10 Last-Minute New Year's Eve Deals
By
New Travel Deals for a New Year
By Carrie Havranek
It's that time of year again -- off with the old and on with the new. From beach vacations to urban getaways, here are 10 ways to ring in 2012 in style.
Each deal is valid over New Year's Eve; some deals can be booked by late January and even into April. As you recover from the holidays, perhaps one of these great vacations will motivate you to keep this year's resolutions.
Photo Caption: Princess Cays, Bahamas, with Ruby Princess in the distance.
It's that time of year again -- off with the old and on with the new. From beach vacations to urban getaways, here are 10 ways to ring in 2012 in style.
Each deal is valid over New Year's Eve; some deals can be booked by late January and even into April. As you recover from the holidays, perhaps one of these great vacations will motivate you to keep this year's resolutions.
Photo Caption: Princess Cays, Bahamas, with Ruby Princess in the distance.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
What: Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort Package
Provider: Liberty Travel
Where: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The Details: Spend four nights in a one-bedroom suite at the all-inclusive Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. This package includes airfare from Miami (and fuel surcharges), plus your meals, drinks, activities, and gratuities.
When: Promotion is valid Dec. 23-Jan. 12; pricing reflects departures Dec. 25-Jan. 1.
Rate: From $945 per person; add about $125 in government taxes and fees. Departures from other gateways -- for example, Boston and Philadelphia from $965 -- are possible.
Why Go: This price is significantly less than the regular package rate of $1,935 per person.
Book By: Dec. 20, 2011
More Info: tel. 888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com
Photo Caption: Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios
Provider: Liberty Travel
Where: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The Details: Spend four nights in a one-bedroom suite at the all-inclusive Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. This package includes airfare from Miami (and fuel surcharges), plus your meals, drinks, activities, and gratuities.
When: Promotion is valid Dec. 23-Jan. 12; pricing reflects departures Dec. 25-Jan. 1.
Rate: From $945 per person; add about $125 in government taxes and fees. Departures from other gateways -- for example, Boston and Philadelphia from $965 -- are possible.
Why Go: This price is significantly less than the regular package rate of $1,935 per person.
Book By: Dec. 20, 2011
More Info: tel. 888/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com
Photo Caption: Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios
Sonoma County, California
What: New Year's Eve Party Package
Provider: h2hotel
Where: Healdsburg, California
The Details: Spend two nights in Sonoma County at the h2hotel, where a bottle of champagne awaits your arrival. The package includes a four-course meal at the on-site Spoonbar restaurant. Consider borrowing one of the hotel's bikes for a quick spin through town, or drive to some of the nearby Russian River Valley wineries for wine tasting.
Rates: From $805 for two people for the required two-night stay in a standard king room; additional nights from $315-$365
Why Go: Compared to booking each component separately, you'd save about $100 with this package.
When: Dec. 30-Jan. 2 (stay must include New Year's Eve)
Book By: Up to day of check-in, based on availability
More Info: tel. 707/922-5251; www.h2hotel.com
Photo Caption: The lobby at H2Hotel, Healdsburg, California
Provider: h2hotel
Where: Healdsburg, California
The Details: Spend two nights in Sonoma County at the h2hotel, where a bottle of champagne awaits your arrival. The package includes a four-course meal at the on-site Spoonbar restaurant. Consider borrowing one of the hotel's bikes for a quick spin through town, or drive to some of the nearby Russian River Valley wineries for wine tasting.
Rates: From $805 for two people for the required two-night stay in a standard king room; additional nights from $315-$365
Why Go: Compared to booking each component separately, you'd save about $100 with this package.
When: Dec. 30-Jan. 2 (stay must include New Year's Eve)
Book By: Up to day of check-in, based on availability
More Info: tel. 707/922-5251; www.h2hotel.com
Photo Caption: The lobby at H2Hotel, Healdsburg, California
Last-Minute Caribbean Cruise
What: 9-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise
Provider: American Discount Cruises
Where: Southern Caribbean
The Details: Enjoy a 9-night cruise aboard the Ruby Princess, departing from Fort Lauderdale with ports of call in Dominica, Barbados, Antigua, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. The ship has a spa and an adults-only oasis.
Rates: Inside cabins start from $831 per person; add from $86.47 per person for government taxes; add $38 per person for round-trip ground transfers from Fort Lauderdale airport
Why Go: This price is $67 off Princess' current rate (keep in mind that Princess' brochure rate is $1,399 per person).
When: Dec. 30, 2011
Book By: Booking as soon as possible is advised, but if there's still availability, you can book up to two days before the sail date. In this case, you must book by Dec. 28.
More Info: tel. 866/214-7447; www.americandiscountcruises.com
Photo Caption: Coral rocks at Crane Beach, Barbados
Provider: American Discount Cruises
Where: Southern Caribbean
The Details: Enjoy a 9-night cruise aboard the Ruby Princess, departing from Fort Lauderdale with ports of call in Dominica, Barbados, Antigua, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. The ship has a spa and an adults-only oasis.
Rates: Inside cabins start from $831 per person; add from $86.47 per person for government taxes; add $38 per person for round-trip ground transfers from Fort Lauderdale airport
Why Go: This price is $67 off Princess' current rate (keep in mind that Princess' brochure rate is $1,399 per person).
When: Dec. 30, 2011
Book By: Booking as soon as possible is advised, but if there's still availability, you can book up to two days before the sail date. In this case, you must book by Dec. 28.
More Info: tel. 866/214-7447; www.americandiscountcruises.com
Photo Caption: Coral rocks at Crane Beach, Barbados
Las Vegas, Nevada
What: New Year's Eve Party
Provider: Ravella at Lake Las Vegas
Where: Henderson, Nevada
The Details: Ring in the New Year in Vegas, but off the Strip at this one-year-old resort. This two-night package packs in a lot of value: a bottle of bubbly, a three-course dinner for two, free parking, live entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, a $25 spa credit, brunch the next day, and the resort fee (worth $49).
When: Dec. 30-Jan. 2 (can check in either Dec. 30 or 31)
Rates: From $479 for the required two-night minimum stay; additional nights beyond New Year's Eve from $139-$199 per night in a standard king room.
Why Go: You'll save about $140 when compared to booking the hotel, dinner, and other extras separately.
Book By: Dec. 28, 2011
More Info: tel. 888/810-0440; www.ravellavegas.com; use NYE2011 promo code when booking.
Photo Caption: Ravella at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada
Provider: Ravella at Lake Las Vegas
Where: Henderson, Nevada
The Details: Ring in the New Year in Vegas, but off the Strip at this one-year-old resort. This two-night package packs in a lot of value: a bottle of bubbly, a three-course dinner for two, free parking, live entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, a $25 spa credit, brunch the next day, and the resort fee (worth $49).
When: Dec. 30-Jan. 2 (can check in either Dec. 30 or 31)
Rates: From $479 for the required two-night minimum stay; additional nights beyond New Year's Eve from $139-$199 per night in a standard king room.
Why Go: You'll save about $140 when compared to booking the hotel, dinner, and other extras separately.
Book By: Dec. 28, 2011
More Info: tel. 888/810-0440; www.ravellavegas.com; use NYE2011 promo code when booking.
Photo Caption: Ravella at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada
Boston, Mass.
What: Dragon's Delight
Provider: Renaissance Boston
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
The Details: Celebrate the Chinese New Year -- we're coming up on the year of the dragon -- with a personal tarot card reading, a 2012 Chinese New Year Calendar, cocktails in the Capiz Lounge, a romantic meal for two at the hotel's farm-to-table restaurant 606 Congress, and overnight accommodations in a room with a view of downtown Boston and the harbor.
Why Go: The package represents at least a $50 savings versus booking the components separately.
When: Dec. 31; weekend of Jan. 20-22, 2012
Rates: From $399 per room per night; add $169-$229 per room for additional nights
Book By: Dec. 26 (for New Year's Eve); Jan. 17 (for Chinese New Year)
More Info: tel. 800/Hotels-1; www.marriott.com. If calling, ask for the "Dragon's Delight" package. If booking online, use the code EVE.
Photo Caption: A king room at the Renaissance Boston Hotel
Provider: Renaissance Boston
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
The Details: Celebrate the Chinese New Year -- we're coming up on the year of the dragon -- with a personal tarot card reading, a 2012 Chinese New Year Calendar, cocktails in the Capiz Lounge, a romantic meal for two at the hotel's farm-to-table restaurant 606 Congress, and overnight accommodations in a room with a view of downtown Boston and the harbor.
Why Go: The package represents at least a $50 savings versus booking the components separately.
When: Dec. 31; weekend of Jan. 20-22, 2012
Rates: From $399 per room per night; add $169-$229 per room for additional nights
Book By: Dec. 26 (for New Year's Eve); Jan. 17 (for Chinese New Year)
More Info: tel. 800/Hotels-1; www.marriott.com. If calling, ask for the "Dragon's Delight" package. If booking online, use the code EVE.
Photo Caption: A king room at the Renaissance Boston Hotel
Denver, Colorado
What: Flappers and Gangsters Package
Provider: The Curtis
Where: Denver, Colorado
The Details: Step back into the roaring 1920s at this downtown Denver hotel where Elvis can give you a wake-up call. Stay in a themed room with a bottle of champagne and Roaring Twenties party favors; admission for two adults to the New Year's Eve party in The Corner Office (the on-site restaurant and bar), including two cocktails; a disco brunch for two on New Year's Day at The Corner Office, with bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas; and either valet or self-parking.
When: Dec. 31, 2011
Rates: From $289 per night; from $259 for each additional night, based on double occupancy
Why Go: You'll save at least $125-$150 per person by booking this package.
Book By: Up to day of check-in, based on availability
More Info: tel. 800/525-6651; www.thecurtis.com
Photo Caption: Double guest room at The Curtis, A Doubletree Hotel, in Denver.
Provider: The Curtis
Where: Denver, Colorado
The Details: Step back into the roaring 1920s at this downtown Denver hotel where Elvis can give you a wake-up call. Stay in a themed room with a bottle of champagne and Roaring Twenties party favors; admission for two adults to the New Year's Eve party in The Corner Office (the on-site restaurant and bar), including two cocktails; a disco brunch for two on New Year's Day at The Corner Office, with bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas; and either valet or self-parking.
When: Dec. 31, 2011
Rates: From $289 per night; from $259 for each additional night, based on double occupancy
Why Go: You'll save at least $125-$150 per person by booking this package.
Book By: Up to day of check-in, based on availability
More Info: tel. 800/525-6651; www.thecurtis.com
Photo Caption: Double guest room at The Curtis, A Doubletree Hotel, in Denver.
The Berkshires, Mass.
What: Bhakti Bliss - A New Year's Kirtan Celebration
Provider: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Where: Stockbridge, Massachussetts
The Details: Spend three nights renewing your body and mind at Kripalu in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts with yoga classes and kirtan (joyful call-and-response chanting that's growing in popularity). This price includes all meals, daily yoga classes, special activities, and use of the facilities and grounds.
When: Dec. 29-Jan. 1, 2012
Rates: From $569 per person (the program tuition is $295; dormitory-style accommodations start at $274)
Why Go: This three-night retreat includes access to well-known yoga practitioners and teachers, including David Newman and Mira, and Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band.
Book By: Dec. 29, 2011
More Info: tel. 800/741-7353; www.kripalu.org
Photo Caption: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Provider: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Where: Stockbridge, Massachussetts
The Details: Spend three nights renewing your body and mind at Kripalu in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts with yoga classes and kirtan (joyful call-and-response chanting that's growing in popularity). This price includes all meals, daily yoga classes, special activities, and use of the facilities and grounds.
When: Dec. 29-Jan. 1, 2012
Rates: From $569 per person (the program tuition is $295; dormitory-style accommodations start at $274)
Why Go: This three-night retreat includes access to well-known yoga practitioners and teachers, including David Newman and Mira, and Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band.
Book By: Dec. 29, 2011
More Info: tel. 800/741-7353; www.kripalu.org
Photo Caption: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Panama City Beach, Florida
What: Romantic New Year's Celebration
Provider: Carillon Beach Resort
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida
The Details: Get pampered throughout your three-night stay in a deluxe king suite, which is equipped with a kitchen and view of Carillon Lake. Enjoy a bottle of wine upon arrival, two glasses of champagne on New Year's Eve delivered to your room, two free massages at the on-site spa, two day passes at the fitness center, and two resort amenity packages that include activities such as tennis court times, paddle boating, bike rentals, and kayaking.
When: Dec. 29-Jan. 3, 2012 (you can stay any three nights during this promotion, provided you check out by Jan. 3)
Rates: From $293 per person
Why Go: This exclusive price for Frommers.com readers is 50% off the regular package rate ($596 per person). Be sure to ask for the Frommers.com rate when you book.
Book By: Dec. 31, 2011
More Info: tel. 877/300-3220; www.carillonbeachresortinn.com
Photo Caption: View to the east lake condo at the Carillon Beach Resort, Florida
Provider: Carillon Beach Resort
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida
The Details: Get pampered throughout your three-night stay in a deluxe king suite, which is equipped with a kitchen and view of Carillon Lake. Enjoy a bottle of wine upon arrival, two glasses of champagne on New Year's Eve delivered to your room, two free massages at the on-site spa, two day passes at the fitness center, and two resort amenity packages that include activities such as tennis court times, paddle boating, bike rentals, and kayaking.
When: Dec. 29-Jan. 3, 2012 (you can stay any three nights during this promotion, provided you check out by Jan. 3)
Rates: From $293 per person
Why Go: This exclusive price for Frommers.com readers is 50% off the regular package rate ($596 per person). Be sure to ask for the Frommers.com rate when you book.
Book By: Dec. 31, 2011
More Info: tel. 877/300-3220; www.carillonbeachresortinn.com
Photo Caption: View to the east lake condo at the Carillon Beach Resort, Florida
Anahim Lake, British Columbia
What: Snow and Winter Excitement
Provider: Eagle's Nest Resort
Where: Anahim Lake, British Columbia
The Details: Cross-country skiing, ice skating on an outdoor rink, and ice fishing are all included in your stay. Book either a rustic lakefront cabin (heated by wood stoves with outhouses and showers in a separate building) or a suite in the main lodge, which has more creature comforts, such as Internet and private bathrooms.
When: Dec. 15, 2011-April 15, 2012
Rates: From $79.20 per night for a log cabin; from $225 per night for a suite with two meals daily. No minimum stay required.
Why Go: Nightly rates are typically at least $90 for log-cabin accommodations or at least $300 for a suite.
Book By: April 15, 2012
More Info: tel. 800/742-9055; www.eaglesnest-resort.com) Ask for the "Snow and Winter Excitement" package when booking.
Photo Caption: Eagle's Nest Resort, Anahim Lake, British Columbia
Provider: Eagle's Nest Resort
Where: Anahim Lake, British Columbia
The Details: Cross-country skiing, ice skating on an outdoor rink, and ice fishing are all included in your stay. Book either a rustic lakefront cabin (heated by wood stoves with outhouses and showers in a separate building) or a suite in the main lodge, which has more creature comforts, such as Internet and private bathrooms.
When: Dec. 15, 2011-April 15, 2012
Rates: From $79.20 per night for a log cabin; from $225 per night for a suite with two meals daily. No minimum stay required.
Why Go: Nightly rates are typically at least $90 for log-cabin accommodations or at least $300 for a suite.
Book By: April 15, 2012
More Info: tel. 800/742-9055; www.eaglesnest-resort.com) Ask for the "Snow and Winter Excitement" package when booking.
Photo Caption: Eagle's Nest Resort, Anahim Lake, British Columbia
Banff, Alberta
What: Banff Winter Escape
Where: Banff, Alberta
Where: Ptarmigan Inn
The Details: Spend two nights at this property in Banff National Park. It's also a couple of minutes from downtown Banff, including the hot springs. Choose from two of the following: a Banff tri-area ski pass; a guided tour of Banff and its wildlife; a guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk; or guided snowshoeing to the Paint Pots.
When: Dec. 31-Jan. 2; however, promotion is available until March 31, 2012
Book By: As soon as possible, but you can book up to day of check-in, based on availability. Last day to book the package is March 31.
Rates: From $379 per person for two nights, based on double occupancy during the holiday weekend; package price starts from $319 per person for duration of promotion. For each additional night, add $100 per person.
Why Go: The three-day ski pass alone is a reason to book this: the package saves you $265 per adult. The guided tours and walks range in price from $49-$64 per adult.
More Info: tel. 800/ALBERTA; http://remembertobreathe.com
Where: Banff, Alberta
Where: Ptarmigan Inn
The Details: Spend two nights at this property in Banff National Park. It's also a couple of minutes from downtown Banff, including the hot springs. Choose from two of the following: a Banff tri-area ski pass; a guided tour of Banff and its wildlife; a guided Johnston Canyon Icewalk; or guided snowshoeing to the Paint Pots.
When: Dec. 31-Jan. 2; however, promotion is available until March 31, 2012
Book By: As soon as possible, but you can book up to day of check-in, based on availability. Last day to book the package is March 31.
Rates: From $379 per person for two nights, based on double occupancy during the holiday weekend; package price starts from $319 per person for duration of promotion. For each additional night, add $100 per person.
Why Go: The three-day ski pass alone is a reason to book this: the package saves you $265 per adult. The guided tours and walks range in price from $49-$64 per adult.
More Info: tel. 800/ALBERTA; http://remembertobreathe.com
