In the Shadow of Monticello
Where: Keswick Hall, 701 Club Dr., Keswick, Va.; 434-979-3440.
What’s special: At this 48-room mansion on 600 acres, you’ll feel as though you’re visiting a friend’s country estate. Enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, roaring fireplaces, a spa, and, if temperatures cooperate, outdoor activities including croquet, archery, and tennis. Guests can dine at elegant Fossett’s Restaurant—at Villa Crawford, the estate’s original mansion, with its homey atmosphere—or Treble, a private wine cellar. Nearby attractions include Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia plus more than 25 wineries, breweries, and cideries.
The deal: Book the Keswick Winter Getaway package and get a discounted rate—$255 a night for a “superior” room (normally $495 this time of year) or $305 for a deluxe (normally $590)—plus a $50 resort credit and a free room upgrade based on availability. Mention Washingtonian.com when booking to receive a free bottle of red wine on arrival, a $40 value. For reservations, call 888-778-2565 or click here; if booking online, mention the Washingtonian.com deal in the comments section.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday, through February 27, 2014.
Charm City by Train
Where: Hotel Monaco Baltimore, 2 N. Charles St., Baltimore; 443-692-6170.
What’s special: This boutique Kimpton hotel is in the historic 1906 Beaux Arts B&O Railroad headquarters in downtown Baltimore and features soaring marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, and Tiffany stained-glass windows. Enjoy the living-room lobby, complimentary wi-fi, a free wine hour, and a fitness center. The hotel is close to the convention center, the Inner Harbor, restaurants, and shops.
The deal: The MARC a Night of It package includes deluxe accommodations, 15 percent off the best available rate, and a free bottle of wine (a $15 value). Guests must show a MARC Penn Line train-ticket stub at check-in to get the discount. Mention Washingtonian.com at check-in to receive two free cocktails at the hotel bar (a $20 value). Rates start at $139; the package is a savings or $60 or more.
When: Valid for stays Thursday through Sunday, through January 2014.
New York Experience
Where: Excelsior Hotel, 45 W. 81st St., New York, N.Y.; 212-362-9200.
What’s special: This renovated Upper West Side landmark is perfectly situated near Central Park, overlooking the American Museum of Natural History and walking distance to Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theatre, and the subway. You’ll enjoy great restaurants and boutique shopping in the neighborhood. The hotel also has fitness and business centers.
The deal: Washingtonian.com readers receive 15 percent off the best available rate and a free upgrade (a value of $80 to $100) based on availability at check-in. Rooms start at $179. Use the promo code Washington when booking. E-mail reservations@excelsiorhotelny.com or call 212-362-9200.
When: Valid January and February, 2014.
A Breakfast to Remember
Where: Stonewall Jackson Inn, 547 E. Market St., Harrisonburg, Va.; 540-433-8233.
What’s special: Built in 1885, this inn was once the mansion of a wealthy family. The wide staircase and doorways allowed women in hoop skirts to move about the mansion. A highlight of a stay here is the complimentary breakfast made from local ham, sausages, and apples. Choose from Wayne’s Eggs Benedict, croissant French toast, and eggs Nova Scotia. A lighter menu is available on request. The innkeeper is very knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestions as to restaurants and places to see. From the inn, you can visit wineries, tour Civil War sites, enjoy live theater, explore Shenandoah National Park, and ski at Massanutten.
The deal: The Stay and Dine Experience and Foodie Package includes a $50 gift certificate to your choice of the Clementine Cafe, Hank’s Smokehouse, or Thunderbird Cafe; a bottle of wine in your room on arrival (specify red or white when making your reservation), locally made chocolates, complimentary winetastings at selected vineyards along the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, and a free dessert with a paid dinner at partner restaurants downtown. The package is $95, a $40 savings, plus a room rate that starts at $139 a night. Mention Washingtonian.com when you book and get a free upgrade to a king-size room, a $50 savings. Call 540-433-8233.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday, January through March 2014.
Clean Start
Where: Topaz Hotel, 1733 N St., NW; 202-393-3000.
What’s special: Guests at the Topaz enjoy comfy beds as well as a convenient location close to the Dupont Circle Metro and shopping. Sign up for Kimpton’s free InTouch loyalty program to also get free wi-fi. And enjoy all of this while starting the year off right with yoga (there are yoga mats in the rooms), a free spin on the hotel’s bikes, or a juice cleanse.
The deal: The District Detox package, which starts at $254, includes accommodations for a night plus bath salts, a Purée Juice Bar cleanse, and a 30-minute consultation with a Purée health-and-wellness coach about how the cleanse works. Mention Washingtonian.com to get an exclusive in-room spa discount. To book, click here and use the rate code Puree, or call 800-546-7866 and request the Purée rate.
When: Valid Monday through Saturday, through January 2014.
New England Skiing
Where: Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vt.; 800-451-8686.
What’s special: This mountainside resort, which just underwent a $15-million renovation, has 68 rooms and 23 luxury resort homes. Enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing at Mount Mansfield as well as sleigh rides, indoor tennis, an indoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center with a host of classes from yoga to aqua aerobics to ballet-barre burn. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
The deal: The Ski Stowe package includes nightly accommodations in a deluxe room, two Stowe Mountain Resort lift tickets per room per night, Topnotch Ski Concierge services, and a free shuttle to and from the mountain. Prices start at $206 a person, a 20-percent savings. Mention Washingtonian.com to get a free room upgrade (a $50-to-$150 value) and a complimentary upgrade from a 50-minute spa treatment to an 80-minute treatment (a $35 value).
When: Valid through January 2014.
Island Beauty
Where: Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina, Marsh Harbour, Bahamas; 800-468-4799.
What’s special: This island retreat is surrounded by 40 acres of white-sand beaches, the Sea of Abaco, and lush vegetation. Enjoy garden-view and oceanfront rooms, all with free wi-fi. Guests can take advantage of a full-service marina, a fitness center, a tennis facility, two swimming pools, and on-site dining.
The deal: The Special Bahamian Getaway, a four-day/three-night escape, includes oceanfront accommodations, dinner for two at Angler’s on the night of your arrival, a welcome bottle of wine, daily breakfast for two, a full-day boat rental to explore the area, and complimentary nonmotorized water sports (kayaks and paddleboards). Rates start at $750 a person, based on double occupancy. The savings is $630, or 30 percent. To reserve, call 877-533-4799.
When: Book by January 31, 2014, for travel through April 30, 2014.
