Weekend getaways were made for fun. But with plane tickets costing on average $400 or more, it can get a wee pricey. Whether you want to splurge or save, I found some great hotel options in urban cities (mainly in the Eastern Seaboard). The best part? Most options are under $200 a night. Some of these picks may even surprise you! Here are my finds so you can explore at day and have a great night's sleep.
Clarendon Square Inn
Where: Boston, Massachussets
This sleek boutique bed and breakfast is a great find for girlfriends or couples who seek a central base in Boston’s South End. My favourite part about the establishment is the rooftop jacuzzi, which overlooks the city skyline. Deluxe Queen Rooms start from $125 and are outfitted with extras like a marble fireplace or private bamboo garden for meditation. Breakfast is an upscale continental buffet and foodies will love that the inn is close to Restaurant Row, where you can find over 40 of Boston’s popular restaurants.
Honor and Folly
Where: Detroit, Michigan
Detroit may seem like a surprising destination for this feature but I love that Meghan McEwen, of fun travel site Design Tripper, is changing those perceptions of what we think is a city that is in urban decay and associated with violence or a motor-city. Inspired by the creative places she was writing about, she opened her own stylish two-bedroom B&B in Corktown, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Detroit. The apartments (pictured left) are decorated with furniture and objects by local designers. Above Slows BBQ, it is also a part-time shop, cooking school and multifunctional creative space. They will even stock your fridge for breakfast for an extra charge! Metro Detroit is a shopping mecca with 150 shopping centres, 23 of which are mega malls.
The Tabard Inn
Where: Washington, DC
Washington is now on Canadian radar as Porter Airlines will launch direct flights to America’s politcal capital in April. The Tabard Inn is on a quiet street close to the commercial centre, Dupont Circle and a few blocks away from the White House. Rooms are quirky --think floral curtains or accoutrements you may see in your Grandmother’s house. The inn’s restaurant satiates the appetite and if you want to stay a while, there’s a fireplace in the lobby.
Casa Bianca
Where: Montreal, Quebec
This 100 year old home--Montreal’s first Jewish medical clinic--is now an eco-friendly hotel across the street from Parc Mont Royal and on the edge of the lively Plateau neighbourhood. Most rooms are surrounded by stunning architectural details from the French Renaissance era. Eco-conscious efforts include organic breakfasts and all shampoos, linens and cleaning products made from natural or organic ingredients. The great deal is the Saint Laurent Room at $129.
The Drake Hotel
Where: Toronto, Ontario
It’s no secret that this is one of the best chic for cheap deals in the city. Outfitted as a “hotbed of culture”, this pit stop for your basic hierarchy of needs is so popular that the word on the street is that The Drake is expanding its digs. We’ll have our ear to the ground if there will be more crash pads available on the hotel that is now eight years old. There’s lots to see and do in the vicinty like explore Parkdale and its array of vintage shops and up and coming restaurants like popular Mexican outfit, Grand Electric. Crash pads are under $200 and medium sized rooms start at $220.
Hotel St. Augustine
Where: Miami, Florida
Hotel St. Augustine is located in the heart of South Beach's SoFi, or South of Fifth Street, District, home of Art Deco architecture and close to the shops of Collins Avenue. For the traveler who wants to be near the action of the South Beach but wants a quiet and peaceful night, this hotel strikes the right balance. The minimalist decor in the rooms have a subtle sophistication. The best part? The shower cabin transforms into a private steam room. Great packages are available as well.
6 Columbus
Where: New York, New York
Part of the sleek Thompson chain, these rooms never scrimp on style. Beds are outfitted in 400 thread count SFERRA linens and are decorated in a 60s style, with a modern twist, worthy of an editorial spread in Wallpaper Magazine. If your significant other is a guy’s guy (think Don Draper from Mad Men), this is a great fit for your style. Right at Colombus Circle, you are steps away from Central Park and near Museum Mile and Broadway. Pod and Queen Superior rooms price under $300 at certain times.
Longman & Eagle
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Voted as one of the ‘Best Bars in America’ by Esquire Magazine, you now no longer need to leave this gastropub. They have six rooms upstairs, starting from $75 to $200. Rooms are slightly masculine with the ubiquitous exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and royal blue sheet sets. Its miniamlism is offset by its technology: rooms include a 22 inch HD LCD television with Apple TV (which includes internet radio, Netflix, YouTube and more) and a media player.
Hotel Le Germain- Dominion
Where: Quebec City, Quebec
Le Germain is one of the nicer boutique chains throughout Canada so it’s one of my top recommendations if you are looking for a whimsical weekend with your significant other in La Belle Provence. Wake up in 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens from the Moka Collection and sleep in before taking a leisurely walk in the heart of the Old Port. You can bring your pooch too at $35 extra per night.
StayON Beverly
Where: Los Angeles, California
Staying in LA can be expensive so I was thrilled when I found this accommodation for $50 a night in Korea Town located near Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It is labelled as a hostel but is more like an inn; it is mainly a self-serve so if you’re looking for a basic room and can live without the extras of a hotel (like a doorman or concierge), this is the place for you. The great thing about StayON Beverly is that there are private rooms with private bathrooms. Room amenities include a flat screen TV, free wireless Internet access, personal refrigerator, a work desk and complimentary coffee.
Constantly on a quest to explore the world, Natalie Taylor seeks the good life without spending a fortune. You can catch her regular posts right here on Sympatico.ca Travel’s luxury for less blog. You can also find her on Twitter @nearafar.
January 2012
