Palm Springs, Ca - the desert

Escape to Palm Springs this winter for some sunny skies, warm(er) weather and some truly amazing prices at one of the area’s loveliest hotels – the Riviera Resort & Spa. It’s only a few miles away from downtown Palm Springs, and the whole area has things to do for all seasons including the fabulous Living Desert Museum. This resort is perfect for romantic getaways (though beware, many weddings are held here!), girlfriend getaways and “why not” vacations. The pool area is fantastic – large with plenty of seating, and a fire pit. The pool area gets crowded on weekends, so get there early!

If you purchase your rooms this weekend, you can snag a terrific $119 rate for Sunday-Thursday and for $139 on weekends. You can book these rates for stays between now and January 20, 2010! But hurry, this rate expires on Sunday, November 22 at midnight.

The Riviera Resort also has a promotion going on which can save you up to 40% off of current rates – if you want to stay between January 10 and March 31, 2010, and you get the 40% off rate. And, between now and December 31, 2009, you can save 30% off rates so long as you book seven days in advance. The hotel also offers 20% off rates if you book two or more nights.

You’ll love the newly decorated interiors and grounds! The hotel’s interior keeps with the “Rat Pack” design and lighting, very old Hollywood.

Photo: Kurisu

The Ace Hotel is a kind of a chain, with cool properties in Portland, Seattle, New York and Palm Springs.

In Palm Springs, California, it’s the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, and built on the site of a Howard Johnson’s hotel from 1965. If you love a private patio, a saline pool, massage, yurts, and the whole indoor/outdoor aesthetic of Palm Springs, you’ll like the Ace Hotel.

Ace Hotel, Palm Springs, King Room

Did I mention the booze snow cone? Talk about cool…

When you get hungry, but are too lazy (or drunk) to go all the way out for food, there is an onsite diner called “King’s Highway Restaurant.” It’s seasonal and organic, but also cool and retro.  The Amigo Bar has all the cocktails you need to do your 50′s movie star bit, plus cheap bear and all the trendy infused vodka you can drink.

Ace Hotel, Palm Springs, Private Patio

They offer several packages, including the “Easy Rider” (massage, what were you thinking?), the “Ranch Hand” which gets you horse back riding, and a delightful 50% discount on a second room, plus toys, for the “Whole Family.”

Ace Hotel, Palm Springs, Suite with cool furniture

Here’s the crazy thing: you’d think a place this cool would be insanely expensive and always booked up. But no! You can get incredible deals, even for holiday weekends like the 4th of July, for the $100 neighborhood!

All I can say is, where’s my bathing suit? Because I am dying to go hang out by the Ace Hotel pool with a booze snow cone and listen to some vinyl records!

Memorial Day is barely six weeks away! Do you have your vacation and travel plans set yet? The economy is tough, but luckily, Sherman’s Travel recently posted an article about some of the country’s best destinations for Memorial Day, and I thought they picked some nice places.They’re varied enough that, hopefully,  you’ll be able to find one or two that are close enough to your home that you don’t have to shell out for an expensive flight.  I’ll stick with suggesting some hotels for three of the domestic places on the list.

The Driskill in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas

Come place in the Lone Star State’s beautiful capital! The University of Texas at Austin provides a large and vibrant student population, and there’s a wonderful music and arts scene. I lived in Austin for three weeks (really!) a couple of years ago, and it’s a wonderful city. Small city with big-city offerings and great (but hot) weather.

The Driskill (If you can afford to splurge)

Hilton Austin (Not cheap, but more moderate)

Radisson Hotel and Suites (More affordable, great location on a lake)

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California is only a 2 hour drive from either San Diego or Los Angeles, and about a four hour drive from Las Vegas. It’s a true desert oasis set at the foot of gorgeous mountains covered with snow in winter and fields of flowers during spring and summer.

Viceroy (Pricey, but not ridiculously so, There are definitely more expensive hotels in Palm Springs.)

Peppertree Inn (Moderately price – a new boutique hotel)

Best Western Inn at Palm Springs (Cheap but good quality!)

Charleston Historic District

Charleston, South Carolina

Get your fill of Southern charm and hospitality! A perfect choice for a romantic Memorial Day weekend for two or for a fun-filled vacation for the entire family. Hire a horse-and-carriage for a tour of this historic and beautiful city.

Planters Inn (A lovely boutique hotel – not 5 star but very, very nice)

Holiday Inn (Historic District – good, above-basic accommodations)

Days Inn (Fairly cheap and in the historic district!)

Photo Credits: JerryHayesAustin, Trent Maynard

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room