Current Issue

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

Travel Deals

Web Exclusive! Slopeside Savings

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

With the Ski Free, Stay Free package at Keystone Resort in Colorado, buy two days of skiing and two nights of lodging and get the third day and night free. The offer is good through December 21, January 4-17 and January 20-February 14. Choose among more than 20 lodging options. The lowest starting price is $209 per night in December and $226 per night in January and February, based on double occupancy, for a studio in Forest Condominiums and two adult lift tickets. Located an hour from Denver, Keystone has three mountains, five bowls and 20 lifts. 877/753-9786.

Headed for Hawaii?

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

Marriott Rewards members (register online; membership is free) get 25% off Leisure Rates at five Hawaiian resorts through February 4. Rooms begin at $149 per night at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, $194 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, $199 at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, $263 at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and $286 at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. Promotion code M11. 800/721-6996.
 
Make the most of your stay with DIVERSION's get-active guide to the islands.

Captiva Island Getaway

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

Through February 12, save with 3 Night Delight and 5 Night Celebrate rates at the ’Tween Waters Inn on Captiva Island in Florida. After discount, prices in January and February begin at $150 per night with a five-night stay (25% off the Best Available Rate) and $160 per night with a three-night stay (20% off the BAR), including continental breakfast. 800/223-5865.

Ski Special

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

With the Winter Getaway at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Nevada, get reduced room rates on stays of one to seven nights plus a $25 per day dining credit and discounted adult lift tickets for four local ski resorts through May 3. Savings vary according to date and length of stay. For example, a three-night stay beginning January 26 costs $336, double, with the package and $397 without for a luxury room. Including the $75 food credit, that’s nearly 35% off. 800/427-7247.

Sleep Tight in Seattle

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

At the brand-new Four Seasons Seattle, the third night is free through March 31. With discount, rates start at $243 per night for a superior room. Located three blocks from Pike Place Market, the hotel has a spa, a heated outdoor pool and an outdoor fireplace. 800/819-5053.
 

For the best places to dine in Seattle and environs, check out DIVERSION columnist John Mariani’s recommendations.
 

Save with Starwood

LOUISE COLLAZO      November, 2008

Get the second night at 50% off (based on the Best Available Rate) with the Better Tomorrows promotion at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Brands include elements, W, Westin and Sheraton. Exact terms vary by property, with the majority participating through March 31. At most hotels, the discount is good for Thursday-Saturday arrivals with a two-night-minimum stay. At resorts, savings usually apply to Sunday-Wednesday arrivals with a four-night-minimum stay. Here are some sample starting rates (after discount) for January: Two nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea from $184 per night in a traditional room, four nights at The Phoenician in Scottsdale from $262 per night in a superior room through February 28, and four nights at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler from $279 per night ($329 Canadian) in a junior suite. Code ZBT. Full prepayment is due at booking and is nonrefundable. 866/924-8703.

Island Escapes

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

At The Buccaneer on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, get the fourth night free January 2-12. With discount, rates begin at $356 per night for a Great House ocean-view room, including breakfast. The luxury resort encompasses three beaches and features an 18-hole golf course, tennis, water sports and a free kids’ program. 800/255-3881.

Book your 2009 vacation by December 1, 2008, and save at ResortQuest properties throughout Hawaii. With the Early Bird Special, receive 20% off the Best Daily Web Rate (and nearly 50% off rack) at any of the company’s 26 hotels and all-suite condominium resorts on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island for stays from January 2 to December 29, 2009. Starting prices range from $96 per night at the Aloha Beach Hotel on Kauai to $417 per night at the Waikiki Beach Tower. 877/997-6667.

DC Discounts

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

At all Marriott, JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels in Washington, DC (and at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington), arrive Friday or Saturday and get 30% off the weekend rate on a three-night stay or 40% off on a four-night stay through January 4. Starting nightly rates range from $104 at the Washington Marriott to $132 at the JW Marriott Hotel at Pennsylvania Avenue with the Staying Power Promotion. (Arlington begins at $83 per night.) Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance and prepaid in full. Booking code C77. 888/236-2427.
 
For the hottest restaurants in Washington, DC, check out DIVERSION columnist John Mariani's recommendations.

Arizona Retreat

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Through December 31, get the fourth night free at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson. After discount, rooms start at $224 per night. The 250-acre resort boasts a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, seven restaurants, tennis and five outdoor pools. Booking code Z4R. 866/716-8137.

Let the Good Times Roll

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

In New Orleans, the third night is free at the International House through December 30. Occupying a historic Beaux Arts building two blocks from the French Quarter, the boutique hotel has a newly opened restaurant and offers spa services. Available by phone only; use booking code CIH08. 800/633-5770.

Golfer's Delight

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

The Inn at Spanish Bay, one of California’s Pebble Beach Resorts, has big savings Sunday through Thursday nights, December 14 through January 7. With the Winter Weekday Special, book a garden-view room for $325 per night, a 44% discount. Amenities include six restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, a spa, tennis and four world-class golf courses. 866/226-5442.
 
For inspiring itineraries, have a look at DIVERSION's Central Coast driving tour.

Yuletide Texas

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Save 22% to 39% over standard rates at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. From December 14 to January 7, rooms start at $255 per night with the Austin for the Holidays rate. Located on the banks of Ladybird Lake, the hotel has a spa and a heated outdoor pool. 800/819-5053.
 
DIVERSION's survey of Austin and the surrounding Hill Country will guide you to the region's best sights and flavors.

Web Exclusive! Zion National Park Savings

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

With the March into Spring promotion at Zion Lodge, the only in-park accommodation at Utah’s Zion National Park, get the second night for half price March 16-31. After discount, rates start at $115 per night for a motel room, $125 for a cabin with fireplace and private porch and $132 for a lodge suite. The park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009 with special interpretive programs and exhibits throughout the year. Surrounded by canyon walls, the lodge is within walking distance of trailheads. Code SPRING. 888/297-2757.

Luxury for Less

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

At the Grand Wailea Hotel Resort & Spa on Maui, the fourth night is free. With discount, rates begin at $281 per night through November 20 and November 29-December 19. Part of The Waldorf-Astoria Collection, the resort offers an award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa and use of the Wailea Golf Club’s three championship courses. 800/888-6100.
 
Take a ride on the wild side: Check out DIVERSION’s Maui driving tour

Get the third night free at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, based on standard rates. Rooms start at $330 per night through November 29 and $217 per night November 30-December 22 after discount. Even compared with the lower, value rate, you’ll still save 21%. Guests enjoy special privileges at The Pinnacle and The Monument championship courses at Troon North Golf Club. 866/888-6540.

Make the most of your stay: DIVERSION gives you the lowdown on hitting the links as well as the spa at the Four Seasons. 

Ski Canada

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Save up to 50% on a Fairmont, deluxe or deluxe slopeside room with the Winter Start promotion at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia. Discounted rates start at $101 per night when you book by November 15 for stays November 15-December 18. Full prepayment is required. 866/540-4424.

Rocky Mountain Runs

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

To mark its 35th anniversary, The Gant in Aspen is offering a fifth night at 35 cents December 1-19. After discount, rates begin at $156 per night for a one-bedroom condo and $180 per night for a two-bedroom. All apartments have a kitchen, a private patio or balcony and a living room with a fireplace. The Gant is located at the base of Aspen Mountain. 800/549-0530.

Caribbean Comfort

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Be among the first to experience the new luxury level at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and save. Get the fifth night free in a Tradewinds Club room plus a $100 food and beverage credit with the Sand Dollar Grand Opening package through December 19. After discount, prices begin at $299 per night. For shorter stays, the Grand Opening rate starts at $374 per night, a 24% savings. 800/223-6388.

Vietnamese Splendor

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Debuting in October, the Novotel Halong Bay is the first four-star international hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located three hours from Hanoi. Through December 31, introductory rates start at $110 per night, including buffet breakfast for two daily, a 31% discount. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center and a restaurant, and is near the pier for boarding sightseeing cruises. 800/668-6835.

Central American Casual

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Four-night-minimum stays earn a 25% discount at Tranquility Bay Resort on Ambergris Cay in Belize. Through December 14, reduced rates start at $139 per night for a one-bedroom cabana. Opened in 2006, the resort consists of 11 beachfront cabanas located on 12 acres within Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve. 888/843-2293.

Five great reasons to visit Belize: Read DIVERSION’s overview of this nature-lover’s paradise. 

California Dreaming

LOUISE COLLAZO      October, 2008

Having recently completed a $30 million renovation, the 71-room Art Deco Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica is reopening in October with intro rates starting at $265 for a deluxe ocean view room, a 25% savings, through December 31. The boutique property is perched on a high bluff in the heart of the city, with views of the Pacific. 800/345-7829.

Ready to see the sights? Check out our Santa Monica walking tour, created by a longtime L.A. resident just for DIVERSION.