April 9 -- There's a different kind of Gold Rush out west these days, one involving savings on hotel rooms and vacation packages. This may not be as exciting as claiming a stake and digging for a fortune, but it's a lot more civilized -- you won't get your hands dirty at all. In fact, you can earn a discount of $75 per couple in Vegas, $135 per night in Frisco (locals really hate it when someone uses that abbreviated name of their city) and $50 in Hawaii.
First up, Vegas, then we'll keep heading west. MGM Mirage Vacations has a deal on any air-inclusive Las Vegas package purchase through April 18, 2003 on their website. The deal is good for travel in April, May or June. Sample prices start at $124 from San Diego, $249 from Chicago Midway and $299 from Buffalo, NY. The packages include two nights of lodging at the Golden Nugget, roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines and a $37.50 savings per person. Prices are valid for Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals from June 10 to 25, 2003, and are based on double occupancy, subject to change without notice. Prices don't include Passenger Facility Charges, Security Fees and Flight Segment Taxes up to $31 per person. Contact them at www.mgmmiragevacations.com.
In San Francisco, the lovely Hotel Majestic, which just turned 100 years old, is reducing rates between now and July 1, 2003. Their usual $200 rooms are going for just $65 a night, complete with English and French antiques. Junior suites (regularly $285) will sell for $75 a night, with four-poster beds, fireplaces and a sitting area. The luxurious two-room suites (regular rate $375) will go for $125 a night, with yet more antiques. No minimum stay required. Rooms contain data ports, cordless phones, Gilchrest & Soames bath products, Turkish monogrammed robes, twice daily maid service, and wireless internet connectivity. The hotel boasts valet parking and evening turndown service with goodnight homemade cookies. The Majestic is in the Pacific Heights section of town. Contact them at www.thehotelmajestic.com or via e-mail at info@thehotelmajestic.com. Phone 800/869-8966 or 415/441-1100, fax 415/673-7331.
Now leaving the mainland and going out across the water to gorgeous Maui Island, the Ohana Maui Islander is handing out a special rate of $99 double for a room throughout the month of May as part of their participation in the island's "In Celebration of Canoes" event. This is 33% off their normal double room rate of $149. The hotel is located in the heart of old Lahaina, a former whaling port, and is just a block from Front Street, where all the festival events are held. Events in the May 10-24 festival include canoe-building demonstrations, drumming, chanting and hula, with master carvers from the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Tahiti, Marshall Islands, Tonga and Hawaii. There will also be a parade of canoes, as well as music from the state's top bands and performances by dance troupes. The hotel itself is a two-story establishment known for its homey atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities such as a garden, swimming pool, sundeck, lighted tennis court and barbecue/picnic areas. For more information, visit www.ohanahotels.com. For reservations, contact your travel agent, phone 800/462-6262 or e-mail reservations@ohanahotels.com.