August 2, 2004 -- In addition to New York escape packages we wrote about recently, the Loews chain is offering relief to New Yorkers seeking to get out of town while the Republican National Convention activity clogs the streets of mid-Manhattan.
New Englanders & Yankees Only
To get the Loews deals, you have to show proof of residency from New York State, Massachusetts or their neighboring states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey or Pennsylvania. By showing proper ID, you will get a free daily breakfast in the hotel restaurant. The offer is valid from now through September 12, 2004, with the free breakfast being available to a maximum of two guests per room per day. Remember to ask for the breakfast coupons when you check in.
Rooms start at $135 at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington DC, or at $169 in the Jefferson, also in the nation's capital. The District has a reputation for being quite hot and muggy in August, so you might be better off at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, where rooms start at $149. Even the Loews Philadelphia hotel, starting also at $149, might be slightly cooler. For more information on Loews, phone 800/23-LOEWS or check out www.loewshotels.com.
Nationwide Savings
Boston
You needn't be from the North or escaping the GOP Convention to take advantage of other deals in Boston, Philadelphia or Annapolis, the same cities covered by the exclusive Loews promotion. If you feel like Beantown now that the Democrats have left, you might want to take advantage of that city's hotel package deals. You'll find many of them on www.gobostoncard.com, in which you purchase a card we have mentioned before, and then get discounts on unlimited attractions and many hotels. Typical is an Omni Parker House program starting at just $179 per room per night, a bargain for this famous and historic four-star establishment in a great location right on the Freedom Trail.
Annapolis and Philadelphia
Further down the Eastern Coast are the cities of Annapolis and Philadelphia. Details of many hotel packages are available for quiet and lovely Annapolis at www.visit-annapolis.org. But, if you want a big city but without the merciless glare of midday Washington DC sun, consider Philadelphia. At the website of the Visitors Bureau there, you'll find information on a two-night hotel package (Thursdays through Sundays only) good between now and September 12, 2004, that gives you significant savings, free hotel parking, and some trinkets and maps. An example would be the Best Western Center City Hotel, well sited within walking distance of practically everything, offering rooms at $164. Contact them at www.gophila.com.
