Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through spring 2006
The Deal
Spring is the perfect time to experience the antebellum charms of Charleston and Savannah, two southern belles loaded with historic mansions and gourmet restaurants. And with the deals we've found, you can sample their famous Southern hospitality in the next few weeks at a very affordable price. Pick between an air-inclusive three-night getaway at a historic Charleston inn from $599, a two-night hotel package at an elegant Savannah property from $499, and more. You can also splurge on a decadent two-night Charleston stay with lots of perks.
Savor Charleston’s southern charm on a 3-nt fling for $566
If you want to savor a slice of South Carolina’s southern charm, Orbitz has a terrific special not to miss. A three-night midweek getaway to Charleston is now on sale from only $566, with accommodation at a historic inn and airfare from DC thrown in. Lodging included is at the Lodge Alley Inn, a propos of which Frommer’s writes, “This sprawling historic property . . . was once a trio of 19th-century warehouses. Today, it evokes a miniature village in Louisiana, with a central square, a fountain, and landscaped shrubs basking in the sunlight. Throughout, the decor is American country, with pine floors and lots of Colonial accents.” Standard rates here run up to $225/night, so this is a bargain compared to the cost of booking independently. It’s in fact as cheap as it gets if you want to stroll Charleston’s cobblestone streets this spring.
Hot hotel special at plush Savannah inn for only $198/nt
We spotted another Orbitz deal if you want to see Savannah, Georgia’s gorgeous urban beauty. This spring, you can wander around its historic squares, azalea-laden parks, and riverfront boardwalks while staying at a deluxe inn for only $198/night. The property in question is Mansion on Forsyth Park, a top-rated spot smack at the heart of town. Travel + Leisure writes, “In this Victorian house in Savannah's Historic District, each of the 126 rooms mixes the classical (carved rococo headboards, red velvet curtains) with the sleek (mirrored bedside tables, clear-glass lamps). Request one on the Bohemian Floor facing Drayton Street, with a freestanding claw-foot tub draped in taffeta and views of the 100-year-old oak trees in Forsyth Park.” With doubles normally starting at $289 and running north of $350, the price we've found is a dramatic price drop so hurry and book today.
Luxuriate at four-star Charleston mansion from only $422.50/nt
Another Charleston option is a discounted stay at four-star Wentworth Mansion. Fodor’s writes “The city's hoi polloi find rest at this grand brick mansion (circa 1886) originally built as an opulent private home. Hand-carved marble and wood fireplaces, brass and crystal chandeliers, and antiques and Second Empire reproductions add to the dignified grace.” Currently, the hotel offers a Discover Charleston package for $845, with a two-night stay inclusive of a wealth of freebies: a carriage ride through the historic district; a walking tour with admission to the Edmonston-Alston House and the Nathaniel-Russell House; a pictorial guide to Charleston's attractions; European breakfast buffet daily; afternoon refreshments; and evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. If the price tag still seems too high, take into account that regular rates here run up to $415/night, with none of the above perks!
Historic inn in Savannah offers a fabulous two-night package for $499
In Savannah, the historic Mulberry Inn offers a Tee Time package now on sale for just $499. This price covers a bevy of inclusions such as a two-night stay with breakfast; one complimentary dinner at the hotel’s restaurant; a tour of Savannah’s historic district with entrance to the History Museum; afternoon tea; complimentary parking; plus all taxes and gratuities. Of the inn, WCities writes, “This elegant building on Washington Square once served as a livery stable, a cotton warehouse and a Coca-Cola bottling plant before being resurrected as one of the most elegant lodging addresses in Savannah. Chandeliers, historic oil paintings and period antiques accost you at every turn as you make your way to the courtyard.” You’re saving a bundle, since standard room-only rates here run up to $269/night! Note that the package is not available for stays between April 20 and 27.
The Dollars
See details above. Don’t forget to add air taxes and fees to the package deal.
The Catch
Charleston's 59th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, which sees nearly 150 historic private houses open their doors for daily tours is on through April 15 only – so if you want to catch that, you'll need to act fast.
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