November 12, 2003 -- The holidays will be soon be here, kicked off by that mad travel weekend that is Thanksgiving. Here we look at three current domestic offers that might make your holiday travel through New Year's a little easier, both on your sanity and your wallet. Rates are affordable, two deals feature kitchens en suite and all include little extras to entice you.
Sweet Suites
Hilton's Homewood Suites line is promoting it "Homewood for the Holidays" program at participating properties through January 11, 2004. Depending on the specs of individual properties and availability, you can at published rates of $69 to $99 per room per night. You'll get either a two-room or a studio suite with a fully equipped kitchen, which is great for keeping affordable provisions from a nearby supermarket and those leftovers forced on you as you leave your relatives. The promotion also includes daily hot breakfasts and the "Manager's Reception", which is a light meal and beverages every evening, Monday through Thursday.
As a little extra bonus, if you book online at www.homewoodsuites.com between now and January 11, 2004, you'll get a "Rent 1, Get 1 Free" coupon valid at any Hollywood Video retail store.
These rates are based on availability, and do not include city and state taxes or extra charges incurred during your stay (such as phone calls, room service or pay TV). December 31 is blacked out for all properties, and other dates may be as well.
Affordable Apartments
From now through January 9, 2004, Oakwood Worldwide is holding its fourth annual "Family Place to Stay" sale offering fully furnished apartments and reduced prices. Every apartment has a furnished living and dining room, fully equipped kitchen, bedrooms and baths complete with linens and accessories, TV and cable service, all basic utilities, and in-room or on-site laundry facilities.
Sample rates for one-bedroom apartment suites include:
- Los Angeles area from $78
- San Diego from $80
- Philadelphia from $84
- Falls Church, VA from $87
- Chicago suburbs from $89
- San Jose CA from $93
- Detroit suburbs from $115
Rates do not include housekeeping and are subject to local lodging taxes. You need to book for a minimum of five days to get these prices. To see a full list of destinations across the U.S. and rates for studio, 1- and 2- bedroom apartments, go to www.familyplacetostay.com/rates.php. Theses rates will be honored if you request "Family Place to Stay" rates, says Bob Philips, their Director of International Communications.
For more information, go to www.familyplacetostay.com or phone 866/293-0283 (be sure to ask for "Family Place to Stay" rates). You can also book through a travel agent using GDS code: IP.
Regular Rooms that Earn Airfare Credit
Our final look is at Hyatt's holiday promotion. Book a room at any of its participating properties in the US (including Puerto Rico), Canada or Aruba, prepay with your American Express Card and earn a credit good for $100 off fares costing $250 or more (if the fare is less than $250, you'll get a $25 reduction; credits are received after travel takes place).
Room rates are fairly reasonable in many destinations. In our completely unscientific sampling of prices, we checked rates for a two-parent family with one kid in properties across the country for a two-night Thanksgiving stay (November 26-28).
Per- night pre-tax prices include:
- Albuquerque $89
- Cincinnati $69
- Dallas $59
- Houston $89
- Indianapolis $89
- Los Angeles $119
- Milwaukee $79
- Orlando $119
- Philadelphia $109
- Phoenix $98
- San Francisco $105
- St. Louis $69
This offer is valid for bookings made online for stays between November 20-30, and December 18 to January 4 (New Year's Eve is not available with this special). To check out a rate for your destination of choice and reservations go to www.hyatt.com and click on "Regard Yourself" under "Special Offers."
Have you stayed at Homewood Suites, Hyatt or Oakwood? We'd love to read about your experiences. Who knows? We might even publish your experiences in the next Frommers.com Newsletter. Just go to our Lodgings Message Boards.