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/

Valentines Day Hotels in New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Better Tomorrows at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa Bay Hotels for Super Bowl XLIII Fans

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

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

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

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

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

New York Sightseeing Package from Hotel Paramount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caribe Royale Orlando Disney Vacation Package

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Ski Packages at the Atlantis Reno

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover San Jose Package at Fairmont San Jose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hotel View of Times Square Ball Drop

Of all the New York hotels which are bunched in Manhattan, and specificially those in Times Square, which hotel has the best view of the Times Square Ball Drop on Dec 31? That would be, without any doubt, the Marriott Marquis.

You might be wondering why I'm writing this on Dec 31? Well, that's because the suites at the hotel which offer the best views of Times Square are booked solid a year in advance, and sometimes even more than that. So if you want to have any chance of being in a perfect location to see the Ball Drop without being engulfed by a sea of humanity and stuck on the streets of New York for well over half a day, then you have to book now for 2010, or for 2011.

So, what's the dope on the Marquis? Well, in their own words, "The Marriott Marquis sparkles with updated hotel rooms, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this New York City hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner."

Plus, they have a 4000 sq ft fitness center overlooking Times Square. And what about those rooms with a view? In addition to wired internet inside the rooms and wirless in public areas, the rooms at the Marriott Marquis are equipped with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and bathroom amenities, cable TV with pay per view movies, down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens, a pull-out sofa bed, rollaway bed and safe.

Info: 1535 Broadway New York NY 10036; (212) 398-1900; Web site.

New Year With a Capitol View at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento

I'm guessing most of you already have your New Year's Eve party plans finalized. But if you don't, then you could do a lot worse then end up at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. For starters, it's one of the few Sacramento hotels with a clear view of the State Capitol from the rooms and the rooftop bar.

Secondly, if its good enough for the Governator, it should be good enough for just about anyone. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had conned the state bureaucracy into renting him a Suite at the Hyatt Regency during weekdays, since his wife Maria Shriver is employed in Los Angeles, and they didn't want to have to maintain a second home in Sacramento.

Ok, so now that we've established that the Hyatt Regency is not so shabby a place to spend the last night of 2008 and ring in the New Year, let's see what they've got lined for revelers, in the form of entertainment, dining and overnight accomodations. As per their website, they have the following options:-

Amourath Lounge - join us in our lobby bar and enjoy complimentary music from 8:00pm - 12:30am. Sip champagne while listening to the sounds of Ryan Hernandez, who was recently voted the "Best New Big Thing" by the readers of Sacramento Magazine.

Dawson's - join us for a gourmet four course meal from Chef Ian Libberton and his culinary team. We will offer two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Reservations required by calling 916-443-1234

Captiol View - our rooftop bar will be transformed into a lounge featuring the music of Carte Blanche, a four piece ensemble that plays a range of music from soft jazz to powerhouse dance music. The lounge will be open from 8:00pm - 1:00am. Reservations required by calling 916-443-1234

As for accomodations what you get with a simple guest room is stunning views of the Capitol, park or cathedral in a spacious 375-sq.-ft. room featuring balcony, stylish sitting area and one king or two double Grand Beds with ultra-plush pillows, the softest sheeting and thick down blankets–all piled upon pillow-top mattresses. Deluxe amenities include generous work area, Portico bath products, wireless Internet access, and complimentary newspaper. Rollaways available upon request. Rates from $199.

Info: 1209 L Street Sacramento CA 95814; (916) 443-1234; www.sacramento.hyatt.com/

French Kiss New Year's Eve at Omni San Diego

If you're gonna be in San Diego on Dec 31, then you gotta be in the Gaslamp Quarter to be able to do it right. By right, I mean the right spirit and the right quantity of spirits. And if you're with me so far, and we're in the Gaslamp, then you need to home in on the King of all the San Diego hotels, the first among equals, as far as uncorking the spirits and letting it all flow is concerned. That would be the Omni San Diego (www.omnisandiegohotel.com/).

And this year, in addition to all the rip-roaring, eardrum-shattering stuff, they're also pulling out some mushy and romantic smoochy stuff from their top-hat full of specials and packages. This one is called the French Kiss New Year's Eve, where you and a guest will enjoy an authentic French dinner along with bubbly Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne as you celebrate the New Year.

Includes luxe accommodations for 2, French cheeses and Evian upon arrival, romantic French dinner for two, cocktails for two and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillate Champagne with dinner, French toast breakfast in the morning, and late checkout upon request. Rates from From $359 per night based on double occupancy. More details and online booking here.

As for what else the Omni offers, you can read the review here. And you'll find listed here a lot more events and attractions in San Diego specifically arranged to help you ring in 2009 with a bang and a bar. Lots of bars, actually...

Escape to W Seattle for the New Year

Usually, I try to stay away from chain hotels, and stick to reviews of the boutiques. Theory behind it is that if you've seen one outlet of a chain, then you've seen em all. I mean, a Marriott is a Marriott is a Marriott. Sure there'll be superficial changes, but the 'experience' is basically the same.

New Year's Eve parties and celebrations are a different matter. End of the day (make that night), you can hardly remember your own name, let alone what kind of room and shower and curtains and mattress the hotel has. Just need to find a good deal. Doesn't really matter if its a hotel chain or a padlock or a hammer. Or a W. In Seattle.

After poking around for some decent Seattle hotels which had good deals plus a fair bit of entertainment lined up for ringing in 2009, I bumped into this special offer from the W Seattle called 'Ring in 2009 With a W Escape to Remember'. Includes a W Hotels Limited Edition 2009 CFDA Calendar to fill with the year’s festivities, bottle of bubbly for a 2009 toast, W Camera for in-the-moment memories, Bliss® Spa baggage handler to keep you bright-eyed and bag-free, and a 2pm late checkout so you can sleep it all off.

Book and stay by Jan 25. Book online or call 1-877-WHOTELS and use promo code WNC. More details here.

The baggage handler is a nice touch, and the bubbly is a good deal, New Year or not. A camera is ... well, a camera, and the late checkout is absolutely a life-saver on Jan 1 to get over the hangover. So all said and done, not so shabby for rates from $265. And they do have a lot going on, in the form of events and parties and such.

But if that's not enough for you, the only place to really party hard in Seattle on New Year's Eve has to be the Indulgence party on the waterfront. You won't find any other New Year's Eve attractions in Seattle as attractive as this downtown party, with 5,000 party animals expected to fill up 6 areas of live entertainment, 5 dance floors and more than 35 bars.

Info: 1112 4th Avenue Seattle Washington 98101; (206) 264-6000; Website.

A Tale of Two Hotels in Oakland

I prefer to stick to hotel reviews, but maybe its because this time of the year forces one to be a bit more charitable. Or at least think, and write about it. So, instead of writing one hotel review, I'm comparing two Oakland hotels. The ones I had in mind are the old California Hotel and the newly renovated Waterfront Hotel. Both have a lot of history in Oakland, and both are currently in the news for more than just renting out rooms.

First, the long running saga of the California Hotel and its tenacious tenants. Altogether, around over 500 Oakland renters (mostly poor, aged and disabled) were under notice of eviction by their landlaord Oakland Community Housing (OHCI), and its management agent the John Stewart Co.

One group, permanent residents of the historic California hotel, have been fighting in court to hold on their rooms, even as they had to manage the hotel on their own resources. A judge has kept in place a restraining order which prevents OHCI from evicting the tenants or shutting off gas, water and electricity to the hotel. The tenants have been cleaning the hotel, and taking care of the day-to-day activities all by themselves.

And at the other end of the spectrum, there are hotels like the Waterfront, which is now shining new after a multi-million dollar renovation, and which has pledged to donate $200 per guest room per year to community organizations. And here's the kicker - Waterfront Hotel's philanthropic partner in the You Can Make a Difference program is Rebuilding Together Oakland which rehabilitates the homes of elderly and disabled homeowners so they may live safely, in comfort and independence.

See the irony? Part of the money paid by guests to the Waterfront Hotel could end up being channeled through Rebuilding Together Oakland to rehabilitate the California Hotel, if they win the lawsuit and the judge decides that the community needs to pitch in to help the residents.

Doesn't mean, of course, that you should stay at the Waterfront just because they're doing some good. If you're planning for Oakland vacations, the Waterfront is just about a perfect place to stay, with a view of Oakland harbor, Jack London Square right outside the door, and the attractions in San Francisco a 20 minute ferry ride away.

They also have a complimentary shuttle. The entire hotel, including the new restaurant - Miss Pearl’s Jam House - has a distinct maritime feel to it, so if you're more at home on a boat than on solid ground, then the Waterfront is just the place you want.

Info: Waterfront hotel - 10 Washington Street Oakland CA 94607; (510) 836-3800; www.waterfrontplaza.com/

New Year's Eve Celebrations at the Gansevoort NYC

Sure, you can go to Times Square and watch the ball drop, along with a million others cooped up on Broadway, from 43rd St right upto Central Park. Or... You could opt to celebrate New year's Eve at any one of the swank and celeb filled New York hotels like the Gansevoort Hotel(www.hotelgansevoort.com/) in the Meatpacking District, where last year the New Year party was rocking until the wee hours in the company of Kid Rock, Perez Hilton, Mena Suvari, Paramore, Damien Fayhe and many other stars from the Big Apple's social circuit.

Let's see what they have in store this year, to help kick off 2009 with a bang, and clear away the recession blues. This year too, the Gansevvort does not dissappoint, and has a fun-filled agenda lined up.

• Six Hours of Top Shelf Open Bar
• Gourmet Cuisine Catered By Ono and of Jeffrey Chodorow’s famed China Grill Management
• Three DJs spinning a mix of Hip Hop, Dance, Rock & '80s
• Time’s Square Balldrop Countdown Displayed On Multiple Plasmas
• Countless Celebrity Sitings

So you can enjoy the luxury and the electric party atmosphere in the Gansevoort's rooftop poolside lounge, join in on the Times Square countdown, and yet not have to shove and push Japanese tourists and European backpackers in Times Square. Admission price $200. If you have a group, then they have rooftop tables with full hors d'oeuvre platters on each table and cocktail waitress service all night long. More details here, or call (212) 724-3900.

Hyatt Travel Challenge Sweepstakes

How about a chance to win two nights and three days for two people before the end of the year at one of the most romantic hotels in California? All you have to do is enter yourself into the Hyatt Travel Challenge Sweepstakes.

If you win, you could be enjoying a Hyatt Retreats weekend getaway at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa with Ryan and Trista Sutter, the stars of ABC's hit reality show, The Bachelorette. What you need to do is pretty simple.

Ryan and Trista took the travel personality quiz, and now you have to do the same. If your If your answers make you a compatible travel match for Ryan and Trista, you'll be entered into the sweepstakes. You need to answer 12 questions about your personality. The results will categorize participants into four travel types - balanced, energetic, driven and romantic.

So you go to www.hyatttravelquiz.com/ and fill it in before Nov 7 2008. Prize includes 3 day/2 night stay for winner and 1 guest at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, with round-trip coach air transportation, standard hotel accommodations, ground transportation, the opportunity to meet Ryan & Trista, and an American Express branded prepaid card worth $1,000.

Halloween Horror Nights Package at Peabody Orlando

Not that there's any shortage of tricks or treats for Halloween at Orlando's famed theme parks, but its nice to have a complete experience. So if you book into a Halloween themed hotel or package, that rounds it up nicely.

To that end, the Peabody Orlando is offering a 'Halloween Horror Nights Package', which includes Two tickets to Universal Orlando's ® Halloween Horror Nights ®, one night accommodations at the Peabody, valet parking and VIP turndown service. Rates from $275 per night (taxes included). More details here.

Great! But then you say what happens if it turns out that the Peabody is one of these seedy tourist trap Orlando hotels which aim to suck in the dollars from innocent family travelers and then give them the shaft? Au Contraire - Its a frickin' luxury hotel. For starters its location near the Orange County Convention Center takes away a lot of transportation hassles. its just a short drive to short drive to Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Orlando. And 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

Secondly, the Peabody is one of only two Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond hotels in the entire city. That by itself carries a lot of weight. And then, the hotel has been in operation since 1986. That's before a lot of you punks were even born. The grandeur of the soaring marble halls, stately palm trees, cascading waterfalls, exotic orchids, and the priceless art and artifacts, all combine to create an impression of stately opulence. The Peabody Club occupies the top three floors, and is exclusively available by private access.

As for dining, the Peabody offers 3 of the finest restaurants in Orlando, including Capriccio Grill, Dux Restaurant and the Lobby/Mallards.

The deluxe rooms have King beds or two signature Double Peabody Dream Beds, and a spacious sitting area with an overstuffed chair and ottoman, along with a fully stocked service bar. You don't get all this at seedy hotels, so you can rest assured that you get value (in addition to having the bejezzus scared out of you for Halloween) for your $275.

Info: 9801 International Drive Orlando FL 32819; (407) 352-4000; www.peabodyorlando.com/

B&B Special at Doubletree Oceanpoint Resort Miami

Is there any Miami Beach hotels which do not have a spa? Don't answer, cause that's a rhetorical question. Just that I'd like to find a good spa on the oceanfront or Collins Ave which is nothing except for a spa.

Anyway, while searching for the lone ranger spa, I bumped into this resort+hotel+spa+B&B - The Doubletree Oceanpoint Resort & Spa, which is offering a 'Dream Deal' bed and breakfast package. Includes accomodations, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, and Hilton HHonors® - earn Points & Miles® for the same stay. Rates from $209 to $389, depending on your choice of room/suite. And you get a chocolate chip cookie greeting when you arrive. More details here.

Again, while its a pretty good deal for 4 people to stay and eat breakfast for $209 (plus taxes), the whole point is that it can hardly be labeled as the Miami experience. I mean, if you want a free breakfast, there are any number of nifty Bed and Breakfasts. If you want a spa, the standalone spas probably offer better and cheaper massages and treatments than the ones which are attached to hotels.

The Miami experience, as we call it, involves staying at an oceanview resort with a private beach where you can hobnob with the celebs, then you go shopping and sightseeing, maybe poke around Lincoln Road, check out the Miami Metro Zoo, Vizcaya Mansion and the gardens, and then maybe some physical and spiritual rejunevation at a high end spa. That's a Miami experience.

On the other hand, if you wanna save money, there are a lot of cheap hotels and B&B's where you pay the minimum (probably around $120 for the entire family, breakfast included), and then head for the public beaches and Jungle Island and stuff like that.

What that means is that the Oceanpoint Resort falls in between these options, which leaves you neither here nor there.

Info: 17375 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33160; (866) 623-2678; www.oceanpointresort.com/

$95 for a Princess Suite in Brooklyn

Sometimes, you bump into something utterly unbelieveable, and its just too good to be true. Well, it usually is, but in this case, I'll leave the judgment to you. How about if I told you that Brooklyn hotels have started offering rooms with a kitchenette and private bath with Jacuzzi tub for $ 95.00 per night. Well, its true.

That's what the Princess Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn is offering. Located near the Brooklyn Courts, the Fulton Mall and the Subway Station, with Manhattan 3 stops (or 10 minutes) away, its a great deal. And it gets even better. They have single rooms from $80 per night. A slightly larger room, also with a private bath, costs $85. All prices include complimentary breakfasts and lunch buffetts.

And it gets still more better. All rooms have refrigirators and maid service is included. They will provide extra cots for children, if necessary. All said and done, what you have is a room for a family at $100, meals included. 10 minutes from Manhattan.

Do these kinds of cheap hotels even exist in New York? You tell me. Its all written here. Have to say, though that you should exercise some caution before paying for it.

On the plus side, there is no online reservation system, so you have to see it in person, if you want to book in. If you're in New York, see it, and if its all that it claims to be, and as cheap as they say it is, then you pay for it.

Info: 211 Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn NY 11201; (718) 596-4179; www.princehotelgroup.com/

$1,000 Cash Promo at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel

I'm so fed up of writing about hotels which you can see from Times Square that I thought I'd try one from Upstate NY for a change. After stuyding the pros and cons of various scenic spots and locations, decided to home in on some Niagara Falls hotels.

Would be refereshing change from the urban decadence of the City. Or so you hope. First hotel I see on TripAdvisor happens to the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. And they're offering a $1000 cash prize which you can win. It's called 'Risky Business', and you have a chance to win it every hour on every Wednesday & Thursday from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., until Oct 23 2008. More details here.

Each hour between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. a lucky Seneca Players Club member will be chosen to receive $250 Seneca Slot Dollars. But that is not all. The chosen winner then has the opportunity to risk that $250 for a chance at $400 or $500 Seneca Slot Dollars or $750 or $1,000 cash! But, choose carefully, for you may risk that $250 and get a lower prize amount.

These Seneca guys sure know how to make a gambler out of an honest God fearing Christian. That's because its an Indian casino, run by the Seneca Nation of Indians.

As for the hotel, its the largest luxury htel in Western New York, with 26 levels of luxury spread across 486 deluxe rooms, 86 corner suites and 22 one-bedroom suites. All guest rooms and suites have breathtaking views and are kitted out with a pillow-top bed, oversized shower, flat screen TV, internet access and more.

There's a full service spa with 12 treatment rooms which offers Swedish massages, aromatherapy, full body wrap and facials. There's also a well equipped fitness center alongwith an indoor pool and whirlpools. For banquets, events, meetings and conferences, the hotel ofers up 30,000 sq ft of space and the Seneca Events Center with a capacity to hold 2,200. The business center is well equipped with the latest A/V aids and other electronic equipment.

Best of all, its location just blocks away from Niagara Falls means that you can virtually smelll the water, hear the roar and feel the mist from your hotel room window. Ad its not just about a tall body of water. There's plenty of shopping to be done, with a 150 brand outlets at the Fashion Outlets, along with art galleries and quaint antique shops.

Info: 310 Fourth Street Niagara Falls NY 14303; (716) 299-1100; www.senecaniagaracasino.com/

Railroad Museum Package at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza Sacramento

I never get tired of saying that never look twice at Sacramento hotels which don't offer large rooms for around $100 per night, free parking and complimentary breakfast. The Holiday Inn Coapitol Plaza offers all this and more. And they have a Railroad Museum package special, which includes admission to the California State Railroad Museum for two adults, four tickets to ride on the museum train, as well as overnight accommodations and breakfast for two adults (kids eat free). Rates from $154 on weekends and $199 on weekdays. More details and booking here.

Factor in the cost of two tickets to the Railroad Museum, the perfect location of the hotel, the many and varid luxuries and amenities offered, and you can say that its well worth spending your Sacramento vacations at the Holiday Inn.

Amenities and services offered include the Cyprus Grille restaurant, concierge lounge, gift shop, fitness center, outdoor pool, sundeck, and a full service business center. teh hotel also offers valet, dry cleaning and laundry services.

The guest rooms are spacious, with equally large pillowtop bedding, cable television, coffee/tea maker, high speed internet, free morning newspaper, and iron and ironing board. If you upgrade to the concierge floor, you get robes, upgraded bath amenities and access to the Concierge Lounge’s flat screen TV, business center and full city views.

Info: 300 J Street Sacramento, California 95814; (916) 446-0100; www.sacramentohi.com/

Tech Package at DeAnza San Jose

No place better suited to help you understand how technology has invaded every aspect of your daily life, and just what makes Silicon Valley such a hotbed of innovation and entrepreunership, than the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose. And the Hotel DeAnza is offering a 'tech package' which includes two combination exhibit/IMAX tickets to The Tech, along with accomodations. Rates from $179. More details here.


Now normally I'd prefer one of the more upscale San Jose hotels, like the Valencia, but if you're looking to take a tour of the Tech Museum, then the DeAnza is just a short stroll away. And its not like the hotel is a dump. Its got a bucketload of modern amenities, which contrasts neatly with the classic architecture. There's one restaurant, a cafe, a lounge and a special buffett breakfast room.

The hotel offers 100 guest rooms, including 3 junior suites, 5 parlor suites and a penthouse which occupies the entire 10th floor. The rooms are neat and clean and spacious, with ornate wooden furnishings, shuttered blinds on large windows allow the rooms to be airy and bright, a workdesk and chair, along with a small coffee table with cushioned chairs all neatly arranged to maximize space gives the room a perfection like everything is in the right place. Its something which you rarely get to see in hotel rooms where things are crammed into as small a place as possible.

Info: 233 West Santa Clara Street San Jose CA 95113p; (408) 286-1000; www.hoteldeanza.com/

Drive-in Parking & Breakfast at Gramercy Park New York

Want to zoom around NYC in a complimentary Merc? The Gramercy Park hotel, an institution whose Haute Bohemian heritage has been plugged into a modernistic lifestyle by Ian Schrager, is offering a 'Drive in Parking and Breakfast' package. Includes luxurious overnight accommodations in your choice of room category, complimentary overnight parking, complimentary use of hotel Mercedes during your stay, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, and a full American breakfast daily (including tax and gratuity). Rates from $805. More details about this and other specials at the Gramercy Park here.

It would be a mistake to try to describe all the amenities the hotel provides, as that could spread across several pages. I'll just round it up in brief. There's a Chinese restaurant (Wakiya), and two bars (Jade and Rose), a private rooftop club which has another bar, Aerospace fitness center, Aerospa, meeting, conference and event facilities, 24 hour concierge and room service, wi-fi access, and best of all - A private key to Gramercy Park. If you're wondering what that's about, Gramercy Park is a private park with access restricted to residents of the neighbourhood. You can't just walk into the park. Everybody has their own key.

As for accomodations, the hotel offers 185 guest rooms, 6 custom Gramercy suites and there's also the inescapable penthouse suite, without which New York hotels would be incomplete. The rooms offer views of Gramercy Park, Lexington Avenue or the Courtyard. Each room features King, Queen or double bedded rooms with down comforters, pillows and feather beds, 400 thread count Italian linens, every single room has a distinct design, with original handmade furniture made by artists from across the world, imported rugs, custom light fixtures, a mahogany wood bathroom with oversized soaking tub or shower, Extra-large flat screen LCD TVs with full cable access, Video on-demand with entertainment center featuring compact disc player/ DVD and specially programmed iPod and docking station, in-room safe, stocked in-room refrigirator, newspaper of your choice delivered to the door, and full turndown service.

And this is just scratching the surface. Like I said, the Gramercy Park hotel is an institution, not just a place to crash. Think luxury New York vacations. You go there if you're on a honeymoon, or if you're in town to complete shooting a scene for your latest movie, or if you don't know how many billions of $$ you have in your name.

Info: 2 Lexington Avenue New York NY 10010; (212) 920-3300; www.gramercyparkhotel.com/

Romance in the Air at the Kyoto Grand Los Angeles

One would assume that there's nothing much in the air in Los Angeles other than pestilence of the thick smog, but not so it seems. The Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens claims there's Romance in the air. And to that end, they have a special offer by the same name - 'Romance is the Air'.

Includes executive room with King bed (or suite upgrade if available), strawberries served with whipped cream, brown sugar, chocolate sauce and confectioner’s sugar, and champagne delivered to your room following check-in, full American breakfast in bed for two delivered by room service, parking and includes taxes and gratuities. More details here.

I usually take special offers from establishments purporting to be romantic hotels with a pinch of salt. I mean, its not like they offer something which you can't get from room service. Its just a room with some freebies thrown in. But what attracts me about the Kyoto Grand's offer is the price tag - $199. And remember, that includes all taxes.

Besides, this boutique hotel is something of a novelty, with a pretty obvious Japanese influence in the decor and the services offered, and there's a lush green rooftop sanctuary atop the 21 floors of the hotel (which alone should be enough to keep the all pervasive LA smog away from the hotel's premises). Plus, its location in Little Tokyo isn't all that shabby as a base for Los Angeles vacations. They also have two solid dining options in the Genji Bar and the Garden Grill.

The hotel offers 434 guest rooms and 20 suites, including 3 Japanese inspired suites. In room amenities include a coffee maker, color television with premium movie channels, hairdryer, iron and board, and rollaway beds. The suites have plush sofas, wodden shutter doors, and a large wall inset rack for the television. Sober colors and tasteful decor make this a relaxing place to stay at.

Can't say if its very romantic, but from the looks of it, seems the Kyoto Grand is at least more romantic than most other Los Angeles hotels.

Info: 120 South Los Angeles Street Los Angeles CA 90012; (213) 629-1200; www.kyotograndhotel.com/

New Year's in the Big Apple with the Wellington

There's no better time for New York vacations than during the new year. And hotels are full up already, so its wise to book well in advance. The snooty Midtown Manhattan hotel Wellington next to the Carnegie Hall is offering a 3 night package for New Year's in New York.

Package includes 3 nights in a King room or suite with full American breakfast in the Park Café each morning, shopping discounts including Macy's, South Street Seaport, and an in-room gift (one per room). Rates from $909 (for 2 people). Subject to availability before and after Dec 31st. More details here.

Amenities at the Wellington include concierge services for theater, sight seeing and local transport, a gift shop, the award-winning Molyvos mediterranean restaurant, Park Cafe for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-theater snacks, valet parking (charges apply), hair dresser, room service, valet laundry and drycleaning, high speed wireless, business center and complimentary safe deposit boxes at the counter.

The hotel has 515 guest rooms and 85 1-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, all equipped with wireless internet, cable TV with pay per view movies, hairdryers, and iron & board.

If you're looking for decent New York hotels near Times Square where you can crash after watching the ball go on down on New Year's, and which is convinient for checking out all the other NYC attractions, then the Wellington just about fits the bill.

Info: 871 7th Ave at 55th Street New York NY 10019; (800) 652-1212; www.wellingtonhotel.com/

Wellness Weekends Package at the Palomar San Francisco

San Francisco isn't all that famed for spas and spa getaways, although Napa Valley has a bucketload of spa resorts and hotels where the A-list crowd enjoy downtime and recuperations for their skin and body. Still, if you're talking about San Francisco per se, there aren't that many classy massage and therapy joints which come with a vacation package.


One of these happens to be the Palomar Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square, which offers in-room spa services. They also have a package special called 'Wellness Weekends', which includes luxe accommodations, a welcome 'Detox Mocktail' (that's supposed to be a non-alcoholic pomegranate juice spritzer), take-home aromatherapy scented eye mask, use of in-room yoga bag for your use during your stay, take-home copy of body + soul Magazine and Guide to Balanced Living booklet, a healthy breakfast (in-room or at the Fifth Floor restaurant with take-home recipe sheet), and an opportunity to book a signature Kimpton Relax & Rejuvenate in-room spa experience with a 10% discount off regular price. package rates from $239. More details here.


The Palomar is a Kimpton hotel, and as such offers all the things that Kimptons have, like KimptonKids, and EarthCare (an eco-friendly program). Besides, the hotel is extremely per friendly and the lcoation is suitable as a base for exploring San Francisco. Hotel amenities and services include free wi-fi, Manager's hosted wine reception in the evening, complimentary morning coffee and overnight shoeshine, laundry and valet services, on-site fitness center, and the hotel offers 10% off on parking charges if your vehicle is a hybrid. The Fifth Floor Restaurant & Lounge is stylish, neat and spacious, and offers French cuisine.


The French influence can be seen in the hotel's design and artwork and the 195 guest rooms and suites as well. In-room amenities include free wi-fi, comfortable workdesks, down comforters, L'Occitane bath products and plush bathrobes, TV with on-demand movies, Nintendo for games and DVD player, Honor bar stocked with specialty and gourmet items, in-room safe, iron & board, hairdryer, full-length and two-sided make-up mirrors, and here's the kicker - They'll bring in a companion goldfish to keep you from getting lonely for the duration of your stay. Course, it better be there after you leave, so if you have a cat, make sure the cat and the goldfish don't get into an argument.


Info: 12 Fourth Street at MarketSan Francisco CA 94103; (866) 373-4941; http://www.hotelpalomar-sf.com/

Pet Friendly Mt. Charleston Lodge Las Vegas

The whole concept of pet friendly hotels is actually a pig-headed idea. That's because by definition of a hotel, your pet is locked up in a room, same as at home. If you really want your pet to enjoy the vacation same as you, then the only way to do it is choose pet friendly lodging, as opposed to hotels.

Which is where the Mt. Charleston Lodge - located in Kyle Canyon, in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, 38 miles off the Strip in Las Vegas - comes in. They offer these neat log cabins set in a scenic outdoorsy place where your dog has the run of the place. $20 fee per night per night, with a maximum 30-pound weight limit and no more than two pets. More details here.

The lodge offers two types of cabins - honeymoon cabins (500 sq ft) for couples and larger family cabins (900 sq ft). Each A-frame cabin has whirlpool baths and showers, and some are equipped with VCR or DVD, and microwave and a mini refrigerator. The cabins have private decks and gas fireplaces. No telephones, so its basically a getaway from the urban bedlam in Las Vegas.

The honeymoon cabins cost $267.50 and the family cabins clock in at $347.75. Don't ask about why they need the 50 and 75 cents. Special holiday rates for December are available, with weeknight honeymoons at $160.50, and weekend honeymoons at $240.75. The family special rates are $214.00 and $294.25 for weeknights and weekend nights respectively.

New Year's eve rates are slightly higher, but include champagne or sparkling cider, a spa basket & party favors.

Info: Kyle Canyon, Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest 1200 Old Park Road Las Vegas NV 89124; (702) 872-5408; www.mtcharlestonlodge.com/

An Affair to Remember at the Ivy San Diego

No, I didn't indulge in a one night stand and a sodden hangover. 'An Affair to Remember' is a package special at the Ivy Hotel in San Diego. As it is, the Ivy is one of the top three San Diego hotels for partying and wild nights in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Throw in a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, gourmet chocolate truffles, and bath butler service with molton brown bubble bath and scented candles, along with premium accomodations thrown in, and what you have is the an 'Affair to Remember'. Rates starting from $399. More details here.

I think I've written about the Ivy before, but I'm kinda losing track of what hotels I've already reviewed, and which ones are yet to be done. What the heck, I guess the Ivy is well worth a redo. Besides, they've added a few things since I've last been there, like the Ivy Enticements - Daily events and shows, like Mondays with Damon Gordon's Quarter Kitchen where the celeb chef shows you how he creates his masterpieces, and live music where performers play acoustic sounds with a fusion of rock, funk, jazz, blues and pop.

Course, the primary reasons to book in at the Ivy remain the Envy nightclub and the Eden rooftop pool and bar, full bottle in-room bar, 24 hour valet parking, and the fabulous 42" HDTV wall mounted plasma screens virtual 5.1 sound effect. The rest of it is standard stuff, with same day laundry, fitness center, 20,000 sq ft of event space and 9000 sq ft of meeting space, complimentary wireless throughout the hotel, fine linens, microfiber bathrobes and Korres environmentally friendly body care products.

Info: 600 F Street San Diego CA 92101; (619) 814-1000; www.ivyhotel.com/

The Wyland Waikiki Free Night Package

The Wyland Waikiki, whose 'hotiness' factor is a kinda big deal amongst the staid old Honolulu hotels, is now offering a 1 night free package. Rates from $205 for a city view room in 2008, and rates from $179 for a standard room in 2009. Rates are per room, per night, two persons sharing.

Stay 3 nights includes one night free. Valid for three-night increments (stay six nights includes two nights free, etc.). One category room upgrade on availability. Daily continental breakfast for two at KiMOBEAN Coffee Company. Valid through December 21, 2008 and January 5 - December 21, 2009. More details and online booking here.

There's a few more noteworthy packages listed there, including 'Hot Rates for Hot Dates', under which you pay $129 for a standard guest room and $179 for a one bedroom suite.

As for the hotel, the Wyland Waikiki is a boutique property located close to the beaches and Diamond Head Crater. There's a freshwater garden pool and spa, and a more decluded salt water pool. There's also a lounge in the lobby named the Wy-Bar, a Kimo Bean coffee bar which serves up freshly ground coffee, and an entertainment room with massage chairs and a gigantic 65-inch flat screen TV. Other amenities include a reading room, business center, a full service restaurant and spa services and massage treatments from Spa Pure.

Services offered include complimentary surf board storage, concierge services, complimentary high-speed internet access, coin-operated laundry, complimentary newspaper, daily housekeeping, valet parking (extra charges apply), laundry/dry cleaning, room service and a tour activities desk.

As for the accomodations, the hotel offers 403 guest rooms with private lanais, 88 one bedroom suites with kitchenettes and 2 penthouse suites. In-room amenities include a private lanai (that's like a balcony), flat screen HDTV, complimentary high speed internet, pillow top beds, mini refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, cable TV and pay-per-view/video games, a writing desk, air conditioning, blackout drapes, free local and long distance calls to mainland USA, Canada, and the neighbor islands, hair dryer, in-room safe, iron and board, kitchenette with microwave and wet bar, and full sized bath in all suites.

Info: 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue Honolulu Hawaii 96815; (877) 995-2638; www.thewylandwaikikihotel.com/