Things to Do

December 2014 Travel Deals

Holiday shopping may be more fun when combined with one of these exclusive getaway packages. There’s even a ski trip that might make a perfect gift.

Shop Old Town

Where: Morrison House, 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-838-8000

What’s special: Warm and welcoming, this Kimpton Hotel in Old Town Alexandria reflects the area’s Colonial charm but has just the right mix of modern luxuries (flat-screen TVs, marble-counter bathrooms, luxe linens). Guests enjoy free use of the hotel’s custom Public bikes, free shuttle to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport, free use of yoga mats, complimentary morning coffee and tea, and free daily wine hour. Pets stay free. If you’re not already a member, you can sign up for the free Kimpton Karma Rewards to get complimentary wi-fi and a $10 Raid the Bar credit. Within walking distance of the hotel are boutiques such as the Shoe Hive (for the latest fashions, including Tory Burch and Kate Spade) and Red Barn Mercantile (for home accent pieces), as well as the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

The deal: The Boutique to Boutique Shopping package includes deluxe accommodations, a $100 American Express gift card, continental breakfast for two, free valet parking, and two cocktails at the Grille. Mention Washingtonian upon arrival to also receive two free appetizers, a $30 value. Discounted rates start at $274 a night. Use the online booking code SHOPB.

When: Valid through December 31, 2014.

Shop Middleburg

Where: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, 36205 Snake Hill Rd., Middleburg; 540-687-3090

What’s special: The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant sits on 265 acres of countryside. Enjoy a full breakfast in the morning, and cozy up by the fire each afternoon in the Carriage House and enjoy coffee and tea. Guests can also hike the property or drive into Middleburg to do some holiday shopping at the antiques stores and boutiques.

The deal: The Hunt Country Midweek Retreat package includes a two-night stay (Sunday through Wednesday) with the second night at 50 percent off. Rates start at $310 a night. To get the deal, mention the package when booking.

When: Valid through January 2015.

Tax-Free Shopping in Philly

Where: Hotel Palomar, 117 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, 215-563-5006; and Hotel Monaco, 433 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, 215-925-2111

What’s special: Pick the neighborhood—both hotels are central to the city’s shopping destinations. The Monaco is in the heart of Old City’s independent-boutique scene, and the Palomar is steps from Walnut and Chestnut streets, with big-name retailers and local shops. For another fun shopping experience, drive or take public transportation to nearby Manayunk, a small town within city limits that’s been designated a National Historic District. While there, stop at Remix for a wealth of old and new couture finds, and grab something to eat at the Goat’s Beard, with local American fare and domestic whiskeys and craft beers.

The deal: The Cure for Cabin Fever package includes complimentary overnight valet parking (a $42 value), a $20 gas card, and a holiday treat valued at $10. Rates start at $199 a night. To book, click here [kimptonhotels.com] and use the rate code WASHDC.

When: Valid for stays December 2014 through February 28, 2015, if booked by December 31.

Explore New Hope

Where: The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, 518 Lurgan Rd., New Hope, Pa.; 215-862-8090

What’s special: This romantic retreat is on a five-acre manicured estate two miles from the town of New Hope. It features four rooms and four suites. Guests enjoy heated tubs for two, fireplaces, steam showers, king-size featherbeds, gourmet breakfasts, and an optional in-suite couples massage. New Hope offers good dining, a historic railroad you can ride, horse-drawn carriages, museums, professional theater productions, and venues that have live music seven nights a week.

The deal: Book two consecutive nights in the 800-square-foot Penthouse Suite or the 500-square-foot General Washington Suite and receive a complimentary in-suite couples massage (two therapists for 60 minutes); hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries; and two $50 dinner certificates that can be used like cash at one of three restaurants: Marsh Brown Restaurant, Francisco’s on the River, or Bowman’s Tavern (which has live music every night). Reserve two consecutive nights in any other room or suite and get a complimentary one-hour in-suite massage; hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries; and one $50 dinner certificate to be used at one of the three restaurants. Rates start at $395 a night and go up to $895 for the Penthouse Suite. Attention, history buffs: Stay December 24 and receive VIP tickets to view General Washington and his troops reenact the 1776 crossing of the Delaware River, an annual tradition five miles from the inn (weather and conditions permitting). To book, call 215-862-8090 or reserve a suite online and use the code wash2014.

When: Valid December through March 26, 2015.

Fly Direct to Jackson Hole

Where: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, 3385 Cody La., Teton Village, Wyo.; 855-842-8798

What’s special: Located slopeside to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the lodge is easy walking distance to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski lifts and aerial tram. It’s also near the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, and an hour and a half south of Yellowstone. The rooms, with spectacular views of the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains, feature Western decor including reclaimed fir timbers in the lobby, hardwood floors, down bedding, and, in most guest rooms’ living areas, gas fireplaces. Accommodations include rooms, studios, and suites. The lodge has a full-service spa, a fitness center, a rooftop studio for yoga and Pilates, indoor and outdoor heated pools, and five whirlpool tubs (three indoor and two outdoor), including a 24-person rooftop tub. Starting December 20, United Airlines flies nonstop to Jackson Hole from Dulles.

The deal: The Winter 20-30-40 package includes a 20-percent savings on the room, a $30 breakfast credit at Spur Restaurant & Bar, and a $40 spa credit at Solitude Spa. Washingtonian readers also get two free glasses of wine, a $16 value each, at the new Lobby Bar. Rates start at $231 a night. To book, click here.

When: Valid now through April 5, 2015, with blackout dates December 20 through January 3, February 1 through 4, February 13 through 16, and February 25 through 27.

Where: Hotel Terra, 3335 W. Village Dr., Teton Village, Wyo.; 855-842-8798

What’s special: Hotel Terra is in the heart of Teton Village and at the base of the majestic Teton mountains. In the lobby you’ll find fireplaces and antler-adorned walls, but modern furniture and pops of color give it a trendy feel. This luxury hotel features a rooftop spa with a fitness center, infinity pool, and hot tub; two restaurants; a bar; and lobby lounges. The hotel is steps from excellent skiing and snowboarding, and a ski valet will store your skis and offer advice on the best runs and conditions.

The deal: The Powderhound package includes 20 percent off rooms, a $20 daily breakfast credit, and 25 percent off ski rental from Teton Village Sports. Washingtonian readers also receive 20 percent off spa treatments. Prices start at $159 a night. To book, click here.

When: Valid now through April 5, 2015, with blackout dates December 25 through January 2, January 27 through 30, February 1 through 4, February 9 through 11, and February 14 through 16.