July 6, 2004 -- Hotels are always trying to come up with gimmicks to get the attention of potential guests, so don't be surprised with the latest ideas which have fallen into our laps through the mail box. Frommer's looks at deals that vary from the East Coast to the Far East.
Miami and its Beaches
It might be the heat in Florida this summer driving them crazy, or the sight of all those bronzed bodies across the road, but the Clinton Hotel on South Beach is teaming up with the Bass Museum of Art to offer a look at Picasso's erotic art. The art is called "Picasso Suite 347," but, unfortunately, there is no suite at the hotel named that. However, you can stay at the Clinton for just $99 per night (Sundays through Thursdays only) during the art exhibition, which runs from now through September 12, 2004.
Included in that package price of $99 per room (you must stay two nights) are tickets for two to the exhibit at the Bass Museum of Art, lodging in a superior balcony room overlooking the reflection pool and waterfall (not overlooking the beach), and a bottle of champagne upon check-in. The Clinton is a 1930 Art Deco hotel, lavishly refurnished. It boasts a "corset motif" in everything from mirrors and chairs in the rooms to banquettes in the futuristic lobby. You have to book this package online at www.clintonsouthbeach.com but you can get more information at 305/938-4040.
The museum will present Picasso's complete series of Suite 347 prints created by him in 1968 when he was 87. The resulting 347 prints are considered "the most exhaustive examination of lust . . . anywhere in his oeuvre, and indeed in the history of art" by art critic and historian Donald Kuspit. For more, see www.bassmuseum.org.
Moderately Priced Luxury
Back on the mainland in Miami, the deluxe Conrad Miami opened on July 1, 2004, with a promotional rate of just $100 per night per room (the usual rate is $279). That's valid through September 12, 2004, and it's subject to availability and does not include taxes, tips, etc. The Miami property is described as "the first new-build, freestanding hotel in the US to hold the Conrad name." Each of the 203 guest rooms and 116 suites has a pillow menu (you choose what kind of pillow you want), two phone lines, personalized stationery, 27-inch flat-screen TV and DVD player, separate bathtub and shower, plus a bath service menu in conjunction with the spa in the hotel. Other amenities include two tennis courts, hot tub, rooftop pool, and more. Its location is the Miami financial district, and so business visitors will no doubt be highly sought after. Contact them at www.conradhotels.com or by phoning 800/HILTONS.
GOP Getaway
How crazy can you get? The boutique XV Beacon Hotel in Boston has a special appeal to New Yorkers anxious to escape the Big Apple in August, when the Republican National Convention takes place there. (Bostonians will be experts on the subject, having undergone road closures and the like in July for the Democratic National Convention.) In a "Great Escape" program, available for anyone from August 27 through September 6, 2004, the XV Beacon offers room rates from $265 per night. Each guest room has queen-size poster beds, 300-thread-count Italian linens, working gas fireplaces, European furniture, surround-sound digital stereo, marble bathrooms with television, and more. There's also a free chauffeured in-town Mercedes sedan service. Call them at 877/982-3226 or 617/670-1500 or visit www.xvbeacon.com.
Far East
Should you be heading for Japan, know that even there, innkeepers are angling for customers, this time with reduced rates. From now through September 30, 2004, a couple can stay at the Executive Tower of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel (www.princehotelsjapan.com/ShinagawaPrinceHotel/index.asp) in Tokyo, for only ¥13,900 (about $137) per night, not bad for a very expensive city. The Shinagawa Prince, part of Japan's biggest chain, is located just two minutes away (on foot) from Shinagawa Station, a great place to take off on journeys to Kyoto and farther, or to commute around the city from. All 672 rooms are "spacious" double rooms with high speed Internet links and those amazing Japanese toilets that have hot running water (bidet style) and more controls (for water temperature or for warm air flow) than an airplane cockpit. Contact them through Utell Reservations at 800/448-8355.
