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Great Gatsby Hotel Packages

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Posted on May 16, 2013 by Getaway Packages

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby hit theaters recently and while many of us remember having to read the novel in school, and at the time, may have thought it was slightly boring, this blockbuster movie is a alive with opulent colors, drama, glitzy costumes and incredible music that is sure to spark some excitement in everyone who experiences it.

Now hotels from Portland on the West Coast to New York on the East are joining the Gatsby scene by offering romantic getaway packages that honor the age of the Roaring Twenties and allow guests to experience a glimpse of the opulence, elegance and style of this memorable era at their upscale hotels.

The Heathman, Portland, Oregon

Experience the Heathman Great Gatsby Package in and downtown Portland Oregon, while indulging in the lavishly exquisite lifestyle of those famed in the new Baz Luhrmann movie!

The Heathman Hotel Great Gatsby Hotel Package includes accommodations in their luxurious Literary Arts Suite, a copy F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, DVD of the 1974 Jack Clayton and Francis Ford Coppola adaptation of The Great Gatsby starring Mia Farrow and Robert Redford, choice of cocktail from The Heathman 20s-inspired cocktails including a Sidebar, Raspberry Rickey, Gin Gimlet or Champagne Julep, appetizers and more! For more information go to Great Gatsby Hotel Packages.

The Willcox Hotel, Aiken, South Carolina

The Great Gatsby Food and Wine Package

There’s no “prohibition” at The Willcox in Aiken, South Carolina, this summer as becomes an establishment of private distinction featuring a Speakeasy sub-culture. Their Gatsby Hotel Package includes accommodations, Gatsby-inspired cocktail, Three-course tasting menu for two, a copy of the Great Gatsby and more.

Visit The Willcox Hotel Packages for more information on this limited time offer.

Vanderbilt Grace, Newport, Rhode Island

The Grace Gatsby – Recreate the Gilded Age in the playground of Gatsby at Vanderbilt Grace includes a two-night stay at Vanderbilt Grace, two Mansion Passports to tour any five of the following: The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Green Animals, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, Rosecliff, five course dinner for two with wine pairings, sunset sailing cruise of historic sites of Newport, daily champagne breakfast and more. Visit Getaway Packages Food and Wine Vacations.

Vinoy Renaissance, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida, commemorates the roaring twenties by inviting couples to celebrate their love, with an exciting Great Gatsby style romantic vacation package which includes cocktails, inspired by the Prohibition and a picnic while on a carriage ride through the town, a Charleston style dance lesson, luxurious accommodations in an upgraded bay view guestroom and dinner for two each evening. To learn more about this romantic vacation getaway, visit Getaway Packages Romantic Getaways.

The Plaza Hotel, New York, New York

The Plaza Hotel in New York honors one of their most famous patrons, F. Scott Fitzgerald, with their newly appointed Fitzgerald Suite. This Gatsby inspired package includes luxury accommodations in The Fitzgerald Suite, Gatsby champagne cocktails, breakfast for two, champagne upon arrival and a Plaza branded set of ‘His & Her’ flasks to take home. Visit Gatsby Romantic Getaway.

Romantic Weekend Escape

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Getaway Packages

It’s no fun working day in and day out during the summer. Sometimes it feels like everyone is on vacation, except you. Well, now is the time to treat yourself. Pack up, hop in the car and have a romantic weekend and relax with that special someone.

Here at Getaway Packages, we have plenty of romantic weekend vacation packages to choose from. This summer, make a plan for a romantic weekend in Los Angeles. This world famous metropolis is jam-packed full of activities and sightseeing destinations. Check out the “Romance Package” and “Your Vacation, Our Vacation” packages at the Terranea Resort.

Romance Package: Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Rekindle your love with the Romance Package at the beautiful, oceanfront Terranea Resort. Just minutes away from downtown Los Angeles, the Terranea is located in the gorgeous Rancho Palos Verdes. Capture breathtaking views of California’s coast from your Ocean View room.

The romance package includes:

Overnight accommodations in an Ocean View room
Sparkling wine and strawberries
Rose petal bath
Breakfast for two at Catalina Kitchen or breakfast in bed (room service), daily
Daily resort fee

Your Vacation, Our Desintation: Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Romance with American Express has it’s perks! When you pay with your American Express Card, you will earn DOUBLE American Express Membership REWARDS and a complimentary room upgrade!

Promotion includes:

20% off our best available rate
Upgrade, based on availability at check-in
Early check-in and late check-out, based on availability
Double Points, if enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards Program for all stays through 2013!

L.A. has more to offer than being home to famous celebrities. The city boasts some of the most world-renowned museums. Create an educational and memorable experience with your special someone by visiting museums.

The Paul J Getty Museum, originally opened in the early 1970’s, and features dozens of fascinating pieces of visual art, amazing architecture, and beautiful gardens. The Getty has two locations in the Los Angeles Area for you to explore.

The featured exhibits this summer include:

Gustav Klimt: The Magic of Line:
July 3–September 23, 2012
Drama and Devotion: Heemskerck’s “Ecce Homo” Altarpiece from Warsaw
June 5, 2012–January 13, 2013
Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well: Images of Death in the Middle Ages
May 29–August 12, 2012
In Focus: Picturing Landscape
May 22–October 7, 2012
The Getty Research Institute: Recent Print Acquisitions
April 7–September 2, 2012
Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity
April 3–August 26, 2012
Herb Ritts: L.A. Style
April 3–August 26, 2012
The Life of Art: Context, Collecting, and Display
February 7, 2012–Ongoing

Punta Mita Vacation Package

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Getaway Packages

As a veteran hotel sales and marketing executive (more than half of my life) I have always pushed the value of hotel direct promotion. Long before fax machines, cell phones and the internet, I went door to door and city to city hawking my hotel products with dog and pony shows. I can’t even count the number of pastries, donuts, candy, pizzas and even some hot dogs I gave away in my quest to boost sales over the years. What I do know is that the cost on an annual basis never equaled or came close to the cost of lowering rates and selling through third parties. We hoteliers valued the old style “10 percenters” (real travel agents you could speak to). Add in their commission and the cost of sale was still lower than the cost of OTA promos and discounted rates.

This said, as co-founder of a direct-to-hotel package directory website that increases metasearch to each hotel’s proprietary booking engine via their proprietary brand and/or independent site, one would think that for my personal trips, I would steer clear of an OTA… right?

Cascade Pool at sunset, St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

I wanted to book a romantic getaway package north of Puerto Vallarta for my husband and I this month, and I was intrigued by the peaceful, quiet setting of Punta Mita where the St. Regis is located. A romantic dream destination and boutique luxury resort with unrivaled room amenities, service and cuisine was just what I was looking for. I had no idea from their website that the hotel would exceed our wildest expectations. I knew however that this trip that I was booking less than 5 weeks from departure was too expensive to book for my budget on their website directly…….so, I looked at Expedia. When I found the package I was looking for priced well below my budget, I booked immediately, extended our stay by one night and felt no guilt at all! Someone was going to book that trip anyway. Where’s the parity?

My husband and I had the most peaceful, relaxing, pampered trip of a lifetime and believe me, we have stayed in some of the finest hotels in the world. The staff of the property could not wait to smile and greet you warmly, help you in anyway with recommendations and suggestions and even decline tips stating that some were “unnecessary…” One staff member asked me “instead of a tip, please write a review on Trip Advisor so that more people like you will know about us and come and visit.”

How can I not go to Trip Advisor and tell the story of the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and my new family there? How can I not tell everyone I know about this wonderful place with magical, sincere people in a country with such a beautiful heart. Moreover, how can I convince hotels worldwide to allocate a fraction of their revenue towards pushing hotel direct sales through GetawayPackages.com and other hotel direct portals?

I thank Expedia for this booking experience. We hope to offer the same through GetawayPackages.com and we expect to return every year, once a year to refresh ourselves in true hospitality and service.

Happy Dia de la Amistad amigos! Hasta Pronto.

Click here to learn more about The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Nayarit Mexico. And if you must, go to an OTA… but do go!

P.S. No one at the hotel knew my business background and we did not handout a single business card. It would have been VERY embarrassing. And thanks so much Jorge, aka Jose, whose mother makes the best quesadillas in Puerto Vallarta!

Romantic Getaway Packages

Posted on February 8, 2012 by The Vacation Gals

While February is the month of romance — with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle of the month — here at Getaway Packages, we believe that romance should be a year-round state of mind. After all, a romantic getaway with your special someone doesn’t need to only take place on a certain day, weekend or week in February!

Here are some vacation packages that will help ignite romance in your life — whether you book them now or file away the ideas for trips this spring or summer.

City Chic: Boston Harbor Hotel
Explore all that the historic city of Boston has to offer from your home base at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The romance package includes luxurious accommodations on the waterfront (on the 8th through 16th floor, for lovely water or city views), plus champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and a full American breakfast for two.

Coastal Getaway: Catalina Island
This marvelous little island off the coast of Southern California is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with your sweetie. Retreat to the New Pavilion Hotel for this romance package that includes accommodations, in-room continental breakfast delivery, chocolate and champagne delivered to the room, a $75 dinner credit at the Avalon Grille, two tickets to the iconic Casino Theatre and 50% a zipline eco tour.

Quiet B&B: The Barn Inn
Retreat to Ohio’s Amish Country with this “Spoiled Rotten” package from The Barn Inn Bed & Breakfast. Book any two-night stay and add on these extras: a 1 lb. box of assorted Coblentz fine chocolates, sparking juice and cheese basket waiting in your room; a 30-minute foot massage by a licensed reflexologist; hors d’oeuvres delivered to your room whichever evening you prefer. Each of the rooms in the big red barn are uniquely decorated, and a farm-fresh breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Desert Delight: L’Auberge de Sedona
This luxurious property in the desert community of Sedona, Arizona, offers the Amour Package, with chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting in your room on arrival, plus a $170 dinner credit and $36 breakfast credit at L’Auberge Restaurant at Oak Creek.

Enjoy your vacation package, whenever you travel — a next-weekend getaway, or a longer escape later this year!

The Vacation Gals are big fans of romantic escapes, whether it’s to a quiet nearby hotel or an exciting getaway across the country.

Great July 4 Package Deals

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Getaway Packages

Chris Ponso sxc.hu Celebrate Independence Day with a much-deserved vacation! All over the country, the skies will light up with firework displays and roads and airports will be brimming with travelers just like you. Here at GetawayPackages.com, we’re letting freedom ring with these not-to-be-missed Fourth of July hotel packages.

W Hotel Washington D.C.
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in our nation’s capital? Get the best seats in town when you book the Boom With a View Package at the sexy and sophisticated W Hotel, the closest hotel to the White House. Head up to the 11^th floor rooftop bar and restaurant where you’ll have the best seats in all the city to see the July 4th fireworks igniting the sky above the Washington Monument. Have the sudden urge to sing the Star-Spangled Banner? We do, too.

Deluxe room accommodations
Admission for 2 to W Washington D.C.’s exclusive rooftop party
Spectacular view of the fireworks
Live musical performances
Premium open bar
Delicious bites by Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges

Glenn Hotel, Atlanta, GA
Infuse your Independence Day holiday with a big dose of southern hospitality. The charming and boutique Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection, brims with style and occupies a 1923 limestone building at a prime downtown location. The 11^th story rooftop bar and restaurant is a scene of urban landscaping, where you’ll find the chef’s thriving herb garden. It’s also where you’ll watch the fireworks extravaganza at Centennial Olympic Park when you book the hotel’s Red, White and Boom Package. This package includes:

Overnight accommodations for 2
Breakfast for 2
Roof-top sky lounge to view the fireworks

Boston Harbor Hotel
Gaining independence from the British parliament did not happen overnight. A series of events led to the American Revolution, most notably, the Boston Tea Party. Go back to the scene of this patriotic time in history and celebrate what our forefathers fought for with a stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel. This luxury grand property is right on the water and close to the airport. Plus, each room’s large bay windows frame a view of the boat-filled harbor or the Boston cityscape. Book the Stars and Stripes Package this July 4^th and receive:

Overnight stay with luxurious accommodations
Priority seating and meal for two at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille Outdoor Terrace
Full American breakfast for two
Complimentary valet parking
Use of the fitness center and pool

Crown Plaza Downtown Houston
Positioned in the heart of downtown Houston, the Crowne Plaza is within walking distance to a bevy of attractions, such as the Bayou Place, Houston’s Theatre District and the new downtown aquarium. Houston is also home to one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country, Freedom Over Texas. This six-hour festival has been a Houston tradition for decades and showcases a host of nationally known country music stars. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show set to country music. Go big this Independence Day with the 4th of July Package: Bigger in Texas! Package. It includes:

Deluxe overnight accommodations
Overnight valet parking
Full breakfast for up to 4 people
View of the Freedom Over Texas fireworks
Mini-American flags for the family
Complimentary shuttle transportation throughout downtown

Happy Independence Day!

Last Minute Memorial Day Trip

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Getaway Packages

Haven’t yet found that perfect vacation package for Memorial Day weekend to mark the start of the summer travel season? These last-minute trip ideas will ensure the long weekend is a memorial one at some of the hottest summer destinations in the U.S.

DRIVE TO HAWAII
Yes, anything is possible. At least it is when you want to avoid taking an expensive flight to Hawaii for an island getaway. Nestled along the San Diego Bay in forever-sunny San Diego, Shelter Island is the closest you’ll get to a tropical oasis without leaving the mainland. This island enclave includes four waterfront hotels, swaying palm trees, San Diego’s most popular outdoor venue, authentic summer Polynesian luau, grassy knolls, and supreme marina and downtown views. The island-wide Drive to Hawaii packages start at $119 at each hotel and include:

The Bay Club Hotel & Marina – 2 night stay in a water-view room, 2 welcome tropical drinks in the lounge, welcome basket, full breakfast for 2, complimentary hotel parking
Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites – 2 nights of deluxe accommodations, welcome cocktails/beverage, tropical flowers, deluxe Luau Platter served Bayside, poolside or in your room, and 2 hours of a complimentary bike rental.
Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina – 2 nights of waterfront view accommodations, breakfast for 2 each day, welcome cocktails and appetizer, upgrade to a water front view suite with a $185 rate.
Kona Kai Resort Spa and Marina – 2 nights of waterfront accommodations, welcome Mai Tai, Hawaiian fruit basket, a Happy Hour Pupu Plate, Guest Passport Savings Card, and a 20 percent local restaurant discounts.

GET THE JUMP ON YOUR SAN DIEGO SUMMER
Stay at the iconic property that crowns San Diego’s historical center, at the Old Town State Historic Park. The Spanish-style Best Western Plus Hacienda Old Town sits along Old Town’s tallest hillside with unmatched views of the city. Their Get The Jump On Your San Diego Summer package includes:

Deluxe accommodations
Breakfast for 2
$25 Gas Card
Late check-out (3pm)
Bring your pet along for $20

Pet Friendly in Old Town

GAYLORD NATIONAL WEB-ONLY SALE
For the granddaddy of all Memorial Day vacations, you must stay at the granddaddy of all resorts – the Gaylord Resorts and Convention Centers. Famous for their ‘everything in one place’ approach to hospitality, you’ll find attractions, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, all under the same roof as your hotel room. At each of their four upscale resorts near Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, and Washington DC, Gaylord Hotels is offering a not-to-be-missed Memorial Day Weekend deal. Save 20 percent on rates from $179, plus receive a free atrium upgrade. Offer only valid for travel May 27-30.

A PET-FRIENDLY MEMORIAL DAY
The Memorial Day weekend also marks the end of National Pet Friendly Month, so make sure your vacation includes your four-legged child, without the added cost. Kimpton Hotels have always felt warm and fuzzy for furry guests and have a special HosPETality Unleashed program, that includes treats, bowls, beds and toys. Other pet perks include:

A ‘pet psychic’ at Hotel Monaco Portland who visits monthly during their hosted wine hour.
- Doggie bed turn down service for pets at Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle. Room service also leaves pup “sculptures” made from towels on owners’ beds during turn down.
- “Hers and Furs Pet-icures” (side-by-side human and pet manicure) at The Muse Hotel in New York City.

: National Pet Friendly Month

10 Rules for a Romantic Vacation

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Getaway Packages

We’re going to play Cupid this Valentine’s and make sure you don’t mess up your plans for a romantic getaway. Here are our 10 surefire romance rules to live by when traveling with your significant other:

DO decide on a destination together and choose the resort/hotel/spa that appeal to both of you. Preferably, pick a place you both have never experienced before.
DON’T pick a place or hotel that you’ve been to before with your ex. C’mon don’t be daft.
DON’T travel like you’re on a business trip. Stick together. This is a time to bond, not barrel through a destination like you have a deadline. For example, don’t split up and go to a museum, while your wife goes shopping.
DON’T force your agenda or preferences. Decide together what the vacation will look like and what you’ll do.
DO live in the present. Make a vow to each other that you won’t discuss the past, nor fret about the future. Some topics to avoid: your mortgage payment, your children’s grades, next week’s business meeting. Just enjoy each other and the moment at hand, whether that’s wading through the warm waters of Miami or biking amongst the autumn leaves in Vermont.
DO act like you’re on your honeymoon. Kiss and touch a lot. Hold hands everywhere and don’t be shy about showing affection in public.
DO split up tasks. Don’t always leave your girlfriend to figure out the city map or consistently put your boyfriend in charge of holding the luggage. Do your part and make sure you’re a team to make the trip fun and relaxing for the both of you.
DO something different. Go out of your way to do something that you would never do at home – eat adventurously, go ziplining, take a bike or kayak tour. Some of the most romantic activities are the ones you experience first together.
DON’T sweat the small stuff. If anything goes wrong on the trip, don’t blame or criticize your partner. Always blame someone or something else. Or, be preemptive. If you know your husband usually has no clue where he’s going, make sure to add a GPS to the rental car.
DO buy a special souvenir to bring back home. Whether it’s a CD of local music from Austin or a wood carving from Alaska, it’ll be a wistful reminder of your fun times together. Plus, it can be a trigger for you to start planning your next vacation.

Do you think we missed any? What do you do to make your travels more romantic?

Drive to Hawaii REALLY

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Getaway Packages

So the December holidays are over, you’re bank account is empty, you really want to experience a tropical paradise but flying this month is out of the question. What to do? If you live in Southern California, Arizona or Nevada…get set, ready, drive to San Diego. Once you arrive in San Diego program your GPS for Shelter Island and prepare to enter the land of Aloha.

Never heard of Shelter Island? This intimate, man-made island in the blue waters of San Diego’s big bay is home to four Hawaiian style resort hotels, each of which overlooks the bay, downtown San Diego, Coronado and did I say San Diego’s beautiful, calm bay? With the temperature this week hovering around 78 degrees….this is it. Paradise found. Rates as low as $119 per night.