Travel

Hotel at a Glance: V Palm Springs

The 4-star V Palm Springs hotel reflects its desert surroundings inside and out. Its guest rooms blend earth tones with eye-catching accents like mounted steer skulls and snake-shaped table lamps. In the oasis-like courtyard, palm trees tower over lounge areas with views of Tahquitz Canyon.

• Perks: This deal includes a $9 discount on the $29 daily resort fee and 15% off room services and spa services at nearby Studio M Salon and Spa.
• Open-air dining: Elixir Pool Bar & Grill pairs updated tiki drinks with Asian-fusion dishes like a green-curry lobster roll.
• Outdoor lounge: Along with a hot tub and a fire pit, there’s a heated pool shaped like the hotel’s signature V.
• Hollywood connection: Scenes from season three of HBO’s Insecure were filmed at the hotel.

Palm Springs, California: SoCal Resort Town with Midcentury Charm

Palm Springs is an oasis of outdoor recreation and old Hollywood glamour about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Once the stomping grounds of Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack, the town still attracts A-list vacationers. Strolls through the Movie Colony take visitors past the former homes of Dean Martin, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe. Furniture and clothing boutiques along Palm Canyon Drive embrace Palm Springs’ trademark aesthetic—what might be called Mad Men West.

The sun shines more than 300 days a year in Palm Springs, which means people can golf or hike in the nearby Agua Caliente Indian Canyons no matter the season. On the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, cars rotate 360 degrees as they carry passengers to Mount San Jacinto’s Mountain Station, located 8,516 feet above sea level. About 40 miles northeast is Joshua Tree National Park, which spans parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. The 12 nature trails give hikers the chance to see desert bighorn sheep and black-tailed jackrabbits.

Hotel at a Glance: Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

Some of Las Vegas’ biggest attractions are right outside the door—the Fremont Street Experience is a block away—but guests at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino have little reason to leave the premises. The hotel fills an entire city block, which leaves plenty of room for its 25,000-square-foot casino, seven bars and restaurants, and a rooftop infinity pool. Back in the 629 guest rooms, visitors can kick back on a pillow-top bed and watch a movie on a flat-screen TV.

• Share vacation photos with ease over the WiFi network.
• 500: That’s approximately how many slot machines you’ll find in the casino.
• Lounge on the roof beside the pool and have a drink at the newly opened Citrus Grand Pool Deck.
• Notable accolade: TripAdvisor’s 2018 Certificate of Excellence
• Extra perks: some of this deal’s options come with $10 dining credit per stay, which you can use at one of the onsite restaurants. Shuttles to and from The Fashion Show Mall are also available.

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

Hotel at a Glance: SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Post Falls

From unique decor to the free WiFi found in every room, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Post Falls offers a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere. Guests are welcome to enjoy an extensive hot breakfast each morning, and each guest room includes amenities ranging from refrigerators and coffee makers to flat-screen TVs.

• Take a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool.
• Start the morning right at the complimentary breakfast buffet, where you’ll find plenty of hot and cold options.
• Nearby attractions: guests are just a 15-minute drive from Coeur d’Alene and a 30-minute drive from Silverwood Theme Park, where more than 70 rides and attractions await.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: All-Season Beauty in Idaho’s Panhandle

Once the realm of French fur traders, the city of Coeur d’Alene still maintains its close connection to nature. Much of today’s exploration centers on Lake Coeur d’Alene, a twisting body of water with more than 100 miles of shoreline. Bird-watchers might spot migrating bald eagles feeding on sockeye salmon in Wolf Lodge Bay, and cyclists and hikers like to wend their way along the 24-mile North Idaho Centennial Trail, which runs along the lake’s north shore. There are numerous swimming beaches as well.

The fun doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold. Coeur d’Alene is a winter sports nexus, with four bustling mountain resorts and winter parks within an hour’s drive. Lookout Pass pairs unspoiled mountain trails with terrain parks that test the creativity of freestyle skiers and snowboarders alike. Visitors can take a break from zooming down the powder to visit Raptor Reef, an indoor water park in nearby Hayden that’s open year-round. Another all-season attraction is Coeur d’Alene Cellars, where vintners turn Cascadian grapes into small-batch wines.

Hotel at a Glance: Shilo Inn Hotel & Suites Beaverton

It sits just outside of Portland, but this cozy inn gives you plenty of reasons to stick around rather than venture into the big city. The beautifully landscaped property showcases local flora, which shades the inn’s spacious courtyard and gazebo.

• Guest rooms feature views of the wooded property; some options have patios.
• Start each day with a complimentary breakfast.
• Portland-area attractions, including the Portland Japanese Gardens (5.6 mi) and the Portland Children’s Museum (3.5 mi) are within driving distance.

Portland, Oregon: Quirky Riverfront City Known for Its City Parks

Extensive bikeways, edgy chefs, indie-rock bands, and progressive environmentalists—counterculture is almost a way of life in Portland. And it’s certainly a source of civic pride. Locals have adopted the slogan “Keep Portland Weird,” which is brandished on bumper stickers and in businesses all over the town. The city has always been a little ahead of its time; it was originally planned with strict urban-growth boundaries that left plenty of room for parks and other green spaces. Today, in new developments, shops are built at street level with apartments above them—following a European model that complements Portland’s slightly European, laid-back atmosphere.

The downtown area is a refreshing mix of the traditional and the offbeat: high-rise buildings are interspersed with clothing boutiques and restaurants serving sustainable cuisine. Streets here are narrow and the blocks are compact to encourage walking, which visitors are wont to do to take in the parks, plazas, and fountains. A popular place to hang out is Pioneer Courthouse Square, a 40,000-square-foot public space often referred to as “Portland’s living room.” In warmer months, the square hosts free shows and festivals, as does Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which was named 1 of 10 Great Public Spaces in America in 2012 by the American Planning Association.

Hotel at a Glance: Best Western Plus Sandcastle Beachfront Hotel

Set along the coast, this hotel puts guests near the fun in Virginia Beach. On one side of the hotel, the city’s boardwalk stretches along the oceanfront. On the other, Atlantic Avenue is lined with quirky shops.

• Free breakfast starts each day with items like french toast and eggs.
• Fresh catch: Ocean’s 14 Restaurant and Bar serves up seafood including crab-cake sandwiches and coconut shrimp.
• Ocean views are available in select guest rooms, along with balconies.
• In-room amenities: a mini fridge and microwave good for prepping snacks
• Best way to relax: with a swim in the heated indoor pool
• Open 24/7: a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment

Virginia Beach, Virginia: Award-Winning Boardwalk and Seaside Museums

English settlers from the Virginia Company of London first stepped foot onto American soil in what is now Virginia Beach, Virginia. They would go on to found Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, along the James River. But before they left the shoreline, they erected a cross on the spot where they had disembarked. Today, the First Landing Cross commemorates this momentous event. Needless to say, a lot has changed in Virginia Beach since the 1600s. The seaside town has become a family-friendly destination known for supersize beaches and a 3-mile-long boardwalk dubbed one of America’s best by Travel + Leisure.

Hotel at a Glance: The Redstone Inn

The Redstone Inn—built in the late 1800s to resemble a traditional Swiss chalet—offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

• Drive an hour to the famous mountain resorts of Aspen/Snowmass or 90 minutes to Vail, where you can brush up on your skiing skills.
• Nearby attractions: Redstone’s shopping and hot springs.
• Onsite restaurant: serves grilled dishes, including Aspen Ridge natural ribeye and toasted pumpkinseed pesto with grilled Norwegian salmon
• Go for a hike: Explore McClure Pass, Coal Basin, Beaver Lake, and Bogan Flats.

Redstone, Colorado: Historic Swiss-Style Town in the Rockies

Redstone is about 200 miles west of Denver, but the place looks like it was airlifted in from the Swiss Alps—in fact, the buildings are modeled after European mountain chalets. The entire town was the brainchild of entrepreneur John Cleveland Osgood, who built it in order to house the employees of his coal-mining operation. While he lived there, his tudor-style Redstone Castle hosted guests such as John D. Rockefeller, John Pierpont Morgan, and Teddy Roosevelt; today, you can take a public guided tour of the house or dine like a Rockefeller yourself at the historic Redstone Inn, which, like the rest of the town, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since it’s surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Redstone has no shortage of outdoor activities. The 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest is crisscrossed with trails for hiking and snowmobiling, and Avalanche Ranch boasts natural hot springs about 5 miles north of town.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor

This stylish hotel is conveniently located three blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and within a 10-minute walk of the National Aquarium. Upon your return from exploring Charm City attractions, check out the scene at the hotel’s Living Stage, which hosts live performances on select nights.

• Comforts of home: Each guest room has a large HDTV and free WiFi.
• Go shopping at HarborPlace, a waterfront shopping plaza you can walk to in 5 minutes.

Baltimore, Maryland: World-Class Museums and Historic Waterfront Neighborhoods

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor—a busy port that was redeveloped as a tourism district in the mid-20th century—has become one of the city’s best-known and most beloved landmarks. Water taxis ferry visitors from one historic, cultural, or family-friendly attraction to another. Sites along the routes include the star-shaped Fort McHenry (where US forces repelled the British during the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner”).

You’ll find several unique museums here, too, from the National Aquarium—which houses more than 16,000 sea creatures in realistic habitats—to the wonderfully oddball American Visionary Art Museum, one of the country’s leading institutions for outsider art. For a stunning view of the skyline, the Inner Harbor, and Chesapeake Bay, head up to the 27th floor of the Baltimore World Trade Center, where you can see the city from 360 degrees at the observation deck.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Max

Hotel Max brims with original artwork. Pop-art paintings, sculptures, and screenprints, including an authentic Andy Warhol, decorate the lobby. Above ground level, the works of Seattle photographers cover guest room doors, with each floor dedicated to one artist, and framed poster art hangs in individual rooms. The fifth floor (nicknamed the Sup Pop floor) is especially iconic: images captured by grunge-era photographer Charles Peterson line the hallways, while a Crosley turntable and vinyl selection curated by Sub Pop Records live in each guest room.

• One of Seattle’s best: Readers of Conde Nast Traveler named it one of the best hotels in Seattle in 2017.
• Pet-friendly digs: Furry companions get their own amenities here, including a pet bed, food and water bowls, a toy, and lots of treats.
• A James Beard Award-winning chef cooks 75-day dry-aged beef and fresh seafood on a nine-foot-long wood-fired grill inside Miller’s Guild.
• Craft beers: Enjoy full pints of craft beer on the house, every day from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the lobby.
• Sleep easy: Pillow-top mattresses and a specialty pillow menu ensure guests get a restful night’s sleep.
• Coffee and tea are brewed every morning in the lobby.

Belltown, Seattle: Popular Artsy Neighborhood just North of Downtown

Located about a mile north of downtown Seattle, Belltown is the city’s most densely populated neighborhood and a great place to experience the spirit of the city. Naturally, that involves coffee (Seattle ranked behind only Portland on Travel + Leisure’s 2014 list of America’s Best Coffee Cities). In Belltown, you’ll find top-notch coffee shops such as Street Bean Coffee, a nonprofit space serving sustainable, locally roasted coffee and artisan pastries. Mixed in with the neighborhood’s java dispensaries and trendy restaurants are an array of art galleries.

About a half mile south is Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most renowned attractions. Locals and out-of-towners alike flock to this semi-open-air marketplace to shop for fresh produce, fish, flowers, and meat. Come early in the morning to see the market’s fishmongers do what they’re famous for: tossing the day’s catch back and forth.

Hotel at a Glance: Yosemite Gold Country Lodge

Yosemite Gold Country Lodge’s looks are deceiving. On the outside, it looks like a rustic forest retreat, with a timbered front porch studded with wooden benches. But inside, the lodge has been fully renovated from top to bottom to provide a cushy, modern stay in the great California landscape.

• Driving time to Yosemite: 25 minutes
• Nearby attractions: Lake McClure and Historic Jamestown and Sonora
• Revamped guest rooms feature refrigerators, fireplaces, and microwaves.
• Soothe sore muscles with a dip in a hot tub.
• Share vacation pictures with family and friends using lodge’s WiFi.

Yosemite National Park, California: Waterfalls, Half Dome, and Giant Sequoia Trees

Yosemite National Park is a place of superlatives. The massive swath of wilderness in central California is home to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, the largest piece of exposed granite in the world (climb to the top on a Half Dome hike), and a grove of ancient sequoia trees that are among the largest living beings on the planet. The park is also one of the country’s most popular natural destinations: nearly four million visitors pass through each year.

Spring and early summer are the best times to see the waterfalls, thanks to the snowmelt brought on by warmer weather. Yosemite Falls—a three-tiered cascade considered the highest in North America—transforms into thundering cataracts each spring. Serious hikers can trek to the top on a strenuous hiking trail, which gains 2,700 feet in elevation in just 3.5 miles.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel RL Salt Lake City

Hotel RL Salt Lake City is a quick walk from Temple Square, one of Salt Lake City’s main attractions and home to the largest temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here, you can dine at several restaurants, take a guided tour of the square’s seasonal gardens, or catch a performance of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

• Free airport shuttle whisks passengers from Salt Lake City International Airport to the hotel and back
• Grab a bite at the onsite restaurant, which offers up fresh and locally-sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, sip a cocktail at the bar.
• In-room amenities: microwave, mini fridge, TV, and complimentary WiFi

Salt Lake City: Mormon Heritage, Skiing, and the Great Salt Lake

Surrounded by mountains on every side, Utah’s capital city sprawls across a broad valley that draws visitors looking to play in the great outdoors. Skiing in the nearby Wasatch Range is one of the most popular pastimes; there are eight ski resorts in a 50-mile range of the city. The area receives nearly 500 inches of snow annually, and several resorts offer access to slopes suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Summer visitors can still go to the ski areas for hiking and trail rides. There are also warm-weather activities just outside the city limits in the 2.1 million acres of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and near the Great Salt Lake—the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and a remnant of a prehistoric inland lake.

Those interested in the origins of the city or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can check out the Church History Museum, home to a large collection of Mormon art and artifacts. If you’re looking to research your own genealogy, visit the Family History Library—which is free to the public—and search through a large database with the help of professional staffers and trained volunteers. Both the museum and the library are adjacent to Temple Square, one of Salt Lake City’s most popular attractions, where tranquil gardens surround the iconic Salt Lake Temple.

Hotel at a Glance: Crowne Plaza Columbus North-Worthington

The heart of the Buckeye State is just around the corner to the Crowne Plaza Columbus North-Worthington. Whether you’re headed to The Ohio State University or catching a match from the city’s Pro hockey and MLS teams, you’ll find plenty of comfort in your guest room; amenities include WIFI access, HDTVs, and refrigerators.

• Eat well at the onsite restaurant which serves breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, or order up room service.
• Unwind at the onsite lobby bar and lounge.
• Take a dip in the indoor pool or relax in a hot tub
• Get buff at the 24-hour fitness center.

Columbus, Ohio: OSU, Acclaimed Museums, and One of the Country’s Best Zoos

In 2012, Columbus made Business Week’s list of America’s 50 best cities, thanks in part to the city’s best-known institution—The Ohio State University. Though the school contributes a youthful air and helps drive urban progress, Ohio’s capital is much more than a college town. In the walkable downtown you’ll find trendy restaurants and bars as well as a groundbreaking interactive science museum, COSI, and the highly acclaimed Columbus Museum of Art. The Scioto River bisects the city, flowing past public parks and miles of walking and biking paths. A 20-minute drive north will take you to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, one of the finest institutions of its kind, perhaps best known for its affiliation with director emeritus Jack Hanna.

Hotel at a Glance: BEI San Francisco

Location is key on vacation, which is why BEI San Francisco is a great home base for those visiting bustling San Francisco. It’s situated right in the Civic Center district, near plenty of public transportation, restaurants, and museums. While San Francisco can be an overwhelming place, the BEI San Francisco aims to stay cozy for its visitors while also providing plenty of modern amenities.

• Boutique rooms: Rooms of all sizes are available for booking based on a visitor’s needs. Each is decorated with modern furniture and colorful accents.
• Grab a bite at their on-site Sum and Ren, which serves fresh croissants and coffee in the morning and craft cocktails, steaks, and pasta by night.
• Mark your calendar for their on-going entrepreneurial connection workshops, such as the morning breakfast club, happy hour Mondays, and live and learn workshops in their meeting space.
• Location, location, location: Just steps away are plenty of restaurants, bars, museums, and train stops, such as the Cellarmaker Brewing company, Oddjob cocktail bar, and the Asian Art Museum.

South San Francisco: Landing Spot for the City by the Bay

South San Francisco sees thousands of people pass through its city limits every day via the San Francisco International Airport. Though the airport-centric burg sits in the shadow of its big sister to the north, it has some gems worth checking out, including the giant, Hollywood-style sign on a mountainside that spells out the city’s name and proclaims its status as “The Industrial City.” The eye-catching monument holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. There are nearly 2 miles of scenic hiking trails in the immediate vicinity, and South San Francisco’s quaint downtown corridor contains about a dozen restaurants and shops.

OYO Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Visit the Strip without being on the Strip. Just a mere one block away, the OYO Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has just about anything you’d like from a trip to Vegas: on-site restaurants, comfortable rooms, gambling, and nightly entertainment. This hotel is perfectly situated for those wanting easy access to all things Vegas while having a cozy oasis to return to.

• Modern meets funky: in the refurbished rooms complete with gray furniture with eye-catching, colorful accents.
• Take a dip: in their pool split in two halves or simply get your tan on on one of their lounge chairs.
• Eat, drink, and be merry: at their on-site bars and restaurants, including Hooters and Steak ‘n Shake. The Underground Lounge provides fresh pints of beer while The Proch is a poolside snack spot.
• Be wow-ed: at OYO’s upcoming events that may include comedy sets, cover bands, and dance shows.

The Las Vegas Strip: 24/7 Entertainment and Fine Dining

With an almost unlimited variety of casinos, bars and nightclubs, and live entertainment, the general consensus along the Las Vegas Strip seems to be “go big or go home.” And you can go really big here. Make a beeline for the dozens of 24-hour casinos lining the neon-lit Strip to tango with Lady Luck in high-stakes games of roulette, blackjack, and poker; or grab a front-row seat to the city’s over-the-top glitz at nightly magic, acrobatic, and musical performances. Be sure to stick around for mealtimes—casinos on the Strip are known for their fine-dining restaurants and extravagant buffets overflowing with crab legs and prime rib.

Even Sin City isn’t all casinos, all the time. Go shopping at the high-end boutiques found inside most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, or head to Fashion Show Las Vegas to browse racks at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. You can also virtually travel the globe in just a few city blocks, thanks to the Strip’s re-creation of the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and Venetian canals. And you’ll find a surprising number of activities in Las Vegas for kids hidden amid the raucous nightlife.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Whitcomb

Renovated from San Francisco’s old City Hall building, the longstanding, boutique Hotel Whitcomb exudes the charm of the city’s history. Situated directly on Market Street, guests will have easy walking access to bustling shopping centers like Union Square or the lively museums and theaters of the Tenderloin neighborhood.

• Step back in time at this historic hotel, whose lobby is decorated with Austrian crystal chandeliers, Tiffany glass, polished Italian marble columns, and brass fixtures.
• Get your morning fix at the LaVazza Coffee Station in the lobby.
• Squeeze in a workout at the hotel’s fitness center.
• Walk to the Union Square, the theater district, or shops along SOMA just a few minutes away on foot.

San Francisco’s South of Market Neighborhood: Museums, Gardens, and Tech Headquarters

Just north of the popular Mission District, South of Market (or SoMa, as it’s sometimes called) is a vast neighborhood that contains many of the city’s best museums, including the Asian Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Yerba Buena Gardens displays a number of outdoor art pieces and a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, which sits behind a 50-foot-high waterfall. The public gardens, a butterfly garden among them, cover two city blocks.

Quite a few Silicon Valley companies have had headquarters in South of Market, including Twitter, Yelp, and Wired. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is one of Apple Inc.’s favorite venues for unveiling new products—Steve Jobs introduced the iPod and the iPad to the world from its stage.

Property at a Glance: Unicoi State Park and Lodge

Unicoi State Park and Lodge overlooks the rolling landscape of northern Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled near Unicoi Lake, its spacious cabins and lodge rooms are set amid more than 1,000 acres of protected wilderness. Postcard-perfect views can be had from the lodge’s picture windows and the cabins’ outdoor spaces.

• Lodge rooms have WiFi and are close to the restaurant and the tavern.
• Cabins sleep up to eight guests and are outfitted with fireplaces and full kitchens.
• Locally sourced ingredients power the Southern-inspired menu at Unicoi Restaurant.
• Local beers and custom pizzas are enjoyed at Smith Creek Tavern.
• Things to do: Hiking and biking trails weave across the park, and guests can fish for trout from lakeside docks or stream banks.

Helen, Georgia: Replica Bavarian Village Surrounded by the Appalachians

In 1968, the townspeople of Helen, Georgia—a struggling sawmill town in the Blue Ridge Mountains—hatched a dramatic plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost tourism. Led by local business owners and artists, Helen adopted a German identity, complete with cobblestone alleys, timber-frame cottages, and Old-World towers. Ever since, the town has thrived as a Bavarian-style village, now welcoming nearly two million visitors a year. Several festivals take place in the town every year, most notably a hot-air balloon race, a German-style Mardi Gras, and an eight-week-long Oktoberfest.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is also home to some incredible countryside scenery. Unicoi State Park and Lodge contains trout streams, mountain-biking trails, and a freshwater lake. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes nearby, and the Anna Ruby Falls drop off in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The area’s natural setting lends itself to scenic outdoor activities, including tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

Hotel at a Glance: Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport Sea-Tac

Convenience reigns supreme at Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport Sea-Tac. Its close location to Sea-Tac airport means guests can settle in quickly after landing, and the hotel offers free shuttle transportation to and from the airport. It’s also in close proximity to downtown Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods, where nightlife and culture abound. Check out what your day could be like at Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport Sea-Tac:

• Rise and shine in a plush king or queen pillow-top bed and catch up on the day’s events on an HDTV before prepping for the day with upscale toiletries.
• Explore the city via Seattle’s Link Light Rail, which takes you to spots such as CenturyLink Field (home of the Seahawks) and the iconic Pike Place Market (stop by the original Starbucks for a brew).
• Grab lunch at one of downtown Seattle’s many eateries, such as the famed Altura and Canlis, both of which have been semifinalists for Beard Awards.
• Tour the breweries: The hotel is near a handful of the many breweries throughout Seattle, including Odin, Elliot Bay, Big Al, and Tin Dog.

Downtown Seattle, Washington: Art, Architecture, and Famous Coffee in Coastal Urban Center

Street performances, flowers, and fresh-caught fish find a common home at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, it’s where both sightseers and locals shop. Drop into the Fish Market to watch the staff tossing salmon, halibut, and cod—a famous tradition. There are plenty of nonperishable goods as well, including jewelry and other crafts. And you might want to take a picture in front of the market’s iconic sign, which now rivals the Space Needle as the city’s most recognizable symbol.

The original Starbucks coffeehouse has operated out of Pike Place since the 1970s. You can stop here for a pick-me-up before taking the half-mile walk to Seattle’s Central Library. Whether you love books or architecture or both, this futuristic-looking library is worth a visit. The 11-story glass-and-steel structure consists almost entirely of diamond-shaped windows arranged to look like a geometric net. The otherworldly interior is a playground for book lovers. Be sure to check out the library’s “living room” in the morning, when sunlight creates a kaleidoscopic shadow on the floor.

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Hotel at a Glance: Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor

Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor makes it easy to explore the surrounding city. In addition to being all of 500 feet from Interstate 10, the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle that takes guests to Houston CityCentre for shopping, as well as to 16 nearby corporate headquarters—a boon for business travelers. No matter what adventures the day brings, guests can return to the four-star hotel to relax in the indoor saltwater pool.

• In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs and iHome docking stations.
• Transportation: Complimentary transportation within a 5-mile radius
• Catch up on correspondence over the free WiFi network.
• Breakfast and other upscale riffs on comfort food are served at Park Restaurant & Grille. Some of this deals options come with a daily breakfast for two.
• Rack ‘em up: Ten Bar & Lounge serves cocktails amid pool tables and a shuffleboard table.

Houston, Texas: Space History and Museums in Nation’s Fourth-Largest City

As the nation’s fourth-largest city by population, Houston has established itself as one of the Gulf Coast’s most thriving cultural hubs. The city’s museum district has 19 museums covering everything from history to art to science. For art lovers, the Menil Collection—which Frommer’s calls “one of the great private collections of the world”—is a must-see. Here, you’ll browse an array of 20th-century art from Jasper Johns, René Magritte, and Andy Warhol, as well as artifacts from Africa and the Pacific Islands.

You could also spend an entire day exploring Houston’s science institutions. When Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell famously stated, “Houston, we have a problem,” he was talking to mission control at Space Center Houston. Here, visitors can tour the historic mission-control room and get a behind-the-scenes look at astronauts training for the International Space Station. Along Houston’s Hermann Park, The Health Museum exhibits a large-scale human body that you can enter to learn about how your organs operate.

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Hotel at a Glance: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort

A lush estate of 40 acres surrounds The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, which sits in the shadow of the stately Camelback Mountain. Within a 15-minute drive of downtown and its prized shopping districts, the resort is close to Scottsdale’s most popular attractions, including numerous golf courses and local cafes, and has been a mainstay of the Scottsdale community for more than four decades.

• Make yourself at home in rooms equipped with mini fridges and cable programming.
• Relax at the spa where services range from restorative massages and facials to salon services.
• Take a dip in one of five outdoor swimming pools after playing at nearby championship golf courses.
• Grab a bite at JDs Lounge, one of the resort’s restaurants.
• Go shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square or Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, both within a 10-minute drive.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat of the Sonoran Desert. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today, it is an affluent city landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city’s Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of a retro ice-cream parlor and rustic specialty shops.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you’re in the desert—cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at Southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early morning or twilight hours.

Plaza Hotel & Casino

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel and Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling for a unique Vegas experience. Built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot, it fist opened its doors in 1971 and now boasts over a thousand updated rooms and suites with a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall, and 30,000 square feet of renovated ballroom and meeting space. It treats guests to a variety of dining selections led by the Rat Pack-styled Oscar’s steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. It Operating hundreds of slot machines—from the latest games to traditional coin machines—and nearly two dozen table games on its 80,000-square-foot casino floor, it’s also home to downtown’s largest race and sports book. It provides guests with a host of outdoor amenities, from a renovated rooftop pool and recreation deck, complete with private cabanas, to a hot tub, food truck, tennis court, and dedicated Pickleball courts.

• Chill out at the Pool at the Plaza, which boasts amenities ranging from rentable cabanas and lily pad day beds to a 12-person hot tub and onsite food truck.
• Try your luck at the casino, where games include slots, table games, and the only bingo room in the neighborhood. There’s also an OTB and sports book for placing wagers. This deal includes $10 slot play and two drink vouchers per room per stay.
• Eat and drink at eight restaurants and bars, including an upscale steakhouse, swanky cocktail bar, and food court with fast favorites. Enjoy two regular coffees at the Coffee bar included with your stay.
• That’s entertainment: The hotel welcomes live shows, including performers, entertainers, and bands. If you seek more adrenaline-pumping experience, opt for seasonal events such as Demolition Derby.

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip: Old Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

It can feel like the entire city of Las Vegas revolves around the Strip if you never venture beyond that neon-lit corridor. But there’s plenty to see and do once you step off Las Vegas Boulevard. You can find a taste of Old Vegas on Fremont Street, where vintage signs and showgirls crowned with headdresses recall the days of Sinatra and Martin. Beginning at dusk, a canopy of more than 12 million LED lights erupts in a psychedelic light-and-music show every hour. For an aerial view, zoom down the center of Fremont Street on a zipline.

Nature puts on its own show at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a landscape of fiery-red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs just 17 miles outside the city. Motor down the 13-mile scenic drive or ditch the car and strike out on any of more than 20 hiking trails that course through the region’s otherworldly topography.

Hotel at a Glance: Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel

This eco-friendly hotel provides a welcoming oasis just a few miles from Fort Lauderdale International Airport. The hotel’s shuttle can take you to and from the terminals and to Port Everglades (a popular dock for cruise ships).

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and free WiFi.
• Relax in luxury: Deluxe king rooms feature jetted tubs.
• Rise and shine: The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast.
• Watch the game on one of the high-definition TVs at the Marina84 Sports Bar & Grill while you enjoy a burger and some beer.
• Take a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor pool.
• Distance to the coast: about 5 miles

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Sunny Beaches, Canals, and Nightlife

Fort Lauderdale has been called the “Venice of America,” thanks to the intricate canal system that crisscrosses town. These waterways buoy the city’s yachting scene—100 area marinas and boatyards house some 42,000 pleasure crafts. You can hop onto a water taxi to cruise to cultural, historical, and retail destinations, or spend the day sprawled out on a stretch of the city’s 23 miles of beaches. At night, venture to the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, where you’ll find theaters, museums, and restaurants along the New River.