September 19, 2003 - Hotel junkies are well aware that many establishments are not just places you sleep -- some of them have witnessed extraordinary events, hosted famous people and, through the years, developed unique atmospheres that alone make a stay necessary. Thanks to the "The National Trust Historic Hotels of America" many famous hotels have been meticulously preserved and opened to the historically inclined. If you're one of them, here's a sampling of current offers.
Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles should be a very familiar name to all the movie lovers. Featured in Vertigo, Spiderman, Beverly Hills Cop and TV's The West Wing, the hotel is promoting a Club Floor Weekend Package from now through December 30, 2003. For only $129 per room per night, you can enjoy your club floor room, with continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and use of the full-service health club with a gem from the past -- Art Deco style indoor pool. The thrill of playing out your favorite movie scenes at their actual location is absolutely free of charge. Phone: 213/624-1011.
At the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston SC, you can immerse yourself in the ambience of southern charm, taking advantage of a Discover Charleston Package promoted on ongoing dates basis. The one-night package, at the price ranging from $139 to $239 per room per night, includes lodging and a choice of a carriage ride through the historic district or admission to the South Carolina Aquarium, Fort Sumter or Drayton Hall. So if despite your undeniably Yankee origin, you are a Southerner at heart, phone them at 843/722-0600.
Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa is hard to miss on Florida's west coast. This pink colored giant simply dominates the shoreline of St. Pete Beach reminding everyone what famed Florida vacation used to be all about. Now you can relive those childhood family trips during Families First Weekend, a package offered on November 21-23, with prices for the two nights from $180 per person, four to a room (two adults, two kids). The package includes lodging, a poolside welcome reception, five-course dinner, and continental breakfast. And get this, there actually is a "family etiquette lesson," with a graduation ceremony that goes along with the dinner! Straighten your back, dial the number, and politely make your reservations! Phone: 727/360-1881.
Sir Francis Drake is the name of San Francisco's most famous, if slightly aging, hotel, which celebrates its Diamond Jubilee with an offer that includes deluxe lodging, a $50 dining credit in Scala's Bistro, two cocktails in the Starlight Room and a keepsake anniversary gift. Located in Union Square, prices start at $209 per night, additional nights at $139. The offer is valid through October 20. Phone: 415/392-7755.
Williamsburg Inn & Colonial Houses, appropriately located in Williamsburg, is a place with a long history and, according to insiders, a crowd of bête noire unable to part with the place. The "Ghosts & Legends Package" featuring "colonial mysteries and the unexplained" as well as a ghost tour will acquaint you with some of the otherworldly residents, in case you are not blessed with psychic powers yourself. The offer running from now through November 23 includes lodging, breakfast daily, admission to the to the Historic Williamsburg for the length of your stay, a special tavern dinner and a gift item. Prices start at $211 per person, per night at the Inn, and $156 at the Colonial Houses. Two-night minimum stay is required. Just to be on the safe side, don't contact them telepathically, instead pick up the phone and dial 757/229-1000.
Saint Paul Hotel in Minnesota's capital, famed for its food offers a "Dinner Package" designed, of course, for the connoisseurs of the upper echelon of gourmands. Running through November 29, the package includes the room at the price of $249 per room, per night and a $100 food and beverage credit. You might want to consider few days of lighter meals before this feast! Phone: 651/292-9292.
All the above offers are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Unless specified, tax and gratuity are not included. Certain restrictions and blackout dates apply. All dates mentioned are for the year 2003. Phone the individual hotels for reservations or find the packages listed on the National Trust Web Site at www.historichotels.org.