Valentine’s Day at The Pierre

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing beats Valentine’s Day in Manhattan. You have an endless supply of amazing restaurants at your fingertips, Broadway is never far and at night, the city takes on new vibrancy. To anchor your Valentine’s Day experience, the hotel must be nothing short of perfect. So, kick around a stay at The Pierre this time around. Located on the southeast corner of Central Park, this year’s package for the most romantic day of the year includes two nights in a suite, dinner for two at Le Caprice, a surprise confection from the pastry chef to be enjoyed in your room, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed. And, you can enjoy it for only $1,100 a night with a two-night minimum.

So, start planning your stay now. Maybe get a ride through the park on one of the horse-drawn carriages that line up along Central Park South, or catch a show only a short cab drive away.

The best places for a romantic Valentine’s day kiss in Paris

by Scott Carmichael on

Woody Allen said “As long as you haven’t been kissed during any of those rainy Parisian afternoons, you haven’t been kissed at all”.

Having met my wife in Paris, I have to agree with Woody. There really is something magical about Paris. It can be as busy and loud as any other big city, but it also offers plenty of places to just get away from it all, and enjoy the company of someone you love. We gathered some of the most romantic spots in the city (thanks to some tips from the Parisian tourist board), and added some of our own recommendations.

%Gallery-83462%

Five Valentine’s Day deals in New England

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing says “romance” like a roaring fire on a chilly evening on Valentine’s Day. Through the windows, you can see snow-laden trees and pure white landscapes. From the warmth of your room, you can enjoy the winter wonderland outside, as you settle down for the perfect evening with the perfect person in your life. If this is how you envision your Valentine’s Day this year, turn your thoughts to New England this year. There are plenty of deals at your disposal through the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and a tough travel market is leading many properties to put together some amazing deals. Here are four to get you started.

1. Diamond & All Engagement Package (Kennebunkport, Maine)

Is this Valentine’s Day going to be the first day of the rest of your life together? If you’re planning to pop the question, let The Kennebunkport Inn give you a hand. This unique package includes robes, a four-course chef’s dinner with wine pairing, and an in-room couples massage. Your Mansion room will be adorned with three dozen roses, which you’ll enjoy while sipping champagne by the fire. Oh, and then there’s the one-carat diamond ring, which comes in a customized chocolate box created by the chef. The package starts at $6,500 for two nights … but that’s to be expected.2. Arts for Sweethearts Valentine’s Weekend (Chatham, Massachusetts)
The Chatham Wayside Inn will welcome you with two arrival cocktails (hot toddies or champagne cocktails) and a coupon gift back from local merchants which includes two $25 gift cards to attend the local Arts for Sweethearts art show. You’ll spend two nights in a room decorated with a red rose bouquet. A continental breakfast is served every morning, and you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at the Goose Tavern. On Sunday, dine on a Valentine’s Day brunch for two. Rates start at $429 a night, but you can add a third for half price.

3. Menage a Trois (Newport, Rhode Island)
Don’t worry, the Ocean Cliff Hotel isn’t as racy as you might think. For $225, you’ll get a night in a deluxe guestroom and enjoy the “Aphrodisiacs Delights Dinner Menu for Two.” The meal comes with a bottle of Folie a Deux Vineyards Menage a Trois wine and chocolate covered strawberries. If one night isn’t enough, you can book another for only $89.

4. Valentine/Presidential Weekend Value (North Conway, New Hampshire)
Spend three nights at the Buttonwood Inn, and you’ll be treated to a full breakfast every day, afternoon tea service and a dinner for two at a local, premier restaurant — including a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider. Top off the meal with handmade local New Hampshire chocolates, and retire to the “Hot Tub Under the Stars.” The package starts at $509, but you can save an additional 10 percent if you book by the end of the month.

5. An Affair to Remember (Boston, Massachusetts)
The Liberty Hotel in Boston wants to make sure you remember this Valentine’s Day. For $295 a night, you’ll frolic in luxury, enjoy champagne at check-in and receive two tickets to the pre-Valentine’s Day party on February 13, 2010 — where you and your sweetheart will each receive psychic reading. A copy of “An Affair to Remember” will be waiting for you in your room, should you choose to enjoy it. Add a bit of decadence to your stay at the Liberty with the “Guilty Pleasures Romance Package. At $435 a night and up, you will sip champagne that’s brought to you in your room, snack on chocolate-dipped assorted fruit and have breakfast at CLINK or in the privacy of your own room. An intimacy kit will be provided … and the details aren’t being disclosed.

Holiday Inn’s human bed-warming services

by Melanie Nayer on

Valentine’s Day brings out the romantic in people, and for some people there are no limits to the depths of their romance. Case in point: the fine staff at the Holiday Inn’s London Kensington hotel.

These happy helpers will hop in your bed (for free) for a five-minute “human bed warming” service. Upon request, a willing member of the hotel staff will jump in your bed before you get in and “warm it up”, dressed head-to-foot in an all-in-one sleeper suit, which we assume looks something like a Snuggie with feet.

“Like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed” is how Holiday Inn spokeswoman Jane Bednall described the idea to Sky News.

Of course, it’s been a cold winter in London so we’ll give Holiday Inn props for coming up with a creative way to taking the chill out of the air. However, while medical professionals claim a warm bed helps you fall asleep faster, there is something to be said for you bringing the heat yourself – consider it a romantic start to your Valentine’s Day weekend.

Five steps to a better Valentine’s Day from Fairmont

by Tom Johansmeyer on

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it’s time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you’re planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you’ll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the “Follow Your Heart” spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine’s Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won’t be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream’s Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching — translation: you’ll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa’s oversized whirlpool tubs … complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment … for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).