Splurge or Save: 10 Cities for Tax Season

By Kimberley Lovato

If tax day is the only thing standing in the way of you and your next getaway, take comfort: According to the IRS, the average 2010 individual tax return was $3,003. With that kind of cash burning a hole in your pocket, taking a tax holiday takes on a whole new meaning -- and the only debate on the subject will be whether or not to order room service.

But even if you owe Uncle Sam a few bucks, there's no reason you can't escape for a few days. Whether you're looking to blow your tax refund on one night in an amazing hotel suite, or if you'd rather plan a more budget-friendly vacation, these 10 cities have exceptional hotels that even Uncle Sam would be proud to sleep in.

Hotel rates will vary by arrival date and availability; rates listed here are valid in mid-April.

Photo Caption: Living room of a two-bedroom oceanview suite at The Setai, Miami

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: Splurge on the The Setai (www.setai.com), a zen-like oasis in Miami's South Beach neighborhood. The two-bedroom Ocean View suites (which range from 1,325 to 1,400 square feet) have expansive views and luxurious details, like a black granite tub, a rain showerhead, a 42-inch plasma TV, a kitchen (as if), and all the pampering you can handle.

How Much: From $2,750 per room per night (a promotional rate in April), or from $2,500 during summer months

If You Owe Taxes: The Dorchester Hotel (www.hoteldorchester.com), just two blocks from The Setai, is a 96-room Art Deco gem across from the beach. There's a pool (of course), and it's near the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Blvd.

How Much: Book one of six Junior Suites for $179 per room per night in April, or wait until July and August to score a one-bedroom suite for only $10 more.

Photo Caption: A two-bedroom suite with ocean views at The Setai, Miami

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: Set on a white-sand crescent beach on Maui's southwest coast, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (www.fourseasons.com/maui) is paradise found for active travelers, with golf, tennis, swimming (and spa treatments) at your tanned fingertips. Say mahalo to Uncle Sam from your one-bedroom Ocean View Prime suite, a 1,000-square-foot space that comes with a separate living area and L'Occitane bath amenities.

How Much: One-bedroom Ocean View Prime suite from $2,200 per room per night; other oceanview rooms from $895 per night

If You Owe Taxes: Just an 8-minute drive down the road, the suites-only Hotel Wailea (www.hotelwailea.com) is tucked into the hillside, with a pool, a restaurant, and all the tropical tranquility that Maui is famous for. The spacious one-bedroom Ocean View Suite (900 square feet) is equipped with a small kitchen, a living room, a soaking tub, and a private balcony for sunset views.

How Much: From $279 per room per night

Photo Caption: The oceanview prime one-bedroom suite at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

If You're Getting A Tax Refund: Take in the skyline from the appropriately named Extreme Wow Suite at the W Chicago Lakeshore (www.starwoodhotels.com). Enjoy 950 square feet of indulgence, including lake views and the W's signature bed.

How Much: From $1,500 per room per night throughout the year

If You Owe Taxes: Less than a mile away, the Deluxe River View King at Hotel 71 (www.hotel71.com) offers picturesque views of Chicago's downtown or the Chicago River. Shoppers take note -- the hotel is walking distance from Magnificent Mile.

How Much: The 400- to 550-square-foot Deluxe River View King rooms are from $189 per night.

Photo Caption: The Extreme Wow Suite, W Chicago Lakeshore

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: Go glamorous at the 100-year-old iconic (and pink) Beverly Hills Hotel (www.beverlyhillshotel.com), in the heart of 90210. The one-bedroom Deluxe Bungalow suite sprawls over 1,180 square feet and is surrounded by scented hibiscus, blooming bougainvillea, and tropical palms. Cozy up by the fireplace in the living room or sip coffee on the private porch that is sheltered from the paparazzi.

How Much: From $2,410 per room per night throughout the year

If You Owe Taxes: The 28-room Sky Boutique Hotel (www.skyhotella.com), just 2½ miles west of Beverly Hills near lively Westwood Village, is an ideal place to recuperate after exploring Tinseltown's hotspots.

How Much: A Superior King room is from about $200 per night, with Wi-Fi and breakfast daily.

Photo Caption: Living room at the Deluxe Bungalow one-bedroom suite, Beverly Hills Hotel

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: The Hay-Adams (www.hayadams.com), one of D.C.'s most revered landmarks, is located directly across from the White House. Wave and say, "Thanks for the check!" from the private balcony of the 1,100-square-foot Lafayette Park one-bedroom suite.

How Much: From $2,199 per room per night

If You Owe Taxes: Just ¾ of a mile away, the historic Hotel Tabard Inn (www.tabardinn.com), is reminiscent of an English manor. Opened in 1922, the inn's rooms are furnished with antiques and period décor. An acclaimed on-site restaurant dishes out an eclectic array of New American cuisine such as crab cakes, seafood gumbo, and sweet potato ravioli.

How Much: Rooms with a private bath range from $165 to $250 per room per night; rooms with shared baths are from $125.

Photo Caption: Lafayette Park View Suite bedroom at The Hay-Adams

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: The Lenox Hotel (www.lenoxhotel.com) is in the city's walkable Back Bay neighborhood, famous for its rows of well-preserved Victorian brownstones, shops, restaurants, and bars. Retire to the Back Bay Suite with a wood-burning fireplace, a custom-made wet bar, and a steam shower.

How Much: From $2,500 per room per night (midweek in April)

If You Owe Taxes: Located just a 10-minute walk from Back Bay, Boston's vibrant South End neighborhood has art galleries, an open market, and fine dining. Here, The Chandler Inn Hotel (www.chandlerinn.com) sits on a tree-lined street. Book a Boutique Queen, featuring a sleek modern design and a 32-inch plasma TV.

How Much: From $189 per room per night (midweek in April)

Photo Caption: Dining and bar area in the Back Bay Suite, the Lenox Hotel

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: Beneath Camelback Mountain in the Sonoran Desert, The Phoenician (www.thephoenician.com) rises above the rest. The one-bedroom Casita Suite offers 1,150 square feet of modern comfort, and a private patio or balcony faces the resort's tropical Necklace Lake.

How Much: From $1,289 per room per night

If You Owe Taxes: The Saguaro (www.jdvhotels.com), just a few miles from the Phoenician, is next to Scottsdale's Old Town and Art District. Decorated in the colors of the desert, the ground-level King Patio Room offers a sunny spot to tan on a private patio. A pathway leads to the hotel's two pools.

How Much: From $197 per room per night

Photo Caption: The one-bedroom Casita Suite at The Phoenician

If You're Getting A Tax Refund: The Rosewood Crescent Hotel (www.rosewoodhotels.com) is within walking distance of the Dallas Arts District, home to several visual and performing art venues. And the luxurious 2,275-square-foot two-level Crescent Suite is like a home away from home.

How Much: From $2,000 per room per night

If You Owe Taxes: Since Adolphus Busch (of Anheuser-Busch fame) opened the doors in 1912, The Adolphus (www.hoteladolphus.com) has welcomed famous guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, Donald Trump, and Oscar de la Renta, among others. Join the list and book a 500-square-foot Deluxe King Room, just eight blocks from the Arts District.

How Much: From $167 per room per night in April

Photo Caption: Bedroom at the two-level Rosewood Crescent Suite, Dallas

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: Go big (900 square feet to be precise) in the Big Easy with the one-bedroom Club Executive suite at the Ritz-Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com), in the French Quarter. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and all the detailed attention you'd expect from a dedicated concierge just outside your door.

How Much: From $2,000 per room per night in April; rates are lower during summer months

If You Owe Taxes: Built in 1884, the restored Melrose Mansion (www.frenchquarterhotelgroup.com) is less than a mile from the Ritz. Just steps from Bourbon Street, the white-shuttered 14-room Victorian house has a courtyard pool. Book one of the Master Suites, beautifully furnished with antiques as well as modern amenities, like a flat-screen TV and iPod docking station.

How Much: From $179 per room per night (midweek in April), with a $7.95 nightly amenity fee for Wi-Fi and breakfast daily

Photo Caption: The Club Executive Suite at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

If You're Getting a Tax Refund: The Presidential Suite at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins (www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com) is just the place to admire views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay. The 17th-floor suite, which can be converted into two bedrooms, is decked out with mahogany wood paneling and velvet accents.

How Much: From $3,000 per room per night

If You Owe Taxes: Just three blocks away, the Kensington Park Hotel (www.kensingtonparkhotel.com) is near the famous cable car line and Union Square. The Corner View King Suite has spectacular skyline views.

How Much: April rates from $194 per room per night

Photo Caption: The Presidential Suite at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, San Francisco