It's just beginning to thaw out in some parts of Minnesota, believe it or not, after a wicked winter. But it's the balmy south to some Canadians, or so the Minnesota Office of Tourism would have you believe. That's the main reason they have come up with a Canadian Packages at Par for visitors from the snowy north. That's right, instead of having to pay a premium for the US dollar when they visit Minnesota, Canadians can get an exchange rate of one US dollar for every Canadian dollar, instead of the official rate of about CDN $1.50 to one US simoleon.
The program runs only through March 30, 2003, so there's not much time left. You have to show your passport or a Canadian driver's license to either pay for your lodging with Canadian currency at a one-to-one rate, or receive an equivalent discount when paying in US currency.
Examples: At the Hampton Inn Bloomington (not far from the Mall of America), the Canadian Par Package includes two nights in a standard king or two double beds, dinner for two at Timberlodge Steakhouse, and a discount coupon book for Mall of America, all for $225. Breakfast is free, also, as well as local calls and use of an exercise room. Also: free shuttle to the Mall and to the airport. To book, phone 952/835-6643. Package code: L-CAN.
In Minneapolis, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel Downtown offers a Canadian Romance package, with two nights in the whirlpool suite, and a $50 credit for The Local, a popular night spot, for $451.90 plus tax for the weekend or mid week, subject to availability of the suite. Two nights in a standard room, with $50 for The Local, costs $226 plus tax. Room-only rates are $80 per night. Also free is a deluxe continental breakfast, use of swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and, in your room, a coffeemaker, hair dryer iron & board. Phone 800/870-0114 between 8 AM and 8 PM. Package code: 3CAN.
For more information on Minnesota, phone 800/657-3700 or visit their site, www.exploreminnesota.com.
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