On their Web site, www.historichotels.org, you'll find packages at many different hotels around the country, some in quiet small towns, others in bustling cities, that will make you and your traveling companion feel special. You may want a romantic rendezvous, you may want a weekend crammed with outdoor activities--either way, we hope you'll find something on this National Trust Web site to suit you.
Here are just a few of the less expensive examples:
The Raphael in Kansas City Missouri's historic Country Club Plaza offers a Plaza Memories Package (year round) at $139 per night for a standard room ($159 in a suite), up to two nights, with keepsake silver picture frame, $25 certificate good towards any food or beverage, bottle of wine in your room, and free valet parking. The phone there is 816/756-3800.
In Milwaukee Wisconsin, the Hotel Metro charges $189 per couple for its Romance Package weekend through May 24, 2002. In the heart of downtown, you get a deluxe suite, Champagne, a $20 breakfast certificate and free parking. Their phone is 414/272-1937.
At the Hotel Viking in Newport Rhode Island, there's a Love-Love Package through March 30, 2002, costing just $169 to $189 per night, that includes a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (hence the package title). The package includes breakfast for two, special chocolates, and two annual memberships in the Hall of Fame. Phone them at 401/847-3300.
Out in Denver, the famous Brown Palace Hotel has a Tranquillity Package through March 31, 2002, for $159, valid either Friday or Saturday night. There's a welcome aromatherapy gift, choice of a bottle or red or white wine, in-room morning coffee, juice and pastry, free overnight valet parking and gratuities (tips) for food and beverage. Phone them at 303/297-3111.
At nearby Pikes Peak, The Cliff House offers a Most Romantic Escape package through April 30, 2002. For prices ranging from $180.92 and up, you can stay in an "historic celebrity suite" (with spa tub, dual body spray shower, heated towel bars and toilet seats), relax in front of your fireplace and gaze at the mountains. A light breakfast buffet will be delivered to your door, as well as chocolates, strawberries and your choice of four wines (including Champagne). Prices include tax and tip. Phone them at 719/685-3000.
In Santa Monica California, The Georgian Hotel has an Arts & Flowers by the Sea package (year round) that goes for just $189 per room. It includes fresh flowers and champagne, a portable camera to use, and half your parking fee. Call them at 310/395-9945.
The Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle has a Rub-a-Dub, Dub package through March 31, 2002, celebrating its 75th anniversary. Their deep porcelain tubs (dating back to 1927) will let you soak for a long time. Included in the $129 package ($150 for suite) are teabags for the eyes, a loofa sponge, bath salts, and free valet parking. Phone them at 206/623-8700.
Down in South Carolina's Charleston, the Westin Francis Marion has a Romance Package (year round) for just $149 per room ($179 for a suite), that includes a bottle of Champagne, some Godiva chocolates, a single rose and free valet parking. Their phone is 843/722-0600.
To repeat: the Web site, for that of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, is www.historichotels.org.