News & Politics

February Travel Deals

Have cabin fever or the winter blahs? Maybe it’s time to get away. Whether you want fun on the slopes, city excitement, serenity at a spa, golf in the sun, or a romantic escape, we’ve got an idea for you. Better yet, you can get exclusive deals by mentioning The Washingtonian.

Isn’t It Romantic?
Where: Keswick Hall, Keswick, Va.; 888-778-2565.
What’s special: This charming country mansion is lavishly furnished and set amid the Virginia rolling hills and Blue Ridge Mountains. Relax in beautiful surroundings, be pampered at the spa, or see the sights in and around Charlottesville, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia, both just minutes from Keswick.
The deal: Spend a minimum of two nights during Valentine’s weekend in a Signature room and get a leisurely breakfast in bed or in Fossett’s restaurant, sparkling wine on arrival, a $200 spa credit, and a dinner for two. In the evening, a “love butler” will turn down the bed, put on a CD of love songs, sprinkle rose petals, and leave chocolate-dipped strawberries. Mention The Washingtonian to get 10 percent off the normal package price of $470 a night, plus afternoon tea for two on one day, for a total savings of more than $200 a night.
When: February 12 and 13 or 13 and 14, 2010.

New York State of Mind
Where: The Muse New York, 130 W. 46th St., New York, NY; 212-485-2400 or 800-KIMPTON, or for reservations, 877-692-6873.
What’s special: The location of this hip boutique hotel is ideal for those who like to be in the heart of the action. It’s steps from Times Square and Broadway and close to Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, shopping, and dining.
The deal: The Cupid Is Stupid anti-Valentine’s Day getaway—for friends and families to have fun—includes a room, two complimentary cocktails at Nios restaurant, a free in-room movie, and a map of the best spots around town, from museums to restaurants. Rates start at $239, a savings of 25 percent. Mention The Washingtonian to receive complimentary parking, a $52 value.
When: Through February 2010.

Family Fun
Where: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pa.; 866-344-6957.
What’s special: Situated on 2,000 wooded acres in the Laurel Highlands, this resort offers a variety of accommodations, from the AAA five-diamond Falling Rock boutique hotel and a luxurious chateau to a lodge and townhouses. Public areas show off the resort’s multimillion-dollar art collection. In winter, the resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and dogsledding—and a beautiful spa to relax in. The newest adrenaline rush is the Tomcar Tactical Training Center, which offers half-hour rides and instruction in driving the Tomcar, an all-terrain vehicle.
The deal: The Family Escape Package lets you create your own vacation. It includes two nights’ accommodations and a $400 credit that can be applied to activities at the Adventure Center, Kidz Klub Activities, trail rides at the equestrian center, dining, and more. A 15-percent daily resort fee is included. Two nights start at $820 plus tax. Mention The Washingtonian online deal to receive 15 percent off spa treatments as well as a complimentary bottle of wine.
When: Through April 29, 2010.

Inn Love
Where: Woolverton Inn, Stockton, NJ; 609-397-0802.
What’s special: We love this romantic 1792 manor house with its roaring fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for two. Perched high above the Delaware River, the inn is surrounded by 300 acres of farmland and forest. It feels like a private country estate but is just five minutes from New Hope, Pennsylvania, and nearby Lambertville, New Jersey, with their many attractions: wineries, antique shops, a flea market, museums, and the Bucks County Playhouse. Start your day with a delicious three-course breakfast and end it in a luxurious featherbed.
The deal: Stay midweek and take $50 off each night booked in a fireplace room. Mention The Washingtonian and receive a free split of Champagne. Rates are $145 to $435 a night.
When: Sunday through Thursday, February 1 through 28, except Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day weekends.
Winter Fun
Where: The Homestead, Hot Springs, Va.; 540-839-1766 or 800-838-1766.
What’s special: Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the Homestead, a National Historic Landmark, has been welcoming guests since before the American Revolution. Presidents and royalty have stayed at this premier resort, which boasts lots of outdoor winter fun such as skiing, snowtubing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Indoor activities include an elegant indoor pool, bowling, a luxe spa, and a kids’ club.
The deal: The Ski Free package includes accommodations and daily lift tickets for two. Prices start at $199 a night; a daily 15-percent resort fee and taxes are extra. Additional adults and children over age six are $10 each. Readers who mention The Washingtonian can take 10 percent off the cost of a one-night stay, 20 percent off two nights, and 30 percent off three nights or more.
When: Through March 14, 2010.

Chill Out on the Chesapeake
Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge, Md.; 800-233-1234.
What’s special: On the banks of the Choptank River, this 400-acre resort has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a large indoor pool with expansive river views, and beautiful rooms and common spaces. The 18,000-square-foot European-style spa offers an extensive menu of treatments. In February and March, guests can participate in a variety of low-cost and free activities such as theme weekends, chef demonstrations, and double-feature “dive-in” movies by the pool.
The deal: During the resort’s Chesapeake Chill-Out, guests can book rooms for as low as $99 Sunday through Thursday and $149 Friday and Saturday; both are a 50-percent savings. Rates don’t include tax and resort fee. To request this offer, use code SALE99 at the time of the reservation. Washingtonian readers who show a printout of this article upon check-in will receive a complimentary bottle of wine.
When: Through March 21, 2010.

Historic Elegance
Where: Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, Pa.; 800-THE-OMNI (800-843-6664).
What’s special: An easy drive from Washington, this beautifully restored National Historic Landmark has a rich history that can be seen throughout the hotel—including early registries with names of famous guests, President Buchanan’s desk, and century-old photographs. Enjoy the exquisite 1905 mineral springs-fed indoor pool, one of the nation’s first. Relax in the 30,000-foot-spa, which uses natural spring water in all of its treatments. Sit outdoors by a roaring fire and toast marshmallows.
The deal: Mention The Washingtonian to get a room, including a full hot breakfast, starting at $179 weekdays and $209 weekends. This is a savings of 25 percent or more. To take advantage of the deal, ask for the Washingtonian Exclusive B&B Offer.
When: Through April 30, 2010.

Historic Getaway
Where: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Va.; 800-447-8679.
What’s special: Newly renovated, the guest rooms have furnishings inspired by the nearby Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and the lobby features Oriental rugs and rich woods. The lodge is an easy walk to Colonial Williamsburg, where you can step back in history more than 220 years as well as find golf courses, shopping, and restaurants.
The deal: The Winter Stories package includes a three-day, two-night stay at the lodge, a $100 gift card, daily breakfast, and admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area and museums. The gift card may be applied to treatments at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, golf at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern or restaurant, or purchases at an on-site Colonial Williamsburg-owned store. Lodge guests can also enjoy the spa’s fitness facility and heated indoor lap pool at no extra charge. Rates start at $299 a couple Sunday through Wednesday; Thursday-through-Saturday arrivals cost $349 per couple Thursday through Saturday. Mention The Washingtonian and get a room upgrade upon check-in.
When: Through March 25, 2010.

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