January 7, 2004 -- The ball has dropped in Times Square, Congress is currently in recess, and the crowds have dispersed. Now's the time to hit either spot as hotels in both cities radically reduce rates to contend with the annual January slump. You can cut your cost on meals as well (without sacrificing taste) as top-flight dining establishments kick off the new year with their annual "Restaurant Weeks."
Capital Ideas
At The Jefferson, a truly deluxe hotel with many political associations, you can stay in rooms with a "Recess Rate" of just $159 from now through January 20. Only four blocks from the White House, this Loews Hotel also offers antique-filled suites for $239 during Congress' winter break. All rooms feature two-line phones, voicemail, fax machines, Internet access, VCRs, CD players, mini bars, 24-hour room service, and twice-daily maid service. You also get access to the prestigious University Club, with its fitness and social facilities right across the street. As always, this deal is based on availability, taxes/tips are not included, and a follow-up phone call confirmed bookings were moving at a brisk pace. Phone the hotel at 202/347-2200 during normal work hours (EST). We recommend the toll call as no one at their toll free line (800/235-6397) knew about the deal, and it's not referenced online at www.loewshotels.com/hotels/washington_jefferson.
The Washington, D.C. Visitors Bureau has a winter promotion with the lowest-priced rooms starting from just $69 and up to 50% off dining, admissions and special events. For example, the Carlyle Suites near Dupont Circle is charging just $99 per night, with breakfast for two when you stay at least two nights. Check the bureau's website at www.washington.org for more information on these "Holiday Homecoming" offers.
In addition to all these, the capital is celebrating its annual Restaurant Week January 12-18 with big savings at some of the district's most prestigious eating places. Over 100 establishments offer a three-course prix fixe lunch for $20.04, ditto dinner for $30.04. Two examples -- the famous Capital Grille, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue (lunch only) or The Federalist in the elegant Madison Hotel (lunch or dinner). For a full list of participating eateries, go to www.washington.org/restaurantwk.
In the Big Apple
In what they say is New York City's "only Italian hotel," the Jolly Hotel Madison Towers, female business travelers can get a discount for a massage if they just show a photograph of their children when checking in. This deal runs from now through December 31, 2004, giving you a 20% discount off a shiatsu massage at the hotel's health spa (closed on Sundays). Nightly rates at the hotel start at $214 per room. Rosanna Coscia, general manager, says "the least we could do for these hard working mothers is to pamper them. God knows they don't have much time to themselves when at home." The Jolly Madison Towers is part of the huge Jolly chain, based in Italy with hotels in major cities throughout Europe.
The Madison Towers offers 1920's architecture at the corner of Madison Avenue and 38th Street in New York City, with an Italian restaurant. All 243 guestrooms feature cable TV, high speed internet access, wireless keyboards, Nintendo, HBO, phones with voicemail, mini bar and radio. To book, phone 212/802-0600 or visit www.jollymadison.com.
From now through March 31, 2004, New York is conducting its annual winter "Paint the Town Red" program, which features a bunch of good savings on hotels, on dining out, on attractions --you name it, they're discounting it. You can book a travel package for one, two or four nights, typically combining a hotel stay with a Broadway show, dining, cultural and sightseeing options, and parking discounts. You can also print out a Savings Card from the site for do-it-yourself discounts at businesses throughout the city. Go online to www.nycvisit.com for full details. Otherwise, phone for a free "Paint the Town" brochure at 800/NYC GUIDE.
Not to be outdown by D.C. (or any other city while we're on it), NYC is having not one, but two winter restaurant weeks featuring specially created prix fixe menus at over 100 participating establishments January 26-30 and again February 2-6. Lunches are $20.04, while dinners are $30.04. For a full list, visit . We recommend making reservations as soon as possible.