Travel News: Rough Landings Edition

Getaway to Costa Rica and great rates at Starwood hotels By Sophie Gilbert

Comments () | Published March 25, 2011

We should probably start today’s post by saying that it’s rare here at Travel News for anything to lull us out of our finely tuned torpor toward airline horror stories. More carry-on fees? Meh. Bedbugs on planes? Whatevs. But airplanes forced to land themselves without guidance because an air-traffic-control center is unresponsive? That’s pretty terrifying. Even more alarming: the news that air-traffic-control towers are routinely staffed by only one person during the evening, which is fewer people than a 24-hour McDonald’s and the same as a gas station, neither of which is actually in the business of preventing mass casualties. The controller, who’s widely speculated to have fallen asleep on duty, is currently suspended, which hopefully will give him time to catch up on some Z’s.

Have you ever gazed longingly at the elite business-class ticket holders wandering casually into airport lounges like it’s no big deal? Airspace Lounge, a new company aimed at offering an upgraded airport experience to more than a privileged few, is opening fee-accessible lounges in airports across the country, including the very first one in May at our own BWI Marshall. Entry starts at $17.50 and goes up to $45 depending on how crowded the lounges are, and the price includes a sandwich or bagel, coffee, and nonalcoholic beverages, wi-fi, and computers onsite.

Starwood hotels is currently having a sale on locations and resorts across North America and the Caribbean, including W, Sheraton, and Westin. Highlighted rates include the W Chicago for $109 a night, the Boston Park Plaza for $119, the W Atlanta for $129, and the Sheraton in Nassau Beach for $159. Available dates for most properties start March 31 and go through May; some blackout dates apply.

Travelzoo has an interesting vacation deal this week. Travelbyjen.com is offering a six-night trip to Costa Rica for $798, including flights from DC, three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Magic Mountain in La Fortuna (with breakfast and a zipline canopy tour), three nights at the Hilton Puntarenas DoubleTree Resort (with three meals daily, drinks, and activities), and rental car. Travel is valid May through August and must be booked by April 1.

And finally, Travel & Leisure came up with a list of America’s most romantic restaurants, and two of Washington’s made the grade: Komi and the Inn at Little Washington. Just pray that your relationship lasts long enough for you to get a reservation.

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