Red's at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel

If you, like me, still haven’t solidified your Thanksgiving holiday plans for this year, consider getting away for the holiday!  With the special third-night free Thanksgiving holiday promotion at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, MA, you can have a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, Red’s, and a relaxing getaway in an ocean-view suite!

Red’s is offering a fabulous Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11:30am-4:30pm (reservations required).  The meal includes a warm mug of Mulled Apple Cider, Warm Cape Cranberry Walnut Bread and Rolls with Maple Butter for starters. The first course includes Sugar Pumpkin Bisque with Local Goat Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds, followed by Autumn Greens tossed with Dry Cape Cranberries, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Roasted Parsnips, Spiced Walnuts and Narragansett Feta. Main course options are  a choice of Cider Glazed Whole Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Dressing, Creamy Maine Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Cape Cranberry Sauce, Giblet Gravy and Harvest Vegetables; Cedar Plank East Coast Salmon with Butternut Squash, Harvest Vegetables and Apple Butter; or Maple Glazed Country Ham, Golden Raisins, Sweet Potatoes, Eastham Turnips and Pearl Onions. Your dessert options are Macintosh Apple Crisp with Organic Oats and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Pumpkin Bread and Butter Pudding with Caramel Ice Cream and Pumpkin Tuile.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel
350 Quaker Road
North Falmouth, MA 02556

Photo credit: Sea Crest Beach Hotel

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf, located right on the Boston Harbor, has recently completed a multimillion dollar, full-hotel renovation, including a new Waterline restaurant and bar, a reinvented lobby, a new fitness center, upgraded and redesigned guest rooms, and new meeting space.  To celebrate the renovation, they are offering a “New Point of View” package.  It starts at $249 per night (varies based upon dates and availability) and is available through March 31, 2012.  The package includes the following:

• Private consultation with a VIP concierge, who will help you develop a custom itinerary so you can enjoy the city
• A $50 credit to the new Waterline restaurant
• Complimentary on-site valet parking for one car (a great perk!)
• Complimentary use of new fitness center and renovated pool area
• Deluxe overnight accommodations at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf is conveniently located just a few steps away from the Boston Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and Boston’s famed North End.  Other popular spots, including the Boston Common, the Boston’s Children’s Museum, Boston’s Financial District, and the TD Banknorth Garden are nearby.

Boston Marriott Long Wharf
296 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-227-0800

Photo credit: The Boston Marriott Long Wharf

The Exterior of XV Beacon

XV Beacon, one of the most popular boutique hotels in Boston, is offering two winter and holiday packages this season.  Enjoy a relaxing winter getaway right in the heart of the city!

If you are looking to get in the spirit of the holiday season, the “Holiday on the Hill” package is a great option!  With the package, starting at $595,  you’ll receive the following winter holiday amenities:

• $200 gift card at guest’s choice of Saks or Neiman Marcus
• Two hot toddies (or drink of choice) in front of your fireplace
• Complimentary Lexus sedan service to shopping area of choice (I’d choose Newbury Street or Copley Place!)

For a more relaxing getaway, the “Winter White Out” Package at XV Beacon may be more appropriate.  You’ll enjoy visiting snow-covered Boston in winter, while staying in one of the more quaint areas of the city.  With this getaway, you’ll receive the following discounts:

• Stay two nights and receive 15% off per night
• Stay three nights or more and receive 20% off per night
• Food credit of $40

Rates for the package start at $295. You can book it now, and it’s available from December 22, 2011 through March 19, 2012.

XV Beacon
15 Beacon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
1 (877) xvbeacon

Photo credit: XV Beacon

Santa Cruz is still pretty during winter months.

Beach escapes aren’t just for summer. This holiday season, pack your bags for Santa Cruz, and check in to the Dream Inn. The only beachfront hotel in town, the Dream Inn offers great views of Cowell’s Beach, the Santa Cruz Pier and Boardwalk, and Monterey Bay.

The hotel offers three ways you can save this holiday season:

•    The Family Getaway Package includes overnight accommodations for four, milk and cookie turndown service on arrival night, a VIP amenity for kids, an ornament keepsake and a host of board games to play with.

•    The Three-Night Value Package includes three-night deluxe beachfront accommodations (with a private balcony), a welcome amenity, $50 food and beverage credit at Aquarius Restaurant or in-room dining, a $25 gas card and complimentary parking.

•    The Cars Stay Free Package includes overnight accommodations and complimentary parking.

Rates vary, depending on package, type of room and time of reservation. All three packages are good through Dec. 31, 2011. To book, visit jdvhotels.com.

The hotel’s 165 guestrooms and suites have views of Monterey Bay from private balconies or patios, free Wi-Fi and local calls, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and in-room coffee makers.

The Dream Inn is parked right on Cowell’s Beach, a perfect spot for winter sun worshipping as well as easy surfing. Just a short walk away is the pier and Santa Cruz Boardwalk, with plenty of activities and food options. If you want to get a look at some real waves, go to nearby Steamer Lane to watch the surfers any time of year.

Dream Inn, 866-774-7735
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Photo courtesy of the Dream Inn

More Santa Cruz-related information:
Top 10 Beaches for Learning to Surf
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History