 |
      |  |
Weekend Getaways
By Kathy A. McDonald
From breakfast served by a butler to tickets for the stage production of Disney’s “Lion King” to romantic rose petal filled baths, L.A.’s hoteliers pull out all the stops when it comes to giving guests an extra reason to stay.
Clueing in to the fact that travelers are increasingly pressed for time and getaways are often planned on short notice, hotels have created packages and plans to suit weekenders’ needs. These deals make it easy to lengthen a business stay or experience an in town holiday.
Weekend rates encourage guests to add on a family vacation; spa packages entice with a promise of relaxation.
“People try to grab a little bit of leisure, minivacations, as often as possible, “ says Armella Stepan, general manager of the Shutters Hotel in Santa Monica. “They come out two days for business and stay two more days for fun.”
Shutters guests extending their stays are typically corporate travelers who bring the family (or significant other) to the hotel, especially on holiday weekends.
Shore attractions
Competition is keen among hotels for this upscale traveler. Creative packages and seasonal one-upmanship means that keeping up with the Hiltons (so to speak) has L.A. hoteliers on the lookout for the latest in enticements and added value. At Shutters, a personal adventure fitness training program was added to allow desk jockeys the opportunity to hone their surfing skills, mountain-bike, or rock-climb with their own personal trainer.
Others may opt for less strenuous extras.
At the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, a “Savvy Shoppers package” pairs hotel guests with vet film and TV wardrobe stylist Janis Bussing. Shot in your room or on a supervised field trip with Bussing in full- or half-day sessions.
Themed dinners are also popular at the Miramar. This summer, the hotel’s annual Festival of Figs will present menus replete with figs in every variation (savor figs flambéed or stuffed).
Packages at the Miramar vary and can include dinner, room nights, an dan in-room gift to coincide with special promotions. In addition to the culinary indulgences, the hotel offers golf and museum packages.
©2005 Angel At Your Door.
