Valentine’s Day may be called the most romantic day of the year. In the travel industry, it’s also—more often than not—the most overpriced event of the year.
This year, Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day, it’s a weekend, which makes it nearly inescapable. No matter where you travel—even if you’re flying solo—be prepared to pay premium prices. Is it true love? Is it guilt? It doesn’t matter. You’ll probably have to participate whether you like it or not.
We’ve rounded up some of the most reasonable Valentine’s Day hotel packages as well as some of the most ridiculous—like options that might run you six figures.
Reasonable & Creative
“Love Goes Around”—Hopefully
We can’t guarantee the Love Goes Around package will ensure that love will go around for everyone, but at least you’ll be comfortable with this deal from the Andaz San Diego. Enjoy an in-room bottle of sparkling wine, a “Cookies and Dream” amenity including a homemade biscotti and strawberry jam, access to the Roof Top 600 Bar for sprawling views of San Diego, and a 2 p.m. check-out. Rates start at $389 per night.
Live Out Your Cinderella Fantasy
Good news, Cinderella fans—this year you can live out your own Disney movie and/or fairy tale—glass slipper included. The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, Texas has a “Become Her Prince Charming” package that includes overnight accommodations, rose petal turndown service with a glass slipper, and personalized love note—men, we recommend playing it safe here. You’ll also get champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two in your hotel room, and a late check-out at 2 p.m. Rates start at $499 per night.
Yoganna Love It
If you want to pair physical fitness with Valentine’s Day, check out the “Yoga For Lovers” package at Hotel Palomar in Chicago. This deal is valid for stays between Friday, February 13 and Sunday, February 15. Upon arrival, you’ll receive champagne, and on Saturday you and your loved one/yoga partner can partake in partner yoga and Thai yoga massage. On Sunday morning, you can stumble into Morning Recovery Yoga and Silent Partner Meditation, which comes with mimosas. This package also includes a $50 in-room dining credit for breakfast or dinner, and a late check-out. Three-day advanced booking is required, and rates start at $339 per night.
Modern Romance in America’s Hometown
Plymouth may be a cornerstone in American history, but, this year, it’s also the home to romance at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa. The Mirbeau is offering a Valentine’s Day package that starts with a special tasting menu with executive chef Stephen Coe at the Henri-Marie fine dining restaurant, which might include Velouté of Lobster, Oysters and Tuna Crudo with Avocado Mousse and Caviar, or Veal Chop stuffed with Prosciutto and Sage. After, enjoy musical entertainment, an in-room gift, one couples’ massage, and breakfast in bed for two. Rates start at $929 per night.
S’more and Snore in San Diego
Got a sweet tooth? The Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego is currently offering a Love You S’more package that just might be up your alley. The package includes a two-night stay, dinner for two at their restaurant, AVANT, and a S’more kit, which includes white chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate marshmallows, chocolate chip cookies, red velvet cookies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cinnamon graham crackers, and chocolate caramel squares. You can roast your s’more concoctions over one of their 12 fireplaces. Rates begin at $452.
True Grit—We Mean, Love—in the Wild, Wild West
Cowboys and cowgirls looking to “get back in the saddle”—we didn’t say it, they did—can head down to the Tanque Verde Ranch near the Saguaro National Park in Arizona. The Tanque Verde Ranch is a Dude Ranch that offers a variety of activities, so you’re not forced to spend an entire 24-hour period cooped up in a hotel room with your significant other. Go horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, or fishing, and then have a hearty Southwestern dinner and catch the sunset on a Sunset Ride through cacti-laden trails. To finish the day, you can hang out by the fire pit and look at the stars. Rates start at $475 per night and include all activities and three meals per day.
Snowshoes and Tipis for the Warm Blooded
If you aren’t sick of the cold just yet, the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is offering a romantic package that treks far from the rest. The Wildlife Snowshoe Adventure offers couples the opportunity to snowshoe through the Cottonwood Forest and onto the Snake River. When you get there, you can cuddle up in a warm tipi—yes, it will be heated—just for the two of you. Relax after your journey with a cup of hot chocolate and a s’more, or sip champagne if you’re in the celebratory mood. This package includes a four-night stay, a welcome amenity of wine and chocolates, a $100 dinner voucher at Spur restaurant, and a 2 p.m. check-out.
Got Money to Burn?
An Indecently Expensive Proposal
The Ritz-Carlton of Westchester, New York knows that a Valentine’s Day wedding proposal has to be over-the-top, so it’s offering a package that covers all of the bases. First, you’ll be shacking up in a Ritz-Carlton suite and will have a private dinner in The Dream Home, a private residence on the 40th floor of the hotel that offers views of New York City. After, you can have a “Time Together” couples massage or head straight to Tiffany’s for private ring shopping with private transportation. You’ll then have champagne and Tiffany Petit Fours, and when you return you’ll find a rose petal turndown. The next morning, enjoy an in-room breakfast. This package costs $2,500 and requires a minimum purchase of $20,000 from Tiffany’s. Does it make it less shocking if we tell you that they include free overnight parking?
“Lust”—After All of the Money You’ll Be Spending
The W New York – Union Square is offering a package that might spoil your spouse for life. Treat yourself to an Extreme WOW suite or a WOW Suite + and five different gifts, one that appeals to each one of the senses. For sight, you’ll have a personal Boudoir photo shoot, while you’ll get an Alexander Wang and Beats by Dre customized playlist for sound, and a Dennis Basso fur throw for touch. Taste is just as extravagant as you might think and includes Caspian Sea Almas Osetra Caviar by Caviar Russe and a bottle of Dom Perignon. Finally, for smell, you’ll get Clive Christian No.1 perfume. This deal will cost you a cool $66,500.
Diamonds are a Rich Person’s Best Friend
One of the more over-the-top deals this year is the “Dazzle You in Diamonds” package at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach, Miami. This package costs $100,000 and is valid through December 31, 2015. While that’s a hefty fee, keep in mind that it includes a bottle of Cristal Champagne, 15.4 carat diamond hoop earrings and 4.34 carat round pave white diamond cuff links, both by Duchamp Jewelry. But that’s not it—the package begins with airport transfer and chauffeur service in a Mercedes S Class, an oceanfront suite, and two 110-minute Carita Precious Ceremony Diamond Facials. When you get hungry, you can have a private cabana bed dinner at Bistro One LR with a tasting menu from Chef Gihen Zitouni. After dinner, you can take advantage of your 10,000-square-foot ballroom rental and dance while your own private DJ spins your favorite tracks. At night, you’ll get a Signature Bling Bed Turndown Service, which includes a heart on your hotel bed made with rhinestones and rose petals, as well as 100 red roses. To book, contact Richard at (786) 276-4006.
Valentine’s Day—the Scarface Edition
You’re bound to get in a little trouble with this package—just please stay away from anyone talking about their “little friend.” You’ll stay at the Marriott Stanton South Beach in Miami, Florida for three nights in an ocean-view suite, take a Lamborghini or Ferrari out for a spin, enjoy a casual private seaplane rental to the Florida Keys for lunch, eat a five-course Millionaire’s Dinner at Red, The Steakhouse, and top it all off with free jet ski rentals and a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Rates start at $8,999.
For more Valentine’s Day ideas and information, check out:
- Travel Tip: Chocolate School for Valentine’s Day
- The Most Common Valentine’s Day Mistakes
- Stupid Cupid! 4 Anti-Valentine’s Day Travel Ideas
By Stephanie Ervin and Brittany Malooly for PeterGreenberg.com
