Romantic weekend getaways are best enjoyed in lodging that meets your needs and budget. If you're undecided as to whether a hotel, resort, motel, inn, cottage, cabin, campsite, or bed & breakfast is the most romantic place you can choose to getaway for a weekend, discover the pros and cons of each here.
ABOUT HOTELS...
- The Pros:
Staying at a fine hotel means you can expect full service and privacy. If you want to stay in bed all weekend, sipping Champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries, room service should be able to accommodate.- Hotel Close-Up: Encore Las Vegas
- Hotel Close-Up: Sofitel the Grand Amsterdam Hotel
- Hotel Close-Up: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey
The Cons:
Good hotels can be pricey, but many that host business guests during the week offer romantic weekend getaway packages for couples. If you stay in a city hotel in a business district, some surrounding local establishments may be closed on Sundays.
ABOUT RESORTS...
- The Pros:
Spending a weekend at a resort means that you can choose from a variety of activities to participate in. Beach resorts often rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and other watersports equipment. Ski resorts put you close to a mountain. Larger resorts, depending on the location, may offer instruction in sports such as scuba diving, golf, tennis, and skiing. Resorts also tend to have more than one restaurant (plus room service) so you can savor meals in a variety of settings.- Resort Close-Up: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
- Resort Close-Up: Marco Island Marriott Resort, Florida
- Resort Close-Up: Royal Plantation, Jamaica
A resort can be costly, and little things — like parking and raiding the minibar — can add to the expense. Also, many large resorts cater to families, so there's a chance the squeals of children or the noise of them tearing down the hallway may intrude on a romantic weekend. In the event this occurs, don't put up with it. Ask management for another room, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
ABOUT LODGES...
- The Pros:
Smaller than resorts but larger than inns, lodges are usually located in beautiful natural surroundings and offer a variety of outdoor activities.- Lodge Close-Up: Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont
- Lodge Close-Up: The Point, New York
- Lodge Close-Up: Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
Lodges cater to families as well as couples. Food tends to be banquet, not gourmet, quality.
ABOUT INNS...
- The Pros:
Finer inns are known for their historic charm and well-prepared meals. Many feature antique or reproduction furniture.- Inn Close-Up: Blantyre, Lenox, Massachusetts
- Inn Close-Up: Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Inn Close-Up: Kingsbrae Arms, New Brunswick, Canada
Since inns are smaller than hotels and resorts, facilities may be limited. Meals may not be available at all hours during your romantic weekend.
ABOUT MOTELS...
- The Pros:
Motels offer weekend romantics free parking and easy-in/easy-out access. They're typically less expensive than a hotel or a resort.- Motel Close-Up: Hampton Inns in the USA, Canada, and Mexico
- Roxbury Motel, Roxbury, New York
Many motels are bare-bones affairs. Don't expect luxury linens, room service, sports facilities, or beautiful decor. Motels with thin walls and those located close to highways can be noisy.
ABOUT COTTAGES and CABINS...
- The Pros:
Cozy and private, a cottage can be the perfect size for a couple on a romantic weekend getaway.The Cons:
Cottage quality, cost, and decor vary widely from place to place. And you never know who your neighbors will be.
ABOUT BED & BREAKFASTS...
- The Pros:
At locations lacking a hotel or resort, you're still likely to find a B&B to stay in. As the name implies, breakfast is included in the cost.The Cons:
The owners are on-site at a B&B, and they're watching you. So are the other guests. If you don't like chatting at breakfast or eating with strangers, this romantic experience isn't for you.
ABOUT CAMPSITES...
- The Pros:
Camping out allows couples to experience romance under the stars and get close to nature. It's also the most inexpensive romantic weekend getaway you can have --unless you go overboard buying camping equipment.The Cons:
Bugs. Snakes. Rain. Dirt. Strange noises. Wild animals. Other people. Less-than-perfect bathrooms. And did we mention having to cook over an open fire?