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These five exclusive travel deals can save you money on the Eastern Shore, in New York, or at the beach. By Alice Shapin
Enjoy the beaches at Grand Bahama Island. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.

By the Bay

Where: The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Md.; 410-745-2200.

What’s special: On the edge of the Miles River on the Eastern Shore, the Inn at Perry Cabin exudes serenity and elegance. The handsome rooms feature luxurious bedding and high-end bathrooms, and the inn has beautiful common spaces, excellent cuisine, and terrific service. Its restaurant, Sherwood’s Landing, is the only AAA four-diamond restaurant on the Eastern Shore. The Linden Spa, named for the trees lining the hotel’s driveway, offers rejuvenation and wellness treatments. The inn is pet-friendly, and you can easily stroll into the charming town of St. Michaels.

The deal: Receive a $50 resort credit per day and one room-category upgrade based on availability at check-in. No minimum stay is required. Rates start at $355 a night.

When: Valid Sunday through Thursday from May 1 through July 28, 2013.


Midtown, Downtown—All Around Town

Where: Library Hotel Collection (Hotel Elysée, Library Hotel, Hotel Giraffe, and Casablanca Hotel), New York, N.Y.; 212-201-1155.

What’s special: The Library Hotel Collection’s four boutique properties in Manhattan offer great locations close to shopping, restaurants, and other attractions; the Library Hotel and Hotel Giraffe also have outdoor seating so you can be part of the New York atmosphere. The Library, at 41st Street and Madison Avenue, is steps away from the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and Bryant Park. The Hotel Giraffe, at 26th Street and Park Avenue, is near the Empire State Building and Union Square. Hotel Elysée, on East 54th Street, is close to Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park. And the Casablanca Hotel, at 43rd Street and Broadway, is steps away from Times Square. All four offer free wi-fi, evening wine and cheese, and free continental breakfast.

The deal: The Tax Amnesty Package, a 15 percent savings on the best flexible rates (a deal normally offered during tax season), is extended for Washingtonian.com readers through the summer. Rates per night, before the discount, are as follows: Hotel Elysée starts at $279, the Library Hotel at $319, Hotel Giraffe at $329, and Casablanca Hotel at $339. All include taxes. Use the code “taxbreak” when booking.

When: Book between May 1 to 15 for stays in July and August 2013.


On the Beach

Where: Grand Lucayan, Grand Bahama Island; 855-582-2926.

What’s special: An easy, direct flight away, this property offers a white-sand beach, three pools, a spa, a fitness center, horseback riding, tennis, and golf. Island activities include swimming with dolphins, exploring Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Parks, and water sports including boating, jetskiing, kiteboarding, and parasailing. Just steps from the resort is the Treasure Bay Casino, where you can try your luck.

The deal: Pay $99 a night for an ocean-view room, plus receive free breakfast for two each day at Willy Broadleaf—in all, a 65 percent savings. To book, visit their website.

When: Valid May 1 through 31 for travel through November 15, 2013.


Swing Into Summer

Where: Barefoot Resort, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 800-548-9904.

What’s special: In the heart of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, Barefoot Resort is a 2,300-acre complex that has four world-class golf courses (Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Davis Love III), bike trails, walking paths, and swimming pools. Dining choices include everything from California Pizza to Joe’s Crab Shack to the House of Blues. Starting May 1, there’s free shuttle service to the beach on weekends; starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the shuttle service is daily.

The deal: The Buy Three and Get the Fourth Round Free Package includes three nights’ lodging, four rounds of golf, cart fees, and taxes. Golfers can play each course only once, and the free round must be played after noon on any day during your stay. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to get free daily breakfast as well. The price per person is $425, a $32-a-day savings, and is based on four golfers sharing a two-bedroom golf villa for three nights. Additional nights and accommodation upgrades are available for an extra charge. Book at their website.

When: Valid May and June 2013.


Winetasting in the Finger Lakes

Where: Radisson Corning Hotel, Corning, N.Y.; 607-962-5000.

What’s special: The Radisson Corning Hotel is in the historic downtown Gaffer District, where buildings date to the 1800s. Guests are within walking distance of the Corning Museum of Glass, which contains nearly 50,000 objects representing 3,500 years of glassmaking. You can see demonstrations and take short classes (20 to 40 minutes) in glassworking (book before you come). Just a half hour or so away are wineries, including Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars, Pleasant Valley Wine Company, and Heron Hill Winery. There’s also biking and hiking in the area, and the hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.

The deal: The National Wine Month Package includes accommodations, two adult tickets to the Corning Museum of Glass (ages 19 and under free), one bottle of Finger Lakes Wine (Dr. Frank’s Salmon Run Chardonnay or Pinot Noir), one $25 voucher for use in the on-site Steuben Bar or Grill 1-2-5, and two vouchers for breakfast in Grill 1-2-5. Discounted room rates start at $189, a $100 savings. Book at their website with the code CFLWC.

When: Valid May 2013.

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Posted at 11:30 AM/ET, 05/02/2013 | Permalink | Comments ()
Sun, rain, wind—March hands us a little of everything. But we have you covered with special travel deals for every type of weather. By Alice Shapin
Hotel Monaco. Photograph courtesy of Flickr user NCinDC.

Nantucket of the South

Where: One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Fla.; 800-874-6000.

What’s special: Atlantic Beach, 35 minutes from the Jacksonville airport, is known as the Nantucket of the South, thanks to its shingled cottages along Beach Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. The boutique One Ocean Resort & Spa offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean and is draped in soothing sea colors such as azure, sand, and pearl. Each guest room has a refrigerator with free soda, water, and snacks. Complimentary coffee is brought to your room with your wake-up call. The spa is recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a Top 100 US Resort Spa, and it touts views of the surf from its meditative lounge. On the beach, the resort’s Azurea restaurant provides an elegant atmosphere, and every seat has a view of the ocean. Across the street, the picturesque Beaches Town Center has brick streets and an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife.

The deal: Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to get 20 percent off the best available rate for a deluxe ocean-view room. The average rate is $200 a night.

When: Valid Sunday through Thursday through June 30, 2013.


Swing Into Spring

Where: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, S.C.; 866-561-8802.

What’s special: Sea Pines is a 5,000-acre oceanfront retreat offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound in a variety of accommodations ranging from efficiencies to eight-bedroom homes. Guests can golf, bike, play tennis, swim, kayak, fish, jet-ski, relax on the beach, dine at eateries ranging from casual to elegant, wander through the shops, or hit the spa.

The deal: The Escape Vacation Package offers 15 percent off a weekly home or villa rental, two hours of tennis-court use a day, complimentary Internet service, and a $100 resort credit that can be used for golf, dining, and other activities. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to increase that credit to $150. Plus, with the package, children under age 12 eat free at the Harbour Town Grill and Surfside Outdoor Restaurant & Bar, and they get free golf on Heron Point Golf Course by Pete Dye and the Ocean Course with each paid adult round. Prices depend on accommodations. For example, with the 15-percent discount, a one-bedroom deluxe villa starts at $981 per week in the spring; in the summer, the same discounted villa starts at $1,244.

When: March 2 through September 6, 2013.


For Lincoln Lovers

Where: Hotel Monaco, 700 F St., NW; 202-628-7177.

What’s special: This Kimpton boutique hotel is in a grand building that was once the General Post Office and offices for the Postmaster General during the Civil War. In the heart of DC’s Penn Quarter, it’s an easy walk to Chinatown, the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Verizon Center, and the International Spy Museum. The interior features soaring ceilings and eclectic, colorful furnishings. The hotel also offers in-room spa services and a fitness center, and it’s pet-friendly.

The deal: With the “Four Score” Lincoln Package, you can learn about our 16th President. The package includes accommodations, admission to Ford’s Theatre, two tickets to Madame Tussauds, and a tour for two at President Lincoln’s Cottage, where Lincoln lived with his family during the height of the Civil War and wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to also receive two free cocktails at the hotel’s Poste Moderne Brasserie. Room rates start at $279; this package is about a $60 savings. Book online using the rate code Lincol or call 202-628-7177.

When: Valid through April 30, 2013.


Boston Uncommon

Where: Colonnade Hotel, Boston, Mass.; 800-962-3030.

What’s special: This contemporary hotel offers an ideal location: You can walk across the street to the Prudential Building and visit the Skywalk Observatory, a bird’s-eye vantage point with 360-degree views. The informative audio tour details Boston’s historic and cultural points of interest. You can also walk to Newbury Street, known as the Rodeo Drive of the East for its dining and high-end shopping. Right outside the hotel is Boston’s subway, the “T,” which you can take to other attractions such as the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The deal: The Frosty Fridays special is based on a two-night stay and allows guests to get the first night’s rate equal to the temperature outside and the second night for $309. That means if the temperature at 5 PM is 40 degrees, you pay $40 for that night. (If it’s minus-10, the room is free and you get a $10 credit at the hotel’s restaurant.) The deal includes hot chocolate for two at Brasserie Jo, overnight parking, and a choice of two tickets to the Old Town Trolley Tour or two admissions and skating rentals at the Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink. Washingtonian.com readers also get a full American breakfast for two at Brasserie Jo (a $43 value) and a choice of wine and cheese (a $57 value) or hot chocolate and cookies (a $31 value) delivered to their room. You can book the package directly with the code WashFrosty.

When: Valid through March 2013.

Posted at 10:50 AM/ET, 03/04/2013 | Permalink | Comments ()
Love is in the air. Why not enjoy a romantic getaway, with discounted rates just for Washingtonian readers? By Alice Shapin
Get 25 percent off rooms at Hotel Belleclaire. Photograph courtesy of Flickr user vonlampard.

Romantic Interlude

Where: The Inn at Willow Grove, 14079 Plantation Way, Orange, Va.; 540-317-1206.

What’s special: Unwind with a midweek getaway at the Inn at Willow Grove. The boutique property is a historic 18th-century plantation house with exquisitely appointed cottages. From the lamps and bedding to the antiques and beautifully framed paintings, each piece was selected by a knowledgeable collector/decorator—who happens to be one of the owners. There are fireplaces to snuggle by and a staff offering Southern hospitality. Stop by the pub for a casual dinner or enjoy fine dining in the restaurant. The inn’s butler service delivers warm house-made beignets and French-press coffee to your door in the morning and tea with a sweet treat at evening turndown.

The deal: Mention Washingtonian.com when booking a two-night weekday stay and receive a complimentary in-room bottle of Prosecco and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries. Readers will also enjoy a free lunch at nearby Early Mountain Vineyards. Rates for the two-night weekday Love & Luxury Romantic Getaway are $450 to $600, depending on accommodations chosen. The total savings is 30 percent. Or take advantage of a 20-percent discount on the room rate for a one-night stay on Valentine’s Day. A five-course, prix fixe dinner is available that evening for $75 a person.

When: Midweek during February 2013.


Sex and the City

Where: Hotel Belleclaire, 250 W. 77th St.; New York, N.Y.; 212-362-7700.

What’s special: This 1901 landmark, combining Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau styles, was one of Manhattan’s first luxury buildings. Guests can enjoy New York’s West Side, with its museums, gourmet dining, and designer shopping. It’s also an easy walk to Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, and the Beacon Theatre.

The deal: During February, rooms are 25 percent off. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking and also receive a bottle of wine and a late checkout. Rates start at $119 a night after the discount. Use the online code “vacation.”

When: Valid during February 2013.


Virginia Is for Lovers

Where: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, 36205 Snake Hill Rd., Middleburg, Va.; 540-687-3333.

What’s special: Goodstone Inn is a luxurious, romantic country inn on 265 acres of pastures and woodlands in Northern Virginia horse and wine country. The 18 elegant guest rooms and suites are in six individual residences that have been restored in English- and French-country styles. The inn offers vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as personalized service and attention to detail. The restaurant features a farm-to-table menu, and a spa is available for massages and facials.

The deal: The February Is for Lovers package gives Washingtonian.com readers 15, 25, or 35 percent off one, two, or three nights. All guests get a complimentary full country breakfast for two. Midweek rates start at $191.75 a night for a three-night stay, $221.25 a night for two nights, and $250.75 for one. Weekend rates are $230.75 a night for three nights $266.25 a night for two nights, and $301.75 for one. All guests have the option to preorder a half dozen chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of Perrier Jouët Champagne, and a half dozen roses for an additional $140, a $55 savings.

When: Valid in February 2013.


Skiing Around

Where: Windham Hill Inn, 311 Lawrence Dr., West Townshend, Vt.; 802-874-4080.

What’s special: This southern Vermont inn is a member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux collection of fine hotels and restaurants. The inn’s public spaces offer nooks and wood-burning fireplaces perfect for snuggling with a book, listening to music, or savoring a cocktail. The spa is an ideal place to be pampered after a day on the slopes.

The deal: The Washingtonian Ski & Stay at Windham Hill Inn package includes two nights in a traditional room, afternoon tea and house-made cookies, complimentary Vermont cheese nightly at 5:30, daily three-course breakfast, one four-course dinner for two, free snowshoeing on 160 acres of private trails, a full-day lift ticket for two at Stratton Mountain, and an après-ski cocktail (a glass of German glüwein) for each person. The package starts at $689 midweek and $714 on weekends, a 20-percent savings.

When: Valid in February 2013 except for Presidents Day weekend (Friday through Sunday), February 15 through 17.


Playing a Round

Where: PGA National, 400 Ave. of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; 800-863-2819.

What’s special: The resort just completed a multimillion-dollar renovation; guest rooms are redone with stylish bedding, carpeting, and furnishings. PGA National boasts five championship golf courses designed by such greats as Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Since 2007, the resort has hosted the Honda Classic on its famous Champion course. The Fazio, its original 18-hole course—formerly called the Haig—has increased yardage, reconfigured tee boxes and bunkering, and upgraded turf. In addition, there’s a new swimming pool with a renovated poolside cafe as well as a new look for its European spa, which offers more than 100 treatments. The resort also has nine restaurants and a 33,000-square-foot Health & Racquet Center with 19 Har-Tru clay tennis courts.

The deal: The Gold Golf Package includes accommodations, full breakfast each day in the Palm Terrace restaurant, one round of golf daily (there’s a surcharge for play on the Champion course), and unlimited range balls and golf-bag storage. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to get a free room upgrade. Rates start at $289 a person, a $231 savings.

When: Valid February through April 2013.

Posted at 04:50 PM/ET, 01/31/2013 | Permalink | Comments ()
With the holidays over, it’s a good time to luxuriate on a beach, see some city sights, or relax at an elegant old resort. These travel deals are just for Washingtonian.com readers. By Alice Shapin
Get a $50 credit at the Hotel Hershey. Photograph courtesy of Flickr user pquan.

New York on Sale
Where: New York Palace, 455 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y.; 800-804-7035.
What’s special: Just steps from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, this luxury hotel offers exceptional city views. A 19th-century drawing room, the Madison Room & Bar, features marble columns, vaulted ceilings, and classic artwork; designed by Stanford White, it also has its original painted wall panels from 1891. For those who’d rather not walk to dinner, shopping, or a show, there’s complimentary car service (up to 20 blocks) and a free theater shuttle. The hotel also has a fitness center and spa.
The deal: Washingtonian.com readers get 20 percent off the best available rate plus two free glasses of wine in the Madison Room & Bar when booking the Washingtonian Winter Promotion. Rates typically start at $199 a night per room. You can reserve a room online or by calling 800-804-7035; use the code PRWASH.
When: Valid through February 28, 2012.


Close to Home
Where: Lorien Hotel & Spa, 1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-3434.
What’s special: This boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, part of the Kimpton group, combines Old World charm with modern style. The rooms are done up in soothing blues and grays, and the Lorien offers a calming spa. Guests are treated to a complimentary daily newspaper as well as free morning coffee and tea. The hotel is an easy walk to restaurants, boutiques, and historic homes and churches, and it’s pet-friendly.
The deal: The Tap the Local Brewery package includes accommodations, transportation to and from the Port City Brewing Company (a $22 value), a brewery tour (a $14 value), and two beers (a $10 value). Washingtonian.com readers also get 20 percent off spa treatments with the package.* Rates start at $169 a night.
When: Valid Friday through Sunday, through April 2013.


In the Land of Chocolate
Where: The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey, Pa.; 800-437-7439.
What’s special: The elegant Hotel Hershey, built in 1933 in the chocolate-mad town, combines modern amenities with historic charm: Guest rooms feature original artwork, historic photos, and Hershey Kisses at turndown. In addition to recently refurbished suites, the hotel now has four- and six-bedroom Woodside Cottages with fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, and antique wood floors. Activities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, year-round ice skating, hiking trails, and a spa with such treatments as a Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Fondue Wrap. Close by is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can see the transformation from bean to milk chocolate. Or enjoy a Hershey Bears hockey game.
The deal: Washingtonian.com readers receive a free $50 resort credit. Rates start at $249 a night per room. Mention the code Washingtonian to redeem this offer.
When: Available January 1 through February 28, 2013. Blackout dates during Presidents Day weekend, February 15 through 18.


A Grand Estate
Where: Keswick Hall, 701 Club Dr., Keswick, Va.; 888-778-2565.
What’s special: Stay at Keswick and you’ll feel as if you’re visiting a rich friend’s country home. Rooms feature luxurious bedding, exquisite furnishings, and grand views. You can sit by the fire in one of the many common areas, enjoy a treatment at the spa, eat on-site at the elegant Fossett’s restaurant, or enjoy casual dining at the Palmer Room. At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick is near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the University of Virginia, and the town of Charlottesville.
The deal: The Keswick Winter Getaway Package includes a free room upgrade, a $50 value. Rates start at $275 per room a night.
When: Valid through March 28, 2013.


Beach It
Where: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach, Fla.; 800-622-1038.
What’s special: This resort on the northwest Florida Gulf Coast features seven miles of sugar-white-sand beach, four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, water sports, a fitness center, a spa, lively bars, and both casual and fine dining. There are direct flights from BWI and Reagan National airports.
The deal: The Washingtonian Winter Package includes three nights for the price of two, a 20-percent spa discount on 50- and 80-minute massages (normally $100 and $145), free use of the fitness center (normally $15 a day) and tennis courts (usually $17 an hour), free bike rentals (normally $20 for four hours), and free use of kayaks and canoes (usually $25 an hour). Use the promo code FREE3 when booking. Rates start at $149.
When: Valid through February 28, 2013.


Tropical Paradise
Where: Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic; 866-469-1148.
What’s special: This 7,000-acre resort offers lots of options for play and relaxation—four Pete Dye-designed golf courses, including the famed Teeth of the Dog, beach, tennis, a spa, horseback riding, a 245-acre shooting center, a marina, biking, sailing, snorkeling, cave exploration, off-road ATV riding, and deep-sea and river fishing.
The deal: Book four nights and get the fifth free with the Washingtonian 5th Night Free special. Rates start at $300 a night for the Elite Patio guest rooms.
When: Valid through January 2013.

*This post has been updated from a previous version.

Posted at 03:50 PM/ET, 01/02/2013 | Permalink | Comments ()
This time of year is so hectic—why not take a little time to relax at a nearby inn or on a warm beach? With these exclusive reader deals, you can get away before, during, or after the holidays. By Alice Shapin
You'll see plenty of these in Palm Beach, Florida. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.

Into the Woods

Where: Swiss Woods, 500 Blantz Rd., Lititz, Pa.; 717-627-3358.

What’s special: Warm and welcoming, Swiss Woods is a forested 35-acre retreat. Breakfast is delicious—think pumpkin French toast with lemon brandied apples or eggs Florentine with shoofly muffins and fresh fruit. The innkeepers use local ingredients such as free-range eggs, double-hickory-smoked bacon, country sausage, and the inn’s own honey. You’ll always find sodas and water in the refrigerator and cookies or something else sweet set out in the common area. Lancaster Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers market—about 13 miles away in Lancaster—is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. And in December, you can see the stage musical Singin’ in the Rain at Lancaster’s historic Fulton Theatre. For a list of all the holiday events, see lancastercountychristmas.com.

The deal: The inn is offering 20 percent off rooms, with a two-night minimum; rates typically start at $175. Guests will also receive coupons for two free specialty drinks at S. Clyde Weaver, a cafe and gourmet shop; discount coupons to the local shopping outlets; and 10 percent off dinner at Lily’s on Main and at Olde Lincoln House.

When: Valid in December. The inn is closed December 24 through 26.


Worth a Trip to Palm Beach

Where: The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, Fla.; 561-655-7740.

What’s special: This landmark boutique hotel offers 80 renovated studios, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. The luxury accommodations feature mahogany cabinetry, limestone floors, and luxurious imported fabrics. Dine al fresco (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the casually elegant Café Boulud. Swim in the newly renovated pool. Enjoy spa services at the spa or in your suite. The hotel offers a convenient in-town location, within walking distance to famed Worth Avenue, with its array of upscale stores and restaurants, and two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

The deal: TheOne More Night package offers three nights for the price of two (a 33-percent discount) or four nights for the price of three (a 25-percent discount). Rates start at $289 a night. Mention The Washingtonian at the time of reservations and also receive free truffles or a sweet treat when you arrive.

When: Valid through December 25, 2012.


Jamaican Holiday

Where: Rose Hill, Jamaica.

What’s special: Live the good life in a five-bedroom, five-bath luxury Rose Hall villa at the award-winning Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. The house, just steps from the beach, sleeps ten and has a private pool, a butler, a cook, and a housekeeper. The resort features a golf course, two miles of private beach, and an equestrian center.

The deal: Vacation like a member of Portico—a collection of exclusive rentals—without paying the initiation fee of $2,500 and the annual membership of $2,500. Readers can book the Rose Hill villa for $850 a night, a 25-percent savings off regular rates. (There’s also a daily gratuity of $200 a day charged by the resort.) Washingtonian readers will also receive a free bottle of wine on arrival by mentioning the Great Getaways blog.

When: Valid through March 15, 2013.

Posted at 02:00 PM/ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()
With the holidays approaching, now is a good time to think about a relaxing, close-by getaway or a warm-weather escape. By Alice Shapin
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland. Photograph by Joe Vaughn.

Turkey Day at the Springs

Where: Omni Bedford Springs Resort, 2138 Business Rt. 220, Bedford, Pa.; 800-491-5900.

What’s special: The resort, on more than 2,200 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, has hosted US presidents and other dignitaries over the past 200 years. You can stroll the halls and see artifacts and memorabilia that reveal the resort’s rich history, get pampered at the spa (treatments use local herbs and botanicals and are inspired by the eight mineral springs), swim in the indoor spring-fed heated pool, or work out at the fitness center. Children can dabble in crafts or partake in kids’ nights out. And this Thanksgiving, you can sit back and savor a huge buffet of traditional dishes along with seafood and much more.

The deal: Book the Thanksgiving at the Springs package November 21 through 24 and receive the fourth night free, a $276 value. In addition, mention that you saw this deal on Washingtonian.com and get a free upgrade (based on availability), a $30-a-night savings. Rates start at $319 a night.

When: November 21 through 24, 2012.


Virginia Is for Lovers

Where: Middleburg Country Inn, 209 E. Washington St., Middleburg, Va.; 800-262-6082.

What’s special: This inn’s rooms all come with king-size canopy beds, bathrobes, broadband Internet, and complimentary ice cream. Some have a Jacuzzi. The breakfast includes seasonal fruit and a choice of eggs Benedict, waffles, or the country breakfast (cheese omelet or scrambled or poached eggs with bacon and muffins). The inn puts you within an easy walk to the quaint town of Middleburg, where you can explore designer boutiques, antiques shops, and art galleries. The area also offers vineyards and battlegrounds.

The deal: Mention The Washingtonian to receive 20 percent off the room rate Sunday through Thursday, plus a free cheese plate and half bottle of wine at check-in. Prices start at $160 before the discount.

When: Valid November 2012 through January 2013.

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Posted at 03:45 PM/ET, 11/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()
Five great getaways that offer fun amid the foliage—at falling prices. By Alice Shapin
Clifton Inn’s getaway deal includes a four-course, apple-inspired dinner. Photographs courtesy of Clifton Inn.

The Clifton Inn.

An Apple a Day

Where: Clifton Inn, Charlottesville, Va.; 434-971-1800.

What’s special: On 100 acres in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this elegant 18-room inn is gorgeous in autumn. Guests can stroll the grounds, sit dockside at the private lake, or sip a cocktail in the gazebo. The area offers lots to see and do: the University of Virginia, Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and vineyards. In fall, nearby Carter Mountain Orchard offers apples galore—plus incredible views.

The deal: The package Called An Apple a Day includes a night in one of the Albemarle rooms; a four-course, apple-inspired dinner for two with wine pairings (think apple-and-chestnut soup with a foie gras dumpling and dry-aged duck breast with crabapple purée and risotto); house-made apple-cider doughnuts delivered to your room in the morning; admission to Carter Mountain Orchard for apple-picking; a fall picnic (apples and cheese, cider, a map of picnic spots); and a jar of house-made apple butter. The price is $325, a 30-percent savings. When reserving, mention The Washingtonian to get this deal.

When: Valid in October.

Updating a Classic

Where: The Homestead, Hot Springs, Va.; 800-838-1766.

What’s special: A historic resort that has hosted presidents and princesses, the Homestead just underwent a $25-million transformation. The contemporary Lobby Bar is a new place to gather before and after dinner. The Mini Cascades, an 18-hole miniature-golf course, now complements the championship courses. A new adults-only spa garden features a geothermal mineral bath, a river reflexology bed, a sauna, and a whirlpool. Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, the area is ablaze with color in the fall. Guests can hike along the magnificent Cascades Gorge, go biking, or ride horseback along mountain bridle paths.

The deal: The Bed and Breakfast package includes accommodations and buffet breakfast for two (a $45 value). Mention The Washingtonian to also receive a chocolate replica of the hotel’s tower filled with chocolates (a $75 value) as well as a room upgrade (a $25 value). The package starts at $259 a night, a savings of $145.

When: Valid October 1 through December 20. Some blackout dates may apply.

Gettysburg Address

Where: Federal Pointe Inn, Gettysburg, Pa.; 717-420-5248.

What’s special: This boutique hotel, open since July, is in a former 1896 brick schoolhouse with 12-foot ceilings and hallways adorned with brass chandeliers and Civil War art. The inn has 18 guest rooms—with such touches as four-poster beds, pillow-top mattresses, and free wi-fi—plus a fitness center. Some rooms offer views of Gettysburg National Military Park. You also can enjoy hiking and biking trails as well as antiques shops, galleries, and restaurants.

The deal: Mention The Washingtonian at booking to get 20 percent off the room rate (which normally starts at $199), two free passes to the American Civil War Wax Museum (a $17 value), and a free bottle of wine. All guests can enjoy afternoon tea and scones daily. Washingtonian readers also can get 15 percent off any of the following: golf at the nearby Links at Gettysburg; dinner at the Dobbin House Tavern (a refurbished 1776 home that was a station on the Underground Railroad); a one-hour horseback tour for two with Confederate Trails of Gettysburg; and a 45-minute couples massage at the Gettysburg Day Spa.

When: Valid October and November (blackout dates November 21 through 25).

Falling in Love

Where: The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village, Intercourse, Pa.; 800-664-0949.

What’s special: Guests enjoy a five-course breakfast—including treats such as muffins and baked peaches, stuffed French toast, quiche, and frittatas. Suites feature separate sitting areas with gas-burning fireplaces and flat-screen TVs. In the heart of Amish country, the inn is a base for exploring quaint shops, rich history, and beautiful fall scenery. You can take a balloon ride, tour covered bridges, or visit Lancaster Central Market, with its local produce and baked goods.

The deal: Stay two nights in either a Country Homestead Suite or a Grand Suite and get $20 off each night—rates normally start at $179 a night on weekdays, $199 weekends—and a $25 gift certificate toward any spa service. On the first night, you’ll also receive rose-petal turndown service, a bouquet of flowers, a nonalcoholic sparkling beverage, and Godiva chocolates (an $84 value in all). Mention The Washingtonian when booking.

When: Valid in October.

New in Annapolis

Where: Loews Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis, Md.; 410-263-7777.

What’s special: This hotel is an easy walk to the city’s shops and sights, including the US Naval Academy and City Dock. While the pet-friendly hotel is done up in a nautical style, the renovated lobby has a contemporary feel—guests check in at “pods” rather than a front desk. A new casual restaurant, West Kitchen & Tavern, honors the Chesapeake region with a raw bar and produce from local farms.

The deal: Mention The Washingtonian or use the online code LPRWAS at booking to get 20 percent off the room rate, 20 percent off dinner at West Kitchen & Tavern, and a City Shopping Card with discounts at local merchants. Rates start at $199 before discount.

When: Valid October 1 through March 31. Rooms must be booked by October 31.

Alice Shapin (alishapin@aol.com) is a contributor to the Great Getaways blog on Washingtonian.com.

This article appears in the October 2012 issue of The Washingtonian.

Posted at 09:55 AM/ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()
Hold on to summer with these great deals just for “Washingtonian” readers. Save when you play at the beach, at the pool, near the bay, or in the city. By Alice Shapin
Score family-oriented discounts on a Bahamian adventure this month. Photograph courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island.

On the Water

Where: Tides Inn, Irvington, Virginia; 800-843-3746.

What’s special: Overlooking Carter’s Creek in Virginia’s Northern Neck, this resort offers serene views. There’s lots to do on the water: learn to sail, test your crabbing skills, take a cove cruise, or borrow kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes. You can also play golf, relax at the spa, or bike around the area. Nearby, there’s the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail (including Ingleside Vineyards, Vault Field Vineyards, and Hague Winery), the Steamboat Era Museum, and the town of Kilmarnock, with galleries and antiques stores.

The deal: Stay two nights and receive a $100 resort credit and a free room upgrade (depending on availability). When reserving by phone, mention the promo code 100CR to get the credit and mention this Washingtonian article to receive the upgrade. Rates start at $175 a night.

When: Valid September 12 through December 31, 2012.


On the Beach

Where: Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas; 888-877-7525.

What’s special: Atlantis resort offers three beaches, more than nine pools, a water park, and access to the Dig—a fascinating “sunken ruins” marine-life exhibit on the island. You can also scuba-dive, snorkel, swim with dolphins, golf, relax at the spa, play tennis, and hit the casinos and nightclubs.

The deal: This Washingtonian deal is tailored for families: Sign up for one Atlantis Kids Adventure (excluding the Culinary Adventure) and get a second free, a value of up to $105 for a full day. You also get a free family pass, good for up to four people per room, to Crush, a nightclub for ages 13 through 17 that includes an Internet lounge, normally $25 a child. Kids under 12 also get breakfast and dinner for free—normally $17.25 and $27, respectively. Rooms start at $199 a night at the Beach Tower.

When: Book by September 30 for travel through December 25, 2012. When calling, mention the Washingtonian reader deal.


Sunshine State

Where: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida; 800-713-6725.

What’s special: This Donald Trump-owned resort in the heart of Miami boasts five championship golf courses, including the Blue Monster (home to a PGA Tour event), seven tennis courts, a 48,000-square-foot spa with 33 treatment rooms, four pools, and a variety of dining options.

The deal: The Family Fun Package includes daily admission to Camp Doral for kids age 12 and under (normally $80 a day), a children’s welcome gift worth $25, free use of the driving range, free golf for kids with a paying adult after 3 PM, and a $50 resort credit per stay. The package starts at $139 a night and requires a two-night minimum. Washingtonian readers can also receive a free room upgrade, a $20 value, based on availability. The total savings is more than $500. Book the deal online here.

When: Valid through September 30, 2012.


America’s Walking City

Where: The Colonnade, Boston, Massachusetts; 800-962-3030.

What’s special: This contemporary hotel offers an ideal location: You can walk across the street to the Prudential Building and visit the Skywalk Observatory, a bird’s-eye vantage point with 360-degree views. The informative audio tour details Boston’s historic and cultural points of interest. You can also walk to the Public Garden, to Newbury Street (known as the Rodeo Drive of the East for its al fresco dining and high-end shopping), and to museums and the Freedom Trail. Right outside the hotel is Boston’s subway, the MBTA—or “the T”—which you can take to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum and other sights not within walking distance. A breakfast favorite is Thorton’s, only a couple of blocks away.

The deal: The Boston Escape Package includes a free American breakfast for two (a $37.38 value) and complimentary parking (a $38 value). Washingtonian readers also receive free Internet access (a $13.95 value) and a bottle of wine (a $35 value). Rates start at $299 a night. To get this deal, use the online booking code Washingtonian.

When: Valid through December 2012.

Posted at 11:50 AM/ET, 09/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()
Enjoy summer fun at the beach, on the links, or in the city with these exclusive reader offers. By Alice Shapin
Mention The Washingtonian when booking at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point and get a round of golf for two for free. Photograph courtesy of the resort.

Bermuda High

Where: Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda; 888-767-3966.

What’s special: This 88-room boutique hotel offers serene sophistication at water’s edge plus amenities galore: four pools, a spa, a fitness center, a world-class golf course, tennis, a dive-and-watersports center, and Bermuda’s largest private beach. On the property, you can rent scooters and bicycles to get around the island. Rosebuds, the children’s program for ages 4 through 12, features tennis lessons, a golf clinic, and cooking classes. The Tucker’s Point golf course provides breathtaking views of the water, and guests also have access to the Mid Ocean course, ranked among the world’s top 100.

The deal: With the More Rosewood package, guests can stay three nights and get a fourth free. Rates start at $720 a night. Washingtonian readers also receive a free round of golf for two, a $430 value. Use the booking code WASRW.

When: Valid through November 2012.


Bahama Mama

Where: Grand Lucayan, Bahamas; 855-582-2926.

What’s special: An easy, direct flight away, this property has rooms with an island, marina, or ocean view. The resort offers a white-sand beach, three pools, a spa, a fitness center, horseback riding, tennis, golf, and watersports including boating, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, and parasailing. Island activities include swimming with dolphins and exploring Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park. Just steps from the resort is the Treasure Bay Casino, where you can try your luck.

The deal: The Summer Safari special offers rates starting at $119 per room, a 50 percent savings. Washingtonian readers also receive a free buffet breakfast for two daily at Willy Broadleaf, a $27 savings daily. The rate code for the deal is RTWAS; the direct booking link is here.

When: Book by August 20 for travel through September 1, 2012.


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Posted at 01:55 PM/ET, 08/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()
Seven great weekend getaways—from the mountains to the city—all at special savings. By Alice Shapin
Readers can get a free room upgrade and other summer specials at Keswick Hall near Charlottesville. Photograph Courtesy of Keswick Hall.

Love Is in the Air

Where: Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, 236 Caroline St., Orange, Va.; 888-315-3511.

What’s special: In the heart of Virginia’s wine country, this elegant inn, built in 1860, has six guest rooms with pillow-top mattresses, high-definition flat-screen TVs, and free wi-fi. Some rooms have hot tubs. A concierge service makes it easy to take in local attractions—go on a wine tour, enjoy a picnic at picturesque Lake Orange, or soak up spectacular scenery while hiking, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, or skydiving. The inn is minutes from quaint shops, fine restaurants, and art galleries.

The deal: The Rekindle the Romance package includes two nights’ accommodations for two, a dozen long-stemmed roses, Champagne or wine on arrival and two Chestnut Hill wineglasses to take home, a classic French dinner at Restaurant Pomme in Gordonsville, tickets for a winetasting at nearby Barboursville Vineyards, an early-evening social hour both nights including hors d’oeuvres and winetasting, turndown service with rose petals strewn on your bed (the first night), chocolate-covered strawberries or gourmet chocolates, a two-course breakfast each morning, and a $50 gift certificate for a future visit. The two-night package is $595, a $250 savings. You can add a one-hour couple’s massage for the special price of $170.

When: Valid July through Labor Day.


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Posted at 11:00 AM/ET, 06/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ()