There’s a myth that lodging in New York City is expensive, especially around the holidays. The Cool Yule Deal brought to you by the GEM Hotels in NYC has savings of about $80 less than the average price for a similar hotel room in Manhattan. There are three locations, one in SoHo, Chelsea and Midtown West.

Ultra Posh but comfy lobby of the GEM Chelsea

Dates included in this deal are November 20^th-29^th (perfect for catching the Macy’s Day Parade!) and December 18^th-29^th. The boutique hotels have three very different locations. If you’re interested in catching some shows or visiting the Javits Center for any reason, than the Midtown location is perfect for you. Also near that location is the Empire State Building, the Broadway Theater District and Times Square.

Midtown is great for seeing some of the classic tourist spots. I’d advise staying in that location during the Thanksgiving season if you’re interested in seeing the parade – Herald Square is a few blocks away. It’s also great for shopping with Lord and Taylor nearby.

If you’re more interested in eating than sightseeing the SoHo location is perfect. It’s a little off the beaten track and close to the unique shopping opportunities of the Meatpacking District.

Of course, if you’re the type of person who travels for nightlife, Chelsea is the place to be. With a plethora of unique nightclubs, bars and galleries, the Chelsea GEM location is key for experiencing it all. Also, it’s only a hop, skip and a short subway ride from Midtown where you can take in the classic tourist sites as well.

Lobby of the GEM Chelsea

As a New York City frequent traveler, I recommend staying in Chelsea (although I am a bit biased – that’s where I usually stay so I know the neighborhood very well). It’s a funky, artsy area with many colorful characters to keep you busy people watching.

The GEM Hotels also offers tips and local guides that are constantly updated. Called the GEMine, travlers are also encouraged to add their own experiences to the lobby-located chalkboard. This is a great source for local events and other happenings that you can’t find in the typical guidebook. As someone who likes to travel like a native, this is extremely helpful.

If you are interested in some more traditional tourist attractions, the hotels are stocked with iPods that have pre-loaded audio tours of different areas such as Little Italy and Times Square. These GEMwalks are complimentary for hotel guests.

For on –the-go tourists, GEMtexts is another service the hotels offer. Twice daily you’ll be alerted to neighborhood and hotel offers via your cell phone. Talk about convenient! Make sure you get your room soon – there’s limited availability and with this rate, the rooms won’t be around for very long.

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

I had the opportunity to spend a past New Years in New Mexico and thoroughly enjoyed it. Prior to my trip, the Southwest region was never very high on my list of destinations. After seeing firsthand the culture, color and attractions, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The architecture is wonderfully different from the Northeastern building I’m used to. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of those spots. Situated near the artsy district which is mainly pueblo buildings, the Cathedral, with its pseudo-Gothic yet decidedly Southwest style towers is a  juxtaposition of culture. If you’re interested in visiting other religious spots, the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe is said to be the oldest standing church in North America. Built in 1610, this building is open every day of the week and costs only $1 donation.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe /CC Meghan Butler

The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort is the epitome of Santa Fe style with Spanish, Native American and Southwestern cultures beautifully melded into traditional structures. The resort itself has some interesting historical background. The land was bought in 1851 by bishop Jean-Baptist Lamy. The chapel he erected nearly 160 years ago still stands.

Main Building of Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort

For the holiday season, The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch is offering Thanksgiving and Christmas deal of 25% off the regular rates.  The Ranch has many relaxing activities, including the SháNah Spa & Wellness Center with six indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor massage gardens and outdoor Japanese Watsu pool and even a hair salon. The word “SháNah” means “vitality and energy” in Navajo. With that in mind, the spa offers massages, yoga and Pilates, facials along with the traditional salon treatments of waxing, hair and nail care.

Guest Room of Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort

After some relaxation, explore the Downtown Santa Fe area’s artsy district. Artists sell their unique and handmade wares out of authentic pueblos. One of the most notable artists (whose prints can be found in almost any store in Santa Fe) is Georgia O’Keeffe, Her colorful flowers and abstract renditions are well represented in the Southwest. And rightfully so – they’re beautiful.

You can purchase real skulls in Downtown Santa Fe! / CC Meghan Butler

For the more active travels, The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch has guided horseback riding trails, a skeet and trap range and tennis courts. To keep your entourage of kiddies happy, the Lodge has youth horseback riding programs. So sign em up, saddle em up and send em out to pasture. Then enjoy some quiet time!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the holiday deals. In Galveston,  the Hotel Galvez (a Wyndham Historic Hotel) has some enticing deals for the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.

Hotel Galvez holiday lights

Hotel Galvez’s Thanksgiving package includes overnight accommodations and a Thanksgiving Day Brunch with complimentary mimosas, wine or champagne.  It also includes two tickets to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights. Friday, November 27^th kicks off the holiday season in Galveston. At Hotel Galvez, the festivities include gingerbread replicas of the historic hotel and Christmas carols, among other live entertainment.  There’s also the holiday events that are held annually at the nearby Saegerfest Park in downtown Galveston. These festivities kick-off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Hotel Galvez pool area

If you’ve got Christmas on your mind, Hotel Galvez has the Getaway for the Holidays Package for the entire month of December.  You can unwind before the holidays and do a little holiday shopping – the package includes discounts to local merchants and complimentary shuttle services: No rental car needed! Travel on a weekday to avoid the crowds and you’ll get a deeply discounted price. After a day of shopping, unwind with special holiday-themed treatments at the Hotel Galvez Spa. There’s also the typical wellness treatments such as massage, facial and body treatments.

While you’re in Galveston, take in some of the history. As a wannabe architecture buff, Bishop’s Palace caught my eye. Built in the late 1800s, the so-called “Victorian castle” is now a museum managed by the Galveston Historical Foundation. For $10 you can see the luxury materials and furnishings, beautifully carved ornaments, stained-glass windows, and sculptures – the mansion even a fireplace lined with pure silver!

Bishop's Palace / CC stevesheriw

If you’re more interested in natural wonders than architectural ones, the Galveston Island State Park offers over 2,000 acres of beach front property and is believed to be over 5,000 years old. The entrance fees are fair (about $5 for the day) and there’s also camping available if you’re interested in roughing it for a few days. No matter what activities youre interested, Galveston is a great destination for a low-key stay.

Galveston Island State Park / C Indiana Stan

For Thanksgiving, try the Perfect Pawleys Plantation Thanksgiving. For under $300, you and one other person can stay for three nights in a double occupancy, one-villa suite. But wait, it gets better: this includes one 18-hole round of golf and a cornucopia of a buffet on Thanksgiving. Also available is a free second round of golf or a fourth night free when you mention the “Perfect Pawleys Thanksgiving Package.”

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Looking to avoid a white Christmas? Head down the Pawley’s for their “Christmas Lights in the Low Country” special. For $275, you and one other person receive 3 night accommodations in a villa suite. Of course, this includes one round of golf (18 holes!) and a Sunday brunch. As an added bonus, enjoy the Night of a Thousand Candles at the Brookgreen Garden.

Brookgreen Garden is part of a 9,100 acre preserve on the South Carolina coast. It was also the first sculpture garden to be built in the U.S. The land is comprised of four plantations and usually costs about $12 for admission. Your admission is free with the Christmas Lights in the Low Country package.

Pawleys Island Carriage Ride

If you‘re interested in staying for New Year’s Eve, Pawley’s is hosting a Gala & Golf event. For under $400 you and a guest will get a villa suite for Thursday, Friday and Saturday (2 days!) and one round of 18 hole golf and Sunday brunch (this is pretty standard for all Pawley’s packages). You’ll also be invited to a New Year’s Eve Gala in the ornate Plantation Ballroom with premium open bar, a full-course dinner with coffee and cordial station. Of course there will be a delicious champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

So grab your clubs (and your sweetie) and head to South Carolina for some golf fun over the holidays.

Ever wonder what over 25,000 lit jack-o-lanterns looks like?

Keene, NH Pumpkin Festival

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is visit the annual Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire.  Every October thousands of people gather in this small town with thier jack-o-lanterns to be a part of this great event.  This year the 19th Annual Keene Pumpkin Festival will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 10 am to 9 pm.  Spend the day checking out the pumpkins, carve one if you forgot to bring one, browse the vendors, participate in the costume parade, and check out all of the street entertainers.  At dusk you are treated to an amazing scene as all of the jack-o-lanterns are finally lit, including the two towers at each end of the street.    Year after year the festival continues to break to records for the most lit jack-o-lanterns.  It’s an amazing sight.  So start carving your pumpkin and help them break the record again this year!

Keene, NH Pumpkin Festival

For other Fall Travel ideas and Fall Travel Deals check out our Fall Travel Deals section.

Fall is not only a great time to check out fall foliage, it’s also a great time to snag some great off season deals.   Many U.S. mountain and desert resorts and Caribbean island resorts consider this time of year an in between time and offer exceptional deals.

Shell Legacy Golf Resort, Phoenix

Looking to extend the golf season a little longer? Head to the Shell’s Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix Arizona.  They are celebrating theirr 10 year anniversary with ratess from $79 per night for a luxury guest suite featuring a full kitchen or kitchenette, spacious living area & dining area, washers & dryers, spacious bath and a balcony or patio.  Guests are automatically entered into a drawing to win prizes included vacations at one of Shell’s U.S. or Canada resorts.

SnowcreekResort, Mammoth Lakes

Looking for a fall mountain getaway? Check out the Snowcreek Resort Fall Special at Mammoth Lakes, CA.  Snow creek resort is uniquely located at the southernmostedge of Old Mammoth and the base of the Sherwin Mountains which provides 360 degree views of the Sherwin, Mammoth and White Mountains.  Guests will enjoy luxurious ranch living and recreation including golf, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and more. They are currently offering rates starting at $190 for a one bedroom condo to $540 for a four bedroom lodge.   This includes complimentary access to the Snowcreek Athletic Club and free greens fees at Snowcreek golf course (weather permitting, course is open through 10/11).  A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.

Westin, St. Maarten

Would you rather escape the cooler fall temperatures? Head to the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach for their Exclusive Blogger Rate.  Through December 15th  you can enjoy rates as low as $89 per night which includes one complimentary breakfast lunch and dinner.  The Westin, located along the south-eastern shore of St. Maarten, is one of the largest upscale resorts in the Caribbean.   It’s surrounded by endless miles of blue waters, acres of tropical foliage and white sand beaches.  Whether you want to relax in the spa, try your luck at the casino, enjoy the water sports, or local shopping you will find plenty to do at the Westin.

For more fall travel ideas check out our complete list of Fall Travel Deals.

Tradewinds Resort

Do you sometimes feel like you miss out on the spirit of the holidays because you spend all of your time preparing for them? Do you feel like you don’t really get to enjoy your family because you spend your entire Thanksgiving in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up afterwards?   Why not consider starting a new tradition this year? The Tradewind’s Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida  is offering  a “Thanksgiving Togetherness” package that will allow your family to spend the holiday together relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.   

This three night package includes tickets to the bountiful Thanksgiving buffet on Thurs November 26thand a value coupon book for area attractions with $250 in savings.  A hotel amenity fee is also included which allows guests complimentary access to beach cabanas, parking, and more is included in the package price.  Prices for two adults start at $414. 

You won’t have to worry about cooking or washing dishes, you can just have fun on the beach with the family!

For more fall travel deals check out our complete list.

Looking for a fun and frighening way to celebrate the ghostly season? BedandBreakfast.com has a fun special just in time for Halloween.  According to thier recent survey about 20% of inns in the US are haunted- that’s about 3600 inns! They also found that 20% of travelers seek a haunted place to stay for Halloween.  In this “spirit” they’ve put together  a list of over 100 haunted inns for you to choose from when making your haunted travel plans.

Pack your flashlight and maybe a teddy bear and check out some of the inns that made the list:

The Texas White House in Fort Worth, TX

Texas White House, Fort Worth, TX

This inn is haunted by the husband of the only family that ever lived in the house.  He died in the house and now haunts his old room, the Lone Star Room.  He seems to only appear when a single woman is staying in the room, but don’t worry he is said to be “freindly”. 

The Honeybee Inn, Horicon, WI

Honeybee Inn, Horicon, WI

This Inn is believed to be haunted by Coton, a lumber baron who used to live there.  Coton haunts the place with his female companions.  Proof of his spirit includes the rocking of his rocking chair by itself, sighting of a woman in a long apron, and squeaking on the stairs at night.

Kehoe House Bed and Breakfast, Savannah, GA

Kehoe House, Savannah, GA

This 1892 Queen Anne-style mansion is haunted by the Kehoe twins who are rumored to have died while playing in one of the houses fireplaces.  The fireplaces is closed up but guests report hearing the sounds of children laughing and playing in the night.

For more bed and breakfast deals check out the bed and breakfast deals section on Besttraveldeals.net.