Make a Splash in Washington
Where: Donovan House, 1155 14th St., NW; 202-737-1200
What’s special: This newly renovated Kimpton hotel showcases a sleek, sophisticated design. Enjoy the rooftop pool and the DNV Rooftop Lounge, both with expansive views of DC. The hotel provides complimentary use of yoga mats, a fitness center, and bicycles; there’s also free coffee and tea every morning, and an evening wine hour. Join the hotel’s free loyalty program online and receive a $10 Raid-the-Bar credit and complimentary wi-fi. The hotel, which is pet-friendly, is within walking distance of the White House and the Washington Monument, and it’s in the 14th Street neighborhood with its many restaurants, bars, and shops.
The deal: The “Secret Agent” package includes deluxe accommodations in a newly renovated guest room, two tickets to the International Spy Museum, and a $25 credit to adjacent restaurant Zentan or the DNV Rooftop Lounge for a shaken, not stirred martini. Mention the Washingtonian when booking or upon arrival to also get an in-room spa credit of $30, which can be used toward an in-room massage. Use the code AGENT when booking. Rates start at $215. Call 202-737-1200 or visit their website.
When: While the Secret Agent package is ongoing, the Washingtonian deal is valid only through August, 2014.
Centuries of Fun
Where: Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Rd., Williamsburg, Va.; 757-253-1703
What’s special: This resort has something for everyone in the family. Guests can golf on two championship courses, play tennis on the clay and hard-surface courts, go biking, or take a Segway tour. Kids and adults alike can hit the water slide or float along the lazy river at the River Pool complex, or head to the marina and go jet-skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. There’s also a spa and a fitness center. Outside the resort are a host of other fun activities including Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg, and Water Country USA.
The deal: The “Ultimate Family Fun” package includes accommodations in a standard guest room; daily breakfast; discounted Plantation Course play ($30 a person after 2 pm, including greens and cart fees); complimentary court time at the tennis club after 11 am (racquet rental additional); complimentary use of non-motorized water sports including paddleboards, sea bikes, and kayaks; tickets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg, and Water Country USA; and complimentary shuttle service to and from Colonial Williamsburg, Water Country USA, and Busch Gardens. Mention the Washingtonian when booking to get a $25 resort credit. A three-day minimum stay starts at $1,287, a savings of over $520. Book here.
When: Valid through September 1, 2014.
A Cultural Experience
Where: Sofitel Philadelphia, 120 S 17th St. Philadelphia; 215-569-8300
What’s special: Located in the ritzy Rittenhouse Square area, the Sofitel is walking distance to City Hall, shopping, and restaurants. On Saturdays there is a fabulous farmers’ market in the park. The hotel has partnered with the Barnes Foundation for a special Paul Cézanne package in honor of an exclusive exhibition, “The World is an Apple: The Still Lifes of Paul Cézanne.” The Barnes is the only US venue for this exhibition.
The deal: “The Barnes Package” includes accommodations, welcome cocktails at Liberté Lounge, breakfast for two at on-site Chez Colette, two-untimed VIP tickets to the Barnes which includes an audio guide and discount in the museum shop and restaurant, and hotel parking for one vehicle. Mention the Washingtonian when booking to also receive a free bottle of Comte de Bucques, a sparkling wine. Hotel rates start at $260 a night. To book, call 215-569-8300.
When: Valid for stays through September 22, 2014.
Historic Richmond
Where: The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., Richmond; 804-649-4750
What’s special: Strolling through the lobby of the Beaux Arts-style Jefferson Hotel is a treat, with its stained-glass windows, grand staircase, marble floors, and life-size Thomas Jefferson sculpture. In the heart of downtown Richmond, the hotel is within minutes of the most popular attractions, including the state capitol (make sure to take a tour), the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Shockoe Slip, where trendy eateries occupy century-old warehouses.
The deal: The “Summer at The Jefferson Package” features accommodations, a traditional Southern breakfast for two including gratuities, and valet parking. Washingtonian readers also receive a free room upgrade, a $50 value, for a total savings of 45 percent. Rates for a superior room are $275 Tuesday through Saturday and $255 on Sunday and Monday; a deluxe room is $315 Tuesday through Saturday, $295 on Sunday and Monday. Call 800-424-8014 and mention the Washingtonian to get the special deal, or book online and note Washingtonian in the comments section.
When: Valid through September 3, 2014.
Caribbean Escape
Where: Half Moon, A RockResort, Montego Bay, Jamaica; 800-438-7241
What’s special: Located on a crescent-shaped, two-mile-long private beach, Half Moon sits on 400 lushly landscaped acres along the Caribbean Sea. The resort features the 68,000-square-foot Fern Tree Spa, an 18-hole golf course, tennis, the Dolphin Lagoon where you can swim with dolphins, a fitness center, and an equestrian center. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, diving, windsurfing, and other water and beach activities.
The deal: “The Ultimate Summer Getaway” includes accommodations, three meals daily, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and round-trip transfers from the airport. Mention the Washingtonian when booking to also receive a free bottle of wine, a $60 value. A three-night stay is required. The package costs $459 a night for two, a 40 percent savings. To book, call 800-438-7241.
When: Through November 22, 2014.
Luxury at a Discount
Where: One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas; 242-363-2501
What’s special: An oasis set along a white-sand beach and turquoise waters, this resort was once a private estate. Today, it feels as though you’re visiting a grand Colonial manor. Guests can play tennis, golf on a course that hugs the water, workout at the fitness center with complimentary classes, snorkel, take scuba lessons, and go on diving excursions. The luxurious spa has two pools, one for adults ages 14 and older and a family pool complete with waterfall and aqua toys. Here you’ll find complimentary chilled water misters and sunglass cleaning services, as well as sorbets by the pool and fruit at the beach. The complimentary KidsOnly club provides fun experiences such as a culinary academy and tips from golf and tennis pros. Parents can enjoy alone time with babysitting services.
The deal: Readers of the Washingtonian can receive a fourth night free when staying three nights in a luxury beachfront room or suite. You also get fresh fruit upon arrival, Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries daily, a $100 resort credit, complimentary roundtrip airport transfers for up to three guests, and Casino Royale Martinis for two guests at the Dune Bar. The three-night price is $2,418, a savings of over $650. Book by calling 888-528-7157 and mention the code “Washingtonian.”
When: Book before September 30 for travel until December 18, 2014 (blackout dates November 25 through 29).
