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President’s Day weekend is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to plan a quick getaway. Take some time to discover a new place, do what you love, or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine and revel in the fact that you don’t have to go into work on Monday. In the past here at Insider Picks, we’ve discussed some great places for weekend getaways, but only told you where to go, not where to stay. Thus, today we offer you nine great cities to spend a few days vacation in, as well as the best hotels, motels, and Holiday Inn’s to stay at for every type of traveler.
New York City
There's so much to do in NYC that the toughest aspect of spending a long weekend in the Big Apple is probably figuring out what you won't be able to make it to. You can go see a show (although, sadly, probably not “Hamilton” unless you have another long weekend coming up in December), check out the sites, and eat at some of the finest restaurants in the country. Whether you visit for business or pleasure (and we hope its pleasure), New York City will not disappoint.
Family trip: Affinia NYC ($276/night)
Perks: Spacious rooms, central location in the city
For going out: The Standard ($499/night)
Perks: Amazing views, close to quality clubs, bars, and beer gardens
Romantic getaway: Waldorf Astoria ($407/night)
Perks: American history, blocks from Broadway
On a budget: Holiday Inn Midtown ($182/night)
Perks: Solid location, if you come back in the summer there's a rooftop pool
Chicago
The Windy City has one of the most underrated skylines in the country; driving into town on I-90 you are greeted by a cityscape that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. Once you’re in town, check out some of the cities fantastic parks and museums, and don’t miss getting a Chicago dog and some deep dish pizza. You’re on vacation. Don’t worry about calories. Treat yourself.
Family trip: Palomar Hotel ($178/night)
Perks: Free wine at happy hour, free coffee and cocoa in the mornings
For going out: The W ($130/night)
Perks: Modern decor, fantastic hotel bar
Romantic getaway: The Langham Chicago ($315/night)
Perks: Phenomenal spa, butler service available, rated best hotel in the city
On a budget: ACME Hotel ($126/night)
Perks: Free fresh coffee delivered to your door in the morning, solid location
Las Vegas
Gambling your worries away in Las Vegas is an ideal weekend for some. The city of sin is fantastic not just because you can spend the night playing blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, and a litany of other table games; Vegas is also home to some of the best food and phenomenal service in the country. Their hotels feature elegant spas and every night is the chance to see something you’ve never experienced before, whether it’s the fountains at the Bellagio or a show by Cirque du Soleil.
Family trip: Mandalay Bay ($178/night)
Perks: Huge pool for the whole family, a bit removed from the chaos of the strip
For going out: The Cosmopolitan ($339/night)
Perks: The newest hotel in Vegas, great location on the strip, top tier clubs within the building with more close by
Romantic getaway: The Wynn ($297/night)
Perks: Probably the most visibly impressive interior on the strip, and that is saying something
On a budget: The Orleans ($145/night)
Perks: Just a bit off the strip, but some of the cheapest blackjack tables you will find, with a great sportsbook as well
San Francisco
The City by the Bay has often been romanticized and with good reason; it’s hilly layout and gorgeous views make it unlike any other city in the country. If you’re a basketball fan, seeing the Golden State Warriors at The Oracle is arguably the hottest ticket in sports right now. Rent a moped to scoot around town and see more of the city than you thought possible, and be sure to ratify your sweet tooth with a trip to Ghirardelli Chocolate.
Family trip: The Fairmount ($463/night)
Perks: Buffet breakfast, multiple reviews cite that staff was great with kids
For going out: W San Francisco ($248/night)
Perks: Tons of clubs and restaurants within walking distance
Romantic getaway: Omni San Francisco Hotel ($284/night)
Perks: Rooms are spacious and provide privacy, highly reviewed restaurant downstairs
On a budget: The Nob Hill Inn ($250/night)
Perks: Large rooms, free continental breakfast, perfect for short stays
Washington DC
What better place to spend President’s Day than the home of our POTUS? You could spend your entire weekend running from Smithsonian to Smithsonian and still not see all of the art, history, science, and culture that are available to take in. Take a stroll past the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and any other sites you wish to see.
Family trip: Omni Shoreham Hotel ($289/night)
Perks: Two blocks from the Metro, views of the Washington Monument, classic decor
For going out: The Dupont Circle ($189/night)
Perks: Modern hotel, great restaurants, just steps away from the Metro
Romantic getaway: The Jefferson ($418/night)
Perks: Top rated hotel in DC, 4 blocks from the White House, short walk to the Lincoln Memorial
On a budget: Days Inn, Washington DC ($127/night)
Perks: Great value for the price, close to restaurants and in a good part of town
Miami
It is the dead of winter currently and Miami is always Miami: warm, beaches, and dancing. We don’t really know what more we could say to convince you that Miami is a good place to visit in February.
Family trip: Loews Miami Beach Hotel ($659/night)
Perks: Literally right on the beach
For going out: Thompson Miami Beach ($441/night)
Perks: Also right on the beach
Romantic getaway: Hilton Cabana Miami Beach ($424/night)
Perks: Located at the end of South Beach, if you're looking to avoid the chaos
On a budget: Freehand Miami ($145/night)
Perks: It's a hostel, but a quality one by all accounts, perfect if you're just looking for a place to shut your eyes in
Boston
Boston is another historic town worth checking out in honor of President’s Day weekend. Walk the Freedom Trail and take in the city's significance to the history of our country. Enjoy some of the great restaurants that can be found in Somerville and Cambridge, and if you’re with any high schoolers, a college tour of BC, Northeastern, BU, and Harvard might help get them thinking about some big decisions they have coming up.
Family trip: Boston Marriott Long Wharf ($196/night)
Perks: Huge double bed rooms perfect for families, indoor pool
For going out: W Boston ($217/night)
Perks: Great location in the city, extremely helpful staff, large rooms
Romantic getaway: Boston Harbor Hotel ($425/night)
Perks: Beautiful views right on the harbor
On a budget: Sheraton Boston ($162/night)
Perks: Pool, gym, and connected to the Prudential Center for any shopping you might want to get done
New Orleans
Head to New Orleans this President’s Day weekend and take in the collective hangover of a city that just threw the most grand Mardi Gras party in the country — or leave a few days early and partake in the festivities yourself! Beyond that, take in the jazz, the food, and the mojo of this historic town. Spend a day bar-crawling Bourbon Street if that’s what moves you, or trek over to a casino to gamble a bit. The voodoo will be on your side.
Family trip: Embassy Suites by Hilton ($329/night)
Perks: Cook-to-order breakfast in the mornings, spacious rooms
For going out: Omni Royal Orleans ($299/night)
Perks: Located right in the French Quarter, you can't go wrong
Romantic getaway: Hotel Monteleone ($419/night)
Perks: Upscale decor and great location
On a budget: Quality Inn & Suites Maison St. Charles ($182/night)
Perks: Short walk from the French Quarter and other parts of town you want to see
Puerto Rico
Same as Miami: Puerto Rico offers a warm and sunny respite from the treachery of winter. Take in as much sun as possible, get your needed dose of Vitamin D, and head back home to a shortened workweek relaxed and recharged.
Family trip: El Conquistador Resort ($329/night)
Perks: Tons of family activities — mini golf, game room, pools, basketball — in addition to some gorgeous views
For going out: San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel ($296/night)
Perks: Rooftop bar and lounge, right on the beach, and a definite party vibe throughout the space
Romantic getaway: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel ($495/night)
Perks: Basically everything — it's rated the top hotel in San Juan
On a budget: Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan ($244/night)
Perks: Walking distance from everything you need, great value
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