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Aug
3
Written by:
Barbara.Jim.Twardowski
8/3/2009 2:34 AM
It’s no secret that the sluggish economy is hurting the travel industry. The good news is you can take a vacation for less money. If you love bargain hunting, now is the time to comparison shop.
Many sites will send you an e-mail about new offers and some allow you to select a specific destination. The hands down best travel search engine is Kayak (www.kayak.com). Sign up for hotel and airline loyalty programs to receive exclusive offers. Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com) has been promoting Disney packages that include airfare, hotel and theme park tickets that are a huge savings off the customary prices.
Here is a sampling of great deals:
Be a tourist in New Orleans
Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street has room rates starting at $99 per night, based on double occupancy for a Sunday-Thursday stay. Friday and Saturday nights are $109. Subject to availability through Sept.30, 2009. Call (504) 523-3341 or visit (www.hotelmonteleone.com).
Families that love animals receive four tickets to either the Audubon Zoo or the Audubon Aquarium and breakfast for two adults and two children at select Marriott hotels. Rates are $139- $179 per night at the Renaissance Arts Hotel, New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, Renaissance Pere Marquette, New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center and JW Marriott New Orleans through Oct. 29, 2009. Call (504) 613-2330 and mention promotional code “EB5.”
Trek to Texas
The Warwick Melrose Dallas, a historic landmark, turns 85 this year and it is offering an $85 rate per night including free Internet and valet parking, on selected dates, for the rest of the year. Visit (www.warwickmelrosedallas.com.)
The city of Cowboys and Culture—Fort Worth has a brand spanking new hotel. The 614-bed Omni Fort Worth Hotel has a $99 per night offer through Sept. 7, 2009. Subject to availability and black out dates. Visit (www.ominhotels.com).
Save 30% off through Sept. 30, 2009 at Lake Austin Spa Resort in the Texas Hill Country. Guests who book three nights or longer Resort or Spa Refresher package will receive 30% off Premier accommodations. All packages include accommodations, three healthy gourmet meals daily, and unlimited fitness activities and discovery programs. The Spa Refresher package includes a spa and fitness allowance that can be used toward services in the resort’s 25,000-square foot LakeHouse Spa. Visit (www.lakeaustin.com).
Houston is celebrating the first year anniversary of CityPass and visitors can save on as many as six attractions and more than a dozen hotels. For example, stays at the Crowne Plaza Downtown start at $159 per night and includes two adult and two child CityPasses worth $136. (Two-night minimum required.) CityPass Houston gains you admission to the Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo. In addition, choose between the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston or the Children’s Museum of Houston. Also, choose between either the George Ranch Historical Park or the Health Museum. Visit (www.visithoustontexas.com/CityPass/) for details.
Florida is Fabulous
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort special “Fabulous Family Fall Promotion” includes discounts of 25% off regular rates--starting at $119 per night from Sept. 1 – Dec. 27, 2009. The promotion code is FAMFUN. Everyday amenities include bicycle rentals, canoes, kayaks, resort tram service and a fitness center for adults. Call 1-866-91-BEACH or visit (www.sandestin.com).
The 14-room Addison on Amelia Island is offering a “Stay for Three, Pay for Two” deal, which allows visitors to enjoy one night free when staying three or more nights (available through Sept. 31, 2009). The B&B is also offering the “I Need A Break RIGHT NOW!” special--a 50 percent discount on the second night stay, when guests book within 48 hours of arrival (cannot be combined with other promotions). For details on these and additional packages, visit (www.addisononamelia.com).
Weekend in North Carolina
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in Charlotte is featuring a special $159 rate that is valid Thursdays-Sundays through the end of the year (subject to availability). The Weekend package can be reserved by visiting (www.theballantynehotel.com).
Virginia’s 40 Off Deals
Hotels, restaurants and attractions across the state of Virginia are offering either 40%, $40 off or buy three get one free deals through the end of the year. Giddy Up and save 40% on a horse lovers’ escape at Shangrila Retreat Guest Ranch in South Boston. Rates include all meals, lodging, horseback riding and on-site activities. Select dates available for special rate and based on availability. Minimum double occupancy and two day stay. Additional days and/or nights may be added. To see a complete list of Virginia’s 40 Off Deals, visit (www.virginia.org/40/40off.asp)
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