Whether you’re packing up the family for a few more days of quality time before everyone’s hectic school year schedules start up again or planning a rendezvous for two, these hotels are offering an old-school way to kick it on a red-checkered blanket, no ants allowed, for the last few days of summer.
Head west to the family-owned El Capitan Canyon located on the Pacific coast of Southern California for the Family Picnic Package, which includes a two-night stay in the accommodation of your choice. This upscale outdoor destination is nestled against the Los Padres National Forest and only a five-minute walk away from the El Capitan State Beach. The package includes a complimentary Canyon Logo picnic bag packed with a s’mores kit for four and a bundle of firewood, as well as a picnic blanket, trail mix snack, and a lunch coupon for four to be redeemed at either the Canyon Deli Garden Patio or the Back Market Lawn. Lunch can be packed up to go and enjoyed with gorgeous ocean and mountain views from one of Canyon’s several hiking trails. Rates start at $384 for two nights in the Safari Tent, $516 for a Cedar Cabin, and $494 for the Adventure Yurt; www.elcapitancanyon.com.
Hotel Abrego in Monterey, California, a boutique hotel located within walking distance of Del Monte Beach and Monterey’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife, is offering the Beach Picnic Package for those looking for a few days of R&R. Families of four and couples receive a picnic basket and blanket and can head to the beach’s boardwalk, dozens of dunes, picnic tables, or soothing sand all hugging an ocean of mesmerizing waves. Rates start $263/night for couples and $283/night for families; www.hotelabrego.com.
Hike up to Mt. Temper’s Emerson Resort and Spa in the Catskills for the Perfect Picnic Getaway Package in either a family-friendly Adirondack style Lodge or one of the adult-only luxurious Inn suites. Ask the staff for a list of their favorite picnic spots and head out with your keepsake picnic basket and a bottle of Emerson Private Label wine. Come back to the hotel to redeem your $100 Spa Voucher at Emerson’s award-winning spa or retire to one of the Inn’s suites on a canopy bed after having relaxed in your air-jetted whirlpool tub. The Lodge rooms bring nature indoors with their log-built interiors and the larger Family Suite rooms can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. Rates start at $549 for two nights in the Lodge and $643 for two nights at the Inn; www.emersonresort.com.
The Governor’s Inn, located on the Ludlow village green less than a mile away from Vermont’s Okemo Mountain, is a 19th-century Victorian bed-and-breakfast with only eight romantically styled rooms, a parlor accented with an ornate slate fireplace, and a story-book front porch where guests can rock on a shaded swing. Until September 15, the Stay and Picnic Package includes accommodations (with a two-night minimum), a Vermont Country picnic prepared by the inn’s chef, and a complimentary picnic basket or backpack. Rates start at $382 for two nights in a traditional room (and an additional $139 for a third night); www.thegovernorsinn.com.
Other picnic offers include The Lanesborough’s butler-accompanied outing to Hyde Park for morsels of lobster and house-made artisan chocolates or a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton’s Battery Park hotel in New York complete with a gourmet picnic-basket lunch, a 90-minute boat excursion with Manhattan by Sail, and a full day bike rental for two as part of their Summer in the Park package. For a more romantic, pinkies-up style “pique-nique,” book a Chic Picnic at one of Sofitel’s Luxury Hotels and get one free night with your four-night reservation.
Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and other travel deals.
