Monday, June 2, 2008

Girlfriend Getaways - 2008

Girlfriend Getaways 2008




The only thing more fun than a girls' night out is two in a row—or three, or five. Whether you and your friends are looking to party all night, max out your credit cards, or enjoy a relaxing massage or a glass of wine, ProfessionalTravelGuide.com has the information you need to plan a fun and memorable Girlfriend Getaway.


Miami



Miami's beaches are famous. Go, relax, soak up the sun. But if you and the girls need a break from the sand and surf, check out the rest of lively Miami: international restaurants, trendy nightlife and shopping galore. And who says professional sports are just for the guys? Miami has football, baseball and basketball teams, as well as horse racing.

Hotel Recommendations
If there are golfers in your group, the Doral Golf Resort-Spa is the perfect setting. Nongolfers will have plenty of options there, too. At the spectacular Mandarin Oriental, Miami, you and your girlfriends can sample 250 different martinis in the lobby lounge. For the health-conscious, the Mandarin offers special Spa Lifestyle Rooms.



Phoenix/Scottsdale



Phoenix and Scottsdale are prime pampering destinations. These youthful neighboring cities offer spas to suite every taste. To feel like you've earned your massage, spend your days in the desert: Take a Jeep tour, go hiking or biking, or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. For a little culture, choose from an abundance of performing arts venues.

Hotel Recommendations
At the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, the staff will treat you and your girlfriends like queens. At the lovely Roy al Palms Resort and Spa, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a Mediterranean villa. Eclectic art and antiques accent the public rooms.


Los Angeles



Hollywood stars. Disneyland. The Pacific Ocean. What could be more fun than exploring this city of sunshine and palm trees side by side with your best friends? Partake in pop culture at its most glamorous, from Hollywood Boulevard to the clubs of Sunset Strip to the shops on Rodeo Drive. Los Angeles is full of the stuff legends are made of.

Hotel Recommendations
You’ll be in the company of plenty of celebrities at the Hotel Bel-Air, but this refine d property is far from pretentious. And the gardens are gorgeous. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel also offers plenty of opportunities for celebrity-sightings, and it’s close to local attractions, as well as Hollywood and the beaches.


Napa Valley



California's wine region is the quintessential girlfriend getaway. It has one of the best grape-growing climates in the world—some say even better than France. The big-name vineyards are obvious choices, but be sure to tour some of the small, family-run wineries as well. If you need a day to sober up, San Francisco's sights are an easy drive away.

Hotel Recommendations
After a day of wine tasting, the girls will enjoy relaxing in the spa or by the pool at the Villagio Inn & Spa. Rooms at the world-class Carneros Inn are designed for elegant comfort, and the grounds are breathtaking.



Las Vegas



Las Vegas is constantly changing and never dull. Casinos, nightclubs, luxury hotels, every kind of entertainment imaginable and fabulous restaurants provide plenty of opportunities for girlfriends to reconnect and let loose. Good museums and the nearby Red Rock Canyon provide a respite from the buzz of the Strip.

Hotel Recommendations
Since it’s a special getaway, you may as well go for the top: the Bellagio has long been considered the cream of the crop in Vegas. Other excellent choices include the Wynn Las Vegas, the Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars and the Venetian.


New York City



Ladies, take your credit cards. Regardless of your taste or budget, New York has a store, boutique or district perfect for you. Spend the days shopping and seeing the sights and the evenings at the theater, opera or symphony. Dining options are limitless, but don't overlook the hole-in-the-wall diners and pizza joints.

Hotel Recommendations
The Hilton Times Square is right in the middle of the action, close to theaters, cinemas and shopping, and its nicely sized rooms are clean and the staff is attentive. Indulge all your senses with a treatment in the spa at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, New York or swim in the panoramic 75-foot lap pool that has a view almost as grand as from the 35th-floor lobby. The Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square is ideally located for visiting the theater, and it offers outstanding views of the city. For trend-seekers, the W New York Times Square is the top choice.



New Orleans



Mardi Gras, street performers, Cajun and Creole food, historic architecture, voodoo vendors and Bourbon Street bars all collide to create the festive atmosphere that is New Orleans. Book a room in the French Quarter and explore on foot; there are enough shops, restaurants and nightclubs to keep you busy for days. Be sure to catch some live music.

Hotel Recommendations
For comfort, convenience and charm, try the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, a delightful inn in the French Quarter. In the heart of the action and next to the Ritz-Carlton, The Iberville Suites may be just the pl ace for a girls getaway. The suites provide distinctive living and sleeping areas.



Charleston



Charleston is steeped in history. Stroll along Rainbow Row to admire the historic architecture; visit Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began; enjoy the views from Riverfront and Waterfront parks; and shop at the Old City Market. In the evening, stuff yourselves on seafood and enjoy a cocktail on a patio downtown.

Hotel Recommendations
For a true taste of the Old South, stay at Charleston Place in the hi storic district. Southern living doesn’t get much better than this! Wentworth Mansion also is an excellent choice for an authentic experience.



Chicago



Chicago's biggest draws are architecture, museums and shopping. Take a city tour to view the famous public sculptures and landmark buildings, then buy a CityPass for everyone in your group and enjoy admission to five of Chicago's top attractions. After Michigan Avenue shopping, venture out of the city to enjoy the area's parks, gardens and zoos.

Hotel Recommendations
The luxurious Fairmont Chicago offers excellent value and is perfectly situated for Chicago’s many attractions. Other excellent choices include Park Hyatt Chicago and the Omni Chicago Hotel, where suites may be just the thing f or late-night group talks.


Seattle



If you're coffee-culture gals, don't miss Seattle. Visit the original Starbuck's location, but don't get stuck there. Seattle has dozens of excellent coffeehouses to peruse. Stroll through century-old Pike Place Market and explore the city's diverse neighborhoods. Take a ferry ride into Puget Sound or check out some of the city's excellent parks.

Hotel Recommendations
If you and your girlfriends are most comfortable in a historic setting, then The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is your best bet. If your comfort zone is sleek and contempo rary, then your top choices are Sorrento, Hotel Monaco and W Seattle.



Savannah



Savannah is the Old South incarnate, full of cobblestoned streets, historic homes and even horse-drawn carriages. Feast on southern cooking and seafood in River Street’s restaurants, and stick around after dinner for the party atmosphere. Excellent beaches, including Tybee and Hilton Head islands, are within an easy drive.

Hotel Recommendations
Traditionalists will love the authenticity of the Ballastone Inn, located in the heart of the historic district. This luxurious B&B is full of southern charm. Overlooking beautiful Chippewa Square, the centrally located Fole y House Inn also exudes southern warmth and style. Both of these B&Bs are within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and sightseeing.

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