In-Town Fun
Where: Hotel Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Ave., NW; 202-462-9001.
What’s special: Helix offers large rooms, a complimentary wine hour, and a great location. Guests can walk to the White House, the Mall, and other attractions. A quick bus or cab ride gets you to the Newseum, where “Anchorman: The Exhibit” has costumes and props from the Will Ferrell movie of the same name.
The deal: The “Stay Classy, D.C.” package includes two Glenlivet 12 scotches at the bar; a pair of tickets to the Newseum, including “Anchorman: The Exhibit”; and a felt moustache and comb to keep aspiring newscasters’ hair camera-ready. Mention Washingtonian.com at check-in to receive complimentary breakfast for two, for a total savings of $62. Rates start at $139 a night. This package can be booked online using the rate code CLASSY or by calling 202-462-9001.
When: Valid through August 2014.
Christmas on the Potomac
Where: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor; 301-965-4000.
What’s special: During the holidays, the Gaylord is transformed into a winter wonderland. In its 19-story glass atrium, you can take in 2 million twinkling lights, a nightly snowfall, fountain shows, and a 60-foot-tall, suspended synthetic glass tree. During “Christmas on the Potomac,” you can also enjoy gingerbread-decorating sessions, a Santa Brunch, a Gourmet Holiday Cake Pop Experience (at which the hotel’s pastry chefs demonstrate how to make cake pops and participants can test their own skills), rides on a Peeps-decorated Potomac Express Train, photos with Santa, and more. There are shops to stroll through, restaurants, and a spa as well. Also on the property is “Ice!,” an exhibit of ice sculptures that bring to life both the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas”—a.k.a. “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”—and scenes of Christmas in New York City. Tickets for “Ice!” start at $19 for kids (ages 3 through 11) and $27 for adults (ages 12 and up); ages two and under are free.
The deal: Washingtonian.com readers can book a holiday getaway at Gaylord National Resort, Sunday through Friday, and get 15 percent off the regular rate (rooms start at $152) plus complimentary strawberries and Champagne and an Atrium Room upgrade based on availability—for a total savings of $87. Call 301-965-4000 and use the booking code Washingtonian Magazine.
When: Valid through January 5, 2014.
Plan Ahead
Where: The Muse Hotel, 130 W. 46th St., New York, N.Y.; 212-485-2400.
What’s special: The Muse, a Kimpton hotel, is right in the middle of Manhattan’s action: You can walk to the theater, Times Square, shopping, and restaurants or enjoy the complimentary wine hour, fitness center, wi-fi, and pet-friendly policies.
The deal: Cyber Monday Extended lets you book now and travel in January. That deal gets you 20 percent off the best available rate, and Washingtonian.com readers also have a choice of two of the following perks: daily breakfast, two winter cocktails at the on-site bar, or a specialty turndown amenity—for a total discount of 39 percent. Call 877-692-6873 and use the rate code PERK.
When: Book from December 2 through December 15 for travel in January 2014.
Mountain Retreat
Where: Mountain Lake Lodge, 115 Hotel Cir., Pembroke, Va.; 540-626-7121.
What’s special: This retreat, in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, has just renovated its guest rooms and cabins as well as added new recreational activities, including an Aerial & Zip Line Adventure Course. During winter, you can work out at the fitness center; go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on 22 miles of trials; enjoy a geocaching adventure; take yoga, Zumba, and dance classes; or go on a naturalist tour. The property has a restaurant, Harvest, as well as a new tavern.
The deal: Book the exclusive Holiday Deal to stay two nights and receive a third free, plus get hot chocolate and warm cookies on arrival, a $50 credit for dinner in Harvest, and a free bottle of wine with dinner, for a total savings of $200. The package starts at $199.
When: Valid Thursday through Sunday, through December.
Luxury at a Discount
Where: Glen Gordon Manor, 1482 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Huntly, Va.; 540-636-6010.
What’s special: The Manor House was built as a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop and was later expanded into an aristocratic hunting lodge; today it has two guest rooms. The Glencroft Cottage houses two suites with views of the mountains. The 2,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath Gordon Mews comes with a full kitchen and is perfect for families. All Glen Gordon Manor rooms feature luxury linens and free wi-fi.
The deal: The exclusive Washingtonian.com offer includes a two-night stay, a winetasting, daily gourmet breakfast, a gift bag (with wine glasses and a certificate for a tour and tasting at a nearby winery), a bottle of wine, and a four-course winetasting dinner. The cost is $495 to $795 (depending on the room), a savings of $200 or more.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday, through October 2014.
Hollywood Comes to Virginia
Where: The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., Richmond, Va.; 888-918-1895.
What’s special: The Jefferson showcases a bygone era, with a grand lobby that features stained-glass windows, mahogany paneling, and marble columns. If you come in December, you’ll see a huge Christmas tree, staircases adorned with roping, and a gingerbread display. Nearby, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibit “Hollywood Costume” showcases nearly 100 movie costumes, including those from The Wizard of Oz, The Birds, My Fair Lady, Superman, Titanic, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
The deal: The “Hollywood Package” includes a “superior room,” a traditional Southern breakfast for two, a breakfast gratuity, valet parking, and two tickets to the VMFA exhibit. Mention Washingtonian.com to also receive a free upgrade, based on availability at the time of arrival—a $50 value. Prices start at $285. Book by calling 800-424-8014 or online with the code PKGHWD.
When: Valid December through February 17, 2014, excluding December 31, 2013.
