New Kid in Town
Where: Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg,
Va.; 540-687-3600.
What’s special: Be one of the first to stay at this much awaited, 168-room luxury resort. Built by
Sheila Johnson, a cofounder of BET, the hotel is reported to have cost more than $100
million. The ultra-stylish resort wants guests to feel as though they’re visiting
a posh country estate: The main floor has a library, a billiard room, and a living
room. Guest rooms are large (545 to 575 square feet) and have terraces or stone balconies.
The bathrooms feature pedestal tubs, large walk-in showers with body jets, and 19-inch
TVs. Plush bedding and throws evoke the seasons and equestrian life. At the spa, you
can choose from a variety of treatments; a 14-foot ceramic steam room has delicate
aromas that change with the time of year. And the resort is dog-friendly.
The deal: Washingtonian.com readers receive 10 percent off the best available rate of the Revive,
Ride & Dine promotion (starting at $425 before the discount). The promotion includes
a $100 daily resort credit and a room upgrade when available. To get this deal, use
the booking code WASH.
When: Valid through October 2013*.
On Top of the World—or at Least Virginia
Where: The Iris Inn, 191 Chinquapin Dr., Waynesboro, Va.; 540-943-1991.
What’s special: This 11-acre retreat atop a mountain near Shenandoah National Forest offers spectacular
scenery. You can relax and enjoy nature off the porch or the back deck—all guest rooms
have access to the decks surrounding the inn. The rooms also feature free wi-fi and
refrigerators. Have a complimentary breakfast—made with local ingredients—in the Great
Room, with its three-story stone fireplace. In the evening, there’s a free winetasting
with cheese, and you can take in the sunset from the Lookout Tower. Just three miles
away, Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway provide additional gorgeous vistas
as well as access to miles of woodsy hiking trails. And within 30 miles, you’ll find
28 wineries and four homes of former US Presidents to visit.
The deal: The Washingtonian Readers Special includes a two-night weekend stay in a King Room
(Pine, Bird, or Woodland room), chocolate-covered strawberries, an Iris Inn picnic
tote on Saturday with lunch for two and a Virginia Wine Touring Map, and a bag of
Colombian coffee from local roaster Queen’s Beans to take home. The package price
is $500, a $59 savings.
When: Valid through December 31, 2013.
East Meets West on Park Avenue
Where: Kitano Hotel NYC, 66 Park Ave., New York, N.Y.; 212-885-7000.
What’s special: The Kitano is the only Japanese-owned hotel in New York City. From its decor and artwork—such
as the lobby’s commanding piece by Botero—to its
kaiseki restaurant, Hakubai, and annual tea ceremony, the hotel embraces Japanese culture.
The supper club, Jazz at Kitano, has featured such great performers as Tony Bennett.
The hotel, on Park Avenue, is beautiful and quiet yet close to everything—Fifth Avenue,
Grand Central Terminal, the theater district, museums, restaurants, and shopping.
The deal: Kitano’s Washingtonian Jazz Package includes premier accommodations, breakfast for
two, admission for two at Jazz at Kitano, and four cocktails during the jazz performance.
The package starts $499 a night, a 35-percent savings. To get this deal, use the booking
code DCNYC.
When: Valid Thursday to Sunday through October 31, 2013.
Winding Through the Finger Lakes
Where: Elmira’s Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast, 520 W. Water
St., Elmira, N.Y.; 607-846-3500.
What’s special: This B&B is nestled at the gateway of the Finger Lakes, New York’s lake and wine
country. Guests can stay in this elegant 1875 Victorian home in the heart of Near
Westside, the state’s largest registered historic district. Besides being near some
120 wineries, the quaint bed-and-breakfast is also close to the Corning Museum of
Glass, Mark Twain’s study and gravesite, the National Soaring Museum (devoted to motorless
flight), and the Arnot Art Museum. You can also take in the region’s breathtaking
scenery overhead in a hot-air balloon or sailplane.
The deal: When booking a two-day minimum stay, guests receive a 20-percent discount on the
room rate and a 20-percent discount on any of the wine tours listed on the website
just by mentioning Washingtonian.com. Rates start at $136. All bookings must be made
in advance by calling 607-846-3500.
When: September 1 through September 30, 2013.
*This post has been updated from a previous version.
