Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through Fall 2007
The deal
Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket are known as New England’s favorite summer playgrounds for the rich and famous, with prices hiked accordingly. If you’re not among the lucky ones to have had your share of these Massachusetts gems this season, here’s a little secret. Come fall, accommodation prices drop dramatically and the weather’s still beautiful. Case in point: we found discounts and great-value packages at four properties — two unique spots on Martha’s Vineyard; a luxury retreat in charming Provincetown; and an exclusive stay at a Nantucket seaside estate. Nightly rates at this New England charmers start at only $144/night for autumn sojourns!
20 percent off rates at deluxe Martha’s Vineyard inn
During the peak summer season, it’s virtually impossible to find affordable lodging on Martha’s Vineyard, the windswept island off the coast of Massachusetts where the upscale crowd vacations in luxury. But come fall, hotel costs come down and the weather stays glorious. Case in point: the four-star Mansion House Inn offers a discount of 20 percent off midweek stays through October 4. Rooms typically start at $179/night during autumn and run up to $249 for deluxe units. Rates include a full buffet breakfast and complimentary use of the inn’s excellently equipped health club, complete with a swimming pool. Frommer’s describes the property as “one of the island's most full-service inns ... with generous amenities ... a lot of history ...”
Historic stay on Martha’s Vineyard for $193/night
For a historic sojourn on the Vineyard, we recommend Shiverick Inn in the seaside town of Edgartown. This fall, you can save a bundle on stays at this delightful spot of which Fodor’s writes, “This inn is set in a striking 1840 former doctor's home with mansard roof and cupola. Rooms are airy and bright, with high ceilings, lots of windows, eclectic American and English antiques, Oriental rugs, and rich fabrics and wallpapers.” From October 9 onwards, rooms here sell from just $193/night! This midweek rate (Monday–Wednesday) may seem pricey but it’s a different story if you consider that it came down from its $270 summer high. In addition to the off-peak discount, the rate includes a gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea.
Top-rated Provincetown inn for $299.99/night
For an upscale Cape Cod escape this fall, there’s no better place than the four-star Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa in picturesque Provincetown. This first-class inn received raving reviews in prestigious publications such as The New York Times that describes it like this: “One word, ‘Luxury’”. Of this renovated nineteenth-century mansion Fodor’s writes, “the inn has not left a single detail unattended.” Starting on October 29, two-night escapes here sell from just $599.99 (regular nightly rates run up to $329!), with a wealth of freebies. Those include deluxe lodging; full gourmet breakfast daily; afternoon wine & cheese social hour; one complimentary spa treatment per person and use of all spa facilities; and one two-course dinner for two at the stellar on-site restaurant.
Exclusive Nantucket estate from $260/night
A tiny island thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a picture-postcard haven of historic cottages, cobblestone alleyways, delightful beaches, rolling moors, and quaint lighthouses. As you walk off the ferry, you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale. But it’s a fairy tale that comes with a price tag! The island is an exclusive summer retreat for those who can afford it but come fall, staying at these posh hotels becomes within reach. Case in point: the exclusive Wauwinet, a seaside estate nine miles from Nantucket Town, offers reduced rates between October 21 and 25, when you can book a room for $260/night! This includes complimentary breakfast and activities. Nightly rack rates at this classic inn start at $380 during this time of year so you’re saving a chunk of change for a sojourn amidst sand dunes and gardens.
The dollars
Add taxes and service charges to the prices quoted above.
The catch
Some cold Atlantic winds included, too.
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