August 20, 2004 -- Just as a favorite English hymn celebrates "all creatures, great and small," we at Frommer's like to praise good value hotels, big and little, when they present us with bargains of any kind. Here are just a few examples of our wide-ranging interests in the lodging field:
At the high end, the luxury Sofitel hotel chain (with 145 properties scattered around the world) has a special Weekend Getaway invitation going, with discounts of up to 50% and free breakfast, valid through December 31. This is best taken advantage of on the Internet, where you'll find "last minute promotions" such as one for €100, about $123, for weekend stays at the Astoria Hotel, in the heart of Brussels.
(Sofitel continues to open new hotels, include the Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort & Spa Khao Lak in Thailand, which will now be home to the world's largest lagoon swimming pool.)
Sofitel also has special promotions all year long on its website, which include discounts, they say, of up to 50% during winter and summer. One of their last minute promotions (at time of writing) in their Special Offers section on the web was €109 (about $134) per night for a room in the Luxembourg Sofitel. Go to www.sofitel.com and click on either Special Offers or Weekends to get these rates and others like them.
Traveling Twice or More This Fall?
If you stay two separate times at Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay Suites brand hotels in the USA this fall, you earn enough points to get a free night's lodging at one of these Choice hotels. You have to join (at no cost, on the internet is easiest) their Choice Privileges guest rewards program in order to participate.
The deal works like this. You join the program, then stay on two separate occasions at any midscale Choice Hotel brand in the US between September 1 and December 31, earning anywhere from 1,000 points and up on the first stay. Then when you stay a second time, you are bumped up another 5,000 points (max.) to reach the 6,000 point level, the amount you need to get your free future stay at participating hotels throughout the country. There is no limit on the number of times travelers can earn free nights during the promotion.
This "Stay 2 Times, Earn a Free Night" program and the advantages of Choice Privileges membership are explained further on www.choiceprivileges.com, by phoning 888/770-6800 or by asking at the front desk of any of the hotels previously mentioned. The hotel chain's website is www.choicehotels.com.
Big Apple B&Bs
You wouldn't expect to find B&Bs in New York City, but there are some. Many are like time shares where owners of apartments lease them out when they are away, but a few are year-round spots full of charm.
If you like peace and quiet (plus a daily ferry commute), opt for Staten Island. Just two samples: Harbor House B&B has nice views of the lower Manhattan skyline. Five rooms and suites with private baths plus six rooms with shared baths are available here. Prices start at $59 for a shared bath up to $150 for a suite, each with continental breakfast. Rates are for two persons. Phone 718/876-0056 or visit www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/241091/Listing.aspx.
The Victorian B&B of Staten Island is in an Italianate villa (1846) with a cupola on top and a marble fireplace in every room. Amid a d?r of chandeliers, mirrors and Victorian furniture have slept or been entertained such prominent New Yorkers as Edward G. Robinson and Bugsy Siegel, not at the same time. Rates per room are $60 to $95 per night, including breakfast, afternoon tea and more. Contact them at 718/273-9861 or visit www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/203441/Listing.aspx.
You can live like a painter or a model in an artist's loft in downtown New York, in the heart of Soho. At the corner of Lafayette and Grant streets, there are two rooms in a large, 2500 sq. ft., three-bedroom loft available for one night or longer. Both rooms have full or queen size bed, drawers, sheets, towels, etc. Guests can use the kitchen and living room at their convenience. There's ne shared bathroom, and computers available to check e-mail. Decorated like an art gallery. Rooms are $90 to $120 per night. Information at 212/625-1180 or visit www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/618807/Listing.aspx.
South of the Border
Continuing with the exotic, consider B&Bs in Merida, that most marvelous of Yucatan colonial towns, or in Cabo San Lucas. Casa San Juan B&B in Merida has a lush courtyard, formal dining room, high ceilings (20 ft.), and bedrooms all with private baths, some with private terraces. Rooms normally $35 to $55 per night for two people, including continental breakfast. A Summer Holiday Special offers one large bedroom with double windows, ceiling fan and shared bathroom for $25 per night, limited offer only available by booking with them directly at www.casasanjuan.com or by phoning 011-52 999 986 2937, or in the US phone call 305/648-2053.
The Casa Contenta in Cabo San Lucas will give you a free night stay (on non holidays) for each referral you make that results in a one-week booking. One mile from either the ocean or the nearest golf course, the Casa offers king and queen beds, air conditioning and private bathrooms. To start getting your free nights, visit their website and click on Benefits Program. Fill out the referral form and make sure your friends and family tell the Casa that you referred them. You can find more info at www.cabocasacontenta.com or phone at 011/52 624 14 36038.
