Washington DC

A friend of mine just got back from a wedding she and her husband attended in Washington DC, and they stayed at Hotel Palomar. She said they loved it. What did they love about it? She said the hotel had a really clean and modern feel, the rooms used space wisely and attractively, and the sheets were apparently super super soft.

But, what I think is really cool about this hotel is that it has a partnership with the Smithsonian and Phillips Collection, which means that on any given night, you might be able to enjoy a lecture or an artist performing at the nightly receptions the hotel hosts. There’s also something called the “honor bar” — which I’m not clear on if it’s in the room or not – which has art supplies and art games. Interesting! The detail which stuck out the most for me, though, is that the Hotel Palomar staff is apparently trained by the Washington DC ballet so that they move around you and the hotel with a lot of grace. This creates some funny images in my head, but it does sound nice.

The outdoor swimming pool is heated, which is lovely.

And they allow pets! They really cater to guests with pets, it sounds like – Hotel Palomar offers pet massages and pet daycare as well. Not bad.

The word is that this hotel is a wonderful place to spend a honeymoon or a short romantic getaway, and from what I’ve seen and heard, I’d have to agree.

Photo Credit: OmniNate

I checked, and for Memorial Day, you can get a room for $200-$250/night, which is quite good for Washington DC on a big holiday weekend.

A room in the St Regis in San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place to visit in December–the weather can be fairly mild, SPCA kittens grace the windows of Macy’s, and hotels offer fantastic deals for visitors from near and far.

At the high end, check out the ultra-posh St Regis Hotel, where the “Holidays at the St Regis” package includes gingerbread cookies and egg nog, a delivery of hot chocolate for two, and a Vie Luxe candle. Especially during the holidays I love to meet friends for a drink in the slick, gorgeous bar, and I’ve heard Remede Spa is not-to-be-missed.

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants created memorable packages at many of its San Francisco properties, from “The Art of Shopping” getaway at the Hotel Palomar near shopping mecca Union Square to the “Naughty or Nice?” package at the Argonaut Hotel, which includes either a trip to Alcatraz or a visit to the Exploratorium science museum.

Parents might especially love the “Holiday Memory Maker” package at Hotel Monaco. Your kids write letters to Santa on personalized stationery, then receive a surprise visit from elves who come bearing milk, cookies and a bedtime story.