By Mary Gallagher
It’s nice to get a card for Valentines Day and maybe a gift…then perhaps dinner out? But to make it really special how about the whole getaway package with hotel, dinner, dancing and maybe a little spa treatment thrown in?
Here are a few ideas to set those wheels in motion and don’t delay as a lot of packages sell out early! But you will note that many hotels, inns and B & B’s offer romantic specials for the entire month of February in case you just can’t find the time or a babysitter on the actual day.
Love is always in the air at the 235 Historic Hotels of America and a variety of packages and offerings are available for travelers in the mood for a romantic rendezvous. Visit HistoricHotels.org. to view over 3,000 unique experiences. If you can’t make it for Valentines day just celebrate anytime year round and enjoy these delightful properties.
A most treasured and historic spot is The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond VA and their renowned restaurant Lemaire for your Valentine’s Day.
We like to stop here for a nice overnight and dinner on our all too many North-South I 95 trips. Nationally renowned Chef Walter Bundy provides wonderful meals (I get hungry reading the menu online!).
Currently they are offering BOTH the Romance Package and the Lemaire Dinner Package for Valentine’s Day and the weekend before and after. Here are the specifics of each package.
ROMANCE PACKAGE
Surprise your special someone with this romantic getaway and there will be no doubt how much you care. Package includes sparkling wine and strawberries upon your arrival, a box of chocolate truffles at turndown, room service full American breakfast, breakfast gratuities, valet parking and a complimentary 4:00pm check-out. (Taxes are additional.) Superior Room: $305 Deluxe Room: $345
LEMAIRE DINNER PACKAGE
A package sure to please your palate! Package includes three different courses from Lemaire’s new dinner menu, dinner gratuities and valet parking. (Taxes are additional.)
Superior Room: $335 Deluxe Room: $375
Reservations may be made by calling 800-424-8014 or on-line at www.jeffersonhotel.com . Packages are subject to availability and advance reservations are required.
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Welcome to the top tourism city of Charleston, SC and its award winning Inn, the Wentworth Mansion with 4 star restaurant Circa 1886. Fine dining at it’s best is a frequent comment from guests.
An outstanding location within walking distance of historic downtown Charleston and the cities many treasured sites. A superb Second Empire architectural example, staying here you’ll easily feel like royalty.
Circa 1886
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Circa 1886 is continually lauded as one of the most romantic spots in Charleston, and Valentine’s Day dinner at this intimate restaurant is a tradition for many. Diners can enjoy a special five-course prix fixe dinner for $100 per person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity. Call 843) 853-7828 for dinner reservations.
Here are just a few samples of the five course prix fixe menu set for the Valentines Day Dinner. You and your date’s first glass of champagne is complimentary and the wine list covers 250 bottles.
Third Course: Wild Salmon with Lobster Hollandaise, Asparagus,
Wild Mushroom, Red Onion, Tater Tots, Coffee Essence
Fourth Course: Wagyu Shoulder Tender with Leek & Lentil Ragu,
Celery Ribs, Cinnamon Carrot Coulis, Chocolate Demi Glace, Cocoa Nib
Dust
Wentworth Mansion
Sweetheart Package February 1-27 (excluding 2/15, 2/16)
Engagements, ceremonies, receptions and honeymoons frequently take place at the Wentworth Mansion, and in honor of this the hotel is offering a special romance package for two throughout the month of February. The package includes a one-night stay, a dozen red roses, a candlelight turndown and three-course dinner for two at Circa 1886. The rate for every night in February except February 14 is from $495, which includes tax and gratuity for dinner, but excludes beverages and room tax. The rate for Valentine’s Day (Thursday, February 14) is from $615.
Wentworth Mansion wm-concierge@charminginns.com (888) 466-1886 www.wentworthmansion.com/specials-packages/
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The Founders Inn and Spa’s name comes from the Founding Fathers who drafted the Constitution in 1787. Ideally located near all the attractions of Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Newport News, Williamsburg, VA and more, this resort features captivating Grand Georgian architecture. Renowned art and antiques—including noteworthy period furnishings. The last time I visited it was spring and the gardens were glorious and this year for our February visit the fountain was still soaring, Abigail the swan still swimming, the winter sunlight shining on the pond and illuminating the manicured landscape. The food and spa treatments outstanding. A very close second to visiting an estate in the English countryside at a most reasonable price.
Spread out over several buildings, guests experience the intimate hospitality of a european style country inn, outstanding recreational amenities, as well as technologically superior conference space. Whether for a getaway, corporate meeting or a romantic wedding in Colonial gardens, The Founders Inn and Spa offers a luxurious atmosphere in a relaxing setting. Plus the friendliest staff, top to bottom, you’ll ever find.
We’ve been enjoying the Hampton Roads and surrounding area for quite a few years now as it was very convenient when we lived in metro Washington DC and later along the North and South Carolina coasts. There is a never ending parade of festivals, unique and headline events, historical features on land and sea – the experience never stops. And you’ll find activities suitable for your entire multi-generational family like we have.
Having just experienced staying in the Presidential Suite which is probably larger than our home, we can highly recommend this option as a never to be forgotten treat. The Presidential Valentine’s Day Package includes:
Overnight accommodations in the Presidential Suite
Chocolate-dipped strawberries Choice of sparkling wine or sparkling cider Special Valentine’s 3-course menu & Virginia wine dinner for two in the Presidential Suite Breakfast for two in Swan Terrace Restaurant $599 Package does not include taxes.
Cooking up romance
At The Founders Inn and Spa, they believe Valentine’s should last more than one day, for the entire month of February, bring your special someone to celebrate!
Savor a romantic, 3-course prix fixe dinner ($45 per couple) at their award-winning restaurant, Swan Terrace, where you can enjoy locally grown cuisine prepared to perfection and a glass of wine by the fireplace or alfresco on the lakeside terrace.
Make this into a package that includes:
Overnight accommodations, romantic, 3-course prix fixe dinner served in the Swan Terrace restaurant Package prices based on availability and do not include taxes. Prices cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Depending on your room selection the package ranges from $139 to $179 for 2 persons.
But wait there’s more! The cupid at Founders Inn wanted this year to be extra special and brought you a long Valentine’s Day weekend (President’s Day | Monday, Feb 17, 18). Celebrate your love by enjoying a romantic dinner for two followed by a night of dancing to live entertainment. Take the elevator home to your comfortable guest room. After a wonderful night’s rest let us treat you and your sweetheart to breakfast in the Swan Terrace.
This package includes: Overnight accommodations for two Romantic 3-course dinner in Swan Terrace Restaurant Live entertainment and dancing for two Breakfast for two in Swan Terrace Restaurant
Complimentary WiFi, access to the well fitted fitness center, beautiful indoor pool and ample free parking
Package prices do not include taxes. This package cannot be combined with any other rate, special or promotion. Rates depending on your room selection range $179 to $219pp.
www.Foundersinn.com 5641 Indian River Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23464 – Virginia Beach Tel: 757.424.5511 – Reservations: 1.800.926.4466
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Off to London and the lavish Milestone Hotel!
How about an enchanted lovers’ getaway you will remember forever that includes a stay at the Milestone in London and the equally sumptuous Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in Dorset?
The Milestone Hotel is London’s quintessential luxury boutique hotel, a magnificent 19th-century architectural treasure centrally located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens and within walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall and Knightsbridge exclusive shopping. The West End, London’s vibrant, avant-garde theatre district, is just five minutes away by taxi. One of the Red Carnation collection, our experiences with them have always been spectacular.
The magic begins with a two-night stay at The Milestone in your own luxury Master Suite. The day then progresses with a romantic horse and carriage ride through Hyde Park and ends at The London Eye where you have your private capsule to see the beauty of London. The evening ends with a seven-course private dinner in your suite served by your private butler and a bottle of Petrus.
Your next day begins with a Runiart Champagne breakfast, followed by your Bentley taking you to your private hot air balloon ride. Your afternoon is followed with some shopping with your personal shopper: the lady shops for an evening gown while the gentleman gets fitted for his evening suit. This is followed by a grooming session for the gentleman from Geo. F. Trumper in Mayfair and the lady gets her session in the privacy of her suite. The second fabulous day comes to a close with a private seven-course dinner in the Oratory with a sabraged bottle of Champagne while your suite is being turned down and your bath filled with pink Champagne.
The third day begins with breakfast at The Fountain Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason, followed by a trip to Tiffany & Co. where you will pick a gift for each other. You will then be transported by helicopter to Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, where you will enjoy an overnight stay with dinner and romantic turndown in The Ivy Cottage, a romantic dream escape with log fires and a secluded garden hot tub.
Summer Lodge
Your final morning begins with breakfast at Summer Lodge and a Bentley ride back to The Milestone for a Champagne afternoon tea before you leave with a full heart and wonderful memories.
Prices start from $16,000 (inclusive of VAT. Based on three nights for two persons sharing-two nights at The Milestone Hotel and one night at Summer Lodge, Ivy Cottage. The “Valentine Ever After” Package is available from February 1-28, 2013.
For more information or to book, please visit www.milestonehotel.com, call the reservation line toll free from the U.S. 1 (877) 955-1515, or call the hotel directly at +44 (0) 20 7917 1000 (standard call charges apply).
The Milestone and Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa are members of The Red Carnation Hotels Collection, an award-winning collection of five- and four-star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Florida and South Africa. For more information www.redcarnationhotels.com.
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Aiken, SC is home to The Willcox. Built in the late 19th century for well-to do Yankees seeking warmth, light and high society. They came in such numbers every winter that the town was dubbed the “Winter Colony.” Great dances were held and warm weather games such as polo and tennis were played with fervent enthusiasm.
Famous guests included Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, W.R. Grace, Elizabeth Arden and Count Bernadotte of Sweden. Now we can be the special guests!
Swoop that special someone off their feet with a surprise getaway here with a package that includes luxurious room accommodations in a deluxe guest room warmed by a cozy fire perfect for snuggling, a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries at turndown and a complimentary continental breakfast the next morning.
$120 per person per night (single-person supplements available)
ADD ON:
A couple’s massage,
flowers in the room upon arrival or a candlelit
dinner in our dining room
As grand and graceful as ever, The Willcox continues to draw international guests who enjoy first-class service, gracious accommodations, excellent cuisine and the magic of historic Aiken, South Carolina — unforgettable experiences that won The Willcox a 2012 Best Hotel in the World Award from Travel and Leisure, a 2012 Best in the South award from Condé Nast Traveler and a Best 50 in the U.S. Small Hotel Award in 2011 the same magazine.
The hotel’s owners also received a Stewardship Award for outstanding upkeep of a key historic property by the city’s volunteer Historic Aiken Foundation.
For Reservations call the hotel 1-877-648-2200. www.TheWillcox.com
The Willcox is located in Aiken SC approximately 2 1/2 hours from the Atlanta airport and the same from the Charlotte NC airport.