when booking online.

Room rates include a gourmet breakfast, afternoon refreshments and hors d'oeuvres with complimentary wine and beverages in the evening. In-room amenities include TV with VCR, DSL line and telephone, plush featherbeds with down comforters and pollows, luxurious linens, private bath with hairdryers, soft terry robes with perfumed bath salts, thick towels, current magazines and candles. Hotel amenities include evening turndown service, garden side dining and sitting areas, a spa tub for two, and full concierge service, along with breakfast in bed or by your fireplace, and a morning newspaper delivered to your door.

Standard nightly rates starting from $250 and onwards upto $430. Minimum 2 night stay required if you are boking in for a weekend.

Info: 500 Martin Street Monterey CA 93940; (831) 375-8284; www.oldmontereyinn.com/

1 Night Free at Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale

No better way to begin Fort Lauderdale vacations than to have a hotel room on Las Olas Boulevard. And if said hotel has about 80 years of history, and offers 1 night free, along with a lot of other freebies and credits, well, that's just the icing on the cake.

And this is exactly what the Riverside Hotel offers. Book a two day stay Thursday-Friday and get Saturday free. Book Friday-Saturday and get Sunday free. Valid until September 30 2008. Choice of either a balcony room in the Executive tower for $199, or the old classic guest rooms for $159. Also included in the offer, and complimentary, are a $25.00 gas credit, welcome cocktail in the Golden Lyon bar or Preston’s Lounge, 50% off valet parking per night, 20% discount for Indigo Restaurant & Grill Room on Las Olas, and 2 water taxi passes. Considering that pretty much includes all the things to do in Fort Lauderdale, you're not going to be spending too much money in excess of your hotel bill. More details of the offer here.

To make the contest even more one-sided, the Riverside would probably wind up on any top ten list of Fort Lauderdale hotels, even without the special. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, same day dry-cleaning, a boat dock, 2 restaurants and a lounge for dining and drinks, business center with over 11,000 sq ft of meeting and banquet space, gift shop, 24 hour front desk, valet and concierge services, room service, free high speed internet and a 7-story parking garage with car rental facilities.

The 217 guest rooms and suites are divided between the original landmark building and the new 12-story executive tower. Tower rooms are costlier, but way better, with City skyline views and modern amenities. So, as far as possible, avoid the old rooms, and specifically ask for tower rooms while booking in. In-room amenities include a mini bar, cable television with pay-per-view movies, refrigerator and mini bar. Rates starting from $119.

Info: 620 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; (954) 467-0671; www.riversidehotel.com/

MGM Grand Las Vegas Flyback Offer

Like they say, what happens in Las Vegas hotels, does not happen anywhere else. Well, maybe that's exactly true, but can you tell me of any other hotel or resort in any other state, where, if you stay for 2 or more nights, will land you $300 return trip airfare credit, $25 activity credit towards dining or entertainment, 15% off on spa services, 15% off on retail shopping at selected retail outlets, and 2 complimentary poolside cocktails. Well, you can't because this is possible only when you book the Flyback special offer at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Room rates starting from $100 per night.

Conditions - Book before August 31 2008. The return trip (hotel and air) must include two or more nights at MGM Grand and must be booked by the travel agency noted on the certificate. Flyback certificate will be issued to qualified guestss upon check-in. More details and online booking here.

The MGM Grand resort offers cutting edge luxury and Vegas style fun amenities and services for guests, including the Wet Republic Ultra Pool, MGM Grand Spa and Health Club, Cristophe Salon, a Grand Pool Complex, Wedding Chapel, airport check-in, golf, shopping, a plethora of fine restaurants and diners to satisfy every need. And this is in addition to the entertainment and nightlife options, which are too numerous to list or describe in a single post here. Let's just say that its what you usually get on Las Vegas vacations - Roll the dice, shows and live performances by celebrities, romantic dinners, getting drunk (and maybe married), and party hard (best parties in Vegas are usually poolside)

As for acccomodations, the MGM Grand offers everything from standard rooms for less than $100 and on upto bank busting celebrity spa suites and skyloft penthouse suites.

Info: 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas Nevada 89109; (877) 880-0880; www.mgmgrand.com/

Super Summer Sale at Dunes Village Resort, Myrtle Beach SC

Its cheap, branded as the best family friendly resort in the nation by the likes of Expedia and a TripAdvisor user survey, and they're offering a super summer sale offer - an oceanfront deluxe studio for $169 per night. The oceanfront is at Myrtle Beach, and resort in question is the Dunes Village Resort. More details here.

So, if you think Myrtle Beach vacations are a riot, wait till you see what the Dunes Village Resort has inside it. You, or the kids at least, will want to spend the entire week in-hotel. Which kinda works out good, cause that leaves you free to laze out on the beach and enjoy the adult pleasures of the Grand Strand, with all the shopping and entertainment and restaurants, while the kids are safely supervised inside the resort, and having fun.

So, anyway, fun activities for the kids at the Dunes include an indoor water park which has a 250 ft river ride, among other attractions, and pool games, water basketball, treasure hunts, arts and crafts and lots more stuff. There's also an outdoor pool with a deck, and on-site restaurants.

The Oceanfront feluxe King studio has 1 King bed, full size sofa sleeper, 2 TV's, DVD player, dining area, kitchenette, dressing area, 1 bath, and a private balcony. If you're with family, the resort also has 2, 3 and 4 bedroom condos. Standard rates starting from $139.

Not that Myrtle Beach hotels are very costly (you'll find decent rooms and condos for as low as $30 per night and the average nightly rate is a little less than $100), but the Dunes Village Resort has a lot of family friendly amenities and services, which are either not available at the smaller hotels, or charged for excessively by the bigger resorts. In summary, the Dunes offers great value for money for a family, which is why its rated so highly for family travelers.

Info: 5200 North Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach SC 29577; (877) 828-2237; www.dunesvillage.com/

Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani

Sometimes, a room, or a suite, in a hotel gains so much fame, or notoriety, that it overshadows the hotel itself. This happens when Kings and Presidents stay in Presidential suites, or a famous actor or celebrity prefers to stay in a specific room, and sometimes, when a room is outlandish, such as the Godiva Decadence suite at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City, which is entirely made of chocolate.

If you limit yourself to Honolulu hotels, only one name comes to mind - the Vera Wang Suite at the Halekulani Hotel, which, as the hotel itself says "is truly one of a kind. Immersed in understated and elegant décor, this one-bedroom suite features 2,135 sq. ft. of interior space, plus a 642 sq. ft. Oceanside lanai. Personally designed by Ms. Wang, The Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani is a timeless, totally original creation.

The hotel takes special care to ensure absolute privacy for the suite's occupants, and to top that off, the suite offers spectacular views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Both the master bedroom and the Lanai overlook the beach, and you won't find a better place for a honeymoon, or to celebrate your love, than in this suite, with the open sky, the stars, and the moon looking down on Diamond Head.

The suite has a 50" plasma television with a complete entertainment center, a deep soaking tub and a seperate glass-enclosed shower, private butler service, a special in-bed breakfast, and 24 hour in-room dining served in-suite or at the private Lanai. The Vera Wang suite guests get chauffeured to and from the airport in a private limousine, and are also offered exclusive in-suite spa treatments courtesy of SpaHalekulani. And also free internet, local calls, in-room safe, complimentary newspapers, business secreterial services, twice-daily turndown service, and VIP passes and services to the Honolulu Symphony, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, The Contemporary Museum and Iolani Palace.

It's a once in a lifetime oppurtunity for common riffraf to stay at this suite. But anyway, its not like we go on Honolulu vacations every other year. So if you're willing to say, what the heck, let's just do it, then call (800) 367-2343 to make reservations.

Info: 2199 Kalia Road Honolulu Hawaii 96815; (808) 923-2311; www.halekulani.com/

Green Getaway At The Ambrose, Santa Monica

Located a block from the Wilshire business district and a few minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, the Ambrose hotel in Santa Monica bills itself as an enticing offer of a 'green experience' with guilt-free luxury Los Angeles vacations.

While Los Angeles does have its share of tree hugging do-gooders, its not as prominent on the environment friendly crusade as San Francisco, which has ultimate eco-friendly hospitality offerings like the LEED certified Orchard Garden. But now, Los angeles hotels have a green role model in the Ambrose, which got itself certified as the first ever LEED-EB (that's short for existing building) certified U.S. hotel. While it would be beyond the scope of this blog to explain what LEED is, let's just say that its the holy grail for being certified as a green outlet, building, service provider, etc. More details on their website - www.usgbc.org/leed/ and detailed info about the Ambrose hotel's green initiatives, certifications and green practices can be found here.

As far as amenities and services for guests are concerned, the hotel offers hybrid car rentals and preferred parking for hybrids, along with complimentary parking for for all guests in the hotel's secure underground parking lot. There's a free organic breakfast with Starbucks fair trade organic coffee for all guests, free hotel wide wi-fi, a recreation and exercise room, business center with meeting space, a lush Asian themed garden, concierge services and 24 hour in-room dining. The Ambrose also offers its guests complimentary transport around Santa Monica in biodiesel-fueled taxis and use of chauffeured limousines powered by alternative energy.

The 77 guest rooms are furnished and equipped with Italian bed linens, Aveda bath products, a mini bar with a choice selection of wines, beer and organic snacks and goodies. Some of the rooms have hardwood floors. Al rooms offer free wi-fi internet, DVD/CD players with surround sound, a complimentary USAToday, guest laundry and same day drycleaning. Rates from $239.

Info: 1255 20th Street Santa Monica CA 90404; (310) 315-1555; www.ambrosehotel.com/

Gas Card Specials From Hotel Cass Chicago

Stay one night at the Hotel Cass Chicago and get a $25 gas card, or stay 2+ nights and get a $50 gas card. Valid until Sept 3 2008. Click here for more details. The Cass is located steps from 'The Magnificient Mile', with shopping at over 460 retailers and 275 restaurants, which is Chi-town's equivalent of Fifth Ave in NYC. Rates from $199 (taxes extra).

Usually, most hotels offering gas cards would also be offering free parking. After all, the gas card really is more symbolic than anything else, and the savings on the gas are usually tucked away as add-ons somewhere else in your hotel bill, while making it seem like driving to the hotel is cheaper because of the gas card. If you're offering free parking, that enhances the impression. Point of all this babble is that Chicago hotels don't seem to get this concept, and the cussed Cass is charging a whopping $32 for self parking, and $45 for valet parking.

So anyway, what the Cass offers is hotel-wide complimentary internet (both wired and wireless), complimentary breakfast which includes bacon, sausage, biscuits & gravy, alternate days of scrambled eggs or cheese omelets, and the hotel's signature cinnamon rolls, 24 hour complimentary coffee, tea, and juices in lobby along with daily newspaper, and a business center.

In-room amenities include a pillow top bed, flat screen HDTV, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, bath toileteries, an in-room safe and valet laundry service. Not saying the Cass is the best hotel for Chicago vacations, but it is does offer clean and spacious rooms, a sumptous free breakfast, and is willing to reimburse you for a part of your gas bill. The location isn't too shabby either. That's not so a bad deal, anyway which way you look at it.

Info: 640 North Wabash Avenue Chicago Illinois 60611; (312) 787-4030; www.casshotel.com/

Gassy Suite Nights Special at Alexander Hotel Miami Beach

Planning for Miami vacations with family? The Alexander Hotel, Miami Beach, which sits 'on' the beach at Collins Ave, is offering a Gassy Suite Nights special, which includes accomodations for 4 people in a junior 2-bedroom suite, $50.00 gas credit towards food & beverage, and daily breakfast for 4.

The suite includes living area, dining area, full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, private balcony, master bedroom with a king or queen size bed, and a second bedroom with twin beds. Rates from $224.00 per night (taxes extra), with a 2 night minimum stay required. That comes to $528.24 for 2 nights, for a full family of four people, plus free breakfast and $50 credit for food & drinks. Package valid until Dec 24 2008. More details and online booking here.

Why call it a 'gas credit', when it can only be used for food and drinks? And you get breakfast free, anyway. Also, the $50 food and drinks credit is likely for the Shula's Steak House housed inside the Alexander, and you'll probably end up wiping out the credit in half a meal. Be that as it may, fact is that this is as good a deal as you're going to get at one of the comparable beachfront Miami hotels on Collins Avenue.

The Alexander, like most other Miami Beach oceanfront resorts, has a magnificient pair of lagoon shaped pools, with lush gardens and a cascading waterfall rounding up the impression of a tropical oasis. Two jacuzzis, private cabanas and al fresco dining and bar service add to the luxury. The hotel also offers its guests use of business and fitness centers, along with the Gianfranco Salon and Spa.

The all-suite hotel offers suites ranging fron 1000 to 1250 sq ft., , with balconies either overlooking the beach and the Atlantic, or the intracoastal waterway.

Info: 5225 Collins Avenue Miami Beach Florida 33140; (305) 865-6500; www.alexanderhotel.com/

See Seattle Package from Warwick Hotel

The Warwick Seattle Hotel is offering an all-inclusive Seattle vacations package called 'See Seattle', which includes overnight accommodations for two, American breakfast for two at the Brasserie Margaux restaurant, free parking, and 1 day Go Seattle Card for 2 adults ($98 value with unlimited admission to over 36 attractions in Seattle). Package costs $314, inclusive of all taxes and gratuities. Use promo code PACK2. For more details, call (800) 426-9280 or online booking here.

Let's see if we can break it up into individual compenents and see whether its a fair offer, as compared to other Seattle hotels. For starters, most hotels in Seattle offer free parking, so let's forget about that. Secondly, the breakfast is no biggie either. That leaves the room rates and the Go Seattle Card. If you buy each seperately, the card (for two) costs about $100. And a standard room at the Warwick costs about $154 plus taxes, which comes to about $178. So that's a total of $278 plus breakfast and parking ($27 at the hotel's parking garage), if you decide to buy all of it seperately.

Not much difference either way, whether you book the package or not. So should you buy the See Seattle package or not? On the Go Seattle Card website, it says the package costs $240, while on the Warwick's website, it says $314. I have a feeling the hotel might reduce the rate if you called up, so give it a shot.

Is the Warwick good enough to merit all this hassle? Well, its situated within walking distance of Pike Place Market and all the important things to do in Seattle for tourists. The Warwick also has an indoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool, sauna, fitness and business centers with over 2000 sq ft of meeting space, and internet access ($11 for one day, $20 for two).

Dining facilities include the aforementioned Brasserie Margaux, which serves American and European breakfast favourites including pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict and Seattle-style standards, along with lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends. The Margaux Lounge is a full service bar offering burgers, salads, chowder and appetisers.

The hotel offers 230 guest rooms outfitted with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which lead out to a private Juliet balcony, with views of the Seattle Space Needle or city skyline. Rooms also feature Italian marble bathrooms, wet bar with minibar or refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, in-room complimentary coffee and tea, movie and games system and designer bath amenities.

Info: 401 Lenora Street Seattle Washington 98121; (206) 443-4300; www.warwickwa.com/

20% Off at Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel San Francisco

San Francisco vacations don't come cheap, but if you book in for a stay between either August 31st to September 1st or between December 9th to December 12th, you'll receive 20% off at the Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel in Downtown San Francisco. You'll have to check for rates and availability, because when I tried to book online, it said that the 20% off is only if you stay for at least 4 nights, and 30% off if you stay for 5 nights. But they may offer the 20% off even for shorter stays if you call them at (800) 595-0507. Rates from $159 per night (this is the lowest standard room rate, without the 20% discount).

They have a lotta other specials, including a 'Cars Stay Free' package, a 'Breakfast for Two' package and a 'Burke Williams Spa Package'. But after looking at the prices on the rest of the packages (around or over $200), I figure the only one worth discussing is the 20% discount package. I mean, if you can get a room for about $120 at a big hotel like the Parc 55, that just about beats the rates offered by all comparable San Francisco hotels.

In addition to 21,000 sq ft of meeting and event space, the Parc 55 offers its guests use of a 24 hour health club, dry sauna, a coffee shop (Barbary Coast), cocktail lounge (Piazza Lounge), a sports bar (Barley 'N Hops) and two restaurants - The Veranda Restaurant which serves California cuisine, and Siam Thai which offers Thai cuisine. Amenities and services for guests include a business center, room service, massage therapists, tour desk, gift shop, valet parking ($44 plus 14% tax for parking - No wonder they have a 'cars stay free' package.. ), overnight laundry and child-care services (on request).

The 32 story Parc 55 offers 1,010 guest rooms and 18 executive suites with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. In-room amenities include cable televsion with video games and on-demand movies, hair dryer, iron and ironing board and makeup mirrors, blackout drapes, coffee and tea maker, workdesk, complimentary newspaper, high speed internet, and shower massage.

Info: 55 Cyril Magnin Street San Francisco CA 94102; (415) 392-8000; www.parc55hotel.com/

Miyako Inn Los Angeles Hotel Weekend Special

The Miyako Inn, Los Angeles is offering a weekend getaway package for $109 per night, which includes free upgrade to Executive room and a compimentary continental breakfast every morning. Minimum 2 night stay required, and package valid Friday through Sunday only. More details and online booking here. That's quite reasonable, compared to other downtown Los Angeles hotels.

The hotel has a business center and meeting room with computer, internet and copy services (extra charges apply), along with valet parking ($18). For guests, the hotel offers free in-room internet, and the 11th floor Executive rooms have free wireless internet. Being a Japanese hotel, the Miyako offers a health spa with a Jacuzzi, with Dry / Steam sauna, and Shiatsu Asian massage treatment. The Spa also houses a fitness center with exercise equipment.

The rooms, in tune with the rest of the hotel, are functional without being decadent or overly luxurious. Considering the price and location, its not all that bad. Twin beds with headboards, bare walls, a small workdesk with a cair, and large windows with floor to celing drapes. Each room comes with a complimentary DSL connnection, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, coffee maker and electronic safety box. rates from $109 to $149 (taxes extra).

The $149 is the standard per night rate for the executive rooms, so if you book the weekend package, you basically save $40 per night, assuming you want the executive room. In a nutshell, the hotel may not be an A-lister, but if you're on a budget Los Angeles vacation, then the price, location and functionality of the Miyako, not to mention the neat spa, provide an attractive option.

Info: 328 East 1st Street Los Angeles CA 90012; (213) 617-2000; www.miyakoinn.com/

DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento, California State Fair Package

The DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento is offering a special California State Fair package from $105 per night. Includes two adult tickets and transportation right upto the main gates of the State Fair. Valid until September 3rd 2008. For package details and online booking, click here.

The California State Fair this year will be held from August 15 to September 1, 2008. Info: 1600 Exposition Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815; (916) 263-FAIR; www.bigfun.org/; Discount tickets purchased in advance - $8 adults, $6 seniors (62+), $5 children (5-12) and free for children (0-4). Tuesdays are 'Kids Days', and all kids aged 12 and below get free admission. Seniors can get $2 discounts on Fridays. Single vehicle parking - $8.

Most major Sacramento hotels will be packed to the rafters during the third and fourth weeks, so it might be advisable to book well in advance. So let's talk some more about the DoubleTree and the State Fair package. I tried to do a booking for the package, rates for which are 'said' to be from $105, but the cheapest I could find, online, and for the State Fair Package, was $185 plus taxes for a single room with queen bed or beds. If you want a King bed, the cost goes up over $200. And for Sacramento, $200 plus taxes, even if you take out the $16 for the fair tickets, is pretty steep. At least $50 overpriced, if you consider that a hotel in Sacramento charges an average nightly rate of around $120 to $130.

I mean, you might as well get a cheaper room at another hotel and buy a couple of tickets to the State Fair with your own money. And if you have a car, the shuttle becomes redundant. So is the DoubleTree Sacramento worth it for the extra cash?

Well, you decide... The amenities they offer include a business center with meeting rooms and other necessities for business travelers, high chairs and cribs for families on vacation, and general amenities and services include a concierge desk and room service, coin laundry, gift shop and news stand, valet service, fitness center, pool and pool table. Dining facilities at the hotel include an Espresso Bar and the Cityside Cafe just off the lobby which whips up a sumptous breakfast buffet spread, along with the traditional fare for lunch and dinner. Free parking at the hotel's open parking lot.

The 448 guest rooms and suites are furnished with working desk and chair, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, coffee maker with coffee and tea, cable TV 21 channels, HBO and on-demand movies. Internet access in-room is available for an extra $9.95 per day, and most rooms have their own balcony. The Queen bed rooms, which offer the lowest rates with the State Fair package, each offer 5 jumbo hypo-allergenic down pillows, oversized chair and large desk with ergonomic chairs. A spacious bathroom is kitted out with Neutrogena bath products and cotton terry robes.

Info: 2001 Point West Way Sacramento CA 95815; (916) 929-8855; Website

1 Night Free at Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs

The thing about Palm Springs is that it's cheap, and the desert has a whole lotta dirt, so what you have is a dirt cheap Palm Springs holiday with lots of shopping, golf and poolside action. Which is why the Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs is offering the 3rd night free if you book in for 2 nights. Valid until September 30, 2008. Use promo code 89934 for online booking, or call (760) 322-9000. Rates starting at $99, if your stay is in August.

Rates at Palm Springs hotels usually fluctuate on a daily basis much more than other areas in California (don't ask why). So you should probably keep your dates flexible enough and check to see which days of the month you get the best rate.

As far as the Hyatt is concerned, its one of the better digs in palm Springs, and offers everything from an airport shuttle to ice machines (you're gonna need it, trust me..) and a manicure salon and full service spa. Other guest services and amenities include wireless internet, health club, valet parking, a heated outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool with a sundeck, jogging and bicycle trails, and A-grade meeting and banquet facilities.

Dining options include the Palm Court cafe with Californian cuisine, Bar Blue for light snacks and appetizers, and Cafe 285 and Spritzes which serves American cuisine.

The 193 guest rooms and suites each offer two televisions with cable and pay-per-view movies, individual climate control, Full bath amenities with Whirlpool bath or bidet in Executive / VIP suites, hairdryer, coffee maker, In-room refrigerator, Iron / ironing board, in-room safety-deposit box and daily newspaper at the front desk.

Info: 285 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262; (760) 322-9000; http://palmsprings.hyatt.com/

Zoo Explorer Special at Holiday Inn On the Bay, San Diego

Holiday Inn On the Bay San Diego is offering a 'Zoo Explorer' special which includes overnight accommodations in newly renovated room with walk-out furnished balcony and 2 adult passes to the San Diego Zoo. Complimentary shuttle service available on schedule. Experience relaxing views of the San Diego Bay or Downtown City Skyline.

Passes good for admission, unlimited use of guided bus tour, express bus & Skyfari Aerial Tram. Excludes special ticketed events & attractions. . If you like this one, there's also a 'Sea World Adventure' package which includes two adult tickets to SeaWorld San Diego, instead of to the Zoo. Rates for the Zoo special from $239 based on double occupancy. Average nightly rates, without the special, from $179 (taxes extra). that's pretty decent, as far as San Diego hotels are concerned, and especially when you consider the prime location at North Harbor Drive on the Embarcadero.

In addition to the shuttle, amenities at this hotel include business services such as copy & fax, high speed wi-fi internet availability in the lobby with a Microsoft powered PC, courier service, and printing facility. There's also a bike rental and an outdoor pool with a poolside gym, and a full service health & fitness center, if you feel like working out. Other amenities and services include same day dry cleaning and guest self laundry facilities, a convenience store, news stand and a gift shop, concierge services, room-service, self-parking ($20) and valet parking ($26).

The hotel is pet friendly (two pets allowed per room) and family friendly with connecting rooms available, and in fact also has the 'Kids Eat Free' program (you buy a meal, your kid gets one free), cribs and rollaway beds on request, and an in-room Nintendo game cube with in-room video game check-in and checkout facilities.

Dining facilities in-hotel include Ruth's Chris Steakhouse which serves full meals, the Elephant & Castle Pub which is kinda like a British pub and Hazelwood’s Bayside Deli, which is good for quick bites and snacks and takeaways.

The 14 story hotel has 600 guest rooms, incuding 10 suites, with views of the water or the downtown city skyline. In-room amenities include cable television with pay-per-view movies, coffee maker, hair dryer, high speed internet, iron & ironing board, bath with tub, private balconies, and a work desk with lamp.

Info: 1355 North Harbor Drive San Diego CA 92101; (619) 232-3861; www.hisandiegoonthebay.com/

1 Night Free at the NYC Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel, New York City, is offering a third night free summer special until September 1. Includes third night complimentary when you book and pay for two consecutive nights. And a VIP Package at Saks 5th Ave, exclusive personal shopping experience in the Fifth Avenue Club,
complimentary coffee and dessert in one of Saks Fifth Avenue's restaurants. Rates from $615 per night (taxes extra), based on double occupancy. Offer valid on a three-night consecutive stay. Call (888) 240-7775 or click here for online booking and more details about the package.

Please note that I don't normally recommend any hotel which charges in excess of $250 or $300 per night. After all, its just four walls and a roof with a bed and bathroom inside. But the Plaza is a different matter. Its not just a hotel. As any New Yorker who has lived in NYC for the last 10 to 20 years or more will tell you, the Plaza is an institution, a part of the social and cultural fabric of the Big Apple. Brunch and tea with friends and family at the Plaza's Palm Court restaurant used to a be rite - Just one of the weekly things to do in New York. And the hotel has a rich history and over 100 years of tradition dating back to 1907. The building was designated a New York City landmark in 1969, and is also listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The hotel re-opened a few months back after a massive lobby to roof renovation which took 3 years and over $400 million. As of now, it is sparkling new, but maintains the same look and feel, with the same Beaux Arts décor, the stained glass and tradition of afternoon tea in the Palm Court, and the old Oak Room and Oak Bar. New additions to this formidable list include the Champagne Bar, the Rose Club, and a Tranquility Garden with reflecting pools, elaborate lighting and exotic foliage.

The Plaza now offers 282 guestrooms, including 102 suites. Each room has been exquisitely designed with Louis XV style French decor to provide optimum luxury and indulgence. Every room has chamdeliers, 24-carat gold plated Sherle Wagner designed sinks and fixtures cradled by imported and hand crafted solid white marble vanities. This is not the standard issue brass and polish that a Hilton offers. The Plaza offers aristocratic lodgings and treats its guests like royalty.

Even the standard Plaza room is a spacious 475 sq ft, with 1 King bed, a comfortable sitting area with a table and one or two arm chairs, and a writing desk and chair. That's almost double the size of what average New York hotels offer. In-room amenities include a wall mounted flat screen television, a mosaic tiled bathroom with glass shower and bathtub, Mascioni bath towels, robes and linen, Miller Harris toiletries, hairdryer, refrigerated private bar, and iron and ironing board, in addition to other gizmos and electronic gadgets and amenities.

Info: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York, New York 10019; (212) 759-3000; www.fairmont.com/theplaza/

$59 Rooms At Golden Nugget Las Vegas

Rates from $59 per night with the 'Super Summer Room' offer at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas for stays before September 30 2008. $59 per night (Sunday - Thursday, taxes extra) and receive a $25 Food & Beverage Credit and 2-for-1 Tickets to 'Defending the Caveman'. Two night consecutive minimum stay required to receive Food & Beverage credit and 2-for-1 Tickets. Rates based on single or double occupancy. Call (800) 634-3454 for reservations or click here for more details and online booking.

If I write about everything this monster hotel & casino complex has, it'll take me more than a few pages. So here's the 'fast facts'. Three towers housing 1,907 guestrooms, including one and two bedroom suites, 27 luxury apartments in the Spa Suite Tower and six Penthouse Suites in the North Tower. 38,000 square feet of gaming area, which includes approximately 1,200 slot and video poker machines and 50 table games. A 600-seat showroom featuring headliner entertainers and nightly headline entertainment. More than 20,500 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, including 13 meeting and banquet rooms. Outdoor pool with live sharks, Jacuzzi and private cabanas, complete spa, salon and fitness center, and full-service business center.

Dining facilities include the Carson Street Café (American), Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Lillie’s Noodle House (Asian), Grotto Italian Ristorante, The Buffet and a Starbucks. Shopping facilities include the Perfect Timing watch shop, Trend & Style for clothing and jewelry, and other assorted shops with essentials, newspapers, snacks and stuff.

As for the accomodations, standard rates for guest rooms are between $79 - $189 and the suites for between $175 - $750. The rooms for the super summer package are in the South Tower, and come with high speed internet, in-room movies, safe deposit boxes, hair dryers, iron & ironing boards, full sized desks and bathrobes. Bathrooms have marble flooring, and each room has a vanity area with lighted makeup mirror.

In case you feel the need to leave all this 'wonderfulness' behind and check out the things to do in Las Vegas, the hotel offers golf, tennis and sightseeing tours.

Info: Golden Nugget Hotel 129 E. Fremont Street Las Vegas NV 89101; (702) 385-7111; www.goldennugget.com/ ; Photos courtesy & copyrights Golden Nugget Hotels and Casinos

Best Western Anaheim Inn

Here's a question for you. Would you rather spend your money on the things to do in Anaheim, or spend it on tipping a snotty room-service guy and valet parking? I'm talking about booking in at a cheap Big Western, as opposed to upscale digs like the Hilton. And say what you will about them, Best Westerns are darn cheap, especially if you're talking about staying with family.

One of these cheapos is the Best Western Anaheim Inn, located a mile away from the Anaheim Convention Center. Plus, you get a $25 gas card if you stay for 3 consecutive nights (offer valid until Sept 30th 2008). As it is, a standard room for two costs about $113. Children under 18 can stay free. Take out the $25 gas card, and you get a room for a full family for around $88 per night. With free parking. That's near the Convention Center, one of the most heavily visited tourist areas in the world that we're talking about here.

And its not like we're talking about a dump. Amenities at the Anaheim Inn include a front desk which provides Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets & CityPass for purchase, a restaurant & lounge next door, a heated pool, spa & sauna, same day dry cleaning & valet service, and guest laundry.

In-room amenities include a mini-refrigerator & microwave, kitchenettes available upon request, cable television with HBO, Disney Channel, ESPN, CNN & MTV, high speed wireless internet, coffeemaker with complimentary coffee & tea, hairdryer, and iron & ironing board.

You won't get ripped off, the location is good, and you'll get exactly what you paid for, which isn't shining brass and chandeliers, but comfortable and cleanliness and you have all the basic stuff you need for an overnight stay.

Info: 1630 S. Harbor Boulevard Anaheim CA 92802; (714) 774-1050; www.anaheiminn.com/

Ohana Hotels Stimulus Rebate Special at Waikiki

Ohana hotels is offering a stimulus rebate special at five of its hotels in Waikiki. $129 at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber, $119 at Ohana East, $109 at Ohana Waikiki West, $109 at Ohana Waikiki Malia, and $119 at the Ohana Honolulu Airport Hotel. Rates are per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Package valid until December 21, 2008. More details and online booking here.

From what I know, best of the lot is the Ohana East Hotel, located at the corner of Kuhio Avenue and Kaiulani Avenue, steps away from Waikiki Beach, International Market Place, and Kalakaua Avenue. Its just a minute from Lewers Street, and a short walk away from Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium. Even better, the Ohana stimulus package comes with free access to the Waikiki Trolley, meaning that you can easily poke around the things to do in Honolulu.

The standard room rate at this hotel is around $204, so you save about $95 per night with the $119 stimulus package. Can't get a better deal in Waikiki, at this rate and from a touristy view point, unless someone gifted you a stay at the Hilton Hawaiaan Village.

Amenities at the Ohana East include three restaurants, an espresso cafe, room service, fitness room, swimming pool, high-speed Internet access, self-service laundry and a video arcade. The standard guest rooms, included in the stimulus package, are about 240 sq ft, with hair dryer,
in-room safe, iron & ironing board, refrigerator, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, shower and cable, pay-per-view movies and a nintendo for games. Cribs and rollaway beds available upon request (extra charges may apply).

That's pretty basic, but considering the kind of rates which other resorts and Honolulu hotels will make you pay, and considering the location of the Ohana East, this, like I said, is a pretty good deal. Point is, its a decent hotel, good location, cheap rates and service ain't that bad either.

Info: 150 Kaiulani Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96815; (808) 922-5353; Website

Recommended Bed & Breakfast Inn's, Fort Lauderdale

As far as I'm concerned, a hotel is a place where you go to sleep and rest, when you're visiting a new place. So long as its decent, spacious and comortable, and all the amenities work, I don't really look for much else. I mean, you don't visit some place, and then spend all your time in the hotel room, unless you happen to be a nutty Hollywood star. Which is why I prefer a B&B to a hotel. On the minus side, since B&B Inns are usually mom & pop enterprises, there's no real guarantee of getting what you paid for, unlike a Kimpton Hotel, or a Hilton or Marriott, where the brand name ensures that you get exactly what you are promised.

As a compromise, what you can do is frequent B&B's which you know for sure are going to be at least as good as the offer, if not better than advertised. To make a long story short, here's a list of Bed & Breakfast Inns in Fort Lauderdale which are culled from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's recommended list. You can rest assured that these are quality places, spend the money saved on shopping and things to do in Fort lauderdale, and thank me for afters.

Green Island Inn: 3300 NE 27th St., Fort Lauderdale 33308; (888) 505-8951, Contact - Michael Green

Pelican Place: 3221 NE 7th Place, Pompano Beach 33062; (954) 956-8999; www.4rentbythebeach.com/

Villa Venezia: 132 Isle of Venice Dr., Fort Lauderdale 33301; (954) 832-0981; www.villa-venezia.com/

Tropi Rock Resort: 2900 Belmar St., Fort Lauderdale 33304; (800) 987-9385; www.tropirock.com/

Sea Turtle Inn: 315 Roosevelt Street, Hollywood 33019; (954) 599-9199; www.hotels-rates.com/

Phoenix Beach House & Guest Apartments: 3609 NE 27th St., Fort Lauderdale 33308; (954) 733-7701; www.beachguesthouse.com/

Berkshire Beach Club Of Deerfield: 500 N. A1A Hwy., Deerfield Beach 33441; (888) 595-2382; www.pyramidresorts.com/

Sleepless in Hotel Vintage Park, Seattle

Thanks to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, there is, and always will be, a heavy fog of romance smothering Seattle, especially for couples hoping to hit third base or build a stronger relationship. And in the romantic heart of Seattle, directly across from the Seattle Public Library, sits the Vintage Park Hotel (a Kimpton Hotel), which bills itself as the place for romantic escapades, weddings and wine & dine getaway weekends. The downtown location offers a splendid way to begin an exploration of Washington's wine country and it also provides easy access to all the important attractions and things to do in Seattle.

Each room in this boutique hotel is dedicated to a local Washington State winery and vineyard. The Vintage Park astutely promotes a gaggle of romance specials which include free bottles of wine from local vineyards. For example, there's the Taste of Tuscany package which includes accommodations for two with a bottle of Washington wine delivered to your room at turndown, handpicked by the hotel's 'Grape Goddess', hosted evening wine hour from 5PM to 6PM in the hotel's lobby, complimentary overnight valet parking, morning newspaper and morning coffee service.

All guest rooms in the Vintage Park hotel offer complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, on-demand pay-per-view movies, CNN and ESPN, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, bathrobes, Aveda amenities, down pillows, sound-proof windows, mini-bar, 24-hour Room Service and concierge service, complimentary newspapers, overnight shoeshine, same-day laundry service, in-room exercise and yoga programs, and an essential travel items kit. The hotel is pet-friendly, and even offers a special pet package that comes complete with a pet survival kit, and a special bed for pets, food and water dish and a t-shirt, with dog walkers and dog-sitters available through the concierge.

Rates from $319 (try using Priceline or Hotwire to get cheaper rates). Hotel amenities include meeting facilities, a fitness center, and most important of all - Umbrellas, which is a prized possession to have in Seattle.

Info: 1100 Fifth Avenue Seattle WA 98101; (206) 624-8000; www.hotelvintagepark.com/

Green Hotels in San Francisco

So nowadays almost every hotel touts some kind of green aka eco-friendly initiative, or certification or some sort of affiliation with any one of dozens of green business groups. But at the end of the day, its a bit difficult to judge whether your stay at the hotel was actually different from any other hotel, as in more of a greener stay or not.

Point I'm trying to make is that it would be nice if you could say, with absolute certainity, that your stay was greener then the green goblin. San Francisco is one of the pioneer cities in this regard, and most things to do in San Francisco are bound to be environmentally correct, and there are a few hotels where you can walk in blind, do anything you want, or use any of their services and amenities, and still be able to say that you didn't fall off the green wagon.

One of those hotels happen to be the Orchard Garden hotel, LEED certified (which is very rare for a hotel), eco-friendly rooms, guestroom key card energy control system, in-room recycling system, chemical-free cleaning products, compact fluorescent light bulbs and a 100% tobacco-free environment. Nice location in Union Square, neat, luxurious and you can rest assured that everything you do and use is going to be eco-friendly. Info: 466 Bush Street San Francisco CA 94108; (415) 399-9807; www.theorchardgardenhotel.com/

Another hotel almost as green as the Orchard Garden is the Triton hotel, again in Union Square, featuring eco rooms with integrated practices such as a sophisticated waste recycling program, biodegradable cleaning products, recycled paper, and organic coffee. Hotel Triton's environmental efforts became the inspiration and blueprint for Kimpton Hotel's eco-program in 2005, which is now being implemented at all Kimpton Hotels nationwide. Info: 342 Grant Avenue at Bush Street San Francisco CA 94104; (415) 394-0500; www.hoteltriton.com/

Other San Francisco hotels which fall into the category of 'very green' include the Fairmont San Francisco and Hotel Palomar.

Weekend Special At Hilton Checkers Los Angeles

The Hilton Checkers Los Angeles is offering weekend specials with rates starting from $149 per night. That's around $100 less than the standard room rate. More details about the special here.

If being a part of the hot LA scene is on your list of things to do in Los Angeles, you might want to find anotehr place. Because the 12 story Hilton Checkers is a sort of a misfit amongst the other luxury Los Angeles hotels surrounding it, and has its own place in the history books (built in 1927) and a kind of understated charm and a feeling that this is not a place where you want to flaunt your wealth or status.

This European conservativeness is totally against what goes for conventional hotel wisdom in Los Angeles, as far as decor and big, splashy amenities and flamboyant lobbies and eclectic rooms are concerned. The Hilton Checkers steers clear of all these entrapments, and instead offers neutral toned walls, a wood-paneled library, a discrete rooftop pool with a sundeck and whirlpool and a great view of Downtown LA, and quiet corridors adorned with Asian antiques.

But what the Hilton Checkers does, it does unqualifiably well. The Checkers restaurant is a peaceful oasis highly favored by those in the know, with a menu featuring cuisine ranging from Contemporary American to stylish French, with the Checkers Lounge being heavily frequented by the regulars sipping martinis in an intimate setting.

The Checkers Spa is not just a spa attached to a hotel. Mostly, its the other way around. The Spa is so good, offering so many massages and treatments, with state-of-the-art equipment, that its actually an asset which pulls in a lot of clients who end up staying at the hotel, just to be able to attend spa sessions.

The 188 guest rooms are equally solid and furnished with elegance and attention to detail, like the fresh flowers in the bathroom, which by the way is outfitted with marble flooring, Neutrogena toileteries, a hairdryer and shower massager. Ergonomic leather chairs, flat screen television with free cable and pay-per-view movies, free high speed internet, complimentary coffee with a coffee-maker, iron & ironing board, CD player and a complimentary copy of USAToday await you in the rooms. Hotel amenities include valet parking ($23), 24 hour room service and concierge services.

Info: 535 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90071; (213) 624-0000; www.hiltoncheckers.com/