Recession-proof Girlfriend Getaways - DC Staycation

Who says you can’t take a vacation while you’re on a budget? Yes, there’s no denying that we are in a recession but there’s no need to become depressed - Why not grab a pal or two for a budget-friendly Staycation? Plan a girlfriend getaway in your own backyard and become a tourist of your city! The Metro-DC area has plenty to offer and now, more than ever hotels are offering themed suites and packages, created to make DC locals feel like a VIP.

Need a few local ideas within driving distance?

Idea #1 - Local luxury
Vacation is the perfect time to gather friends and experience a different hotel, spa or restaurant. Why not try out luxury that you’ve been curious about? The Mandarin Oriental DC offers a Staycation package, designed for travelers living in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Staycation room rate included deluxe accommodations and valet parking. Browse the Mandarin’s seasonal specials for other packages that include spa credits, breakfast and afternoon “Savories and Sweets” tea. While you are enjoying the deluxe room, don’t forget to book your spa treatment and make reservations at CityZen, the area’s five diamond restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience!

Idea #2 – Try out a Newbie
New hotels often roll out the red carpet (and introductory prices) for travelers willing to try them out early. How about plan a girlfriend getaway at the newest spot on the block? Starwood Hotels has just opened aloft Washington National Harbor with amazing rates starting at just $99/night! The hotel is located just off the Potomac River, on the National Harbor, 25 minutes from downtown DC and walking distance to shops, entertainment and dining for you and your gal pals can enjoy! Check out aloft’s go-go getaway package, which includes daily tastings for 2 of specialty infusions at the w xyz bar, $20 daily credit at the hotel’s hip eatery, re:fuel, and a signature aloft CD for you and your girlfriends to groove to.

Another newbie to hit the Metro DC scene, Lorien Hotel and Spa, can offer fun and tranquility to your girlfriend getaway. Lorien Hotel is located in Old Town Alexandria, surrounded by charm and conveniently located to DC landmarks. The hotel is ready for your girl getaway group – take a look at their Four Times the Fun package. The package includes (4) deluxe hotel rooms for 2 nights, (4) 50 minute spa treatments, breakfast and dinner for the group AND overnight valet parking. Sounds like a party to me!

Idea #3 – Get to the Heart of the Matter
Gather up a girlfriend or two and stay in the heart of the city. The newly renovated Hotel Monaco caters to savvy travelers, true to the trendy Kimpton brand’s reputation. Sophisticated, stylish and inviting, the hotel is centrally located in Washington, DC and walking distance to the National Mall, nightlife, shopping and restaurants. Also, the 4-star hotel is set in an all-marble building, once the US General Post Office Building, so it offers a unique backdrop to your getaway! The hotel offers a complimentary nightly reception and fun extras, like plush robes and a goldfish companion for your room J Hotel Monaco’s What Women Want package includes Monte Carlo accommodations, massage, hand care kit and a reusable, stylish shopping bag. Did I mention that the hotel is located in the heart of the new Gallery Place/Chinatown shops? Where do I sign up?!

Don’t let the recession rule your getaway plans. The Metro DC area can be the perfect backdrop for your much needed getaway – so call up a girlfriend and make it happen!

Girlfriend Getaway Location - Truth or Dare @ Gaylord Palms

Dreaming of sun, relaxation and sleeping in? Call up your girlfriends and DARE them to join you for in Orlando for the Gaylord Palms Resort Truth or Dare Getaway!

Gaylord Palms Resort has put together a fantastic girlfriend vacation package. The Truth or Dare Getaway is great for celebrating a birthday, bachelorette party or basically just getting together with girlfriends and catching up! Here's the scoop:


** Gather up a group, call up the Gaylord Palms Resort . Groups reserving a minimum of 4 rooms will receive a special rate starting at $169/room.


** Get your party started early, with Early Check-In and sleep in with Late Check-Out


** Receive preferred dining reservations at the fabulous resort restaurants


** Shop with a hosted private shopping experience


** AND receive one upgraded room to gather for your private happy hour or gab fest!


If that's not enough, your group will be assigned an Experienced Concierge to help customize your vacation agenda. I love the Gaylord Palms because everything you need is located under one roof. The resort has fantastic restaurants (try the drink specials at Old Hickory Steakhouse), shopping, nightly entertainment and the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa Club . If you dare to venture away from the resort, it's conveniently located minutes away from popular Orlando attractions, however, I bet you and your friends spend your days lounging the resort!


What are you waiting for? Dare your girlfriends, reserve your Truth or Dare Getaway today!

Girlfriend Getaway Ideas starting @ $120

Girlfriend getaways are more than a fad - they are here to stay! Courtesy of Sherman's Travel and MSNBC Travel, here's a list of incredible girl getaway packages starting at just $120/person. From retail therapy, spa days or wine sampling, there's plenty of variety offered with the packages selected. Don't delay - many of the packages need to be booked as soon as possible, with travel by July 31.

Vermont: Perfect Pampering for Mom Spa Package from $120

Ahhhhhhh. Treat Mom (and yourself) to deluxe hand renewal therapy, spa pedicure, and wash/blow dry with deep conditioning treatment. The Topnotch Resort & Spa are waiting for you ;)

New York: Shopaholics Anonymous Package from $453
Imagine 2-nights upscale accommodations at the Roosevelt Hotel. Strolling Fifth Avenue shops and appointments at exclusive designer showrooms. Don't forget Roosevelt Hotel guest discounts. Sign me up!

Cancun: Dreams Girlfriend Getaway Package from $621

Beach, 2 of your best gal pals, manicures, pedicures, mimosas and $200 in Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa freebies? Say no more!

Jamaica: Grand Lido Girlfriend Getaway from $916

All-inclusive deluxe beach front luxury, including complimentary manis, pedis, pastry and cooking classes, along with optional water sports. Sounds Grand to me!

Mexico and the Caribbean: Club Med Mother’s Day Escape Special from $849

Escape with Mom to Cancun, Turks & Caicos, Martinique, Bahamas or Dominican Republic. You choose the location and let Club Med pamper with you with their all-inclusive package. Hurry, you must book by April 30.

Sonoma: Explore Wine Country from $993

Become an Sonoma "insider" with VIP tastings at world-class wineries and special tasting menu at Dry Creek Kitchen Restaurant.

Los Angeles: Girlfriends Suite Retreat from $1500

If lavish and luxury are your middle name, your girlfriend group will love this package. The deal includes penthouse accommodations, organic facials, private yoga classes and over $500 in dining credits and extras.

Girlfriend Getaway Location - DC Hotel Rouge

Spring fever setting in and need a mini-vacation? Check out DC's fabulous Hotel Rouge for a red hot girlfriend getaway!

Hotel Rouge (part of the trendy Kimpton chain) is a chic, glamorous boutique hotel in downtown Washington, DC. Located along Embassy Row, Hotel Rouge is walking distance to many area attractions, museums, shoping and hip nightlife! With its colorful red décor, modern design, and hospitality, the red-hot hotel is perfect for an adventurous getaway with your friends!

Girl Getaway Weekend Package
Get away with your girlfriends and enjoy a playful weekend in Washington, DC. Enjoy shopping in Georgetown and DuPont Circle, dining at fabulous restaurants, sightseeing at museums and art galleries, and sipping martinis at Rouge Bar with your coolest gal pals. This fun girl’s getaway package features your choice of wine or martinis, a Sex & the City DVD, and a take-home goodie bag with luxurious Aveda bath products. For an additional charge you have the option of adding in-room manicures and pedicures. Throw on your best dress and kick up your high heels for a glamorous girl’s weekend getaway in Washington, DC!

Where do I sign up?!?! :) Be sure to use promo code: PGGY for your getaway treats! Reserve your girl getaway package online at http://www.rougehotel.com/