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/

Shop in Suite Style with Hotel Deca Seattle

There's something slightly aristocratic about shopping in Seattle. Its way different from the deadly bargain jostling or Millionaires' corners in NYC, where the focus is on shopping, period. In Seattle, a shopping experience is more of a leisurely stroll, to be enjoyed in the company of a friend, just stopping to check things of interest, enjoying a rest at neat restaurants and cafes.

Like I said, its more of an experience, and less about piling up a large bill on your credit card. Its part and parcel of all Seattle vacations, leisure or romantic or family or wine country or anything else. And the Hotel Deca is primed to let you indulge your shopaholic instincts with its Shop in Suite Style package.

Package includes junior suite accommodations, University village gift card valued at $100 (www.uvillage.com for a list of stores), Crabtree & Evelyn '60 Second Fix for Feet' gift basket with foot smoother and extreme foot therapy, complimentary shuttle to and from the University Village shopping center, continental breakfast for two, $10 Tully’s gift card (coffee for two), and martinis for two at the District Lounge. Rates from $289 (taxes extra). Click here for more details.

The junior suite that comes with the package has one king bed with sitting chair and a full-size sofa-bed, and offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and surrounding area. Recently reappointed with new furnishing, bedding and linens, upgraded lighting, 32 inch flat panel LCD TVs. DVD players, clock radios with iPod docking stations, in-room safes and complimentary WiFi access.

The Deca is a 16 story full service 158 room boutique hotel with an art deco exterior dating back to the 1930s, located in the University District. Renovated in early 2007, the hotel's Grand ballroom now has a new look and feel with a new coffered ceiling, hand-blown glass chandeliers, and upgraded audio/visual systems.

Info: 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE Seattle WA 98105; (800) 899-0251; www.hoteldeca.com/

$69 per Night at La Quinta Inn Sacramento

I think I've said this before, but needs repeating just the same. All Sacramento hotels which are more than a roadside dumpster offer free parking, huge rooms, complimentary breakfast and rates which hover just below $100 per night. If you ain't getting this (at least this), then you've been ripped off.

But La Quinta Inn Sacramento Downtown goes one step further. They're offering rates which are just about 2/3rd of the $100 bar. La Quinta offers rooms at $69 per night and suites for $109. And in case you're wondering, they do offer free parking, complimentary breakfast with fresh waffles, fresh fruits, pastries, bagels, cereals, muffins, juices, milk and coffee. And the 165 rooms and 3 suites are pretty large by any standard, and surprisingly well equipped, for a place which charges $69.

The deluxe room with one king bed is equipped with a coffee maker, hairdryer, and iron with ironing board, 25-inch TV with popular cable channels, work desk, free local calls, free high speed internet and voicemail. Additional amenities and services include meeting facilities, guest laundry facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and they also have an airport shuttle.

And anything you can think of to visit, including all the touristy things to do in Sacramento, like Old Sacramento, the Sacramento Zoo, the California State Railroad Museum and Discovery Park are all conviniently close at hand.

Info: 200 Jibboom St. Sacramento CA 95814; (916) 448-8100; Website

Rev It Up Gas Package at the Peacock Suites Anaheim

As far as Anaheim hotels are concerned, the Peacock Suites resort from Shell Hospitality can hardly be labeled as the ultimate in holiday luxury. What it does offer is a cheap, clean and spacious 1-bedroom suites located in the heart of the Anaheim resort area, triangulating the Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center and Knotts Berry Farm.

What's more, they have a free shuttle service to and from the Disneyland Resort, free continental breakfast and a friendly staff, so what you have in the Peacock Suites is one of the most decent family hotels in Anaheim.

To top that off, they're offering a 'Rev it up Gas' package where you get a $25 gas rebate card if you stay for at least two nights. Valid until 9th Oct 2008. More details and online booking here.

In addition to the 139 one bedroom suites, shuttle service and the continental breakfast, the Peacock Suites offers fitness and business centers, high speed internet, a newly renovated pool, two whirlpool spas, a private rooftop sundeck, gift shop, valet parking ($8 per day), laundry and overnight drycleaning, and car rental services.

The suites are each equipped with 1 King or 2 Queen beds, queen sofa bed in living room, air conditioning, dining room with table, CD and DVD players, refrigerator, microwave, complimentary coffee and tea, hair dryer, 2 televisions (one flat screen) with cable, and iron and ironing board.

As it is, Anaheim vacations, especially for family travelers, costs a pretty packet, what with the tickets and airfare and food and shopping and stuff. The final nail is hammered in by hotel prices at the big chain resorts topping the charts at $300 to $400 per night, for a family of 4.

The Peacock Suites, on the other hand, has rates from $99 onwards. That's per night per suite, for a family of 4, with 2 adults and 2 children. Take out the pre-paid $25 gas rebate card, and you have a 2-day stay in Anaheim for about $175 in an all-suite resort with a pool and free shuttle and free breakfast and a rooftop sundeck. Which is not bad at all.

Info: 1745 South Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim CA 92805; (866) 729-7182; Website

Right on Target at the Delano Miami

Miami Spas, especially the ones on South Beach, and even more so the ones at the posh resorts, are all worth killing for. These are the best spa + resort combos in the nation we're talking about, all lined up on Collins Ave. Maybe its the proximity to the Atlantic, maybe its the weather, maybe its the spa, or maybe its a toxic mix of all these plus the wonderful things to do in Miami that make Collins Ave so popular for spa fans.

Be that as it may, one of these upscale watering holes happens to be the Delano, which houses the Agua Spa. And they're offering mutiple spa getaway packages, including one called the 'Right on Target'. Includes one complimentary Target Massage per night and 10% off all spa services. Accomoations in a 350 sq ft city view room with king bed, glass shower, CD and DVD players, plasma TV, high speed wireless internet and lots more (see below). Rates from $435. More details here.

The Delano has some unique architechture to boast of, with a lobby which manages to bridge the divide between indoors and outdoors, a lush orchard with a Quartz swimming pool and water salon, a private beach village, and of course, the Agua Spa, which is a rooftop spa with a solarium. Other amenities and services include in-room spa and massage services, a billiards area, an outdoors childrens' area, a beach bar and grill, a gift and magazine shop, 24 hour concierge services and room service, private catering and banquet services, a gym with state-of-the-art fitness and exercise equipment with private trainers, valet parking and an interactive multimedia room.

In-room amenities include King or Queen beds with down comforters, bathroom amenities by Korres, plasma television with cable, HBO, MTV, VH1, CNN and Sports Channel, VCR with library of over 1,500 films, a private telephone number for each room which connects directy from outside, a stocked refrigirator and daily turndown service.

Info: 1685 Collins Ave Miami Beach Florida 33139; (305) 672-2000; www.delano-hotel.com

Parking & Breakfast at the Hudson New York

What's the worst thing that you hate about New York vacations (other than snotty New Yorkers)? That would be the scandalous parking rates. Its quite fair to say that parking spots are more valuable than cars in NYC. With that in mind, the Hudson Hotel has introduced a 'Parking & Breakfast' package, which coupled with the hotel's excellent location close to Central Park and the theater district, makes it really easy to drive-thru an NYC trip.

Package includes a standard room 150 sq ft. with a queen bed, bath or shower with luxurious bath amenities by Agua , and high speed internet service. Free daily american breakfast buffet in cafe and overnight parking. Rates from $305. More details here.

Amenities and services at the hudson include the Hudson Cafe and a bar, a library, private park, and a sky terrace. There's also a 24 hour workout room, in room massage service, 24 hour concierge services, and extensive banquet and catering services.

The rooms and suites are all equipped King or Queen beds with down comforters and 250 therad count white Egyptian cotton sheets, cable television with HBO, MTV, VH1, CNN, Sports Channel, and video on demand, and an in-room safe.

The rates are a wee bit on the higher side, as compared to other New York hotels, but the Hudson does offer a fair bit of laid back luxury, and its located in a much more decent place than the usual mayhem-ridden tourist traps around Times Square.

Info: 356 West 58th Street New York, New York 10019; (212) 554-6000; www.hudsonhotel.com/

Uptowner Package from the Wilshire Grand LA

The Wilshire Grand may not be the finest of downtown Los Angeles hotels, or as swanky and hip as some of the hotels which dot the landscape in West Hollywood, but it is still a veritable institution. And its way cheaper than any comparable downtown digs. Plus, its location at the corner of 7th street and Figueroa is pitch perfect for a nice tour of all the things to do in Los Angeles. Just 4 blocks to the Los Angeles Convention Center, Staples Center, and Nokia Theater L.A. Live, and within walking distance of all the downtown attractions. If you want to go further afield to Hollywood or Universal Studios, the Metro is right across the street.

Even better, they have a host of specials and packages meant to maximize your pathetic tourist dollars. Take, for example, the Uptowner package which includes a deluxe room, buffet breakfast for two in the City Grill restaurant plus valet parking for rates from $170. Available on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Also available on Thursdays with a two-night minimum stay. Click here for more info and online booking.

FYI, the deluxe rooms that come with this package have views of downtown LA, with a sitting area, king size bed and bath in a spacious setting (up to 450 Sq. ft.). Amenities include complementary wireless internet access, writing desk, remote control TV with LodgeNet, multiline phones, clock radio, iron and board, makeup mirror, hair dryer and custom climate control.

In addition to the City Grill, the Wilshire has three other restaurants and two bars. Services and amenities include an espresso bar, 24-hour pool and a fitness center with jacuzzi, steam & sauna and even a boxing ring. There's also gift shops, boutiques, florists, salon, event ticketing agency, car rental, and a business center.

Info: 930 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90017; (213) 688-7777; www.wilshiregrand.com/

$99 for 3 nights at Golden Nugget Las Vegas

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas is offering a deal which very few Las Vegas hotels will be able to match. $99 for 3 nights Sunday-Thursday (H/T Jen Leo, LA Times). Book by Sept. 25 for travel Sept. 28–Oct. 30. There's lots more specials listed for the Golden Nugget, but this one is not. Seems you need to sign up for their email specials to receive this offer. You've got one day, so maybe you can still make it. Even if not, no harm in signing up, since they'll likely renew the offer in the near future, or maybe have an even better one.

I've already written about the Golden Nugget and the amenities and services they offer here, so no point in reprising all that here. Instead, let's focus on the various specials they have.

There's the 1 night free offer, if you're arriving September 28, 29 or 30. You book one night and get one free. Call 800-634-3454 to reserve your free night. Or you could take up the Super Summer Room offer, valid until Sept 30th, wherein you pay $59 per night (Sunday - Thursday) and receive a $25 Food & Beverage Credit and 2-for-1 Tickets to 'Defending the Caveman'.

If you miss out on the Sept deals, then the winter ones kick in. Book your stay between October 1 - December 28 2008, and you get rates from $59 per night (Sunday - Thursday) and you receive a Golden Values coupon book worth over $250 in resort discounts including 2 breakfast buffets for under $10 (+tax), 2 lunch buffets for under $11 (+tax), two free Drinks, $10 in free slot play, and $20 off Spa & Salon services.

There's also two suite specials, with the North Tower suite clocking in at $209 per night and the Spa Tower suite from $359 per night. Includes VIP check-in, nightly turn-down service, luxury bath amenities, and wet bar/refrigerator/coffee service.

Cheap hotels are a dime a dozen in Vegas, and so is their grandiosity (like the shark tank), but one thing I'd like to do is compare the amenities (in-room) that these cheapo rooms offer against hotels in other parts of the nation. I mean, most hotels in California would consider turn-down service and a wet bar and refrigirator and coffee machine to be routine stuff, available in all rooms. So what's so special about the suites at the Golden Nugget, that they charge 4 times as much as a room?

Info: 129 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas NV 89101; (800) 846-5336; www.goldennugget.com/

Pamper your Pet at the Larkspur Union Square

FYI, San Francisco has more than its fair share of pet friendly hotels. One of them happens to be the the Larkspur Union Square hotel, which is offering a 'Pamper your Pet' package. Includes a $25 gift card to Cheeko B San Francisco local pet boutique, a VIP welcome toy for your pet, and unlimited pet treats in the lobby daily. Rates from $239. Click here for more details and online booking. Use promo code PET.

Amenities and services include the BAR 1915 (named after the hotel's early 1900's history), complimentary wireless internet, a business center, gift shop, complimentary coffee in the morning and fresh baked cookies each evening, and infused water in the lobby (don't ask...).

The room you get for $239 is kitted out with the Larkspur signature featherBorne bed, LATHER bath and body amenities with bathrobes, LCD flat screen television, a coffeemaker with Starbucks coffee and tea, work desk, and iron/ironing board. The suites additonally offer a marble tiled bathroom (no marble for the common rifraff in the guest rooms), refrigirator, a sofa sleeper and an additional TV.

All this is a bit on the lighter side compared to other storied San Francisco hotels like the Sir Francis Drake, but its still eminently sufficient, if not luxurious. And it is located in Union Square.

Info: 524 Sutter Street San Francisco CA 94102; (415) 421-2865; www.cartwrighthotel.com/

Bubbles, Breakfast and Bed Package from the Intercontinental Chicago

Chicago hotels located along the Magnificent Mile aren't generally famed for being family (or couple) friendly, reasonable and luxurious all at the same time. But its not all bad. The Intercontinental Chicago, where luxury meets old-world splendor, is offering a pretty darn reasonable deal with their 'Bubbles, Breakfast and Bed' Package.

Includes overnight accommodations in a king or double/double guest room, chilled champagne and caviar upon arrival, champagne and chocolate tasting for two in Eno - the hotel’s wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room, with champagne tips from the hotel’s wine director,
champagne breakfast for two in Zest, including breakfast buffet and Mimosa’s, and complimentary valet parking. Rates from $250 per night per couple. Valid from December 30 2008 through February 29 2009. More details here.

The hotel offers a stunning 790 guest rooms and suites, all recently refurbished, with sweeping lake or city views. This tally includes 71 suites, 23 business class rooms and the Presidential Suite with two levels located on the 35th floor, overlooking the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a swanky staircase leading to the master bedroom, and 4 full baths.

All the standard rooms have Italian marble baths, high-speed internet, oversized desks,
television with pay-per-view movies and cable TV, mini bars, iron and ironing board, coffee makers with complimentary coffee and tea, hairdryer, vanity mirror, terry-cloth bathrobes,
complimentary daily newspaper and twice-daily maid service.

Amenities include a gift shop, fitness and business centers with over 40,000 sq ft of event and meeting space, a junior Olympic swimming pool, and 3 seperate restaurants and lounges. Services include a Concierge desk, room service, laundry and dry-cleaning, and personal trainers and masseurs.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but the InterContinental is way more luxurious and opulent than any of the Bed and Breakfasts you'll find in the Loop or the Magnificent Mile, and considering the bubbly and the caviar and stuff, this is probably one of the most romantic hotels you'll find out in the Midwest. And $250 is A-ok considering that the hotel's front doors open out onto the Magnnificent Mile, and breakfast is included.

Info: 505 North Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60611; (800) 628-2112; www.icchicagohotel.com/

$30.99 per night at the Fiesta Rancho Las Vegas

Historically speaking, rates at Las Vegas hotels have always been low as compared to hotels in other parts of the nation. That's probably because of the fact that Las Vegas uses hotel rooms as a means to an end. Simply put, they offer low rates to reel you in, and then allow you to lose the rest of your money at their casino.

And the Fiesta Rancho Casino & Hotel seems to have perfected this art of seducing prospective gamblers with cheap hotels, because they're offering rates from $30.99 per night. Located minutes from the Strip and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this 5 story 100 room hotel offers Double or King bedrooms with connecting rooms, pay-per-view movies, high speed internet, free local calls, an outdoor swimming pool, and valet & free covered parking, including parking for large vehicles and buses.

The double rooms can sleep four people and the King rooms can accomodate two. In room-amenities, other than those mentioned above, include hair dryers and iron & ironing board. They also have a food court, 4 restaurants, a gift shop, business center and an 'Ice Arena', in addition to the Arcade and slot machines at the Casino.

Info: 2400 N. Rancho Drive North Las Vegas NV 89130; (702) 631-7000 or (888) 899-7770; www.fiestarancholasvegas.com/

Bed & Breakfast at the Bristol San Diego

The Bristol hotel in San Diego, adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter, is offering a Bed and Breakfast getaway package at rates from $189 per night. Includes stay in a newly renovated deluxe room with a King bed, nightly turndown service, in-room movies, full American breakfast for two with two eggs any style, choice of bacon, ham or sausage, potatoes, toast, coffee and juice.

Extended late check out up to 2:00 pm. For more details or reservations, call (619) 232-6141 or visit their website.

The Bristol offers 102 newly renovated guest rooms. Amenities and services include complimentary wireless internet, in-room iPod/MP3 docking stations, LCD HD televisions with pay-per-view movies, in-room coffee maker, honor bar and laptop compatible safes, triple sheeted beds with down comforters, luxurious bathrobes, salon-style hair dryers, top of the line bath products, and same day dry-cleaning and laundry service.

Dining and room service taken care of by Daisy's Bistro serving California cuisine, and the adjacent Daisy's Bar, with its signature Crazi Dazi Martini. And considering the low rates relative to both Bed & Breakfasts and other San Diego hotels, the Bristol is surprisingly upscale in its decor and the facilities. The lobby has marble flooring and they even have a ballroom on the top floor which has a retractable roof.

Info: 1055 First Avenue San Diego CA 92101; (800) 662-4477 / (619) 232-6141; www.thebristolsandiego.com

Beyond the Sea Special at the Chelsea Atlantic City

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

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

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

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

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

Hip Chicks Day Off at the Sorrento Seattle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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