Book by: ASAP
Travel by:Various through February 14, 2006
The Deal
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to think of ways to spark up your romance. While everyone’s busy making dinner reservations, we suggest you do something different this year: Book a special getaway for you and yours! We found great escapes to some of the world’s most romantic cities, at prices so sweet you won’t be able to resist. Air-and-hotel trips to Buenos Aires and Montreal start at under $500, while romantic hotel packages in New York and Vegas go from $234/night. Single? Don’t worry: We found something for you, too!
Cozy up in magical Montreal for under $500
Head north to the romantic metropolis of Montreal where French language permeates the cool winter air and charming old quartiers featuring antiquated architecture and wide open squares ooze European charm. Sure, Montreal’s cold this time of year, but that's all the more excuse to cozy up over a delectable fondue for two or to slow dance to the sounds of cool jazz as night unfolds. We’ve found an excellent deal to get you there this Valentine’s Day with air and 4-night packages priced from under $500 per person (from New York or Boston; priced for outbound departures on February 10), valid for stays at the , near the Place des Arts. Package deals are available from other cities across the US, as well: we found departures from LA from $631; Chicago from $541; or Orlando from $502. The 23-story tower hotel offers small balconies in most of its spacious rooms, featuring sweeping views of the majestic Mount Royal or action-packed downtown area. There’s plenty to pique your interest when not exploring the city, to boot, including a large indoor pool and on-site spa for some well-deserved pampering-for-two.
It takes two to tango: Buenos Aires 5-night stays from $296
There’s no place like Latin America to spice up the love life – meals linger for hours over passionate conversation, cafés and lounges lure lovers through the wee hours of the night, and sexy dances like the tango encourage couples to strut their stuff in the spotlight. We propose a Valentine’s Day jaunt to Buenos Aires, the sophisticated Argentinean capital often referred to as the Paris of South America, where beautiful tree-lined boulevards, ornate buildings, theaters, museums, and spacious parks evoke the city’s European heritage. Our editors have discovered land-only packages to Buenos Aires starting at just $296 per person, including 5-nights' accommodations and daily breakfast at the simple, yet clean, De Las Luces Hotel, located in the city center. Or, you can throw in round-trip airfare from Miami and pay $821 total; it's $856 from New York; or $946 from Los Angeles. This excellent deal includes all transfers, as well as special perks, like a half-day guided city tour of Buenos Aires, lunch at the Madero Tango Restaurant, and a special dinner and tango show. Plus, with the seasons inversed, you can expect temperatures in the mid-80s, ensuring that your love life won’t be the only thing heated up.
Sweet discounts and treats at grand Big Apple hotel, from $525 a night
We also found an exceptional Valentine’s special at a grand New York property at the heart of Midtown. The splendid Warwick Hotel offers a freebie-filled romance package for only $525/night, valid for stays between February 11 and 14. This reduced rate covers accommodation in one of the deluxe suites where a night would normally cost you up to $600, without any extras. But with this deal, you get money off the rack rate plus a couple of yummy freebies. These include breakfast for two (either room service or buffet breakfast at the on-premise restaurant); a bottle of champagne; and chocolate-covered strawberries. The Warwick is a definite Midtown favorite. Originally built by William Randolph Hearst in 1927 as a private hotel for his guests, the Warwick has hosted a parade of celebrities over the years; even the Beatles slept here! Gayot.com writes, “This hotel has always been carefully maintained, tastefully furnished and courteously staffed.” Perfect for a Valentine’s escape!
Decadent 2-night Valentine’s jaunt at Caesars Palace in Vegas for $469
You can also take your romance a step further by getting married in a Vegas wedding chapel! That would certainly make for an ultimate Valentine’s getaway, wouldn’t it? We have an ideal such scenario in mind: Book a romance package currently on offer by the Roman-inspired Caesars Palace! Priced at only $469 per couple for a two-night stay, this sensational special is valid between February 5–9 and February 12–17. The price reflects a serious discount over the listed room cost during the Valentine’s period. On top of that, it also includes a $100 spa credit and another $100 to spend on dining.
Frommer’s writes, “It''s the most Vegas-style hotel you''ll find, covering all the bases from the tacky fabulous cheese of the recent past to the current trend in high-end luxury.” Note that the package has been sold out for arrivals on February 14, but there are a couple of rooms still left if you arrive the day before.
Cruise the lookin’-for-love Boat: $849+
Come on, St. Valentine, share the love – this holiday shouldn’t be a bust for singles either, so whether you’re looking for love or looking to escape the heart-hugging teddy bears and lovey-dovey couples for a few days, we’ve found the perfect trip for you. Take to the high seas on this 8-night Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale aboard the sleek Costa Mediterranea, beautifully themed upon lavish 17th and 18th century Italian palazzos. Hosted by Club Getaway, a popular tour promoter of actives singles vacations, more than 200 spots aboard the ship are reserved for singles only, with exclusive events, parties, and excursions planned. You’ll also get to enjoy eight different island ports of call – the perfect opportunity to strike up a friendship, a romance, or to celebrate your solitude amidst the serenity of sun, surf, and sand! This cruise sails February 12–19, 2006, allowing for fantastic forays in San Juan, St. Thomas, Catalina Island, Casa de Campo, Santo Domingo, and Nassau. While it’s high-season, and somewhat last-minute now, rates are not tremendously discounted, but still a good deal at $849 for inside cabins or $999 for oceanview; the expansive balcony cabins at $1099 are the best value of all (note that air, port charges, fees, and government taxes are additional).
Other Romantic Deals: Venice or Paris from $499
Of course, we'd be remiss not to include two other famously romantic cities: Venice and Paris. Europe ASAP is currently offering an 8-day PARIS winter special from $499, including air, hotel, & breakfast daily (available for departures through March 12), while Europe Destinations has posted an incredibly affordable 5-day Rome & Venice combo from $594, with airfare, train tickets, 2-night hotel in each city, and breakfasts.
The Dollars
See details above. Note that the package prices exclude air taxes and fees, while the hotel deals exclude hotel taxes and service charges.
The Catch
There's usually a single's supplement for those wishing to travel solo!
The Booking Details