The specific promotions described in this article have now passed, but it remains online so that the resources named will be of future use to travelers.
July 9, 2004 -- With the D-Day and July 4 already past, many still want to enjoy what those in the past have bequeathed us in terms of liberty and freedom. What better way to enjoy traveling the U.S. and it's glorious past is there than to stay at a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America? These lodgings are evocative of an idyllic America and bring to mind ideas of luxury, history, and escape. The hotels have some savvy marketing folk, and each season they dream up deals for their properties, many of which are independently owned and operated. As always, we try to find those that are good value.
Florida
Down in Mount Dora Florida, the venerable (120 years) Lakeside Inn is having an ongoing (through September 2, 2004) Anniversary Package, at just $120 per weekday night, including a bottle of champagne and a cake. Another package, the Firecracker, is for July only, but costs only $79 a room. The rates are valid Sundays through Thursdays. You'll love the location, a short walk from downtown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and more. Contact them at 352/383-4101 or www.lakeside-inn.com.
Chicago
In Chicago, you can see "The Splendors of China's Forbidden City" in a package from the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, tied to the exhibit of that name at the Windy City's famous Field Museum. The exhibit tells the story of Qianlong, one of the Central Kingdom's most famous emperors, and includes recreated throne rooms, banqueting and private rooms, "many using precious artifacts never seen outside of China," they claim. The package includes overnight lodging, two tickets to the exhibition and breakfast for two, and costs from $159 per person per night. Deal ends September 12, 2004.Contact them at 312/751-8100 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.
La-La Land
You have probably seen the interiors of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, as its owners say is has been used to film dozens of Hollywood films and many TV programs. Elegant and historic are words that really mean something here. They are offering a Weekend Theater Package, including one-night Club Level lodging, a four-course dinner in the hotel restaurant, free shuttle to and from the fabulous new Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Los Angeles Music Center, and free valet parking. On the Club Level you have access to the lounge, continental breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres and access to the health club. Cost is $199 per room, whether you use it as a single or double. The program ends September 26, 2004.Contact them at 213/624-1011 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.
The Nation's Capital
Washington DC will still be relatively quiet if you visit the Phoenix Park Hotel for its Bed & Breakfast Special, which ends September 6, 2004. Situated on Capitol Hill, the hotel is close to the Smithsonian, the Capitol or Union Station, among other venues. The package, which costs $119 per night per room, is valid Fridays through Sundays, and includes the lodging and a free Irish breakfast for two at the Dubliner. Contact them at 202/638-6900 or visit www.phoenixparkhotel.com.
Finding It in The Berkshires
Up in North Adams, Massachusetts is The Porches Inn, comprised of seven old working class homes and across the street from MASS MoCA (the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), which that institutions says is the largest museum in North America. Combining its visible past with the ultra modern, The Porches is running a Berkshire GeoCaching Vacation package from now through September 23, 2004, in which you and other guests go out tracking down hidden caches in the Berkshire countryside. You find them using a GPS (global positioning system) device supplied by the inn. Your package includes the two-night lodging, breakfast each morning, use of the GPS device for the day, trail maps and box lunches. This comes to $309 per couple Sundays through Thursdays, rising to $429 per couple on weekends. Contact them at 413/664-0400 or at www.theporches.com.
More information on the National Trust Historic Hotels of America can be had at www.historichotels.org.