March is a finicky month. One day it feels like winter, the next day there’s the promise of spring. Whether you want a little bit of winter, spring, or summer, we have places and discounts just for Westchester Magazine readers. And nothing says spring like Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival. But if you still want winter, there are great deals to be had in Vermont. Or you can enjoy summer weather (or make plans for your summer vacation) at some more distant locales.
A Capital Spring
Where: Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave., NW; Washington, DC; (202) 628-2100
What’s special: A perfect location, the hotel puts you in the heart of the nation’s Capital. You’ll be walking distance to the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Mall with museums and monuments, Union Station, and restaurants. Some rooms offer a view of the Capitol. Cherry Blossoms, daffodils, and other colorful flowers turn Washington into a magical spring awakening.
The deal: The “Up, Up and Away” package includes a pink kite to fly among the trees, cherry-flavored edible bubbles to blow through the blossoms, and pink wayfarer-style sunglasses to enjoy the rose-colored view. The hotel also offers free valet parking. Westchester Magazine readers receive an added surprise—a special cocktail for the adults called the Cherry Lime Ricky, and for the younger set Pink Shirley Temples with extra cherries. The rates are $159 weekends and $229 midweek. Use the code Cherry.
When: Valid March 25 through April 30, 2011.
On the Slopes
Where: The Woodstock Inn & Resort, 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT; (800) 448-7900
What’s special: The Woodstock Inn & Resort’s huge lobby stone fireplace creates a warm, cozy ambiance. Each room has plush bedding. Guests can enjoy the new luxury spa. Right outside the inn are beautiful shops and boutiques. Love the snow? The Nordic Center offers more than 60 Kilometers of groomed X-Country Skiing and snowshoeing. Suicide Six offers 23-trails (30 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 30 percent advanced slope ratings).
The deal: “Ski Free” Adults ski free Monday thru Friday at the resort’s Suicide Six Family Ski Area or Sunday thru Thursday at the Nordic Center. The package includes a luxurious guest room, complimentary lift tickets to Suicide Six, a free pass to the Nordic Center, complimentary use of The Resort’s Racquet & Fitness Club (indoor pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, and training equipment), morning coffee and afternoon tea, and discounted equipment rentals at ski shops. Kids under 14 ski free at both ski areas all the time (offer not available during holiday weekends and holiday weeks). Westchester Magazine readers receive a bottle of Woodstock Inn labeled wine.
When: Valid thru March 13, 2011.
New York Fun
Where: Hotel Elysée, 60 East 54th Street, NY; (212) 753-1066
What’s special: A European-style boutique hotel, it offers a lavish Continental breakfast (fruit, boiled eggs, hot cereals, muffins, pastries, and coffee/espresso,) daily passes to the nearby New York Sports Clubs, and more. The hotel is located between Park and Madison Avenues and easy walking distance to Fifth Avenue, Central Park, NYC Museums, Rockefeller Center, and restaurants
The deal: “Welcome to the Big Apple” includes one Washington Apple Martini per guest at the Monkey Bar, a bottle of red wine upon arrival, a small box of Leonidis chocolates, and a savings of 15 percent off their standard promotional rates. Mention “Welcome to the Big Apple—Westchester.” The added package amenities and the 15-percent off saves about $105 per person. The link is: http://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?HotelID=15236&ReferID=36655&gohome=2
When: Valid through March 31, 2011.
Desert Glory
Where: FireSky Resort & Spa, 4925 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ; (480) 945-7666
What’s special: FireSky Resort & Spa is a garden oasis nestled in the heart of Scottsdale. A boutique hotel, it plays on four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. The hotel lobby living room showcases a stunning stone fireplace and airy cathedral ceilings. The grounds of the hotel feature two pools, a hot tub, a Mediterranean-lagoon surrounded by poolside cabanas and secluded fire pits. Hanging lanterns and fiery torches topping poolside fountains turn the night into a magical setting. Dine alfresco or indoors. The resort has a 3,500 square-foot full-service spa with products based on natural, plant-derived ingredients.
The deal: The “Green Getaway Package” includes a bottle of Arizona wine, discount coupons on local bike rentals, two Desert Botanical Garden tickets, a tree planted in honor of the guests with American Forests, rides in a hybrid Escalade within a three-mile radius of the hotel, “concierge access,” giving guests paper-free access to a lineup of nearby attractions, and complimentary appetizer. Prices are from $189, a savings of about $130. Rate code: PGRN
When: Valid through March 31, 2011.
Island Bargain
Where: VH Victoria Resort, Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; (866) 376-7831
What’s special: It’s a charming, smaller family-owned resort for those who want quiet and relaxation. Golfers will enjoy the adjacent 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Playa Dorada Golf Course that has lush terrain, sloping hillsides and wide fairways. Hole No.4 features lush greens bordering the land and the sea, while hole No. 5 borders inland water. 5 star sister hotel Casa Colonial Beach & Spa has The Bagua, a spa with 10 therapy rooms and three outdoor oceanfront treatment gazebos set over a tropical pond with soothing waterfalls.
The deal: Four nights in a Junior Suite for two overlooking the Playa Dorada Golf Course landscape. Package includes: A tropical fruit plate a bottle of Brugal rum both placed in room on arrival and, a special candlelight dinner for two by the main pool side with fantastic views of the Playa Dorada golf course and the lagoon, (to be reserved through guest services on arrival), access to all services and facilities to sister hotel VH Gran Ventana, a 10% discount in the Bagua Spa, located in sister hotel Casa Colonial when arranged through the guest services. Book through www.vhhr.com with promotional code WEPKG. The total price is $595, including taxes and service charges—more than a 50-percent savings.
When: March through April 30, 2011.
The Sunshine State
Where: Innisbrook, 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbook, FL; (800) 492-6899
What’s special: Nestled on 900 acres of Florida’s Gulf Coast, this recently renovated resort—owned by Sheila C. Johnson—offers a variety of activities. There are four championship golf courses, a new spa, 11 tennis courts, indoor racquetball courts, a fitness facility, and six pools. The area’s famed beaches are just 15 minutes away. Nature abounds with plants, alligators, and herons. Bike, hike, stroll, and dine.
The deal: The three-day, two-night Innisbrook Your Way Golf & Spa Package begins at $189 per person, per night and includes suite accommodations, a 50-minute massage daily or 18 holes of golf daily at either the North or South Courses (per night of stay, per person), $25 retail credit, spa service charge included and complimentary on-site transportation. When booking online, use the special code “March” to receive an exclusive 20-percent discount. If calling, mention the same code to receive the discount. Package pricing is based on double occupancy and is subject to availability. You can play on the famed Copperhead Course, recent site of the PGA TOUR Transitions Championship. With discount for readers you’ll save $38 per person (price is $151 per person).
When: Book by May 31, 2011 and stays are through September 30, 2011.
Sail Away
Where: Alaska, aboard the Celebrity Infinity. Departs from Seattle; Cruise Members Only; (800) 999-3543
What’s special: See breathtaking majestic scenery. Visit Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. Watch as huge chunks of ice break off and plunge into the frigid water below at the Tracy Arm Fjord. Also, see the amazing waterfalls in the area. If you crave adventure, Ketchikan offers glacier tours and flights over snow-clad mountains. It also has the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Onboard, Infinity has sleek, Scandinavian styling, featuring a bank of all-glass seaview elevators, natural woods, marble, and etched glass. Expansive staterooms, specialty restaurants, and a beautiful spa are just some of the Infinity’s amenities.
The deal: A seven-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Infinity. Depart from Seattle, with stops at Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria. This price also includes a $50 shipboard credit. Inside cabins from $739, Ocean views from $969, Balconies from $1379. You will pay up to $300 less for this cruise than you will find elsewhere due to our very special group space rate. (Does not include port charges and taxes.) Mention Westchester Magazine and receive a bottle of wine.
When: Book by March 15. Sail on July 15.
