Chicago is one of the greatest places to be during the winter holidays.  Yes, it’s cold.  But the snow and the tiny white lights that cover the entire city are beautiful.  Chicago winters perfectly capture the spirit of the most wonderful time of year.

Chicago Christmas Tree

The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is offering guests incredible travel specials for the holidays – as long as you book early.

Here’s the Chicago holiday travel deal:

• Receive a $100 Macy’s gift card for each night of your stay.
• Receive a Macy’s VIP coupon book.
• Get a complimentary photo with the Macy’s Santa on State St. Available for stays Nov. 24 – Dec. 24.
• Reduced rates starting at $175 per night from Nov. 6, 2009 to February 21,  2010.

According to my math, the Macy’s gift card brings your actual room rate to about $75 per night.  You have to shop now anyway, right?

The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers will also be offering complimentary shuttle service to Macy’s and Water Tower Place – Chicago’s consumer utopias – during the weekends leading up to December 20.

How to get this Chicago Christmas  deal

• Book by November 6th.
• Offer valid for stays from November 6 to February 21.
• Book online, or call 866-716-8103
• Ask for promo code MAP

Happy Holidays from the Windy City (and Sheraton Chicago)!

View from Artesa Winery in Napa

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your romantic getaway. Thanks to our current Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, you have this beautiful and upscale choice less than two hours from the city.

Carneros Inn Cottages

The Carneros Inn, a Plumpjack Resort is a jewel at the entrance to Napa Valley. It is a perfect escape and location for a weekend wine tasting or just relaxing. My husband and I stayed in a cottage soon after the resort opened a couple of years ago and had a very relaxing weekend – starting with sampling wines at the gorgeously modern hillside (and near by) Artesa Winery.

The second time we returned, we stayed in a two-bedroom cottage that is part of The Orchard, their small group of luxurious homes on the resort property that are for sale. Each time our experience just gets better and better.

As you pull into the property just past Domaine Carneros/Taittinger Winery, if you are coming from San Francisco, follow the signs to the Registration up on the hilltop. As you check in the staff offers you a chilled glass of local champagne, then gallantly escorts you to your cottage via a quiet electric golf cart.

Cottage patio and outdoor shower

One of my favorite features in their cottages is the outdoor shower. Inside your bathroom, your shower glass door opens to the outside allowing you to experience the slightly decadent and often romantic alfresco shower.  And the heated floor in the bathroom warms your feet as you dry off.

Each 450 square foot cottage comes with a wood burning fireplace for a romantic evening with room service or a lazy morning before check out.

The property has a few restaurants to choose from now, starting with the roadside Boon Fly Cafe, but I recommend The Farm for an intimate dinner for two – and ask for the table that faces the fireplace for a great view during your meal. Bring something warm to layer on after dinner then definitely consider having a night cap outside on one of the couches around the fire pit before heading back to your cottage.

The Carneros Inn is the perfect blend of warmth and luxury with an easy drive from the Bay Area – and a great romantic escape.