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Rudy's Quick Guide To Saving Money On Airfares, Hotels, Cruises, and More

Since the dawn of the Internet, I've praised the transparency and research capabilities it offers travelers.  Remember when we had to call an airline telephone reservations agent to book a flight and had no idea what alternatives we had unless we tripped upon an especially kind agent?  Or we went during business hours to a travel agent who may or may not have worked hard to find us the least expensive options?

Now, with a plethora of web sites, the consumer has an array of tools to compare prices and, in some cases, even name them.  The hotel field, in particular, has suddenly seen a robust new crop of sites delivering hotel rooms, especially high-end ones, at deeply discounted prices.

Here's my list of sites every traveler should access if savings is a goal.

AIRLINES

FareCompare.com: Check out average fares on specific routes per month to learn the least expensive time to fly.  Maybe you'll want to take that vacation in June rather than July?  Compare prices on different days to see if time-shifting your travel might be worth it.

Yapta.com: After you've booked a flight, let Yapta know, and the site will track prices on your flight and alert you if they drop before you begin travel and might be eligible for a refund.  (Normally those refunds come in the form of a future flight credit on the same airline.)  Keep in mind, however, many airlines charge change fees--as much as $150 a ticket by some major carriers--so the price drop has to be significant to make it worth your while in those cases.  Two airlines that don't charge change fees: JetBlue and Alaska.

Kayak.com & Momondo.com: Two fare-comparison web sites in hot competition with each other.  Denmark-based Momondo is especially good at finding fares on discount European airlines.  Remember, however, Southwest Airlines does not permit any third-party site to list its schedule AND fares, so you'll have to go to the airline's web site for those.

Flightstats.com: This site gives an historical range of prices on specific flights as well as their on-time and cancellation histories.  That makes this site especially helpful in determining when the least expensive time to travel might be on a certain flight or route.

HOTELS

Jetsetter.com: This is a membership-only site that serves up an astounding menu of high-end hotels and resorts around the world at deeply discounted prices.  But there's no fee to join, and membership is easy to obtain--just request it.  Or ask a friend who is a member to "nominate" you on the site.  At 6 p.m. one recent weekday, I picked up a hotel in Manhattan for that night--The Carlton, a member of Preferred Hotels at Madison and 27th--for $180 a night before taxes.  The retail price?  A 14-day, advance-purchase reservation runs $305 before taxes.  Sales usually last a few days, but you can often book out two, three, or more months.

VoyagePrive.com: This French company recently arrived in the US determined to claim a share of the market.  It, too, offers classy hotels at discounted rates and also has a loose "membership" requirement that costs nothing.  Its calendar display is clunky compared to Jetsetter's clear presentation, but it's worth keeping this site on your radar.

Bloomspot.com: Recently unveiled by a couple of former Yahoo.com executives, this site for now focuses on New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.  It offers hotels, too, but also restaurants, spas and sports clubs.  I recently bought a four-course dinner for about 45% off at Le Cirque in Manhattan.  The "discount" which is really simply a code you tell your waiter--is good for a year's time.  Yesterday I paid $75 to buy $145 worth of facial and massage services at the spa at a fancy hotel in Los Angeles as a birthday gift for my girlfriend.  More cities will come on line with time--I know this because my son works for the company.  No membership required.

Kayak.com: This airfare comparison site has joined the hotel-discount club.  Click on "Private Sale" on the left-hand column of Kayak's home page and join the hunt.  Its offerings aren't as deep as the aforementioned companies, but it's worth a look-see.

Travelocity.com: The latest entrant is the well-known, third-party travel booking site famous for its television commercials starring a globe-wandering travel gnome. This past week it launched "Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels," though obviously Travelocity hopes nothing about it remains top secret.  The site is promising up to 45% off hotel room nights.  Use your American Express card to book at least a two-night stay right now and get an additional $20 off. 

All these discount sites take excess inventory from hotels (or restaurants, spas and health clubs), negotiate a deep discount, add a bit on the top for their profit, and pass the savings along from you.  As long as the hotel business is under pressure as it is now, these bargains can be quite impressive.  This is one way to take advantage of the economic downturn. 

VACATION HOMES

PackLate.com: This terrific site was launched two months ago by the owner of two condos in Park City, Utah.  When he and his wife would put them up for rent, they'd lower the price the longer they went unrented.  He eventually decided to bring that tactic to the rest of us.  PackLate has contracted with property managers at major luxury resorts in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and California to take excess inventory and offer condos for at least 30% off retail.  But here's the good part: The price drops the longer the condo goes unrented, so you can play chicken and watch a few condos and hope no one rents them 'til their prices drop even further.  At the moment, individual owners of units can't post their places as they can on, say, VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner).  I really like this site, and you can save a bundle using it.  From one-bedroom condos to five-bedroom vacation homes, the menu is large and the photos appealing.  For the moment the site focuses on the Western US, but it will expand its reach over time.

CRUISES

CruiseCompete.com & MyBestFareFinder.com: Both of these sites are "reverse auction" sites, which means you enter what kind of cruise YOU want--time of travel, destination, style of cruse line, and so on.  Then travel agents and cruise lines send you offers via e-mail that ought to be significantly below retail.  Just sit back and let them bid for your business.

RESTAURANTS & OTHERS

GroupOn.com: Daily discounts in many cities on all kinds of restaurants and other services.  Register at the site and wait for the offers to tumble into your e-mail box.

BloomSpot.com: As mentioned above, this site offers significant discounts at restaurants, spas, and health clubs as well as hotels.

LastMinuteTravel.com: Need a ticket at the last minute?  Don't pay full fare.  Check out this site for deals on airfares, hotels, vacation packages and rental cars at, as the name implies, the last minute. 

It's Raining Deals: Orlando, Mount Tremblant, NYC Hotels, Barbados--Oh, My!

This is the season of the "travel trough," the cold months of January and February when travelers slow down, exhausted by Thanksgiving and December holiday trips.  So the deals come flying at us at an accelerated rate.

Here are a few I'm mentioning on my new radio show, "Rudy Maxa's World with Christopher Elliott."  (By the way, with 97 stations and nearly a million listeners, as confirmed by Arbitron numbers just released yesterday, we're the most widely syndicated radio travel show in the US.) 

• American Airlines Vacations offers a companion air ticket for free if you book a package vacation to Barbados for travel by May 31st.  BUT you must reserve your trip by Feb. 12th.  American flies non-stop to Barbados from New York City, Miami, and San Juan.
• Affinia Hotels has five, well-priced hotels in New York City.  And through March 31, they're offering a fun, "30 Rock" package at rates that begin at $199 a night before taxes--a bargain price for a Manhattan hotel room.  Here's what Liz Lemon fans receive in addition to a hotel room: tickets for two to NBC Studios for a behind-the-scenes tour; VIP skating package for two at Rockefeller Center's rink; two Affinia Hotels scarves, and a couple of other things.  Book here under "special offers."
•  If you want to do the Big Apple in a more upscale way with the family, the posh Plaza Athenee will give your kids an adjoining room for 50% off along with some nice extras such as cookies and milk in the evening, a children's gift bag with a Yankee hat, NYC taxi, a plush penguin and other stuff.  You'll also get four tickets to the Central Park zoo that's about a block from the hotel.  The offer is good until the end of March and then again in July and August.  Check out the "Pillows and Penguins Package" here.
• The Orlando Convention & Visitor's Bureau has an assortment of incentives to coax you to visit until March 1.  Purchase a flight and a seven-night hotel package at select Orlando hotels, and three of those hotel nights are free.  Hotels include the DoubleTree at the entrance to Universal Orlando, Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and others.  Book here and save an extra $150.  A seven-day Disney's "Magic Your Way Ticket" can be added to the package for the price of a four-day ticket.   There are also hotel discounts for shorter stays.
• If the upcoming Vancouver Olympics have you in the mood for snow, check out a whole different part of Canada to avoid the crowds and inflated prices in the Vancouver/Whistler area.  Consider skiing Mount Tremblant near Montreal where you'll find a fifth night stay for free or 50% off a three-night ski vacation at prices that start as low as US $115 per night.  Choose "Ski Vacation" at this site.

Some Darn Good Valentine's Day Packages from LA to NYC

I don't think I've ever re-printed a press release verbatim, but some of these Valentine's Day offers from JC Communications are very attractive, and I can get them to you much quicker by copying and pasting than writing up the offers individually. 

So if you're looking for a romantic getaway in New York City, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and the charming town of Easton on Maryland's Eastern Shore (less than a two-hour drive from DC or Baltimore), here are some good options. 

INN AT 202 DOVER, EASTON, MARYLAND

Celebrate with a LOVER’S PARADISE WEEKEND. Enjoy sumptuous suite accommodations and fine dining at the Inn at 202 Dover and exploring the historic town of Easton with its many shops, Art Academy, Historical Society and art galleries. The three-night package, valid for Friday, February 12, Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 is priced from $1,220, which is a savings of over $450; tax, gratuity and drinks are not included.

• Three-nights luxury accommodations in a suite
• Fresh flowers, champagne and hand dipped strawberries in room upon arrival
• Dinner at the Peacock Restaurant
• Fabulous breakfast each morning (in the restaurant or served in room)
• Private spa experience with steam shower, air jet tub and massage for two
• On Sunday evening, enjoy a special Valentine’s Dinner prepared by the Executive Chef and receive a keepsake photo to remember the evening
• For those who prefer to stay in on Friday or Saturday evening, a special dinner basket with assorted cheeses, pates, fruit, nuts and bottle of wine can be ordered (at an additional cost of $60 plus tax)

Reservations and more info here.  

LUXE RODEO DRIVE HOTEL, BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA

The ONLY hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills offers a LOVE ME, LAVISH ME package that celebrates romance all year long. Priced from $289 per night and valid through 2010, the package includes:

• Deluxe Accommodations
• Welcome split of Veuve Clicquot champagne and strawberries
• Continental Breakfast for two served in room
• One complimentary in room movie

To book the "Love Me, Lavish Me" package click here and enter code: LOVE. For additional information visit the hotel's website.

 

LUXE SUNSET BOULEVARD HOTEL, BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA

Celebrate at a luxurious urban retreat in Bel Air with the Valentine’s Day Sweet Surrender Package, available February 12, 13 and 14, with a special Valentine's Day dinner on February 14.  Priced from $259 per night, plus tax & gratuities the package includes:

• Accommodations in a Junior Executive Suite
• Pommes d’amour (mini caramel covered fiji apples) for two with a split of champagne and Cloud 9 natural aphrodisiac
• Robes and Slippers
• $25 credit for dinner at On Sunset Restaurant
• Keepsake Sleep masks
• Late check out until 3pm

For reservations and additional information visit the website.

 

 

PRINCETON MARRIOTT, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY

Newly renovated and located on 25 wooded acres in historic Princeton, NJ, with one of the area’s top day spas, the Princeton Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at Forrestal offers the following special romance packages:

 

Marriott Romance Package, priced from $134 per night, includes:

• Deluxe guest room accommodation with king bed for Saturday, February 13th
• Split of champagne and strawberries upon arrival
• Breakfast for two in the Restaurant the next morning
• Valet Parking
• Late checkout
• Add a stay for Friday, February 12th for an additional $99

Cupid's Deluxe Dinner Package for Couples, priced from $289 per couple, includes:

• Deluxe guest room accommodation with King Bed for Friday February 12th or Saturday February 13th
• Valet Parking
• Split of champagne and strawberries upon arrival
• Romantic Dinner for two in the hotel Dining Room, expertly prepared by the award-winning culinary team.  Seatings by Reservation Friday or Saturday
• Breakfast buffet for two in the Restaurant the next morning

Valentine's Day Brunch on Sunday, February 14th - $21.95 per person. Stay the night before for only an additional $99 per room.

Couples Massage Special - $220 per couple, plus tax; available Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday, February 14th by appointment only. Advance booking is required by calling: (609) 897-7520.

For information and reservations visit the Marriott website.   

 

THE CASABLANCA HOTEL, NEW YORK CITY

Enjoy "Free Love in Times Square"! The whole Times Square neighborhood will be dishing out "Free Love" to NYC visitors on Valentine's Day and beyond with loads of lovely special offers and activities for to enjoy with your loved one from February 8th - March 31st, 2010.

 

At the Casablanca Hotel, Free Love revelers will receive:

• $20 off our Best Available Rate unrestricted Rate
• Over $100 per day of value-added amenities: European style breakfast buffet daily; selection of coffee, tea, cookies and fruits throughout the day; Complimentary Wine & Cheese Receptions from 5PM - 8PM each evening; Complimentary Wireless High Speed Internet Access; Evening Turndown Service.

For reservations visit the hotel's website.

 

 

THE HOTEL GIRAFFE, NEW YORK CITY

An Affair to Remember…Combining the timeless style of Hotel Giraffe with all the excitement and pleasures New York City has to offer.  We invite you to have “An Affair to Remember” this Valentines’ Day! The Experience includes:

• Accommodations in a Deluxe King Room
• Bottle of Prosecco upon arrival
• American Express Gift Card valued at $100
• A pair of tickets to the Museum of Sex
• Romantic Rose Petal Turndown
• Two tickets to the Empire State Building, "The Empire State Building is the closet thing to heaven in this city" - An Affair to Remember
• "An Affair to Remember" DVD to keep and enjoy with that special someone 

Rates starting at $425 per night, a two night mimimun stay required. For reservations, click here. 

 

 

HOTEL ELYSEE, NEW YORK CITY

The Hotel Elysee's WINTER ROMANCE PACKAGE is the ultimate way to escape with a loved one. February rates start at $472 and over Valentine’s weekend rates start at $532. The package includes a complimentary bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Champagne, fresh strawberries, chocolates and a dozen long stem red roses in Suite upon arrival. This package is only available for Suite category rooms. To book the "Winter Romance" package, click here. 

 

HOTEL ELYSEE OLD NEW YORK CIRCA 1926 PACKAGE

Experience the Hotel Elysé

e, just like they did when the hotel first opened in 1926! Priced from $1,926 per night, for a two night say, with a two night mimimum stay, the package includes:

• A two night stay in one of the expansive 950 sq. ft. Premiere Suites featuring a kitchenette, living room, dining room table, baby grand piano, fireplace, bedroom with a King sized bed, flat screen LCD TV and a beautiful marble bathroom
• Room service dinner for two from the exclusive Monkey Bar for private in-room dining with a bottle of red wine
• Two signature Elysée bathrobes (to take home)

To book this package, click here. 

 

 

LIBRARY HOTEL, NEW YORK CITY

With the Library Hotel’s CUPID’S PINK ROMANCE TURNDOWN Package, every day is Valentine’s Day. February rates start from $325 plus tax per night - a 3 night minimum stay is required. Package includes:

• Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne
• Pink Roses & Petals Turndown
• Charbonnel’s Pink Champagne Truffles
• A small collection of love books specially arranged in room, lovingly selected by the honorary librarian to transform any of the beautiful rooms into the hotel’s most popular Love Room

To book this package, visit the hotel's website and enter promotional code: CUPID.

 

All of the above offers and packages are subject to availability; certain restrictions and black-out dates apply.

 

At Last, A Cruise Ship With No Single Supplement: Norwegian Epic's 'Studio Staterooms'

Solo travelers are always cranky about so-called "single supplements" on cruise ships and organized tours that force them to pay more on a per-person basis than two people traveling together.

A new cruise ship, the Norwegian Epic, begins service in July that is addressing that complaint with 128 single-person staterooms at a fair price--$799 per cabin for either of the ship's Eastern or Western Caribbean seven-day sailings. Tickets for the "studio staterooms" go on sale tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.  Keep in mind airfare to and from the ship, port fees, and various other taxes and fees are added to that price.

Each studio stateroom is 100-square-feet and has a queen bed or two twin beds plus a flat-screen TV and private bath. There's a common area reserved for those occupying a studio stateroom that's called the Studio Lounge that offers coffee, cocktails, snacks as well as a large-screen television and concierge service.

But wait, there's more.

Each cabin also has color-changing lighting options that allows a passenger to change the lighting depending on the time of day or his or her mood.  There's even a "love" setting for romantic nights at sea.  I can't vouch for what love lighting looks like, but if it works, it probably means the next time you book a cruise, you'll have to reserve a standard cabin for two.

Mexico Resort Deals Thru Early April--My KFWB Radio Deal O' the Week

If you’re thinking about an escape to a Mexico resort in the next several months, you might be interested in today’s deal in which some of Mexico’s leading resorts offer a third night’s say for free.

To begin with, here’s a list of participating properties: Live Aqua Cancun . . .  Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun . . .Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa . . . Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun . . .  Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort . . . Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta . . . . and Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco.

Each of those resorts will give guests one free night on any two-night stay.  Or get two free nights if you check in for six nights.  You’ll also get discounts of ten to fifteen per cent in dining, drinks, and spa services. 

Now here’s the fine print.  You must take advantage of this offer by February second, and it’s good on stays from today until April 10^th.

That’s a pretty wide window, and a pretty attractive offer.  But, remember, you must book by February second.  Call 800 FIESTA 1 or check it out here.

NYC's Casablanca Hotel, Library Hotel, Hotel Giraffe & Hotel Elysee Go On Sale for January and February; Book By Jan. 7th

I think January and February are great times to visit New York City.  It's less crowded, and there's no shortage of things to do no matter what the weather.

And while airfares to and from New York are generally well priced--especially at this time of year--it's the hotel costs that make the city so expensive.  So this deal comes along just in time.

It's from HK Hotels, a family-owned collection of boutique hotels in Manhattan including the Casablanca Hotel, Library Hotel, Hotel Giraffe, and Hotel Elysee.   I've stayed in two of these hotels over the years (the Library and Giraffe), and I can tell you all four are most pleasant hotels that are so cool, you'll know you're in the Big Apple.

So here's the deal: A select number of rooms in all four hotels are going on sale for as low as $201 a night (before taxes) during January and February.  Since rooms are limited, I'd suggest booking as soon as you can.  The deadline for booking these deals is Jan. 7. And plese note, as this sale is "private," you must make reservations by clicking on the link to the appropriate hotel as above.

And there's a nice array of extras, beginning with a bottle of wine and a bar of Belgian chocolate upon arrival.  A breakfast buffet is included in your room charge as well as an evening wine and cheese reception.  Coffee, tea, and cookies are served throughout the day, and--praise the heavens--your Wi-Fi is free as are passes to the New York Sports Club.

Deals of the Week: Marquis Los Cabos & Sofitels Offer Jan & Feb Specials

I know we’re at the start of Christmas week, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about . . . Valentine's Day. 

You heard me right, Valentine’s Day.  So here’s a suggestion: Mark your calendar for January 7th.  That’s when every Sofitel hotel in North America launches a sale that actually lasts the entire month of February in honor of Valentine’s Day. It’s called the “Air of Romance” deal, and here’s what you get:  Along with a swanky room, a couple receives a daily breakfast, a bottle of Champagne per stay, a complimentary gift of roses or chocolate, late check out of 4 p.m. depending on availability, and priority reservation at the hotels' restaurants. Now, your rate depends on what hotel you choose.  There are Sofitels in Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York.  Room rates for this February package range from a low of $170 in Minneapolis to a high of $334 a night in LA. But Chicago at $185 and San Francisco at $210 are darn reasonable, especially when you factor in the price of a hotel breakfast for two and a bottle of the bubbly.

So, remember, it's called the Air of Romance deal, and you can book beginning January 7th.

My second hotel deal stars the Marquis Los Cabos, a lovely hotel on the beach between the towns of Los Cabos and San Jose del Cabo  at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. From January through May, guests who book rooms receive a third night free.  But here’s where the deal gets interesting.  If you book a junior suite, you’ll also receive a rental car for two days and be upgraded to a 1,420-square-foot Marquis Suite or, even better, one of the resort's 28 ocean-view casitas with a huge bedroom and bathroom, not to mention a living room and private pool.

I ran the numbers, and they came out this way: By the time you add in 13% tax and a $35-a-day resort fee, a junior suite costs about $425 a night.  A Marquis Suite costs about $644 and a casita costs $850 a night.  Throw in the rental car and a third night free and you’ve got a considerable savings—an upgraded suite or casita for $283 a night.

The Marquis Los Cabos is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and it’s been named one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s “Hotels with a Heart” because it donates five per cent of its annual revenue toward the staff’s education and health care.  I stayed at the Marquis three years ago and found the service delightful and the private setting ideal for a beach vacation.

If it sounds good to you, I'd give the hotel a ring at 877-238-9399 because even though the resort has a new web site, I couldn't find this package on the site.

Deals of the Week: Ritz-Carltons, Free Airfare to Jackson Hole & More

One of the advantage of the current economic downturn (how often have I typed that phrase?) is that even luxury hotels are offering deals to get heads in beds.

This week's deal is called "Resort Reconnect," and it comes courtesy of the resorts of Ritz-Carlton that this week announced a series of credits when you check in this winter.  The amount of credit you receive varies by properties and on the class of room you reserve. 

For example, go big time and slide yourself into a double room at the Ritz-Carlton in southern California at Laguna Niguel, a fabulous property overlooking the Pacific Ocean, for two nights and your breakfast is on the house plus you'll receive $75 in resort credit for each night you stay.  The credit may be applied to spa services, food, and drink.  It cannot be applied to the cost of your room, which will cost about $495 a night.

At the Beaver Creek Ritz-Carlton, in the heart of Colorado ski country, get breakfast for two plus $100 in Ritz money for each night you stay to throw around the resort like a drunken millionaire.  The West Palm Beach also offers breakfast for two plus $100 in resort credit.  Same thing at the Ritz in Cancun, Mexico.

For the hotel company's city properties, check for deals called "Reconnect" good until the end of December at individual properties.

For example, at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Washington, DC, at 22nd and M Streets, NW, room rates begin at $279 a night. Stay two nights during a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and receive $100 in credit to use at the hotel, $200 if you stay three nights. 

Meanwhile, consider this offer at Jackson Hole in January.  If you purchase two airline tickets to visit Jackson Hole, you'll get two more for free.  So this deal is great for two couples or a family.  Or simply four friends.  While this deal is good between Jan. 3 through the end of the month, you MUST book your tickets before Jan. 1.  You must book your travel through Jackson Hole be calling 888-838-6606.  

And if you can't wait until January to ski at Jackson Hole, there's a hotel deal that will give you six room nights for the price of four.  In short, it's raining--or snowing--deals, so go shopping!

Vegas' Two Newest Hotels, Araia & Vdara, Offer Introductory Rates

Well, you knew it was going to happen.  With the opening of the massive new complex called CityCenter in Las Vegas this week, there are suddenly thousands of new hotel rooms along the Strip at a time when room rates are already low because of the decline in visitors to Sin City.

Which is why this week's deal involves two of the hotels in the CityCenter, the 4,000-room Aria and the more boutique-sized (by Vegas standards) Vdara.

Here are the deals: The larger Aria is offering introductory rates beginning at $159 a night plus a $75 resort credit if you stay two consecutive nights through March 4th except during major holidays, which I presume would be Christmas and New Year's.  The resort credit cannot be applied to the cost of your room, but it can be used toward food and drink.

The deal at the Vdara (left) is $149 a night with a two-night stay minimum plus a $50 resort credit.  This deal expires April first and, again, is not availbale during major holidays.  

Keep in mind, the competition has been offering room rates this low for some time now and will likely continue to do so to respond to the opening of CityCenter, so it behooves you to shop around.  Don't be shy about negotiating.

If Oasis of the Seas Is Too Big For You, Consider This Family Deal

The launch of the Oasis of the Seas this week has garnered a lot of hoopla, as you might expect from anything that holds 6,000 passengers and floats. 

But maybe you're the small ship type?  The kind who likes to keep it intimate and doesn't need a floating casino and Broadway dancing girls to hold your interest at sea.  Maybe you'd like a nature-oriented cruise of Alaska.  Or an intinerary heavy on culture along the coast of Southeast Asia. 

If that sounds like you, then consider Cruise West, whose nine ships hold between 78 and 148 passengers.  Heck, on some ships, that's not enough people to staff the on-board spa.  Here's a cruise line that offers sailings all over the world lasting from four to 19 nights at prices beginning around 12 hundred dollars per person.  And that includes most shore excursions, taxes, port charges, and soft drinks--items often tacked on as extras on other cruise lines.

So here's this week's deal courtesy of Cruise West:  Beginning immediately, kids 18 and under will pay half the adult price, and kids under two sail for free.  Not on a select few voyages, but on all the line's 38 itineraries. 

Keep that in mind, mom and dad.  Half off kids 18 and under, babies two and under sail free.  Cruise West. There will be about 5,500 fewer passengers when you sail compared to the Oasis of the Seas, but maybe that won't bother you.

Paris Hotels Launch Valentine Deals; Some Good for Jan & Feb

Now that Thanksgiving is drawing to a close, is it too early to begin thinking about Valentine’s Day in Paris?

I certainly don’t think so.

First of all, February is a good time to capture reduced airfares to Europe.  And secondly, there’s never a bad month to visit Paris except maybe August when the entire country goes on vacation.  And if you want to take your special someone’s breath away, there’s nothing like presenting him or her with two tickets to Paris.

The calendar is even cooperating with you next year--Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, so adventurous folks on the East Coasts can make a long, romantic weekend of it.  

To make things easier and for you, more than 70 Parisian hotels have put together money-saving deals aimed just as squarely as Cupid’s arrow is aimed at your significant other’s heart.   In fact, truth be told, many of these deals are good through the last half of January and all of February.  But the dates vary with each deal, so choose carefully.   Here are some sample offerings:

--Check into any of the five, four-star Sofitel hotels in Paris between February 15^th and the 28^th and get 20% off stays of two nights or more plus breakfast in bed and an arrival gift of chocolate, Champagne or a bouquet of roses.  Red, of course.  Plus, you’ll get late check out at 4 p.m.  (I know the deals start the day after Valentine's Day, but here's the solution: Take off for Paris ON Valentine's day, and when you land, it'll be the 15th.)

--If you want to be in Paris on the 14th, there are plenty of options.  Four Best Westerns, and these are very nice hotels, each one a three-star hotel, offer rates over Valentine’s weekend as low at 25 to 46% off normal rates.  Some rooms begin at $120 a night.  

--The Hilton Arc de Triumph has a special--used the code “Paris Romantique 2009” that runs all of February that includes a Deluxe Plus room, breakfast, a bottle of Champagne and flowers for two nights.

The list includes not just fancy places, but also economical and tidy two-star hotels, as well.   Maybe this is the Valentine's Day to put a little Paris in your relationship.

Tips for Saving on Ski Lift Tickets This Winter; Act by Nov. 22 for Colorado

If you’re thinking of taking a ski vacation this year to any of the Western states known for great snow, you’re in for a nice surprise if you do some advance planning.  Many lift prices are less than last year, and there are hotel deals and package deals that will save you lots of money if you know where to look. First of all, you have until Nov. 22 to take advantage of Vail Resorts EPIC pass, which is a flat-rate pass good for lift tickets all season at not just Vail Mountain but also at Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly.  Price is $599, or about the retail price of six days worth of ski lift tickets.  So if you intend to sky those mountains more than a week this winter, make your move and get an EPIC pass at snow.com. You’ll also find other discounts, resort packages, a link to receive automatic ski condition updates at that web site. 

Another web site, Liftopia also offers discount lift tickets and other ski deals worth checking out in Colorado, Vermont, Utah, California, New York, and New Hampshire.  Liftopia works with dozens of resorts that adjust their prices up and down depending on demand.  You'll almost always save by buying lift tickets ahead of time rather than paying retail upon arrival.

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.

Deal(s) of the Week: Vegas' Platinum Hotel, Alaska Airways to Ski Country

You go to Vegas.  The traffic on the Strip is nuts, economic downturn notwithstanding.  It takes the valet guy at the big casino/hotel a half hour to retrieve your car or you stand 20 minutes in line waiting for a taxi. 

Now consider the Platinum Hotel & Spa, just a block off the Strip.  It doesn't have a casino or megamall.  It doesn't have 2,000 rooms.  All it has are spacious rooms--suites, really, since this used to be an apartment building--and a quite good restaurant.  Oh, and a great rate between Nov. 8 and Dec. 28. 

How does $106 a night sound?

Need a few more perks?  How about free wi-fi, a late check out at 4 p.m., and a couple of drinks on the house at the hotel bar?

Just visit the hotel's web site.  I did this afternoon and was offered rooms at $119.  I can't explain the $13 difference, so I'd suggest you call the hotel directly and ask for rate of $106 + the perks.  Dial: 877-211-9211.

If snow is more your thing, Alaska Airlines is putting ski trips to cool destinations including Sun Valley and Mammoth on sale from Dec. 17 through Mar. 21.  Or Apr 11, in the case of Mammoth. 

The airline begins new service to both those destinations beginning in mid-December, so that explains the nice, introductory fares: Los Angeles to Mammoth, $147; LA to Sun Valley, $332.  And there's service from other cities, as well, mostly through Seattle.  Note that there aren't flights every day, and there's only one, non-stop flight to and from Los Angeles. So shop carefully, my friends, and act fast because, as you know, it's the early skier who gets the best snow and the best deals.

KFWB Deals of the Week: Hotels Galore in N. America On Sale!

There is no more visible measure of the doldrums the travel industry is in than the incredible deals hotels are offering these days.

Here are several, from Los Angeles to San Francisco to Beaver Creek and elsewhere around the US.  (You may hear a podcast of my Sunday afternoon travel show that features these deals here.)

• Just off Union Square in San Francisoco, Kimpton's Sir Francis Drake Hotel offers a $99-a-night rate if you book by this coming Wednesday, Oct. 28.  The offer is good for stays from Nov. 1 through Apr 30, 2010.  Call 800-546-7866 and mention rate code SFD99 or use that code when you visit the hotel's web site
• The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Colorado offers a third night free until Dec. 1.  Just click on "Special Offers" at the hotel's site.
• In balmy southern California, the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey will sell you a double room for only $199 a night through the end of the year if you book 14 days in advance.  You must pre-pay and cannot cancel for a refund or change your dates. I couldn't find the deal on the hotel's web site, so I'd call the hotel directly at 310-823-1700.
• And, finally, Sofitels all over the US (and Montreal, too) are promoting an "I Love Chocolate" sale that gives you a third night's stay free.  It's good Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2010.  And they'll even throw in free breakfast, no small deal given the price of most hotel breakfasts.  And on an after of your choice during your stay, you're invited to a chocolate feast of pastries and hot chocolate.  Rates begin as low as $105 a night at the Minneapolis Sofitel.  Check it out here.

Utah Ski Deals Heat Up As the Weather Turns Cold

Early Bird Gets the Powder

Sundance Resort – Sundance, UT – December 11-20, 2009

Guests who want to save on their 2010 ski vacation can book by October 31, 2009 to experience The Greatest Snow on Earth® for the greatest prices around.  Package includes: three nights accommodations, breakfast daily, two all-day lift tickets per day and upgraded amenity bag with snacks upon arrival.  Rates start at $375 per night based on double occupancy; three-night minimum stay required.  Blackout dates apply.  Click here for more information.  

Ski Salt Lake: The Ultimate Ski Vacation – 4^th Night and 4^th Day Free

Salt Lake City, UT – Opening day – April 18, 2010

When guests book a four-day, four-night vacation including the Ski Salt Lake Super Pass and lodging at any participating property, the 4th day of skiing/riding and 4th night of lodging are absolutely free. Package must be booked by December 15, 2009.  

Park City Quick START Vacation – Ski Today, Ride Today for Free

Park City, UT

Snow enthusiasts can catch a morning flight from almost anywhere and be on the slopes the same afternoon.  The Park City Quick START Vacation lets out-of-state visitors convert airline boarding passes into free, same-day lift tickets to the Park City resort of their choice: Deer Valley Resort, The Canyons Resort, or Park City Mountain Resort.  Blackout dates apply. 

Kids Free During Early/Spring Season

Alta Lodge – Alta, UT – December 17, 2009 – April 3, 2009

Family vacations don't get much better than this package.  Kids, under 18 years of age, stay free and receive complimentary breakfast and dinner when booking a room for four or more nights.  With two kids, this is a savings of over $200 per night.  A four-night minimum stay is required.  

Early Bird Stay and Ski Package

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort – Snowbird, UT – November 29 – December 23, 2009

Visitors can book two nights or more and a two-day Snowbird-only Tram and Chair pass for $99 per night, per adult.  Package is based on double occupancy and children 12 and under ski free for each night of stay.  Rates will vary based on accommodations and dates selected. 

Ski Utah White Sale

Statewide Offerings – Opening Day – Closing Day

The Ski Utah White Sale is now offering visitors winter steals from more than 20 properties across the state, including the Bronze Ski Package from the luxurious Stein Eriksen Lodge, starting at just $276 per person, per night.  

Dakota Mountain Lodge 5^th Night Free

Dakota Mountain Lodge & Golden Door Spa – Park City, UT – January 1 – April 15, 2010

The first ski-in/ski-out property from The Waldorf Astoria Collection is offering a complimentary 5th night when staying four consecutive nights.  The package is available in all room categories at the resort’s best rate.  Located at the base of The Canyons Ski Resort in Park City, the property features 201 luxury accommodations including six-bedroom Suite options; a 16,000-square-foot Golden Door Spa; and the award-winning Spruce restaurant.  Blackout dates may apply.  

Winter Playland Package

The Canyon’s Resort – Park City, UT – December 4, 2009 – April 7, 2010

When booking a trip at one of the official lodging properties of The Canyons Resort, The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel, Escala Lodges, Sundial Lodge or Silverado Lodge, guests will receive the Winter Playland Package, worth over $500 in special resort gifts.  Visitors can take advantage of any of the following spectacular gift offers:

• Three-Day Adult Lift Ticket – a passport to experience 3,700 acres of The Greatest Snow on Earth®
• Two First Tracks Passes – an exclusive invitation to explore the mountain a full hour before it opens to the general public
• Three-Day Sport Equipment Rental Package – guests can skip the excess baggage fee from the airline and let The Canyons outfit their adventure
• Full-Day Adult or Child Group Ski or Snowboard Lesson – adults and kids alike can receive expert training from one of the resort’s award-winning instructors
• $150 Resort Dining Credit – food aficionados can choose from over a dozen restaurants in the Resort Village and on the mountain 50-Minute Massage at the Grand Summit Spa – wellness enthusiasts can relax, rejuvenate and refresh and at the Grand Summit Spa undoes what the mountain has done to them. 

Deal of the Week, KFWB 980 AM Los Angeles, 18 Oct 09

Pay attention closely, now, kids--I've got a handful of deals, and I'll run through them quickly.  They run the gamut from cheap but upscale hotel rooms in New Orleans to free skiing in Crested Butte.

• The two W hotels in New W New Orleans are putting their rooms on sale for all of December.  The hotel's "Papa Noel" special rate of an astounding $84 a night.  And the W French Quarter drops rates to $109 a night and throws in free parking.  Call the hotels directly to ask for these deals.  The W French Quarter is at 504-581-1200, and the W New Orleans is at 504-525-9444.
  
• The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is discounting rates as much as 35% for fall and winter guests with rooms as low as $169 a night.  Book on line and travel before Dec. 21.  Or book by Nov. 30 for stays from Jan 3-Apr 8 and find rates even lower, starting at $159 a night.  
• Is London more your cup of tea?  The swanky Mayfair Hotel in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood has a holiday promotion it calls the "Shop, Sip & Celebrate" deal.  Room rates are discounted up to 35 per cent, with rooms starting as low as $317 a night, a bargain in London.  That includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea for two, the 15% VAT, and a booklet for savings at shops and entertainment venues.  Here's the deal.
• Here's a hotel room in New York City for $99 a night!  OK, so it's in Queens--just take the subway into Manhattan.  The Country Inns & Suites by Carlson has a new, 133-room hotel in Queens with an opening rate of $99 a night for fall and winter stays. Grab it!
• And, finally, stay at any participating lodge at Colorado's Crested Butte Mountain Resort from Nov. 26 through Dec. 16, 2009. Choose the Grand Lodge Crested Butte and pay only $84 a night per person and receive two ski passes for every night you're there.  

There, those deals should keep you on the road for awhile.

KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles Halloween Deal of the Week

Got plans for Halloween?

If Las Vegas sounds like a good spot to spend All Ghouls' Day, Caesar's Palace has a deal for you.  But first you have to promise to follow the hotel on Twitter or become a fan of the hotel on Facebook and then link to this special "Trick or Tweet" deal.

Here's what you get: Two nights--Friday and Saturday--at Caesar's plus two passes to the resort's jaw-dropping spa and health club plus free Internet access and a free movie (the hotel suggests "The Hangover").

You'll also receive two VIP passes to the hotel's PURE rather decadent nightclub (that's a good thing) for Friday or Saturday night.  Both nights are hosted, by the way, by that little darlin' and dear friend to us all, Nicky Hilton.  Oh, and there's a $50 resort credit, as well. 

The price of all this starts as low as $175 a night.  With Saturday night usually costing $275, that's a big savings right off the bat.

But wait, there's more.  You'll be led by Tweets to locations around Caesar's all weekend where you'll find free food and drinks and other giveaways.  And while costumes aren't required, they are encouraged.  Can you say, "Toga party?" 

You can find this deal on Facebook.  

KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles: Deal of the Week . . . It's Cabo!

Admit it, you deserve a break.  Somewhere along a beach where world-class golf courses are just a nine-iron away from your hotel . . . where the drinks are tropical, and the nights are, too.

You deserve a little Cabo.

It's no secret that Mexico's tourism numbers took a hit when swine flu came on the scene, but now it's here and we're dealing with it and and hopefully getting beyond it.  The Los Cabos tourist board is pulling out all stops with an almost resort-wide discounting of room prices and heaps of extras for visitors, at least until Dec. 17th, though many deals run into the new year, as well.

Some examples from the tourist board's web site:

• At the Cabul Azul resort, book six nights and get 20% off on your entire stay through Dec. 17.
• The Hilton Cabos Beach & Golf Resort gives you every third night free.  Plus a $100 resort credit if you stay three nights, $200 if you stay four or five nights, and $300 if you stay six or more nights.  But wait, there's more: Kids under 12 eat free from the kids' menu if accompanied by an adult.  Good through Dec. 17, with rooms starting at $269 a night.
•  The Marquis Los Cabos offers a family package rate that begins at $215 per person, per night for two junior suites or private pool casitas plus a rental car, yoga classes, daily breakfast delivered to your rooms, one dinner for six people, and a spin on the resort's yacht for a snorkeling or sunset trip.  Daily taxes, tips and resort fees are included in your room rate.  

And even the area's priciest resorts are offering deals.  The One & Only Pamilla, for example, offers a package that knocks 30% off your rate if you stay four nights.  Plus, continental breakfast is on the house and transport to and from the airport.  The summer deal that expires soon throws in two rounds of golf, and a $400 resort credit you can spend toward spa services, food, or more golf.

So do your homework, and then reap the rewards.

KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles: Deal of the Week

Marriott has long resisted cutting room rates even as the competition has lowered prices or offered extra-nights-for-free deals. 

But now Marriott has joined the trend with what it calls its Global Rate Break, a 20% discount on its weekend rates at about 2,500 participating Marriott properties including Marriotts, JW Marriotts, Renaissance, Courtyard, Fairfield, SpringHill, TownePlace, and Residence Inn properties around the world.

Now, pay attention to the fine print.  You must book your rooms by this Thursday, Sept. 24, for stays beginning Friday through Dec. 13.  Marriott describes a weekend as Thursday through Sunday, so those are the nights you'll get the price break.  You must include a Friday or Saturday night in your stay.  The promo code is F5X. 

KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles: Deal of the Week

From the radio show, "Rudy Maxa's World," Sunday, Sept. 13, (4-5 Pacific time) in KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles:

How does a terrific, five-day getaway to San Francisco and Carmel sound?  I'm talking over-the-top luxury and pampering for a couple. This one is my deal of the week, and it comes courtesy of two swanky places to stay.  The first is the Mandarin Oriental that's perched high above San Francisco's financial district.  And the second is the comfy Bernadus Lodge set among the vineyards of Carmel Valley.

The package is called Creme de California, and here's what you get: Private car service from San Francisco airport to the Mandarin Oriental for two nights.  Then two nights at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel.  There's a long list of extras, as well: massage for two at the Mandarin, daily breakfast in your room or in the hotel's restaurant, Silks; and a couple of cocktails and a wine and cheese tasting.

At the Bernardus Lodge, you'll also receive two nights lodging, daily breakfast, a four-course dinner at the lodge's restaurant, two more spa treatments, and some nice little extras like a drawn bath every night sprinkled with rose petals.

Cost of all this cosseting: $3,550.

The only flaw I see in this is that you must arrange your own transportation between the two hotels.  The Mandarin will provide round-trip sedan service for $500, but obviously you can rent a car for much less.  Or you can drive to San Francisco, and the Mandarin will give you free valet parking.

Footnote: If you'd like to take your kids to the Disney Family Museum that's opening in the Presidio on Oct. 1, the Mandarin has a different, more-stripped-down offer for families.  Book one room at a regular rate and get a second room for the kids for only $195 a night.  That's called the Family Exclusive.  No rose petals in your bathwater with this one.

Both of these deals are good through the end of the year.  If you'd like to talk to a hotel staffer about the details of these deals, you may call the Mandarin Oriental at 415-276-9888.

KFWB, 980 AM, Los Angeles: Deal of the Week

From the radio show, "Rudy Maxa's Traveler" Sunday, Sept. 6 (4-5 p.m. Pacific time) on KFWB:

If you've never traveled to Europe in business class, Continental Airlines and the upcoming holidays might encourage you to do so.

Continental puts its BusinessFirst seats on sale at a deep, deep discount over Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and New Year's with fares beginning as low as $1,130 non stop, round trip from Newark to Europe and $2,000 with one stop (in Houston) from Los Angeles to Europe.

That's round trip.  And you can also get these deals from other cities served by Continental.

On Sunday morning, I priced a round-trip ticket between Los Angeles and Paris departing Nov. 24 and returning Dec 3.  Price with all taxes and fees: about $2,300.  That's a whopping $3,500 less than it would cost you to make the same trip in, say, October.

Here's the fine print.

The sale period over Thanksgiving begins--for outbound travel--Nov. 21 through Nov. 27.  Return travel must be between Nov. 26 and Dec. 4.

For December travel, outbound deals start Dec. 19 through Jan. 1 . Returns are between Christmas Day and Jan. 9. 

There's a five-day minimum stay, and fares are non-refundable.  Lowest-priced destinations in Europe are Ireland, Scandinavia and Great Britain.

This could be the perfect opportunity to check out the Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, or Scandinavia or do a little skiing in Gstaad.  Anytime you can fly between North America and Euorope in business class for these prices, that's a deal. 

A Very Cool Bangkok Hotel For a Very Cool $99 A Night Thru April

Since the Bangkok airport was taken over for a few days late last year by protesters demanding a new government, tourism has suffered in Thailand's capital.

Which may explain the $99-a-night offer at one of Bangkok's most stylish hotels, the Metropolitan Bangkok.  From the cool, white lobby to the polished serenity of the rooms, this is a hotel that allows you to escape the wonderful madness that is Bangkok.  I've happily stayed at the Metropolitan, which is very well located in the city's Central Business District and a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride away from everything you want to see in Bangkok.

Here are the details: The sale is good through the end of April, but you must book seven days in advance and stay a minimum of two consecutive nights.  You'll pay in advance, and you can't ask for a refund, though you can change your dates without penalty.  There's an additional 10% service charge plus seven per cent in taxes, so your effective nightly rate is $117.  If you'd like a larger room, the hotel's goes for $119 during this sale and an even larger Metropolitan Room is $150, before that 17% in service and taxes are added. 

Heck, this sale is almost reason enough to visit Bangkok.  And if you need to be persuaded further, pick up the Thailand DVD of my three public television shows on the country; one episode is devoted entirely to Bangkok.

Move Fast to Capture Biz & First-Class Seats on BA Through March 1st

British Airways just launched a surprisingly inexpensive sale on business and first class seats between the US and London. If you’ve ever wanted to escape coach, this is your chance, with round-trip fares beginning at about $2,000 between New York and London. Good for travel between Dec. 2 and March 29 with no blackouts, the sale requires you purchase your ticket by Dec. 1 and seven days in advance of travel. There’s a Saturday-night-stay requirement, as well. Taxes and fees will add another $275 or so to the price, but this is a steal compared to regular fares twice or three times as high. A first-class seat costs $4400 plus taxes and fees. Fares vary from other British Airways gateway cities in the US.  Check the airline's website and decide quickly.

Deals? You Want Winter & Holiday Deals? Travel Suppliers Have 'Em

With the sliding economy on everyone's mind, hotels, airlines, and resorts are worried that you won't splash out for a big winter vacation.  And they're right--people are downsizing expectations and looking carefully for deals.

There are thousands of deals out there involving straight price cuts or special offers that involve all kinds of extra benefits.  One of the favorite marketing tools of resorts these days is the offering of resort or hotel credits.  For every night you stay, you receive (sometimes) hundreds of dollars to spend on spa treatments, meals or other hotel or resort services.

Wherever you decide to shop for a holiday, remember you have bargaining power.  Ask about extras.  Ask what else a resort or hotel can do for you to earn your business.  Room upgrades? Free parking? Complimentary breakfast?  Everything is up for negotiation.

Here are some current deals to get you thinking:

• Stay at least three nights a participating Marriott resort in Florida until the end of the year and receive a $25 resort credit for use in restaurants, spas, and other hotel venues. Call 800-834-7015 and mention promotion code M11 or go to the hotel's web site.

• Check into the four-star El Dorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe and for every night you stay—at about $200 a night--receive a free spa treatment. The two spa options are a 50-minute massage or facial; both are valued at $130. Good through March 31, 2009. Details available at the hotel's web site or call 800-944-4455 and mention "Relieve Stress Package" or refer to booking code PKGNID.

• At the Windjammer Landing Villa Bay Resort in St. Lucia, a “recession offer” means that for every dollar you spend a day for your room, you’ll receive the equivalent of 50% of that amount in resort credits. Book a honeymoon suite for $350 a night for two guests, for example, and receive $175 back each day that you can apply to food, wine, room upgrades, excursions, or spa services. Offer is good every day until April 19, 2009, including Easter and spring break. More information: 800-958-7376

• Claim a third night free at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt plus a room upgrade and full breakfast for two daily when you book the “Three for Free” package. Valid through Dec. 19, 2008. Pay with an American Express card and receive late check out and a welcome amenity. Ask for code AX3FF when booking on line.

• The tiny, lush island of Nevis is one of the better-kept secrets of the Caribbean. The Nelson Spring Villas & Spa offers a fifth or seventh night free based on a nightly double rate that begins at $455. Choose a one to four-bedroom villa with flat-screen televisions and state-of-the-art kitchens or just hang out on the 3.5 acres of beachfront property at this romantic getaway spot. Details: eliteislands.com or 800-345-0356. Offer of free nights is good through Dec. 20, 2008.

• How about a family Christmas in the Caribbean? The Verandah Resort & Spa on Antigua invites up to two kids to stay and eat free at the resort when staying with their parents. Rates at the all-inclusive resort begin at $635 as night, but, wait there’s more: Families receive a $2,000 airfare credit between Dec. 21^st and Jan. 3, 2009. The kids-stay-and-eat free part stretches from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, 2009 if you book by the first of December. More information and reservations click here or call 800-345-0356.

• Interested in cold instead of warm?  There's a surplus of deals from ski resorts arond the US, and my fellow travel blogger Everett Potter does a nice job of rounding lots of them up in a recent post.  Check 'em out!

Southwest Begins SFO Service Aug. 26 With Three Cities and a Sale

For years, Southwest Airlines was content to serve the San Francisco area with flights into and out of Oakland airport.  And why not?  That airport is smaller than San Francisco's main airport, and it's less likely to suffer from schedule-crippling fog.

But with the summer start up of Virgin America at SFO, Southwest apparently felt it needed to defend its stake in San Francisco, so beginning late August, the airline will fly 18 daily flights--non-stop service to Chicago's Midway airport (three daily flights), Las Vegas (seven daily flights), and San Diego (eight daily flights).  And to get passengers used to the new service, Southwest is offering deeply discounted tickets if you book 21 days before you travel.  You may begin buying sale tickets now for travel between the start of SFO service, Aug. 26, and Oct. 31.  Obviously, with the 21-day advance purchase requirement, the sale ends Oct. 10.

Sale fares are as low as $39 one way to San Diego, $59 one way to Vegas, and $99 to Chicago Midway.  By the way, those fares are also valid from the other two San Francisco airports served by Southwest, Oakland and San Jose.   For a schedule of all Southwest flights from the San Francisco area, including ongoing flights to Boston, DC, and Orlando, visit the airline's web site.  For rules and details on the sale, click here.  As always, sale seats are limited, so the special offer fits your travel needs, book sooner rather than later.

Attention Amex Cardholders In the US & UK: Prices Drop Every 20 Minutes on Luxury Vacation Packages; You Bid When Price Is Right

OK, here's the deal American Express is offering its cardholders in the US and UK every weekday from April 17-April 27: Each day at 11 a.m. Eastern time, Amex will post on line a five-star travel package to destinations such as Florence, South Africa, and Antarctica.  Every 20 minutes, the price of those packages will decline by an unspecified amount--Amex is keeping that a secret.  When you think the price is right, you can buy the package with a few clicks on your computer keyboard. 

Unlike some sites that sell or auction last-minute travel packages, this offer has a nice twist: You have at least six months, or in some cases, up to 12 months, to choose the time you want to travel.  You must use an American Express card to make your purchase should you win a package.

This is not the first time Amex has held a "declining price" auction, and previous ones have sold out before a package is removed from sale at 7 p.m. Eastern time each day. The good news is, there is more than one of each package trip available, so there can be several winners of each package.  Amex estimates winning bidders at last year's "Going Once" auction realized an average savings of 37% compared to retail prices.   

Beginning next week, on April 2, Amex will also post for viewing a limited supply of fixed-price travel packages at cardmember-only prices, all priced below $3,000. You can begin purchasing them on April 17, and they'll remain available until they're sold out or April 30, whichever comes first.  Details also available on the "Going Once" website.

Except for the interesting package vacation involving a luxurious recreational vehicle, all the packages in the declining-price auction are for two people traveling together and include airfare from the US or UK. Here are a few examples of what will be available:

• For adventure: A 12-night voyage around Antarctica with expert guides and lecturers.  The winner of this package will be flown from New York (other departure cities are available) to Santiago, where you'll spend a day and a night.  Then on to Ushuaia where you'll board your ship--you'll have an upper deck, outside cabin.  Starting price: $13,198.
• For R&R: A seven-night trip for two to the West Indies island of Canouan.  Included: Round-trip airfare from Miami or Gatwick and seven nights at Raffles Resort in a junior suite with an ocean view.  Starting price for US travelers: $7,740.
• For a safari: Airfare to Capetown, South Africa, from London's Heathrow or New York's JFK airport on South African Airways.  Spend four nights at the Table Bay Hotel right on Capetown's waterfront.  Take a tour of the nearby gorgeous wine country and tarry over lunch at a wine estate.  Then spend three nights tracking game in a Range Rover at the Idube Private Game Reserve in Kruger park. Return via Johannesburg.  Starting price is $7,985 for US-based travelers; retail price is $12,400.
• See the USA: The most unusual package is the use of an ultra-luxurious recreational vehicle fit for a rock star with four bedrooms and flat-screen TVs.  You'll receive $500 in gas money and a $250 credit for groceries.  Then the two of you and six of your best friends will have nine nights to travel anywhere around the US your heart desires.  Oh, and you can pick up and drop off the RV almost wherever you want when your trip is over--you don't have to return it to your starting point.  Beginning price: $14,257.
• Other packages include trips to Orlando, the Greek islands, Florence, Hong Kong, and the Riviera Maya.   

 

Where Can You Park For a Penny a Day In Chicago?

Answer: The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers between March 29th and April 7th.  The deal is to celebrate the hotel's 15th birthday.  That's a savings of $39 a day, by the way.

I have complicated feelings about this hotel.  First of all, it's got a great location and great views from many of the rooms.  And I've scored some great deals there, especially in January, when the entire world isn't necessarily beating a path to Chicago to experience the city's winter weather.

But this is also the hotel that once sold my confirmed-and-paid-for-because-I-was-arriving-early-in-the-morning room when I didn't show up 'til 5 a.m. 

Several years ago, I had a luncheon speech to deliver at the hotel to a convention of owners of bed and breakfasts from around the country.  I had to take a red-eye flight  from Los Angeles to make the date, and I knew I'd want a few hours sleep after landing at O'Hare very, very early in the morning.  So I bought a room for that night before my speech and reserved it with the notation I might not be in until dawn.  Even called from Los Angeles before takeoff to make sure my room was there and that the front desk knew I wouldn't be landing 'til early morning.

When I showed up at the desk after 5 a.m., I found the hotel had sold my room to someone else.  Now there's nice work if you can get it: Sell a hotel room twice in the same night.  To management's credit, staff moved a cot into a ballroom that wasn't being used and set up an alarm clock on the floor next to me.  Now, sleeping in a cavernous ballroom is a bit weird, but I was so tired, I didn't care. 

Bit I digress: The point of this posting is that parking overnight at a big-city hotel can be very expensive.  If the upcoming dates coincide with a planned visit to Chicago, well, if you're driving a car, keep that $38.99 in your pocket by choosing the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.  As I learned, they can always find a room for you there.

Oh, and there's more: According to the "special deals" part of the hotel's website, there are a limited number of rooms on offer for $129 the first week of April.  Most excellent.   

Lost Your Luggage? You May Be Able To Find It In . . . Alabama

Every wonder where the stuff airlines lose winds up?  I'm not talking about the bags that go astray and are eventually reunited with their owners, as most missing bags are.  I'm talking about the bags that disappear into the great luggage carousel in the sky.

Well, a lot of the stuff in those bags winds up in Scottsboro, Alabama, at the Unclaimed Baggage Center, where airlines send bags (and their contents) they can't match with owners.  There, at a retail store on West Willow Street, you can rummage through the belongings of other people and buy stuff at prices way off retail.  If you don't happen to live in Alabama, you can go on line and buy, too.  Want a five-megapixel, Panasonic Lumix digital camera?  As I write, there's one on offer on line for $120.  In fact, the Unclaimed Baggage Center (which is NOT owned by the airlines) has everything from expensive jewelry and watches to cheap shoes.  There are designer jeans and jackets from Vera Wang and other recognizable names.  There are golf clubs and fishing rods.  In fact, if it's something folks check as luggage, you're likely to find it here.

On March 17th, the Unclaimed Baggage Center is holding what it calls a "spring fling," promising "a large slection of newly stocked inventory."  The store recommends showing up early (in person or on line) to get the best selection.  Hey--maybe you'll even find something you once lost. 

How I Saved $74 On a Rental Car: Priceline Still Delivers Deals

Several years ago, third-party travel providers such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and Priceline were doing a gangbuster business.  That's because the travel industry was in the doldrums, and hotels, airlines, and rental car companies were grateful for any additional channels through which they could sell their product.

But in the last 18 months, travel has roared back to life.  Airlines are flying full planes.  Rental car companies are raising their prices.  And hotels are working to gain control over more of their room inventory and making "lowest-price" promises to drive business to their websites. 

Third-party websites have begun concentrating on packages to make money.  By bundling a hotel room, airline ticket and rental car, sites such as Expedia can offer deals that are attractive to travelers who know buying two or three elements of a trip together can be cheaper than buying each separately.  So where does that leave Priceline, whose clever ads starring actor William Shatner remind us you can still bid for travel on the web site? 

I've never bid on an airline ticket on Priceline because I could never afford not to know ahead of time when during a day I'd be departing my destination.  (While you can buy specific flights on Priceline, if you bid, you can only specify the days you want to fly--not the times.)  But since Priceline began, I've regularly used the site to rent hotel rooms and reserve cars. 

Now, there are entire web sites and blogs devoted to ways to figure out how much to bid on Priceline.  But I will tell you this: Check the retail price of a rental car or hotel room, then bid at least 30 per cent less on Priceline.  I did just that to get a car for five days in Los Angeles last week.  I found most rental car sites quoted me between $230 and $300 for a standard car with unlimited mileage and an airport (LAX) pick up.  I bid $140 on Priceline ($28/day before taxes and fees) and got a car at Budget.  With taxes and fees, the total cost was $166.65. 

Just to see how much I would have paid retail, I went to Budget's own web site, replicated my request and was quoted a total cost of $240.  Savings: $74.  Not too bad.  Bottom line: I'm still a Priceline fan.    

Travel Secrets: Scoring Super Bowl Tickets & Hotel For NEXT Year

You don't necessarily have to know someone to score Super Bowl tickets for next year in Arizona.  But you do have to be willing to spend a few thousand dollars to buy a package that includes a hotel room, game tickets, preferred parking, parties and other perks.

A few years ago, the NFL began offering packages aimed at corporate buyers that wrap all those goodies up into one deal.  This past Super Bowl, there were six different offers ranging in price from $4,299 to $9,949.  While the packages are generally aimed at corporate big-spenders (the web site CareerBuilder.com bought more than 100 of the most expensive packages, for example), there's nothing preventing an individual from buying, as well.  As of this writing, the NFL web site has not posted details on pacakges for '08.  However, you may call the offices of NFL On Location at 212-655-5665 for information.

Footnote: There are other premium-event sport packages, as well, on offer from companies that specialize in putting together sports getaway packages.  Two companies worth checking out are RazorGater Experiences and Premier Sports Travel.

JetBlue Moves Into the Turf of Major Competitors In San Francisco

Discount carrier JetBlue has been flying to San Francisco via nearby Oakland's airport, traditional home to Southwest Airlines, for years now.  The weather is better in Oakland--less chance of fog delays--and landing fees are a lot less than at San Francisco's main airport, SFO. 

But on May 3rd, JetBlue begins serving SFO with once-daily flights to New York's JFK airport and Boston's Logan.  If you book travel by January 22 for flights between May 3 and June 13, JetBlue is selling a limited number of $99 one-way fares.  Act fast.  Your best bet for finding that discount fare is to plan your travel during midweek. 

JetBlue says it plans to continue its successful service to Oakland, but it's also keeing a wary eye on Virgin America, the cut-rate airline that hopes to begin flying soon from SFO.  (Last month the Transportation Department refused Virgin Atlantic permission to start flying because it didn't think the airline was sufficiently controlled by US citizens, and the airline is appealling that decision.)   Apparently JetBlue thinks its preemptive move might blunt the success of Virgin America.  And SFO is the airport of choice for hundreds of thousands of San Francisco residents and those who live on the Peninsula in towns such as Palo Alto.

JetBlue expects that generally, it's coast-to-coast fares will be between $150 and $399 each way.  In planting its flag at SFO, JetBlue challenges both United and American that have traditionally dominated the trans-continental routes out of that airport.  Don't be surprised if their fares drop as if by magic beginning May 3.

 

A New Discount Airline Grows Quietly Near Chicago; Is There a Gary In Your Future? If You Want to Fly Somewhere Warm, There May Be

When it started up last year, SkyValue USA, a new airline based in Gary, Indiana, planned to only fly during winter months, offering discounted flights to warm spots such as Florida, Arizona and Nevada.  But apparently business has been good enough to justify a year-round schedule, according to Darrell Richardson, CEO of SkyValue. 

The airline currently serves Mesa, an alternative airport to Phoenix, as well as Las Vegas, Orlando, and St. Petersburg, FL.  Its founders hope low fares along with Gary's smaller, less busy airport will lure travelers from the Chicago area weary of fighting crowds at O'Hare and Midway. 

Fligths to Ft. Lauderdale were canceled due to lack of interest, but the airline is considering adding a flight to the Los Angeles area. 

Interestingly, SkyValue flies chartered Boeing 747-800 jets.  Fares begin at $79 each way and rise in cost as seats are sold.

Rudy's Favorite Travel Links

CellularAbroad: Cell Phones & Chips For Overseas - One of the most frequent questions I get asked is: Should I buy a cell phone to use overseas? Rent one? Rent a chip for my US phone? The answer depends on how much you need a cell phone while on the road. Do you go abroad for only a week or two a year? Or do you travel overseas more often? Do you expect to receive a lot of incoming calls when you're out of the US or do you just need to make a few calls a week? No matter your answer, the folks at Cellular Abroad can outfit you with the right phone or chip depending on your needs. know, because my public television crew and I use the company for all our cellular needsin Europe and Asia. Whether you need a country-specific chip (which makes all incoming calls free) or one of the new (as of the summer of '05) "Talk Abroad" chips that work all over Europe and other countries, talk to Cellular Abroad and get the right equipment for your needs at an attractive price. Use the code "MAXA" if you make a purchase at www.cellularabroad.com or tell them Rudy Maxa sent you if you order by phone at 800-287-3020 and receive $10 off a tri-band phone or a "Talk Abroad" chip.

MedjetAssist - Many travelers think a perk of "premium" credit cards is medical evacuation in the event of a serious injury or illness while traveling. They're right--up to a point. You're usually covered for evacuation to the nearest hospital. But what if you don't want to stay in the nearest hospital? Consider paying $215 for an annual membership (or $330 to cover a family) with MedjetAssist. The company will provide a medically equipped private jet to take you to the hospital of your choice if you require hospitalization while traveling more than 150 miles from home. If you only travel once or twice a year, the MedjetAssist also offers short-term memberships for seven, 14, 21 or 30 days beginning at $85 for an individual. I always carry a MedjetAssist card when I travel, and I insist that the crew that travels with me when we're filming.

Dream of Italy, The Travel Newsletter - Kathy McCabe, a former USA Today travel writer, loves Italy. If you do, as well, consider subscribing to her 10-times-a-year, very personal newsletter, Dream of Italy--the Insider's Guide to Undiscovered Italy. For luxury travelers, the newsletter covers all things Italian. That means art, cooking schools, cultural events, destinations, hotels, museums, restaurants, shopping, and villa rentals. National Geographic Traveler and American Airines' magazine, American Way, both recommend the publication. And all subscribers receive on-line access to more than two years of back issues--a great resource for planning a trip. A mail subscription is $79 per year, while an e-mail subscription is $69 annually. Visit www.dreamofitaly.com or call 877-OF-ITALY to subscribe.

Europe By Car - When we shoot our Europe series for public television each summer, we often obtain our cars from europebycar.com. The reason is simple: great cars at a great price. Of particular use for anyone traveling in Europe 17 days or longer is the lease option that allows you to avoid paying the high Value Added Tax that normally applies to rental cars. Not only that, but when you opt for the lease option, you'll be driving brand new Peugeot and Renault cars that can be picked up and dropped off at hundreds of sites in Western Europe. Europe By Car calls the longer-term rentals the "purchase/re-purchase" or "buy-back" option, but it's no more complicated than a standard rental. The company also has very competitive prices for standard, short-term rentals. Details: wwww.europebycar.com or 800-223-1516.

French Culinary Adventures - Les Liaisons Délicieuses is a culinary tour company that offers extraordinary, in-depth, one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventures in France, Morocco, and Quebec Province. In addition to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants with deluxe accommodations, guests enjoy cooking alongside master chefs, accompanying the chefs to local markets and wineries, and meals arranged by the chefs in private homes. Intimate groups of eight to ten like-minded travelers experience the history, art, and culture in a way that is unavailable to the typical tourist. All levels of cooking ability are welcome, and custom trips are available.

www.gayot.com - When was the last time you read a guidebook that you really trusted, especially when it comes to the highly personal subject of restaurants?  Check out the Gayot guides for restaurant advice in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC.  Or for general travel advice, as well, the company's "Best Of" series includes more cities, including London and Paris.  Andre Gayot is the paterfamilias of the series, as well as the inventor, along with his foodie friends Henri Gault and Christian Millau, of the term "nouvelle cuisine" in the 1970s.  Check this website for reviews and information on ordering books.

joesentme.com - For years, Joe Brancatelli has been one of the country's smartest travel columnists and observers. If you fly commercially or stay in hotels frequently, visit this site every week to learn the nuts and bolts of the travel business. In addition, Joe has several colleagues whose columns are worth a peek, as well. You'll find those on his home page. Tell him Rudy sent you.

asta.org - If you receive an offer for a travel deal that seems just too good to be true, check out the web site of the American Society of Travel Agents at asta.org. There you'll find information on how to reach ASTA -- you can then ask if the travel company soliciting you is a member.

johnnyjet.com - Want a link to just about every newspaper, magazine (and any other kind of) travel web site in North America? Click on our friend Johnny Jet's eclectic home page.

maxa.tv - For information and to order tapes of Rudy's PBS-TV series, this is the place to go. This series, rich in history, culture, and stunning photography, is 78 shows on destinations ranging from Paris to Rajasthan and Stockholm to Shanghai.

transitionsabroad.com - If you're looking for something beyond mass tourism this is the place to find it. You can read past articles from their bimonthly Transitions Abroad magazine, order a copy of Work Abroad, The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas, or follow links to a whole world of information on working, living and learning overseas.

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British Airways Slashes Biz Class Fares From All Its US Gateways

Want to take your summer vacation in Europe and fly busines class at a great rate?  Then book your trip now and take advantage of this extraordinary sale on business class seats from British Airways.

In what must be a response to competition from eos and Maxjet, British Airways is offering round-trip, business class fares between New York (JFK and Newark) to London for as low as $2,112 good for travel between July 1 and Sept. 2.  You must purchase your tickets by midnight (Eastern Standard Time), Feb. 1, 2007. 

The fine print: You must book 21 days in advance.  Travel on a weekend (Thursday through Sunday), and there's a $30 surcharge each way.  A Saturday night stay is required; maximum stay is 11 months.  Taxes and fees of about $150 are additional. 

No matter how much fine print, however, this sale is at least a nod toward the competition faced by British Airways, which offers totally flat beds in its business class cabin.  Biz fares have been as much as $8,000 between the East Coast and London, but the rise of all-business-class airlines such as eos and Maxjet is putting pressure on carriers such as BA, American, and United.  Look for BA's competiton to match these prices.

And BA's deal extends beyond New York.  All 19 US gateway cities served by BA are included, with prices ranging from $2,225 between Atlanta and London to a high of $3,641 (all before taxes and fees) between Seattle and London.  Need a hotel in London?  If you fly business class, the airline has deals on stays at such nice addresses as The Ritz, Grosvenor House, Kensington House and Copthorne Tara. 

Delta Launches NY-London With $199 RT

Here's the headline: Beginning Nov. 15th, Delta Air Lines launches a new flight linking New York's JFK airport with London 's Gatwick Airport by offering a limited number of $199 round-trip tickets in coach and $999 business class tickets.  Purchase tickets NOW, as the offer closes Sept. 7th.  The usual steep menu of additional fees and taxes apply.  You must stay over a Saturday night but no longer than 30 days.  This rock-bottom fare is good for travel beginning Nov. 15th through April 20,  2007, with the following black-out dates: Dec. 15th through Jan. 7, 2007.

Tickets must be purchased through Delta's web site or via a travel agent. 

The new flight is part of Delta's international expansion, which will include the world's first non-stop flight between Mumbai, India, and JFK beginning Nov. 1st.  On Dec. 11th, Delta inaugurates service between New York and Africa with four-times-a-week service to Accra, Ghana.

Prices Fall with Autumn Leaves on MAXjet

The battle between the East Coast’s two discount, all-business-class airlines, MAXjet and EOS, heats up as MAXjet announces a round-trip fare between London’s Stansted airport and either New York or Washington, DC, of $1,199 for travel between Sep. 12 and Nov. 10.  That price includes all taxes and fees. 

The catch?  You must buy your round-trip ticket by July 14.  Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable but may be reissued for a $100 change fee plus any applicable difference in fare, provided that the change is made prior to the departure date. Use promo code FALL06 when booking at the airline's web site. 

It's Hot In Arizona, So Biltmore Prices Plummet--But There ARE Eight Pools!

Through Sept. 10, 2006, room rates at the swanky Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa begin at $129 a day (not including taxes and a $20-per-day resort fee) weekdays, Sunday through Thursday.  Weekend rates start at $150 a day.  That's 36% off weekday rack rates, 25% off weekend regular, full rates. 

Given the desert heat in Arizona in the summer, it's a good thing there are eight pools, including a big one that hosts nightly "dive-in" movies--adults and kids float in the water while watching movies at night.  The resort, with more than 700 rooms, sprawls stylishly over 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.  With lots of planned activities for kids, seven tennis courts, and two, 18-hole PGA golf courses adjacent to the resort, there's no shortage of things to do.  But in the hottest part of the afternoon, my suggestion is: Check out the spa.

Fairmont Hotels Offers Early Summer Booking Bonus With American Express Card

For the last couple of years now, I've considered the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts company one of the most up-and-coming hotel chains in the world.  Slowly, without a lot of fanfare, the hotel company has upgraded and added properties.  Some of the hotels and rooms on club floors rival Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons in design, comfort and amenities.  I'll be most interested in watching the 2007 re-opening of The Plaza in New York City under the Fairmont flag, as it's always taken a tremendous effort to keep that Manhattan jewel looking spiffy inside. 

Right now, though, through Sept. 5, 2006, you can try out any of more than 40 Fairmont hotels and resorts in the US, Canada and overseas at very attractive prices.  Pay with an American Express card, stay at least two consecutive nights, and you'll receive a $50 food and beverage credit per room, per night at rates as low as $140 a night at the Toronto Fairmont or $179 (excluding taxes) at the place I often stay, the Fairmont in Washington, DC.  Fairmont calls this its One and Only Summer sale, and you can book on line or call 800-830-1411. 

Great Baseball/Hotel Package in DC

Through the end of October, the very, very nice Fairmont Washington offers two packages for baseball fans visiting the nation's capital.  The bargain-priced deal, the "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" offer, provides an overnight stay, two Metro (subway) tickets to and from the stadium, a team poster, baseball cap and complimentary hotel parking for $269 per night before taxes. 

For high rollers, the "Grand Slam Exclusive Package" delivers an upgrade to the hotel's swanky Club Floor for two nights (with free breakfast and evening hors d'ouevres), sedan service transport to and from RFK Stadium, two premium-seat tickets and Sunday brunch--Tattinger Champagne included--at the hotel.  Available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, this two-night minimum package requires a 14-day advance purchase and costs $999 per night not including taxes.

Details: 800-441-1414 or at the hotel chain's web site. 

Paris & a BMW From Hilton: $438

Through the end of July, the Hotel Arc de Triumphe Paris and the Hilton Paris (as opposed to Paris Hilton), offer a room and car package that gets you a double room, breakfast and a one-day BMW rental for rates beginning at $438. 

Which means you can head out of Paris in style for a day trip to Disneyworld, the Champagne region, Normandy, Versailles or the Loire Valley.  Details: www.hilton.com (look for Sleep & Drive special offer) or 800-HILTONS.

On Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, Birthday Extras At a Luxury Hotel

Choose from a menu of extras if you stay at the luxurious Palace Luzern hotel on the shores of Switzerland's Lake Lucerne any time in 2006.

To celebrate the hotel's 100th anniversary, a $1,350 Centennial Package includes two nights in a double room with a view of the lake, daily breakfast buffet, a dinner for two fashioned after the hotel's original menu, and a tour of the lake aboard a paddle-wheel steam boat.

For fun, for 100 Swiss francs (or about US$80), you can add a host of extras such as an upgrade to a suite, a one-hour massage at the hotel's new spa, or a four-course dinner at the hotel's Jasper restaurant.  Other options for $80: A one-hour private tennis lesson at the Lido Tennis Club or a one-hour golf lesson at the Kussnacht golf course; nine holes of golf during the week; a gourmet picnic lunch (including transportation) in the Swiss Alps; a privately escorted tour of the Rosengart Art Museum; or a personal shopping excursion with the hotel's "leisure designer" to Lucerene's  boutiques and shops.

One more perk: If the combined age of you and your significant other totals 100, the hotel will knock $80 off your nightly rate.

Details: www.palace-luzern.ch or phone (+41) 41-416-1616.  You may also book with Leading Hotels of the World at 800-223-6800.

Rockefeller Plaza Gets Its First Hotel

In May, mid-town Manhattan's Rockefeller Plaza gets its first hotel, the Rockefeller Center Hotel, located on the first six floors of a new, 25-story building at 25 W. 51st St.  Here's the best news: Until the end ofd May, guests can take advantage of a $199 introductory, nightly rate.  And then, through the end of July 5, the introductory rate is extended but at a slightly higher price point: $225 per night for a double. By New York City standards, still a great bargain.

Among the perks: A discounted day pass to The Sports Club/LA across the street and temporary membership (for a nominal fee) in a private club on the seven floor (the Terrace Club) with a terrace overlooking the plaza's ice skating rink and St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Oh, and the Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Obviously, guests are steps away from Radio City Music Hall, the shops that line Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Modern Art, and the restaurants of Rockefeller Plaza.  The theater district as well as Central Park are within easy walking distance.  And you can catch a glimpse of the "Today Show" folks doing their morning thing, as well. 

Obviously, as the 80-room hotel isn't yet open, I can't give you a first-hand report.  But at $199-$225 a night for what I expect will rank as a four- or five-star hotel, checking in this spring isn't a big risk.  Phone: 212-262-3200.

NYC Hotel For $125/Night? Yes!

Actually, two of them. 

HotelconXions, a discount hotel web site, offers a $125/night rate for single or double occupancy at two New York City, boutique-style hotels, Ameritania (W. 54th & Broadway, near Times Square and the theater district) and Bentley (E. 62nd & York, near Bloomingdales on the East Side).  That room rate does not include taxes, which would bring the rate up another $20 or so a night.

HotelconXions.com says this rate represents a 25% savings off regular prices.  The price is good on stays from June 1 to Aug. 31, 2006, but reservations must be made by the end of June.

I have not visited or stayed at either of these hotels, so I can't personally vouch for them.  But in New York City, these days, anything under $200/night counts as a bargain.  I checked TripAdviser for reviews of the Ameritania, and guest comments range from "simply crummy" to "just perfect" and "as good as we hoped."  (By the way, a press release from HotelconXions touts Ameritania's "spacious rooms," marble bathrooms, CD players, "luxurious linens and towels" and Wi-Fi for a "minimal" fee.)

The Bentley received slightly better guest reviews on Tripadvisor, though a thoughtful write-up  from a person who described herself as a travel agent who stayed there eight nights was very mixed.  Good points: Good bed, clean room  Bad: Well, read it yourself here. (The HotelconXions press release promises a rooftop restaurant, on-site parking, marble bathrooms, Belgian linens, and reasonably priced Wi-Fi connections.)

My take: If you only need to sleep in a room for a good price, consider both hotels (which are managed by the Amsterdam Hospitality Group).  If you're looking for a romantic or magical experience, these might not be place to camp out. 

Cathay's Sweetheart Specials to Asia

Every month, the Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific posts a travel deal, but this one--good for all of February and March--is an especially sweet one.   In fact, in honor of Valentine's Day, the airline calls these "sweetheart fares."

You can fly from New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Manila, Bangkok, Mumbai, Penang or Taipei for as little as $674 round trip (before taxes and fees) and still earn miles.  The deals are available for outbound flights through March 1, and travel should be completed by April 30.

But here's the important part: You must purchase your tickets by the last day of February at www.cathaypacific.com/us.

United v. Delta in Brazil Blowout!

I don't use exclamation points often in headlines, but this sale deserves a couple!  Delta launched a modest sale on its flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil, knocking about $100 off tickets from cities it serves for flights between June 18-28, 2006.  Cheapest seats are for Monday through Thursday travel.

United, apparently feeling feisty after spending more than three years in bankruptcy court, countered with a one-two punch.  First, it targeted Delta's hub cities, offering an astounding $355, round-trip fare between Atlanta, Cincinnati or Salt Lake city and Sao Paulo.  Then it announced it would offer the sale seats all the way to Jan. 2, 2007 every day of the week. 

Rather be in Rio?  Fly to Sao Paulo and buy a round-trip ticket to and from Rio for less than $200.

Central America: Deals That Are Steals

American Airlines and US Airways are having an unpublicized staredown, vying for your business to Belize, Guatemala, and two cities in Costa Rica, San Jose and Liberia.  Both airlines have slashed fares by about half during a sale good for travel through June 15.

You'll find the cheapest fares on flights Monday through Thursday, and get this: There's no advance-purchase requirement.  American decided to meet and beat US Airways' fares from Charlotte, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.  Round trip fares (before taxes and fees) between those cities are as follows for these destinations:

--Liberia, Costa Rica, $315

--San Jose, Costa Rica, $309

--Guatemala City, $303

--Belize City, $292.  (Or, if you can't travel before mid-June, check out Northwest Airline's matching fare of $293 good through Jan. 2, 2007.)

All-Biz, DC-London Flights Launch with Sale

MAXjet, the discount, all-business carrier that links New York with London, announces service between Washington Dulles and London's Stansted beginning with March 15th flights from DC.  (Service from Standsted begins Mar. 17.)  An introductory fare for a limited number of seats (all of which recline 160 degrees) begins at $999 (including taxes and fees).  Flights are on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Details: www.maxjet.com.

A Fire Sale--Literally--On Lake Placid

Six weeks ago, a fire destroyed part of a great resort, the Lake Placid Lodge, in upstate New York.  However, many of the luxury cabins were not damaged, and management is offering 60% off original rates for all of 2006.  Which means a cabin with a view of the lake that normally costs $700 is now $325 a night.  There are 12 guest cabins, including a two-bedroom suite that was formerly $1,100 a night and is now $550.

If you've always wanted to visit the gorgeous Adirondacks and the Lake Placid region, this is the place to stay.  The special deal includes a full American breakfast and free use of sporting equipment for winter (cross-country skis, snow shoes, and sleigh rides) and summer (bikes, kayaks, canoes, and guide boats for nightly cruises on the lake).  And all details are five-star, from the lavish breakfasts to the apple cider pound cake during turndown in the winter.

One cabin has been converted to a dining area serving breakfast and light lunches.  Dinner will be served there beginning in the summer.  Another cabin is a mini-theater with nightly movies complete with a popcorn machine and open bar.  Both the theater cabin and the dining cabin offer an open bar.  A third cabin is a game room and library. 

In addition to the loss of the main lodge building (with its dining rooms and 17 guest rooms), the lodge lost a wine collection it estimates to have been worth $250,000.  Management is in the process of rebuilding its cellar.

For details and reservations, call 518-523-2700. 

Now, THIS Is the Way to Learn French!

I murder the French language for two reasons: I've never taken a real French course (six weeks at Berlitz doesn't count) and my first foreign language was German. 

But a new Relais & Chateaux property in the south of France offers a most delightful way to begin learning French while enjoying a vacation, too.   

Here's the deal: Le Mas Candille, in the charming town of Mougins located above Cannes on the French Riviera, will put you up for six nights, feed you three meals a day (the hotel's restaurant has one star from Michelin), provide a 30-minute spa treatment  as well as transportation to and from the Nice airport and 3.5 hours of French instruction each day for $1.685 per person based on double occupancy.  That works out to about $481 a day per couple for lodging, all meals and French lessons.

Not bad.

Your instructor will be Christine Gloppe, a Sorbonne grad with 22 years of experience teaching conversational French to English speakers.  The course is aimed at begining and intermediate French speakers.  Classes will be in the hotel, once an 18th century farmhouse, or mas, if you'd like to begin your French lesson here and now. And, of course, in your free time, you can explore the coastline, from Monte Carlo to St. Tropez while practicing your French. 

Check out the hotel on line and, if you'd like to discuss a stay, e-mail the reservation manager, Maximilien Ritter, at reservations@lemascandille.com.  Oh, Monsieur Ritter speaks English fluently.

If your not up for the trip but still want to learn french, try Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software.