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Family Luxury for Less: A Post-Recession Game Plan

Ostentatious spending is out, so when we can indulge at a snazzy resort without blowing our budget, it's a classic win-win. Luckily, many high-end resorts are looking to help you live large on less.

Scoring a luxury vacation at a discount fits perfectly into our collective post-recession mindset. Ostentatious spending is out, after all, and shopping for value is most definitely in. So when we can indulge at a snazzy resort without blowing our budget, it's a classic win-win. Luckily, many high-end resorts are on the same page nowadays. Here are three ways to live large when you have more dash than cash.

Deal #1: Save 33% at Santa Monica's Four Seasons Biltmore: Want to make the most of a third-night-free deal? Book it at a luxury property. The Four Seasons Biltmore, the grande dame hotel of luxe Santa Barbara, is offering a Stay Longer -- Third Night Free deal, which is just that: book two nights and get the third free. At any hotel, that amounts to 33% off your total rate, but when the nightly rate this time of year starts at $395 a night, that 33% feels even more generous.



This offer brings down the average per-night cost to $263 a night -- extremely reasonable for this hotel that has been a favorite of countless moguls and Hollywood types since it first opened in 1927. It's not hard to see why they've loved it here. Just a few minutes from gently bustling downtown Santa Barbara, the Biltmore sits on quiet Butterfly Beach, and has a secluded hacienda vibe that is plush yet unstuffy.

Like all Four Seasons properties, the Biltmore loves kids: little ones get a welcome gift at check-in, kid-sized bathrobes and toiletries and access to the free Kids for All Seasons club (ages 4 to 12). Besides the beach and pools, there's also tennis, golf, the spa, and free loaner bicycles.


The offer has a generous window of opportunity: you can book stays through June 30, and then again from September 1 through March 31, 2012. Come summer, starting rates inch up to $425 a night. And if you really wnat to luxe out: If you rent a deluxe one-bedroom suite (starting at $1,795 a night) you get a complimentary upgrade, when available (a value worth at least $100).

To book this offer, click on the "Third Night Free" box after entering your travel dates, or mention the promo when calling tel. 805/565-8299.


Save up to 30% at Georgia's Jekyll Island Club: A century ago, Jekyll Island Club Hotel was the winter retreat for Americans with last names like Rockefeller, Goodyear, and Astor. These days, the Georgia resort is a luxurious yet unstuffy place for an easy-going family getaway (see WeJustGotBack.com's review), with an assortment of classic resort activities -- golf, tennis, swimming, croquet -- and plenty of fun just off the grounds.

The hotel's Winter Getaway promotion makes it even more affordable to winter like a millionaire, with nightly rates starting at $139 for a traditional guest room. That's a savings of $60 off the regular rate of $199 a night, which translates to a 30% savings. Note: The savings on pricier room categories are less impressive; a two-room suite with the Winter Getaway has a nightly rate of $249 versus the regular rate of $284, for a savings of just 12%. In fact, you'd be better off booking that suite with a AAA card, which would land you a nightly rate of $232.


This offer is valid through March 10 and subject to availability. Book online or call tel. 800/535-9547 and mention promo code "winter."

Save 25% at Washington's Salish Lodge & Spa: In the Pacfic Northwest, the Salish Lodge & Spa is offering a 25% off discount for weeknight stays in March and April. This 89-room hotel -- a half hour outside Seattle, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and overlooking lush Snoqualmie Falls -- is a AAA Four Diamond winner that's been on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel+Leisure's "500 World's Best Hotels." Even if March and April aren't terribly sunny and warm here yet, the Salish has a woodsy, sit-by-the fireplace splendor. Indeed, all rooms come with in-room fireplaces, as well as jetted tubs and perks such as a choice of six pillows. And when you're tired of making s'mores, you'll have good hiking nearby.


When we checked March weeknight dates, we found a room with two double beds for $167 a night, down from $222 -- indeed a tidy 25% discount. For a little more -- $189 a night (down from $252) you can also get a river view. Can't break away during the week? The lodge offers a 15% disocunt for weekend dates, too, though when we looked for those, none were available. Otherwise, there's only one catch: The rates must be pre-paid and are non-refundable.

The offer is good for stays between March 1 and April 30, and you must book by February 12. Use promotion code BNS_25 when cooking online, or mention the discount when calling tel. 800/2SALISH (800/272-5474).


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