An Alexandria Gem
Where: Kimpton Morrison House, 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-838-8000.
What’s special: Just reopened after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Kimpton Morrison House is in the heart of Old Town. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and Italian marble bathrooms, and some have sitting rooms, decorative fireplaces, and hardwood floors. The hotel added a new tavern and cocktail bar, the 50-seat Ashlar Restaurant and Bar. It also has The Last Word Menu, a turndown service that includes the guest’s choice of chocolates and classic novel—such as The Great Gatsby or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—to be delivered before bedtime.
The deal: The Modern History Package includes deluxe accommodations, two discounted tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, complimentary parking, and a dining credit at Ashlar Restaurant and Bar, for a total savings of $75 a night. Washingtonian readers also receive a $30 credit for an in-room spa service (such as a facial, body treatment, massage, or pedicure) when mentioning Washingtonian at check-in. Rates start at $309. To get this deal, click here and use the booking code MODERN.
When: Valid for stays through May 30, 2016.
Close-By Oasis
Where: Airlie, 6809 Airlie Rd., Warrenton; 540-347-1300.
What’s special: This bucolic destination is set on 300 lush acres in Virginia, just an hour from DC. The main building is a Georgian Revival-style mansion; other buildings, including cottages, house a variety of accommodations good for groups and families. Guests can play tennis, fish, swim, hike, try a hand at archery, hit the pub and game room, gather around the fire pit, or explore nearby wineries. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, loaner bikes, in-room coffee service, and no resort fees. The dining room has large windows overlooking a lake, and the food is farm-to-table and very good. Dogs are welcome. A piece of trivia: It was here, in 1969, that the idea of Earth Day was first introduced by Senator Gaylord Nelson to a group of medical and law students participating in a conference at Airlie.
The deal: The Washingtonian Spring Getaway Package includes one night accommodations, archery for two people, breakfast for two, and an Airlie gift bag with a bottle of Early Mountain wine, a wine opener, and house-made jerky. The price is $199, a $50 savings.
When: Valid for stays through May 2016.
A Colonial Experience
Where: Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England St., Williamsburg; 757-220-7976.
What’s special: The lodge is nicely situated near all of Williamsburg’s historic attractions. But if you need a break from all that history, guests here also can enjoy other benefits such as free access to the spa and fitness center and its free classes; one hour of free tennis court time; free 30-minute clinics for golf, tennis, and lawn bowling; preferred tee times for the golf course across the street; and special savings on admission tickets and evening programs.
The deal: The Taste of a Tavern Package includes a two-night stay at Williamsburg Lodge, a two-course meal (entree and dessert), daily breakfast buffet, and tickets for Colonial Williamsburg and its museums. The price is $159 per person per night, with a two-night minimum stay required. Washingtonian readers also receive a free six-pack of Old Stitch ale and two Chowning’s Tavern tasting beer glasses, a $50 value. For this deal call 844-268-5156 and mention Washingtonian.
When: Valid for stays through May 2016.
Sleep Well in New York
Where: The Benjamin, 125 E. 50th St., New York; 212-715-2500
What’s special: This boutique hotel is in a 1927 Beaux Arts building that in 2013 had a $10 million overhaul. It’s located near Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and Fifth Avenue. Room types range from guest rooms with kitchenettes to one-bedroom terrace suites. Promoting the idea that “sleep is core to success; not simply a luxury,” its Rest & Renew program offers 10 pillows based on sleeper type, a Power Nap Kit, bedtime snacks designed to help guests sleep sounder, and a call 90 minutes before bedtime suggesting that guests power down electronic devices. There is a fitness center, complimentary shoe shine, and a restaurant bar.
The deal: The Washingtonian Deal includes up to 20 percent off the hotel’s best rate, a $25 dining credit toward Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s The National Bar & Dining Rooms, free Wi-Fi, and late checkout upon availability. To book, call 866-222-2365 and mention package code WDEAL or click here.
When: Book by June 1, 2016 for stays through March 31, 2017.
New York Revival
Where: InterContinental New York Barclay, 111 E 48th St., New York; 212-755-5900.
What’s special: The Barclay, which opened in 1926, is a historic property that over the years welcomed Martin Luther King Jr., Ernest Hemingway, and President Bill Clinton as guests, and Judy Garland and Katharine Hepburn as shoppers. (The original Caswell-Massey, the apothecary known for its beauty products, was in the hotel lobby for more than 80 years.) The hotel had been closed since September 2014, and underwent a $180 million renovation. The new interiors are a contemporary take on the luxurious residential feel of the original hotel, which was designed by Cross & Cross, the firm that did the Tiffany & Co. building. The property is now also home to the new Gin Parlour, offering 88 types of gins as well as wines and other spirits. The Barclay is close to Grand Central Station, the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building, restaurants, and shopping.
The deal: Mention Washingtonian when booking to receive free Wi-Fi and a Caswell-Massey welcome gift (body/hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and bar of soap), a $28 value. Rates start at $379 a night for rooms and $1,100 a night for suites, plus tax and service change. To book, email Max Bandarenko at max.bandarenko@ihg.com and mention Washingtonian.
When: Valid for stays through May 2016.
Bike Tripping
Where: Trek Travel; 866-464-8735.
What’s special: This guided bike trip through the mountains of western North Carolina lets travelers taste local beers, enjoy bluegrass music, and ride through spectacular scenery between Asheville and the small mountain town of Highlands. Mileage ranges from 25 to 57 miles a day, with options for longer or shorter rides each day.
The deal: The Asheville to Highlands trip starts at $2,599 a person, with higher prices for certain dates. Washingtonian readers receive $200 off per person when using the promo code 16DC200. This offer is valid for first-time travelers and new bookings only.
When: Valid for trips May 15-20, May 22-27, May 29- June 3, June 5-10, June 12-17, and June 19-24. Must book by May 31. 2016.
