10 Last-Minute Memorial Day Deals

By Carrie Havranek

Blackout dates are the bane of a traveler's existence, especially if you've procrastinated. Kick off the unofficial start of summer with these last-minute Memorial Day weekend escapes.

From Cape Cod to California's Sonoma Valley, each of these getaways is packed with extra value or discounts. If you can't manage to get away for the long weekend, don't despair: Many of these affordable Memorial Day deals are valid through June, and some have travel dates through the end of the year.

The Fine Print: Hotel prices are per room for two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Air-inclusive prices are per person based on two travelers. The prices listed are general starting rates; associated taxes and fees may cost extra. Base-prices, taxes, and fees can vary based on point of departure and time of travel. Trip add-ons like sightseeing tours and meal plans may also increase the price. Check with the tour operator for additional gateways and any single supplements, which is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.

Photo Caption: Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, California. Photo by Jay Filter/Frommers.com Community

What: California Wine Country Long Weekend
Where: Bodega Bay and Healdsburg, California
Provider: Trek Travel
The Details: Bike, hike, taste wine in Sonoma Valley, eat delicious food, then relax with this package that has been discounted just for Frommers.com readers. The package includes three nights' lodging (one night at the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa, two at the Hotel Healdsburg); bikes and gear; route support; luggage transfers; ground transportation; experienced guides; all gratuities, tasting fees at wineries; and most meals. Mention promo code Frommers2011 when booking.
More Info: tel. 866/464-8735; www.trektravel.com

Photo Caption: Trek Travel California Wine Country Long Weekend in Sonoma County, California. Courtesy Zack Jones/Trek Travel

What: Cape Cod with Frommers.com
Where: Brewster, Massachusetts
Provider: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
The Details: Spend the night in a two-bedroom villa that sleeps up to six people (there's a pullout sofa in the living room). With the crowd splitting the bill, this package is a steal. Celebrate the savings by lounging by one of the six pools.
More Info: tel. 508/596-9000; www.oceanedge.com

Photo Caption: Two-bedroom Bay Pines Villa at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts. Courtesy Peter Vanderwarker

What: Family Adventure Package
Where: San Diego, California
Provider: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
The Details: Your room will have a view of the skyline or marina, and the package gives you a choice of four passes to the San Diego Zoo or a trackless trolley tour. Other benefits include one in-room movie per night and a two-hour bike rental with helmets for up to four people. Kids 12 and under eat for free with each paying adult.
More Info: tel. 866/716-8134; www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com

Photo Caption: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in San Diego, California. Courtesy Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

What: Memorial Day Weekend Special
Where: Natural Bridge, Virginia
When: May 29-31
Cost: $95 per night for two people
The Details: Spend your long weekend exploring this national historic landmark, in the Shenandoah Valley and close the Blue Ridge Parkway. Save 50% on your standard room at the Natural Bridge Hotel (regularly more than $190 per night for two people). This last-minute Memorial Day packages also includes waking up to a complimentary country breakfast, plus admission to the Natural Bridge limestone formation, Cedar Creek Trail, Monacan Village, on-site museums, and more.
More Info: tel. 800/533-1410; www.naturalbridgeva.com

Photo Caption: Caverns in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation

What: United Vacations Special Offer
Where: Crown Paradise, Cancun, Mexico
Provider: United Vacations
Book By: Seven-day advance purchase required
When: Departures May 27-31; pricing reflects May 27 departure
Cost: $1,021 per person
The Details: United is having a big vacation sale, and it's advertising this property for a shorter -- and less expensive -- time frame. We asked United Vacations to price this out for a longer stay that includes Memorial Day weekend. It covers round-trip airfare from Chicago to Cancun, seven nights at the all-inclusive Crown Paradise, transfers, airline fuel surcharges, and hotel taxes. The deal comes with unlimited free golf; kids stay and eat for free (add $618 for a child's airfare).
More Info: tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com

Photo Caption: The Crown Paradise Club Cancun, Mexico. Photo: Courtesy Crown Paradise Club Cancun

What: Picnic in the City
Where: Denver, Colorado
Provider: Hotel Teatro
Cost: From $244 per night for two people
The Details: At this boutique downtown hotel, your room will be set up with flowers upon arrival, a bottle of red wine, and a picnic basket with cheese, crackers, and other goodies from Denver restaurateur Kevin Taylor. The package also includes two admission tickets and private transportation to the Denver Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic.
When: Any day of the week through Sept. 30
More Info: tel. 888/727-1200; www.hotelteatro.com

Photo Caption: Hotel Teatro in Denver, Colorado. Courtesy of Hotel Teatro

What: Memorial Day Weekend Getaway
Where: Telluride, Colorado
Provider: Hotel Madeline; Inn at Lost Creek
When: May 27-30
Book By: May 15
Cost: From $300 for three nights at the Hotel Madeline; from $250 for three nights at the Inn at Lost Creek; prices are for two people traveling together
The Details: Whether you enjoy rock climbing, hiking, fly-fishing or mountain biking, these adjacent properties in Telluride are well-positioned for outdoor adventure. Hotel Madeline (from $150 per room per night) is the boutique-y sister to the Inn's suites (from $125 per room per night). Pay two nights and get three nights' lodging at either property. You'll also receive breakfast daily at M's Restaurant and free overnight parking.
More Info: Hotel Madeline, tel. 866/475-4405, www.hotelmadelinetelluride.com; Inn at Lost Creek, tel. 888/601-5678, www.innatlostcreek.com

Photo Caption: Hotel Madeline in Telluride, Colorado. Courtesy Hotel Madeline Telluride

What: Summer in the City
Provider: Marriott Marquis
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: Weekends through Aug. 28; a two-night minimum is required with a Friday or Saturday night stay.
Cost: Two nights from $398 for two people (or from $199 per room per night)
The Details: The downtown Marriott Marquis has a striking 50-floor-high atrium and is not far from the attractions included in the package. In addition to two nights' hotel, you'll receive two adult Atlanta CityPASSes (worth $69 each), which grants admission to five of the city's attractions, such as the Atlanta Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Inside CNN Studio Tour, and Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Mention code ZE2.
More Info: tel. 800/228-9290; www.atlantamarquis.com

Photo Caption: Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia. Courtesy Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Provider: The Moderne
Where: New York City
When: Throughout Memorial Day weekend
Cost: From $275 per night for two people
The Details: There isn't a package, but you can be one of the first people to stay at this ultra modern hotel, in Midtown Manhattan about four blocks from Columbus Circle and Central Park. The 40-room hotel's design cues come from the 1950s Color Field art movement. The hotel is having a soft opening over Memorial Day weekend; the starting room rates will be valid regardless of whether you go now or wait until the June 2 grand opening.
More Info: tel. 212/397-6767; www.modernehotelnyc.com

Photo Caption: Moderne Hotel in New York City. Courtesy Moderne Hotel

What: Third Night Free
Where: Nanaimo, British Columbia
Provider: Inn on Long Lake
When: May 27-31
Book By: May 23
Cost: From C$139 per night (about $144) for two people (or $288 for three nights)
The Details: Stay two nights in a lakefront room over Memorial Day weekend, and you'll get the third night free. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Watch the sun set in your Adirondack chair from your private balcony (or patio if you're on the first floor). Bonus: this inn is pet-friendly.
More Info: tel. 800/565-1144; www.innonlonglake.com

Photo Caption: Inn on Long Lake in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Courtesy of Inn on Long Lake