Who wouldn't want a great hotel deal in this neighborhood?

Is it just me, or are there others who never, ever, ever want to stay in a $19 hotel room?

I’m much happier with deals like these that have come across my desk at about the same time, any of which will provide something far more memorable than the savings one forgets with the turning of the calendar.

In New York, families reign at the Sofitel where rates begin at a mere $259 a night (a bargain in Manhattan) and where children get a second room for 50 percent off (even better). Breakfast is included, just the thing to get you out the door to family favorites like Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Times Square, all very walkable from your West 44th Street location. You just know that next year, it will cost twice as much. More info: Sofitel New York.

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France's high-speed train, Thalys, boards passengers in The Hague, Netherlands.

Those in Europe who are responsible for high-speed rail service are thinking about business travel needs, but leisure travelers can also benefit from ever-improving European rail service.

Why Travel by Rail?
One big advantage of rail is that itʼs a less stressful way to travel, partly because it is more comfortable, and partly because the rail station experience is so much more tolerable than a typical airport. Also, with far fewer weather delays, one can generally count on on-time departures and arrivals. And finally, for journeys of two to four hours, the door-to-door time for passengers is usually shorter via rail than via air.

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The troubled Maui Prince Hotel occupies a verdant location with adjacent golf course.

The Maui Prince Hotel is the latest to fall (perhaps) victim to the economy. Although the hotel went into foreclosure a week ago, its banker (Wells Fargo) had hoped the operators would keep it open. After all, the all-ocean-view resort that sits at the foot of Haleakala had just undergone a big renovation to attract quality guests.
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The President and Mrs. Obama are taking their kids to the beach this summer for a little family bonding time. The beach in question? Marthaʼs Vineyard.

Some have raised their eyebrows because itʼs a pricey choice. Then again, where does a family go when Dad is the Leader of the Free World who must travel with a huge security entourage, receive classified satellite communications, and make sure the nearest neighbors can pass an FBI background check? What vacation rental provides a private entrance sufficiently distant from prying paparazzi to allow (say) a high-profile ambassador, a cabinet secretary, or a relative to drop by for lemonade and a confidential chat?

Martha's Vineyard

Our blog editor, Paula Gifford, has left for greener pastures and we wish her well. Thank you, Paula, for all the great work while you were here.

As we move forward, our blog fires up again, aiming to provide helpful and occasionally obscure information that can improve your travels or inform your view as you plan for future trips.

Weʼre always happy to hear from you if you agree, or disagree, with anything we post here. You have an open invitation to add to the topics at hand with your own advice and opinions.

Please bookmark our blog and visit again soon.

– Peg Prideaux, CTC
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