In response to high gas prices and outrageous restrictions by airlines, many people are staying home instead of going on vacation. This trend has given rise to the “stay-cation” - finding things to do in your own hometown (or very nearby) that don’t cost you an arm and a leg.
But what if you want something in between? You want to sleep in another bed for a few nights, and not have to worry about making it up yourself in the morning. And you don’t want to drive far. You’re in luck! Almost every city has a pool of great hotels or resorts, and because travel is in a lull right now, most are discounting their rates to attract visitors.
Find one you like, and call them up. Talk to the manager and ask for a “locals” discount. It’s very likely you’ll get one! Particularly if you are willing to stay mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are generally wide open and discounted rates are available.
Don’t know where to start in finding a hotel in your own backyard? Have a look at TheTopTenSite.com. For example, here’s what they recommend in the way of boutique (smaller) hotels in New York City.
The Casablanca
The Gansevoort
The Bryant Park Hotel
The Hotel Elysee
The Library
The Gramercy Park Hotel
The W Hotel Union Square
The Lowell
The SoHo Grand
The W Hotel Times Square
Find a hotel that has a restaurant, a bar and a spa, and you won’t even have to go anywhere for a few days! But if you do want to venture out some, don’t forget to check out your city’s convention and visitor’s bureau pages for discounts on local attractions. Now’s the time to check out that museum or art gallery you’ve been meaning to visit. Go on … be a tourist in your hometown! Not only will you get to know your city a little better, you’ll be helping boost the local economy.
Happy Travels!
