Valentine’s Day Getaway Deals

It looks like I will be enjoying some time not traveling this February 14^th, but for those of you who don't travel for a living and relish the idea of a “vacation,” I’ve got some good stuff for you. My inbox has been overflowing with so many Valentine’s getaways that I’ve decided to divide them into domestic and international.

Here’s a selection of ideas for those who want to celebrate their love within the United States…

Chicago, Illinois 

The J.W. Marriott really knows how to bring couples together for quality time. Their “Disconnect to Reconnect” package includes accommodations in a luxury suite; a two hour Couples Connection Experience at the hotel’s spa, VALEO; a Chef’s in-room dessert bites tasting, complete with champagne; and a late checkout of 2:00 pm. The package rate begins at $534 and is available any night from February 10-20 (based on availability) if you reserve at 312-660-8200 or online.

I love the Trump Chicago, and the Unforgettable Romance Package will put you in a deluxe room with a bottle of champagne, a five-course dinner at Sixteen, exotic truffles on your bed and a breakfast for two in the morning. You will also get a late checkout with this $675 per night package, available for all of February. There’s also a “Do Not Disturb” package if you are just looking to be left alone in your room (with Kama Sutra chocolate body paint). Check out additional specials in the restaurant and spa when you call 312-588-8000 or visit the Trump Chicago site.

"Be My Valentine" is the theme at Nacional 27, where there will be drinks, dinner and dancing. Sip on the four cocktails paired with the meal while you enjoy the unique Latin creations of Chef Chico Vilchez’s four course menu. It’s $49 for just dinner and $84 with the cocktails.

For the ultimate, never to be forgotten Valentine’s Day (this would be perfect for anyone who plans on “putting a ring on it”), Hotel 71 is offering the ultimate dinner – in their 39th Floor Penthouse Ballroom. Enjoy the quiet intimacy of a dinner prepared just for you by the chef (with wine or champagne, of course). You will have your own private server for the six course experience. The cost is $1,500 per couple and if you decide to get a hotel room there for the night, you will be sure to get an upgrade.

If you find yourself alone in Chicago on Valentine’s Day, you will want to head to Mercadito, where you can enjoy a five-course sharing menu of guacamoles, ceviches and botanos, followed by dessert. The cost is $55 per person and you can get more information by calling 312-329-9555 or going to their website.

New York, New York

What could be more romantic than the movie Casablanca? A Valentine’s stay at Casablanca Hotel in the heart of Times Square. Even without a special deal, this hotel provides a delicious morning breakfast spread and evening cocktail hour to all its guests, and I just love the décor.  Celebrate romance with the A Kiss is Just a Kiss package that will give you a bottle of Prosecco, a plate of strawberries and a Hershey’s Kisses gift upon arrival. Best of all, if you stay three days, you will get 10% off standard rates. Visit their website or call 212-869-1212 for reservations.

See the Big Apple in a new and very romantic way. Gray Line New York is offering a Valentine’s Day Night on the Town Tour to remember.  For $79 per person, you will get a fully guided tour of lower Manhattan in a heated motorcoach; a dinner at one of Little Italy’s oldest restaurants; a cruise on the NY Watertaxi with a champagne toast by the Statue of Liberty; a walking tour of the new Highline Park and a ticket to take in the view from the Top of the Rock Observatory. It all starts at 6:00 pm and you can get your tickets online.

Napa, California

I still remember the amazing breakfast spread at The Harvest Inn. Head to St. Helena for their Celebrate Love package that includes two nights in a King Vineyard room (complete with brick fireplace); a bottle of sparkling wine, a dozen roses and a six inch signature cake; rose petal turndown service; two spa treatments; and two signature bathrobes to take home. Rates begin at $570 and can be booked at their site or by calling 707 -963-9463.

Santa Monica, California

For those who want to give a nod to the environment as well as their loved one for Valentine’s Day, The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica is offering a “Pink Goes Green” package . For $469 per couple, you will receive overnight accommodations; two bicycle rentals; a bottle of organic wine or champagne; a 60 minute couples massage at Tikkun Spa; and a $50 credit at The Lobster Restaurant, located right on Santa Monica Pier. Visit their website or call 800-599-1515 to reserve.

Savannah, Georgia

The Zeigler House Inn is going all out for February 14^th. For $375 per couple, you get one night at the inn with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne waiting for you; an evening reception followed by a vow renewal ceremony at the City Market (for which you will have a fresh rose bouquet); and a voucher toward dinner at Alligator Soul, one of Savannah’s premier restaurants. For details or reservations, visit their website or call 866-233-5307.