Washingtonian readers can save up to 40 percent at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay this month. Photograph courtesy of the hotel
December dazzles at this time of year—trees glitter, figurines dance in store windows, and aromas of pine, cinnamon, and gingerbread float through the air. New York may be the ultimate holiday city, but Washington and Philadelphia put on great holiday displays, too. Celebrate the season in one of these cities or, for a more relaxing time, consider a getaway to a nearby resort or sunny Florida.
All of this month’s travel deals are exclusive for readers of The Washingtonian.
RELAX BY THE BAY
Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
100 Heron Blvd. at Rt. 50, Cambridge, Md.; 410-901-1234
What’s special: At this four-diamond resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, guests can relax in the heated indoor pool, roast s’mores by a fire, and (weather permitting) play a round of golf. Nearby Cambridge and other quaint towns offer antique shopping and maritime museums.
The deal: The Winter Escape package starts at $119 a night (Sunday through Thursday) and $169 (Friday and Saturday). Readers who book this package and show a printout of this article upon check-in receive a free bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses, a gift valued at $35. The total savings is up to 40 percent. Use the online code “winter.”
When: Available through February 2012.
PRE-HOLIDAY ESCAPE
Where: The Gasparilla Inn & Club
500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande, Fla.; 877-403-0599
What’s special: Located on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida, the Gasparilla Inn offers golf on the “island within an island” championship course along scenic Charlotte Harbor. Other activities include fishing in the Gulf of Mexico’s Boca Grande Pass, tennis on seven Har-Tru courts, swimming in the family pool at the inn’s beach club, and croquet on USCA-certified lawns. Guests also can enjoy treatments at the Gasparilla Inn Spa, which Condé Nast Traveler rated as one of the top 25 hotel spas in the nation.
The deal: The Bed & Breakfast package includes a deluxe room and breakfast for two, prepared by chef Peter Timmins. Show a printout of this article on check-in and receive a complimentary sun-care kit complete with sunblock and other skin-care products (a $30 value). The total savings is 18 percent.
When: Available Sunday through Thursday through December 20, 2011, excluding holidays.
CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
Where: Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
117 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa.; 888-725-1778
What’s special: Located in the heart of Center City—near Old City Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square, restaurants, and shops—the Palomar is an eco-friendly boutique hotel. It has 230 guest rooms and suites, a striking lobby, a restaurant, and a fitness center. The design includes original artwork and Art Deco detailing. It’s also pet-friendly. Check out the Macy’s Holiday Light Show and Christmas Village in Center City.
The deal: The District Confidential package includes two free handcrafted cocktails at Square 1682 in addition to a free appetizer. Rooms, normally $269 and up, start at $139 a night with this package; a two-night stay is required. Total savings range from $150 to $200. To get this deal, use the online code WASHDC.
When: Book through December 31 for stays through February 29, 2012.
HEART OF THE BIG APPLE
Where: Westin New York at Times Square
270 W. 43rd St., New York, N.Y.; 866-837-4183
What’s special: This hotel is perfect for those who like to be in the middle of New York City’s action. It’s in the theater district and close to the Empire State Building, Penn Station, Rockefeller Center, shopping, and restaurants. You can see the city all lit up—from the holiday windows at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree to the 2½-mile stretch of trees on Park Avenue. Though it may be hectic outside in Times Square, the luxury hotel’s interior offers a soothing color palette and luxurious beds. On the 23rd floor, a spa and fitness center offers a Manhattan view.
The deal: Washingtonian readers can receive 15 percent off the best available rate. In addition, they’ll get free Internet access and two free cocktails, for an additional savings of $46. To book, click here.
When: Valid Thursday through Monday through March 2012.
CAPITAL WEEKEND
Where: Topaz Hotel
1733 N St., NW; 800-775-1202
What’s special: The trendy Topaz is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a $2.3 million makeover. On a tree-lined street close to DC’s Dupont Circle, it offers free morning coffee and tea plus complimentary evening wine receptions. And it’s pet-friendly. Guests in December can use the hotel as a base for seeing such local holiday offerings as the National Christmas Tree, the Christmas tree at the US Capitol, train displays at the US Botanic Gardens, and the National Zoo’s ZooLights display.
The deal: The You Be the Judge package gives a 25 percent discount on room rates with a two-night-minimum stay. Discounted rates start at $119. You’ll also receive two free cocktails at the bar if you mention The Washingtonian when booking, valued at $10 each. When booking, use the online code “judge.”
When: Valid through December 30, 2011.
