February is a time for romance—and it can be celebrated in many different ways. Perhaps your idea of romance is a gourmet dinner and Champagne. Maybe it’s skiing down a mountain, then snuggling by a fire. Or it could be an evening at the theater. If you like history, maybe Colonial Williamsburg gets your heart racing. Whatever your pleasure, we have travel deals just for Washingtonian readers.
Winter in New York
Where: Eventi, 851 Sixth Ave., New York, N.Y.; 866-996-8396
What’s special: A Kimpton boutique hotel, Eventi is in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, just blocks from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building. Also within easy reach are art galleries, the theater district, restaurants, and shops. The hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows, Frette linens, a fitness center, and an eco-friendly spa. Plus, it’s pet friendly. All guests enjoy a complimentary evening wine hour and a morning coffee-and-tea bar.
The deal: The Big Chill Package includes deluxe accommodations, a $50 food-and-beverage credit, and complimentary valet parking for one vehicle daily (valued at $50). Other perks: morning hot or cold chai lattes, two daily “insider tips” for enjoying the city, afternoon hot chocolate with all the fixings, 20 percent off in-room spa services, hot apple cider from 5 to 6, and board games. In addition, Washingtonian readers receive a free bottle of wine. Mention rate code PCHE when booking. Rates start at $379 a night.
When: Valid through March 31, 2011.
Williamsburg Without the Crowds
Where: Williamsburg Lodge, 310 S. England St., Williamsburg, Va.; 800-447-8679
What’s special: In Colonial Williamsburg, visitors can explore the homes and buildings where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry inspired the fight for independence. You can watch tradespeople at their craft and dine at an 18th-century tavern. Best of all, visiting midwinter means there are no crowds. The Williamsburg Lodge offers Southern hospitality and an ideal location. Built in 1939 and renovated in 2007, it has original wood paneling, blue stone floors, and folk-art-inspired furnishings.
The deal: The American Stories Package is a two-night stay that includes daily breakfast and a ticket to Colonial Williamsburg. Prices start at $75 a person a night. Mention The Washingtonian and receive a complimentary room upgrade at check-in, based on availability—a savings of more than $50.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday. Good until March 17, 2011.
Charm City
Where: Harbor Magic Hotels (Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, 410-539-2000; Admiral Fell Inn, 888 S. Broadway, Baltimore, 410-522-7380 or 866-583-4162)
What’s special: Admiral Fell Inn is in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point. The quaint European-style hotel is near eclectic shops, restaurants, and taverns. A member of Historic Hotels of America, it consists of seven buildings dating back to the 1770s. Sister hotel Pier 5 is on its own pier next to the National Aquarium and steps from the Inner Harbor. Pier 5 offers 66 whimsical and vibrantly decorated rooms with harbor and city views. Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 6:30, guests enjoy a complimentary Crabby Hour with a crab treat; Saturday from 3 to 4 features a free chocolate treat. The hotel is near the American Visionary Art Museum, which exhibits works by self-taught artists. An exhibit running until early September, “What Makes Us Smile?,” is a celebration of human joy; co-curators include Simpsons creator Matt Groening and artist Gary Panter, known for Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
The deal: The American Visionary Art Museum Getaway package includes two tickets to the museum; a 10-percent discount in the museum’s gift shop and its restaurant, Mr. Rain’s Fun House; accommodations at the Harbor Magic Hotel of your choice, and breakfast. Washingtonian readers also receive a free bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Selection wine. Call 866-583-4162 and mention code WAVAM when booking. Rates start at $129.
When: Must book in February to stay anytime in 2011.
Peak Experiences
Where: Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe, Vt.; 888-478-6938;
What’s special: Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, this resort commands spectacular views. In the lobby, a wood-burning fireplace and leather couches of bright oranges, pinks, reds, and blues invite guests to linger. The expansive walls of windows bring the beauty of the mountain peaks inside. Accommodations are luxurious, featuring bamboo bed linens, goose-down featherbeds, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The lodge restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine. Just opened is the 420-seat Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, which hosts music, dance, and film. In winter, a ski valet allows guests to ship ski equipment in advance and have it waiting for them when they arrive—with boots heated, equipment tuned, and gear brought up to the lift or gondola. Lift tickets and lessons are secured in advance so guests don’t have to wait in lines. In warmer weather, there’s a spectacular golf course.
The deal: Washingtonian readers receive 25 percent off the lodge’s best available rate. Rates start at $229. This deal applies to all room types and dates of stay. Blackout dates include Presidents’ Day week; inquire about others.
When: Valid through June 15, 2011, but must be booked by March 1.
New York Valentine
Where: St. Giles-The Court and St. Giles-The Tuscany, 120-130 E. 39th St., New York, N.Y.; 212-685-1100 for The Court; 212-686-1600 for The Tuscany.
What’s special: Next-door neighbors, these boutique hotels are in the Murray Hill section of New York City and walking distance to the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue shopping and restaurants. The rooms at both hotels are spacious and have luxurious linens. The Tuscany has a gym that can be used by guests of The Court.
The deal: The “Be Central, Be Sensual, Be Sexy” package features accommodations in a deluxe room, dinner for two prepared by executive chef Andrew Carranza and delivered to your room, a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and sexy edibles by retailer Bunnyjuice. The price at The Court is $399; at The Tuscany, $409. Washingtonian readers also get an extensive continental breakfast for two, a value of $50. The complete package is a savings of about $125. Use promo code Hudson.
When: Valid February 11 through 14, 2011.
