Travel Tips

Valentine’s Day Deals: Last-Minute Romantic Getaways Worldwide

Locations in this article:  Los Angeles, CA Paris, France Portland, OR San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA

Romantic Travel - Couples TravelValentine’s Day is just 72 hours away, but it’s not too late to find an affordable date. You can escape with your beau to San Francisco, take your sweetie to Tahiti, or share some giant kisses with the missus. Use these deals to surprise your spouse so you won’t have to spend Valentine’s Day in the doghouse.

Sweet Retreat – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Why not take your sweetie to the “sweetest place on Earth” this Valentine’s Day?

Chocolate hearts At the Hotel Hershey, couples can learn how to make a chocolate martini, get hands-on experience making chocolate in the Chocolate Lab, and get slathered in chocolate at the chocolate spa (try a whipped cocoa bath, a chocolate fondue wrap, and more). The hotel also features high-end “chocolate jewelry,” one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by chocolate–don’t worry, they won’t melt in your mouth or your hand.

The hotel is currently offering a Valentine’s special. For $348, guests get champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, full breakfast for two, a giant 7-ounce Hershey’s kiss, admission to Hershey Gardens and admission to the New Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue.

Couple jumpingOperation Romance at Kimpton’s – Seattle, Washington & Portland, Oregon

Kimpton Hotels’ three Seattle properties (Alexis Hotel, Hotel Vintage Park and Hotel Monaco) and two hotels in Portland (Vintage Plaza and Hotel Monaco) are reducing rates on Valentine’s Day for all active and retired military and their loved ones.

Rates are normally $195 in Seattle and $150 in Portland, but will be only $75 a night on February 14. Guests can also enjoy a free wine hour, and on Friday nights, the Hotel Monaco is rocking with the weekly Guitar Hero competition.

Winter Sweet Deals – Montreal, Quebec

Floating heartsWhy spend money on airfare to France when Montreal is so much closer?

Bundle up and enjoy this winter wonderland with its cobblestone roads, French street signs and Old World architecture. You’ll feel like you’re in Paris or Marseille, without having to pay the price of a trans-Atlantic airline ticket.

The Sweet Deal package gets you 50 percent off the second night or a third night free (varies according to each participating hotel), with a required two-night minimum-stay. Room rates start from $124 a night at the Quality Hotel by Journey’s End, from $129 at Appartement-Hôtel, $132 at Auberge de La Fontaine, and from $138 at Holiday Inn Select Montréal Downtown. Guests also receive a bag of gifts worth more than $50.

Free Spa Treatments – Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Pamper yourselves this Valentine’s Day with your choice of a free 50-minute massage or facial at Nidah Spa for every night you book a room at Eldorado Hotel & Spa. The deal runs through March 31 and rates start at $199 per night.

Golden Gate Bridge - photo by Lee FosterLeave Your Heart in San Francisco – The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, California

The Westin St. Francis, located on Union Square in the “heart” of San Francisco, is offering two playful packages for couples.

The Love Potion package includes a “love mixology” cocktail class for two, morning pastries and coffee for two in Caruso’s, and a list of the most romantic walking routes in San Francisco for $159 per night.

If your dogs are barkin’, the hotel is also offering a Playing Footsies package, which includes two 50-minute pedicures, two pairs of cozy slippers and a list of the top shoe stores and San Francisco. Rates start at $259 per night.

Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti

Relaxing in TahitiFeeling spontaneous? Take your sweetie to Tahiti! Tahiti Tourism is offering a four-night packages starting at just $898 per person. That includes economy airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui on Friday, February 12, plus four nights’ accommodations, and breakfast for two included daily. Suite accommodations or an overwater bungalow are also available for an extra fee. But hurry, this package must be booked by February 12.

Romantic Safari – Sanctuary Retreats, Zambia

Tell her you love her on an African safari. At Sanctuary Retreats in Zambia, guests of Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp in South Luangwa National Park can experience a private game drive for couples. The experience ends on a remote location atop of Chichele Hill with a sunset picnic, including romantic lanterns, white linen table, sparkling wine, canapés, waiter service, and incredible views of the national park at sunset. As darkness sets, enjoy an evening under the African stars.

Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp starts from $700 a night including meals, beverages, walking safaris and game dries. Through April 30, 2010, stay three nights and pay for two. Guests sleep in well-appointed tents, each with a hot tub and outdoor shower.

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By Sarika Chawla and Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com