Hotels

Starting Oct 9, 2009, the U.S. Virgin Islands is offering a cent-sational promotion – hotel rooms for 25 cents. The promotion is a part of the celebration for the launch of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ first-ever United States quarter.

U.S. Virgin Islands

In addition to the $.25 cent room nights (max 3 nights), you also get $25 per person dining credit and $25 per person activities credit. And a Virgin Islands commemorative quarter Scotiabank coin set.

This is a limited time offer and you have to book before Nov 2 for stays between now and Nov 15 only. Reservations must be made through BookIt.com.

Participating hotels include Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Hotel Caravelle, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Windward Passage , and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.

It’s short notice, so in case you miss this promotion, then USVI has more super deals and specials on offer.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, were discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. Since then, many European nations with delusions of empire have taken turns at being masters of these islands and leaving behind their footprints and culture on the white sandy beaches. This role is currently being played by the United States.

Photos courtesy M. Booth & Associates Inc.

As hotel obsessives (yes, like me) know, the Ritz-Carlton is the gold standard for service. Executives and sales departments from other industries study them to learn how to treat their most valued clients. And guests of the Ritz-Carlton consistently rave about the attention to detail and care they enjoy while staying at the properties.

The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, CA

Seriously, it’s real. For a former job, we’d put our (ridiculously rich) Board of Directors up in the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton, on Nob Hill — they demanded to stay there. I’d go running up there to do whatever gofer stuff they needed, and even then, when I was a totally junior peon, every single staff person was the picture of friendly solicitousness. They greet you at the door with a smile, everything is ready for you in a nanosecond, and if you have to wait someone brings you chilled water. On a silver tray. It’s delightful.

Yes, special tuxedo chocolate strawberries. Note the silver tray!

Like so many wonderful things in life, you have to experience it to really understand it, and it can be a bit pricey — a luxury in the most traditional sense.

Before you sigh in wishful yearning, and decide you’ll never know, check this out: This summer the Ritz-Carlton is placing that luxury (a little more) within reach with special value packages.

Not a sale, not a discount, an added value package.

A room at the SF Ritz-Carlton. Check out the view!

I’m especially impressed by the “Peace of Mind” package, which is all about relaxing and creating memories, in gorgeous locations like San Francisco (of course!), Maui, Key Biscayne, the Virgin Islands, Europe and the Middle East. The package includes:

• deluxe room accommodations
• full American breakfast for two served in the restaurant (and their restaurants are always fabulous)
• daily internet access and local phone calls
• overnight parking
• Ritz Kids special activities program for two kids
• three nights for the price of two; five nights for the price of three; and a week for the price of only four nights

Did you see that last bullet? The one in bold? A week for the price of four nights? You can do this! Make your reservations now!

This package is only available through September 30, 2009 and the rate will depend on which location. Visit the “One Vacation” page of the Ritz-Carlton site to get all the details and check availability. Then prepare to experience the good life!