A San Francisco Christmas Treat & a Deal on Luxury River Cruising

The Westin St. Francis right on Union Square in San Francisco is going all out this Christmas to put you in the holiday spirit.

First, you'll be in a good mood when you enter the hotel's lobby and oooh and ahhh over the 15-foot, silver-and-white holiday tree adorned with $40,000 worth of holiday decorations including energy-saving LED lights that change colors. 

And to teach your kids--or to remind ourselves--that the holiday season is as much about giving as receiving, the hotel will invite you to choose a child's name from a holiday giving tree and to give that child an unwrapped gift.  The hotel will provide everything you need to make a gift card and then make sure the gift reaches the recipient.

You'll save up to a third off your stay if you check in for three nights--how does $104 a night for a double sound?  Stay two nights, and rates begin at only $112 a night.

There are several package deals, such as the Macy's shop-'til-you-drop offer.  Pay $131 a night for a three-night stay and receive a $100 gift certificate good for the Macy's store just across the street. That almost covers the cost of a night's stay.

If taking a leisurely river cruise, with all meals (and wine and beer at dinner), plus shore excursions, airport transfers, and on-board lectures included, is more your style, the Uniworld Unique Boutique River Cruise Collection is worth a careful look.  

Book and pay for a 2010 cruise before the end of November and a couple can receive up to a $1,200 discount.  Simply book a trip and pay a deposit before the end of the month, and a couple can realize a savings of up to $600.

Destinations including rivers in Europe, Africa, Egypt and China.  It's a gorgeous and easy way to see the world up close from the comfort of a river boat.