I can’t be the only one who keeps booking holiday travel at the last minute, right? The hardest part is finding the magical combination of hotels that have space and airfare that costs less than a private jet. For today’s “Better Connecticut” segment on CBS I put together the following ideas for the other procrastinators in the world, ho ho ho!
New York City
I’m lucky enough to leave near the greatest city in the world yet do not stay over nearly often enough. These two hotels are decked out for the holidays, and most importantly, have space available!
The Lowell
This holiday season The Lowell Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side will ‘deck the halls’ – just stop in even if you are not staying there for complimentary hot chocolate and cider in the lobby. For NYC locals, The Pembroke Room will host a pre-fixe holiday brunch on December 25. For those visiting, the hotel is offering an overnight package that includes afternoon tea, breakfast for two, a complimentary room upgrade, and the option to have your suite outfitted with festive décor before check-in. The little ones will receive personalized holiday gifts and candy. Rates from $552.
The Iroquois
The Iroquois in NYC is offering a “Christmas in New York” package including two complimentary drinks at Triomphe restaurant, cookies on the night of arrival and daily breakfast. The hotel serves complimentary hot apple cider in the afternoon and has a gorgeous display of Toy Soldiers out front for photo opps! The hotel is located within walking distance to Bryant Park Ice Skating, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and even offers complimentary guided walking tours along 5th Avenue to see the beautifully decorated shop windows in action. From $385/night plux tax and fees over Christmas (minimum 2-night stay). (Though I have not stayed at the Iroquois, it is a Triumph Hotel along with my bff the Belleclaire and you know how much I love that hotel).
Quick Getaway to Bermuda
Hamilton Princess Bermuda
Less than a two-hour flight from New York, ring in the New Year at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Marcus’, Bermuda’s first and only celebrity-helmed restaurant (by Marcus Samuelsson) will offer live music from New York’s organist Nate Lucas and his All-Star band as well as unlimited champagne and signature dishes from Marcus’. Dinner with unlimited champagne and wine costs $195 per person. Room rates start at $399 and they are offering an Endless Summer promotion, your third night is free when you stay over a Friday or Saturday. It might not be bikini weather, but it’s Bermuda and I love it there.
Orlando-Lots of Sunshine- Flights-GREAT DEALS
Grande Lakes Orlando – JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton
Grande Lakes Orlando Orlando is more than just Disney (though not according to Keaton). The Ritz and JW Marriott make up the Grande Lakes property in Orlando. You can visit Disney if you choose or just enjoy the 500 acre resort that even has its own pond for fishing. The Marriott has a really fun lazy river, the rates are great. Mariott guests also get use of the Ritz pool and spa. They have space for the holidays and rates are starting at $185/night at the JW Marriott. New this year, Grande Lakes is giving the gift of date night. Ugly sweaters and bottomless champagne will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Those in the finest ugly sweater will receive a 10% off voucher to Highball & Harvest (H&H) at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando.
More good Disney news just in from my friends on the PR team, there are Four More Restaurants in the Magic Kingdom Serving Beer and Wine. It’s good when people know you and just send you important news like this. Here are a few other things you might not know about Disney.
Put Atlantis Under the Tree
We recently worked with Atlantis on a video series sharing everything you need to know to book an Atlantis Vacation. However, as we all know, Atlantis can be pricey. They are offering some really amazing specials right now, if you have been waiting to give your kids the gift of Atlantis, you might want to box up some flip flops and one of these deals. You can get an all inclusive stay for as little as $299 per night/per person. Really.
If you’re feeling spontaneous, book a flight to Nassau and nn December 30, John Legend is bringing his musical talents to Paradise to kick off the New Year early with Atlantis guests. Additionally, the family vacation mecca and bucket-list destination is offering a lineup of traditional holiday happenings to give families an authentic celebration. From breakfast with Santa and Santa Tuck Ins to Battle of the Elves and the nightly lighting of a life-sized Menorah for Hanukkah, everyone will feel the cheer!
We have been hosted at Atlantis and the Orlando properties, I have visited Bermuda for a magazine story, I was not compensated for this post, I’m just trying to help you find some fun travel ideas to put under the tree. And I swear, next year I’m planning ahead.
