Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through February 2007
Deal
You could deal with the plummeting temperatures by bundling up – but why not get a deal on a warm-weather vacation and save a bundle instead? You don't need to travel far for beach weather and fun in the sun, because we've found a foursome of fantastic air-land combos in the Florida Keys. Visit the 150-mile-long chain of more than 400 islands (including the famous playground of hedonism, Key West) off the coast of the Sunshine State this winter from just $650. Just pick your desired hotel and off you go to soak up the sun!
Low-Cost Key West Fling from $650
See lush Key West for less with this just-released air-land combo from Expedia. Starting at $650 and valid for several midweek departures in early 2007 – such as on Monday, January 22 – this price covers air from New York and a four-night sojourn at Travelodge & Suites Bayside. Prefer a long weekend instead? Pay only $3 extra for a January 25 departure. Options are plentiful and cheaper than the advertised price of $719 if you travel by January 31. The Travelodge & Suites Bayside is a modest spot across the street from the Gulf of Mexico and three miles from downtown Key West. Rooms are simple but well-furnished; on-premise facilities and perks include an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Value Vacation in the Heart of Key West for $860
For a value vacation in the heart of Key West, this Orbitz special is your best bet. Fly from New York to Miami on Thursday, February 8, and spend four nights at Crowne Plaza Hotel La Concha for $860. The Washington Post writes, " . . . the 1926 spot has history aplenty – Hemingway stayed at La C and Tennessee Williams completed A Streetcar Named Desire here – more importantly, it has the Top. The seventh-floor lounge and observation deck is the place to warm up for an evening out, starting with a rum runner and a toast to the dipping sun." Weekend rates run upward of $300/night so you're saving serious dollars. One caveat: you'll have to rent a car for the three-hour drive from Miami (and back) or pay an additional $102 to fly in and out of Key West.
Upscale Holiday at Condo Resort for only $1156
For an upscale holiday in the Keys, this stellar special from Expedia is just the ticket. Good for travel on select dates through January, this air-land combo from New York to Key West with a sojourn at Hyatt Beach House Resort now costs a mere $1156 – a huge savings when you consider that a room alone at this condo resort can cost as much as $350/night. The property is a small and tranquil place tucked away on the eastern end of the island. The garden area features a large freeform pool while the two-bedroom condos come with wicker furniture, full kitchens, two bathrooms and screened-in balconies. The shops, bars, and restaurants of Key West's old town are just four miles away.
Luxury Getaway in the Keys for just $1092
For a luxury jaunt in the Keys without breaking the bank, we suggest you turn to Orbitz – offering a four-night getaway at a four-star resort at the heart of Key West priced at just $1092. Fly from New York to Miami and stay at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa on Key West, a place Frommer's describes as "a welcome oasis of calm" with a beachside location that is "the envy of every hotel on the island." Winter rates at this fancy spot run upwards of $400 per night, so you're saving a chunk of change by booking this air-inclusive four-night getaway. Note that the quoted price is only valid for one midweek departure, on Monday, January 15.
The Dollars
All package pricing is based on double occupancy and excludes air taxes and fees. See above for details.
The Catch
Poolside cocktails not included.
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