To admire monumental fireworks, participate in fun-filled activities, and indulge in the excitement that only a big city can offer, take advantage of these 7 city hotel deals this Fourth of July weekend.

1. Save Almost 30% on Deluxe Accommodations at the Park Hyatt, Washington DC

With its fascinating historical sites and famed fireworks display, Washington DC is an ideal destination for enjoying a lively Fourth of July weekend. The Park Hyatt is offering “An American Holiday” package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Park Deluxe Room, breakfast table for two, daily 50% credit towards valet parking, and a seasonal red, white, and blue amenity. Rates start at $249 plus tax, saving you almost 30%. Visit www.parkhyattwashington.com or call 1-800-778-7477 to make a reservation.

2. Save 20% on a Two-Night Stay and 30% on a Three-Night Stay at Hotel Felix in Chicago

Hotel Felix is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly boutique hotel in Chicago that recently earned the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging-Silver certification. If you want to save 20% to 30%, book a two to three-night stay through July 4th. You can place your reservation by visiting www.hotelfelixchicago.com or calling toll-free at 800-848-4040.

3. July 4th Family Fun Package Starting at $89 at the Hampton Inn in Seattle

Guests arriving on the 4th can book a July 4th Family Fun Package at the Hampton Inn in Seattle for a rate of between $89 and $129. This package includes accommodations for up to four guests, a complimentary shuttle to Fort Dent Park for the day, a hot continental breakfast, and an extended checkout of 3pm. Call 800-774-1500 and request the plan code PFK to place your reservation.

4. Stay 3 Nights and Save 25% Each Night at the Langham, Boston from July 1-6

If you’re participating in Boston’s Fourth of July festivities from July 1-6, don’t miss this offer. When you stay a minimum of 3 nights at the Langham in Boston during the Fourth of July celebrations, you receive 25% off each night. The Langham is an ideal jumping off point for your stay in Boston, as it’s only steps away from some of Boston’s greatest attractions, including the Freedom Trail and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Nightly rates start at $191. For more information about this deal, visit http://boston.langhamhotels.com.

5. Enjoy an Outdoor 4th of July Feast and a Two-Night Stay at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

The Wentworth Mansion, the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Charleston, is hosting an outdoor 4th of July feast called the Sizzling Southern Celebration at 7pm on their lawn. Classic southern fare will be served at the event, and dinner will be accompanied by live music. After the celebration, guests will watch the fireworks and drink champagne at the Wentworth Mansion’s cupola. This package includes a two-night stay and costs $975 per couple. To place a reservation, call 843-853-7828.

6. Stay Two Nights and Get the Third Free at the Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel in Philadelphia

The Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel is a boutique hotel in the historic city of Philadelphia. If you stay at the Rittenhouse this 4th of July weekend, you can take advantage of their “Buy 2, Stay 3” deal on all rooms. Nightly rates start at $269 and include complimentary wine reception and breakfast each day. Visit www.rittenhouse1715 for more information about this time-sensitive offer.

7. Save up to 25% at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco

The sky-high Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco boasts legendary service, stunning views, and elegant guest rooms. On 4th of July weekend, rates at the Mandarin Oriental will start at just $295 for a Superior King room, representing a savings of 15% to 25%. Mandarin Oriental’s Silks Restaurant earned a top spot in the Zagat Survey 2008 and has a Mobil Four Star rating. The hotel itself has won numerous awards, including the Conde Nast Traveler 2009 Gold List and Travel + Leisure 2009 World’s Best Hotels. For reservations or additional information, please call (415) 276-9888 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco.

New England is full of summertime attractions.  The heavy snows of winter give way to pleasantly warm weather, and locals and tourists alike are ready to visit the breezy seaside, explore mountain trails, photograph historic sites and experience those legendary New England charms.

With a choice between cosmopolitan culture, rural scenery and classy seaside excursions, it is simple for tourists to find a vacation that matches their interests.  Certain destinations allow travelers to sample the best that New England has to offer.  Here are five of the best summertime vacation destinations in the Northeast.

1. With all its history, diversity and exciting attractions, Boston is the best place in New England for an urban vacation.  History and high-brow culture always take center stage in America’s oldest big city.  Warm weather means a trip to the famous harbor is possible, as is a stroll down the Freedom Trail, which passes some of the more important sites in US history, such as Fanieul Hall and Boston Commons, America’s oldest public park.  Boston is also home to the famous Boston Pops orchestra, the Boston Museum of Fine Art and several museums located on the Harvard and MIT campuses.

Summer also brings whale watching tours on the waters of the Atlantic and celebrations marking the Fourth of July.  The Boston Pops helps to celebrate Independence Day with an outdoor concert that accompanies fireworks launched from the banks of the Charles River.  These events and attractions make New England’s largest city one if its best summertime destinations.

2. If you want a more laid-back New England experience, but still want some sophistication, head to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Boston does not have a monopoly on the region’s historic sites.  Portsmouth is the third oldest city in the US.  Its is characterized by aged architecture and hint of the ambiance of bygone eras.  The Strawbery Banke Museum, located in an historic, port-side neighborhood, is open daily during the summer and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.  A more modern experience  is available at the brewery that produces bottles of the popular Red Hook Beer.

The Prescott Park Arts Festival (outdoor performances all summer long) and the Portsmouth Blues Festival (traditionally held in August) add to the summertime excitement in this New Hampshire city.

3. Another small city  option is Burlington, Vermont.  The largest city in Vermont, it is home to less than 50,000 people, but has a surprisingly sophisticated ambiance and plenty of worthwhile attractions.  Entertainment options range from taking a  cruise on nearby Lake Champlain to people watching to enjoying the skills of street performers who dance, sing or act outdoors along Church Street in the center of the city.

There is also plenty of history, with several sites dedicated to Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen and several of examples of old New England architecture.  The pub and cafe culture is alive and well in Burlington, with students from four area colleges, including th University of Vermont, giving the nightlife a youthful energy.

Summertime events include Dragon Boat Races, in August, a jazz concert series, in June, and the Vermont Brewers Festival, which is hosted by Burlington in mid-July.

4. Acadia National Park, in Maine, is one of the best places to get-away-from-it-all without actually feeling like you are alone in the wilds of New England.  The park covers several offshore islands, most notably Mount Desert Island.  In total, it stretches for more than 50 square miles and contains every type of landscape you could expect in the Atlantic Northeast.  There are mountains, woodlands and forests, a rugged shoreline and waterways.  Camping is possible during the summer, although there are several small towns on Mount Desert Island that offer suitably quaint accommodations to those who want more comfort than a tent can provide.

5. York Beach, Maine, is another popular summertime getaway spot in the Northeastern-most state.  This resort area has everything you could want in a New England destination.  There are tourist attractions like a petting zoo, plenty of seafood restaurants, sandy beaches and stretches of that trademark rugged Maine coastline.  York Beach is located in Southern Maine, making it much more accessible than some of the other popular summertime resort areas further up the coast.  Aside from playing on the sand and in the waves, there are more adventurous options, such as sea kayaking tours and mountain bike trails.

York Beach is home to those quaint New England features that many visitors have come to expect from Atlantic Coast destinations: lighthouses (Nubble Lighthouse is one of the country’s oldest), craft shops, seafood restaurants and hundred-plus year-old buildings.

11 Free Things to do in Boston

Anyone visiting Boston on a budget will be relieved to know that there a host of excursions which won’t hurt your wallet at all. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, artwork, or even astronomy, Boston has free options just for you!

1 – The Freedom Trail

Want to experience a lot of Boston in a short amount of time and a small budget? Boston’s Freedom Trail provides a scenic walking path between many historical sites in the city, including a few which are on this list, like the Massachusetts State House and Bunker Hill Memorial, as well as over a dozen others! No event (free or pricy) can bring you closer to the city in a single day than a self-guided tour through this trail. Travelers can start at any site, but one popular choice is the beautiful Boston Common.

2 – Critical Mass Bike Ride

Have a bike? Willing to have an exciting experience in a new city? Critical Mass bike rides are a party of hundreds of cyclists who ride through the streets on the last Friday of every month. These take place in hundreds of cities worldwide, and, luckily, Boston is one of them! Anyone can take part in these fun events; bike rides begin at Copley Square at 5:30, on the last Friday of the month.

3 – Museum of Fine Arts

Boston is home to one of the largest and most popular art museums in the country: the Museum of Fine Arts. Exhibits cover a broad range of styles from around the world, including The Secrets of Tomb: Egypt 2000 BC (pictured above), China/Tibet Confluences, and Harry Callahan: American Photographer. Wednesday nights after 4 require no admission cost, though the suggested voluntary donation is $20. Also check out free Community Days on April 26, May 31, and October 11 of 2010. The museum is located at 465 Huntington Avenue.

4 – Coit Observatory, Boston University

If you’re interested in astronomy, or even casual star-gazing, Boston University is the place for you! The University’s Coit Observatory, located at 725 Commonwealth Ave, has Public Open Nights on Wednesday throughout the year. These one hour events begin at 7:30 in the fall and winter and 8:30 in the spring and summer. Coit Observatory depends on good weather, so check the forecast before making any plans.

5 – Summer Concerts at Hatch Memorial Shell

If you’re planning on a summer visit, check out the concerts at the Hatch Memorial Shell! Notable performers are the Boston Pops, which plays every 4^th of July, and the popular band Dispatch. The venue is located at 10 Storrow Dr. and typically hosts free concerts on weekends, and some weekdays, throughout the summer.

6 – Bunker Hill Monument

You probably know that the Battle of Bunker Hill was a seminal moment of the American Revolution. But did you know that the fighting actually took place on nearby Breeds Hill? That is also the site of the Bunker Hill Monument. Visitors can climb the Monument to experience a panoramic view of Boston, or visit the nearby Bunker Hill Museum. The museum is located at 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, and is open for free visitation from 9AM-5PM.

7 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Interested in botany, or just want to appreciate some beautiful plant life? The Arnold Arboretum offers spectacular biodiversity which can’t be viewed anywhere else in the city. The grounds are open, sunup to sundown every day of the year. The grounds’ Hunnewell Building is also features art shows throughout the fall. The Arboretum is located at 125 Arborway, the Southern-most stop on the MBTA’s Orange Line.

8 – Tours of the Massachusetts State House

Interested in the government, politics, or history of the state of Massachusetts? This building, located at 122 Bowdoin Street, has been the capitol of the Bay State for over 200 years, and visiting is a must for anyone getting to know the city of Boston. Free 30-45 minute tours are offered on weekdays, 10AM-4:00PM. Advanced reservations are requested.

9 – The African-American History Museum

The Museum, located on 46 Joy Street, is home to several fascinating sites pertaining to African-American history. These include the Abiel School, the oldest public school for African-Americans in the country, and the African Meeting House, the oldest church founded by free blacks in the country. Also check out the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6 mile walking trail through the city that stops at historical African-American sites. Suggested donation to the museum is $5.

10 – The Boston Harborwalk MP3 Tour

This free MP3 download will guide you down Boston’s exciting waterfront, along Atlantic Avenue. The tour begins at the Christopher Columbus’ statue and ends at the Moakley courthouse, passing such stops as the New England Aquarium.

11 – Massachusetts Historical Society

The Massachusetts Historical Society is a library and manuscript repository, as well as the oldest historical society in the United States. If you’re interested in Massachusetts or New England history, the Society houses the Adams family papers, the Philadelphia copy of the Declaration of Independence, and a host of colonial-era artwork. The museum is open on weekdays from 9AM-4:45PM.

If you’re planning a trip click here for some hotel deals in Boston.

Priceline Cruises kicks off wave season with exclusive Hotel Bonus Cash Coupons and stateroom upgrades. Book an oceanview or higher stateroom on any 5-6 night cruise and receive a bonus cash coupon valid toward a 1-night Name Your Own Price® hotel stay. Book an oceanview or higher stateroom on any 7 nights or longer cruise and receive a bonus cash coupon valid toward a 2-night Name Your Own Price® hotel stay. For full details and restrictions, visit cruises.priceline.com.

Fly to NYC this winter just $49 each way out of Atlanta. The $49 rate is relatively easy to land, and it’s valid on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday with other days priced at $69, even Sundays. Give a 14-day advance notice of travel and finish trips on or before March 11 to take advantage of this deal.

Stay at a small Queen Room at the Ace Hotel in New York City for just $152 a night when you book by January 21 for travel through April 30, 2010. The hotel’s restaurant, The Breslin, doesn’t take reservations, so most patrons have to cool their heels at the bar for hours before snagging a table. Hotel guests, however, can skip the line and get on a priority list.

New York City skiers and snowboarders will want to read Matt Gross’ report on Metro-North Railroad’s one-day getaway to Thunder Ridge Ski Area, in Patterson, N.Y. At $51.50 for round-trip train fare and an all-day lift ticket ($50.43 if you order online), it’s nearly $30 less than comparable bus trips. Even better, Thunder Ridge has night skiing (included in the one-day getaway package), so even with an early-afternoon arrival you can ski for seven hours and catch the 8:55 p.m. train back to the city.

£68 & up for a modern hotel in Amsterdam. Located near the Amsterdam historical centre, it offers high quality accommodation. This modern design hotel offers you trendy rooms, all equipped with contemporary amenities. All rooms and public areas have free Wi-Fi!

Valentine’s Day travel deal: celebrate any day in February at the Ritz-Carlton in Denver. The package is $589 per night, pre-tax, and includes dinner, jewelry, and more. It’s available the whole month of February (based on availability). And you can get it just for one night — there is no two-night minimum, even on Valentine’s Day weekend.

$143 a night for Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards for Thursday-Sunday stays from Jan. 22 – March 31. The AAA 3-Diamond hotel is a short walk to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and National Aquarium. Guests will enjoy the new Marriott Revive bed, high-speed Internet access and fitness club.

$119 and up for stays at Boston’s Waterfront Harbor Hotel. The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel offers Thursday-Sunday night stays through March 7 for $119-$135 per night. This saves 20% off regular weekend rates during this time.

Also in Boston, $103 a night for the Cambridge Hotel over winter weekends. Located two subway stops and across the Charles River from downtown Boston, the Boston Marriott Cambridge is centrally located in Kendall Square close to top universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Boston University.

Travelzoo’s Senior Editor Gabe Saglie and his team of experts have just released 5 “wow” travel destinations for 2010. The destinations include Las Vegas and the Caribbean, perennial favorites popular among Chicago area travelers. Central America, becoming more popular with Midwesterners also made the list. And for those who want a real “wow”, destination Gabe recommends China and South Africa. And for other great deals, be sure to follow our RSS feed and @BesTravelDeals on Twitter!

Las Vegas-Grand Canyon helicopter tour now 41% off. The four-and-a-half-hour tour includes a helicopter ride (45 minutes each way) with views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Strip en route between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Guests will also get a ride on a horse-drawn wagon to the Grand Canyon West Ranch where they’ll be served a western meal and be entertained by cowboys.

USA Today is reporting that, effective today through Jan. 4 2010, travelers can buy tickets for the 48 contiguous states and Canada at the last minute without necessarily paying more. The airlines that waived their advance purchase requirements are American Airlines, United, Delta, Northwest, US Airways, Frontier, AirTran and Midwest.

$99 a night for this Atlanta 4-Star Boutique Hotel. The property features a state-of-the-art fitness center and the re-concept-ed Terrace restaurant, offering farm fresh American cuisine. The hotel also offers complimentary evening wine receptions and coffee each morning.

$384 for a 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Costa Cruise Lines. Offer is good through January 15th for travel from January 24th through January 31st, and visits the islands of Saint Thomas, San Juan Port, and Grand Turks before returning to Port Everglades, FL.

$149 a night for an AAA 4-Diamond Top-Rated Dallas Hotel. The Palomar is listed on the Conde Nast “Hot List” (2007) and the “Best Dallas Boutique Hotel” by Citysearch. It’s located in downtown Dallas and rooms include FREE wireless Internet access, goldfish, and a plasma TV.

$119 per person each night at this Florida Gold List Resort. The offer includes a free round of golf for one person per night at the resort, a $95 value. Both golf courses at the Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa were voted by readers of Corporate and Incentive Travel Magazine as a “Greens of Distinction Winners”.

Adults-Only Mexico Resort from $359 a night in Riviera Maya, Mexico this winter. For a limited time only, this opulent all-inclusive beachfront resort is slashing its nightly prices to $120 off standard rates! Plus, El Dorado Royale is giving its guests $500 worth of resort credit. Just be sure to book soon. Although travel is valid from January 4 through February 28, this offer expires December 22.

Stay for three or four nights Dec. 18-31, including Christmas and New Years Eve, for $79 per night at the Element Lexington hotel, just outside of Boston, MA. Element is a new concept hotel by Westin offering open-layout public spaces and eco-friendly design, and this offer includes a full hot breakfast daily (and there are additional last-minute Christmas travel deals here on BestTravelDeals.net).

Save Up to 20% on a Ski Vacation at Steamboat, Colorado with the Champagne Powder Family Package Sale offering up to 20% off lodging, lift tickets, and ski rentals, plus a $100 resort credit, and a $25 American Express Gift card. The discount applies to all Steamboat lodgings, including premium accommodations such as the Steamboat Grand and the ski-in/ski-out Sheraton Steamboat Resort.

Ski Areas of New York (ISKINY) has teamed up with lodging properties to bring you three special ski & stay weekends this winterwhere if you ski and stay two nights you get a third one FREE! The special weekends are January 9th, February 6th, and March 6th. The third night lodging and day skiing can be used for a Thursday stay Friday day skiing/riding or Sunday stay Monday day skiing/riding.

McCurtain County Announces ‘Cozy Fireplace’ Discounted Winter Rates. Tourism is booming in Southeast Oklahoma, primarily due to North Texans. To say thank you and welcome back, most McCurtain County lodging operators have lowered their winter rates.

At the Viceroy Palm Springs, the “Breathe Easy” package offers 25% off all of your resort purchases. That includes your room, as well as spa services, meals, beverages and the resort fee.

$104 a night for Boston’s 4-Diamond Waterfront Hotel. This AAA 4-Diamond hotel is less than three miles from historic Back Bay, Faneuil Hall and Logan International Airport. The Westin Boston Waterfront features complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions and a number of dining choices, including Sauciety restaurant, Starbucks and Birch Bar.

$89-$111 a night for an upscale Pittsburgh Riverfront Hotel. It’s hard to beat the Sheraton’s location, adjacent to Station Square, the city’s entertainment hub, filled with upscale restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Station Square Dock of the Gateway Clipper Fleet is also just a short walk from the hotel. This tourist highlight showcases a collection of the country’s premier riverboats, and is perfect for sightseeing, dining or even dancing cruises along Pittsburgh’s three rivers.

$149 a night at this South Beach All-Suite Hotel in Miami with private beach access and an On-Site Fitness Center.

$109 a night for a Riviera Maya 4-Star All-Inclusive Resort with all-suite accommodations, 12 swimming pools, and a family-friendly Kid’s Club.

$699 for a St. Lucia All-Inclusive 4 Nights special, with Airfare. Come experience Almond Resorts All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation in Barbados and St. Lucia. Book now though, as this sale ends Monday!

West Hollywood Shopping Package. From now through January 10, this trendy hotel is offering a remarkable shopping package with rates starting at $295/night. In addition to the free valet parking, visitors will also receive $100 hotel credit, which can be applied to their room bill, or bar and restaurant tab.

San Francisco, CA (SFO) To Miami, FL (MIA) from $134 RT when you travel with Northwest Airlines. Saturday night minimum stay required, and there’s a 14 days advance purchase requirement.

And finally, remember that there are several travel-related charities and nonprofits that can use some help, no matter how little you can afford to give. One such organization was highlighted in today’s NY Times: Passports With Purpose, a two-year-old organization raising money to build, outfit and support a school in rural Cambodia, that has raised nearly $20k for AAfC and have enough money to build a school and provide safe drinking water and a school nurse.

via bribrito

For many travelers, business class seems to be reserved for passengers with a corporate expense account and those who have diligently saved up their frequent flier miles. However, a full slate of upcoming promotions will make it easier for average fliers to experience business class without going broke.

Business-class-only carrier OpenSkies, whose parent company is British Airways, launched last year with a lot of fanfare. It has yet to become very successful, but still maintains one route from New York to Paris. Though other airlines have been aggressively lowering premium class prices, OpenSkies’ $590 one-way ($1,350 round trip, after taxes and fees) is one of the best early winter deals for those flying to Paris. The current fares match the promotional prices that the airline offered when it originally began service. The $590 deal is a limited time offer. Tickets must be purchased by December 15th.

Continental Airlines offered some of the best business-class deals in the industry in September and October. Though the most amazing deals have passed, there are still some worthwhile fares for flights from Newark to Europe. The standout deal is a $1,448 round-trip business-class fare from Newark to Shannon, Ireland. A business-class flight to Stockholm will set you back $1564. Continental has competitive premium class fares to other European destinations as well.

The current prices at Aer Lingus for a New York to Shannon, Ireland flight are slightly higher than Continental’s ($1698 round trip). But Ireland’s national carrier offers quite a bit more flexibility. For the same $1698 price, passengers can choose to fly to Shannon or Dublin from New York, Chicago or Boston. Also, as long as tickets are purchased by November 30th, passengers are free to choose travel dates between January 1st and April 30th.

You don’t have to go to Europe for outstanding premium class tickets. Air Canada has been offering great deals on business-class (“Executive Class” in Air Canada’s vernacular) fares, though would-be passengers will have to sift through a myriad of overpriced premium class fares to find these gems. Current door-busters include $539 one-way business-class service from New York to Vancouver. Other deals are available to those who can purchase by December 1st and fly by February 5th.

United Airlines is a bit behind in this year’s race for business class customers. Compared with the other carriers mentioned above, their prices are almost laughably high in many cases. However, business-class offerings like $1032 one-way from Washington D.C. to Rome are worth noting, though travelers would be wise to shop around a bit before settling on a ticket from United.

AAA predicts more drivers, fewer fliers for Thanksgiving, with about 200,000 fewer people than last year traveling by air. (Take care to schedule hotel bookings along your route using our best hotel deals category.)

Boston Thanksgiving or Christmas Deal for $119 per night at Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. With Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, two of the city’s most popular historic attractions are located within walking distance of the hotel’s front door, this is a great way to see Boston for the holiday season!

Top five bargain destinations for winter deals presently available for winter trips include St. Lucia, Los Cabos, Salt Lake City, Utah, Key West, Florida, and Budapest, Hungary. Like all deals, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you’re ready to book.

Planning ahead to visit the Big Apple? NYC Restaurant Week is scheduled for Jan. 25 to Feb. 7, 2010. At participating restaurants, three-course, prix-fixe dinners will run $35. Lunches will cost $24.07 (as in 24 hours a day/7 days a week). These special prices are valid every day during the two-week period except Saturdays.

Grand Bahama Island: Flight-hotel packages for $900. For winter travel (holidays included), CheapCarribean is offering up to $500 in savings over its typical rates for vacation packages.

JetBlue Announces One-Day Sale from $29. Take off to sun-soaked destinations like the Bahamas, Cancun, Aruba, Bermuda, and Barbados or do some weekend jetting between major U.S. cities like New York, Baltimore, Orlando, Boston, and more. Travel is valid from December 2 through December 16, and January 6 through January 28.

Stay at the AAA 3-Diamond Sheraton San Jose for $74 a night (Reg. $180) from Dec 17-31. The hotel is located one mile from the Great Mall of the Bay Area and 45 minutes to San Francisco and Santa Cruz.

Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive Resort includes FREE UNLIMITED GOLF (18 holes) at any of the 3 renowned Golf Courses: Vista Nicklaus, Vista Weiskopf (host of the 2002 World Championship and 2006 PGA Championship Tour) and Marina Vallarta Joe Finger design course.

A room at the Mobil 4-Star US Grant Hotel in San Diego would normally cost close to $300 per night. Instead, stay in this award-winning hotel for only $180. This deal is available for travel from Nov. 22 through Jan. 9.

$199 — Atlantis Beach Tower w/FREE Dolphin Swim. The Beach Tower delivers a casually Caribbean feel in a laid-back environment in Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas.

AAA 3-Diamond Sheraton San Jose for $74 a night from December 17-31. This recently renovated property is regularly $180 per night.

And if you’re traveling in Europe, there’s great hotel deals, both the 4 Star Quality Hotel Plaza in Dresden, from £48.86 to £59.52 per room, or the 5 Star Hotel in Bussaco Palace, from £105.50 to £222.10 per room.

The Charles Hotel

If you are looking for some city fun this holiday season try Boston.  Between the shopping, the restaurants, the decorations and the festivities, Boston has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Charles Hotel, located in Harvard Square, offers travelers plenty of reasons to visit Boston over the holidays- even ice skating!   They have several packages that will satisfy all of your holiday needs.

If you live in the Boston area and have out of town guests coming in for Thanksgiving give everyone their own space and have them stay at the Charles Hotel.  The Trimmings and Thanks Package allows for peace and quiet while providing your guests luxurious accommodations. Guests will also receive a pie made fresh from Henrietta’s Table to bring to your holiday dinner—one less thing to worry about.

For shoppers the hotel offers The Shop ‘Til You Drop Package November 22-January 3rd.  Guests will receive an exclusive card at check-in with discounts at stores throughout Harvard Square.

For last minute shoppers in a pinch, visit Boston December 18-20.  The stores in Harvard Square stay open till midnight and the The Charles Hotel offers a special rate of $159 a night as part of the Shop Over Package.

Finally, when it’s time to ring in the New Year The Charles Hotel offers two great packages- The Toast the New Year Package of the Gilded New Year’s Package.

The Toast the New Year Package provides overnight accomodations, sparkling wine and a breakfast in bed while you ring in the fun throughout Harvard Square.  The Gilded New Year’s Package provides you with overnight accomodations, a bottle of Dom Perignon, a 5-course meal at the hotels Rialto restaurant and tickets to the Regattbar’s New Year’s bash!

With over 212 restaurants participating in this year’s Boston Restaurant Week it’s difficult to know where to begin. However, consider this a cheat sheet for the visitor with limited time to spend in the city, A Top 5 list based on cuisine, ambiance and price.

Best Sea Food Pick: Legal Sea Foods

New England is the land of lobster rolls, crab cakes and clam chowder. Seafood is serious stuff that is not to be treated lightly, and one restaurant that adheres to the area’s history and tradition of excellent seafood is Legal Sea Foods, a chain with a location in Copley. Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s popular enough to be a chain, it’s popular for a reason and has been consistently voted #1 in Zagat’s Boston survey for it’s tremendous menu. Generally the prices are a little on the higher side so the time is now to take advantage of the $33.09 prix fixe menu including an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

www.legalseafoods.com

100 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617) 266-7775

Best Eclectic Cuisine Pick: The Blue Room

Out of the way from the usual hustle and bustle of the city, The Blue Room is located in East Cambridge and is commonly known as “Foodie Heaven”. It has been reviewed by all the top magazines and has won accolades from Wine Spectator, Food and Wine, Gourmet, and Boston Magazine. In addition to offering a 3-course prix fixe menu that would make someone with even the most indifferent taste buds salivate, for $48.09 they’re offering wine pairings from their famous cellar. If you can only pick one restaurant to visit during the week, pick this one.

www.theblueroom.net

One Kendall Square

Cambridge

Phone: 617-494-9034

Best Sushi Pick: Osushi

Osushi in the Back Bay area stands out above the crowd, especially in an area that’s overrun with mediocre sushi restaurants. The sushi speaks for itself but the restaurant is one of the hippest sushi spots in the city and boasts a sexy and stylish clientele. Intimidating stuff for an outsider but don’t fret, the sushi bar is very welcoming, even if you look like you’ve been sight seeing all day.

www.osushirestaurant.com

10 Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617) 266-2788

Best Italian Cuisine Pick: Rialto

Boston boasts a proud and loyal population of Italian-Americans and for them, Italian food is and always will be the best food. One restaurant where it’s almost impossible to deny this claim is at Rialto, located in the Charles Hotel. On a rotating basis, regional Italian specialties are prepared with fresh New England ingredients creating a beautiful marriage between new and old world gastronomy. What makes this restaurant a favorite amongst Bostonians is the thoroughness of the menu, highlighting dishes from the North, South and everything in between.

www.rialto-restaurant.com

One Bennett Street

Cambridge

Phone: 617-661-5050

Best French Bistro Pick: Chez Henri

At it’s worst French food can be overly ornate, stuffy and pretentious, but what makes Chez Henri so far apart from that mold is its Cuban twist that has won it 5 Best of Boston awards in consecutive years. Chez Henri specializes in time tested French favorites, reinvented; like steak frites with ‘toasted garlic bordelaise and spicy Cuban fries’ and foie gras with a ‘petite plantain Belgian waffle and pink peppercorn maple syrup’. For something a little more adventurous than the typical French bistro, Chez Henri offers the eater an adventure without the sense of danger that comes with not knowing whether one is going to like it or not. Every dish is a hit and it’s hard not to leave without feeling full and happy.

www.chezhenri.com

1 Shepard Street

Cambridge

Phone: 617-354-8980