Sherman's Travel

If you’re thinking about a Vegas vacation in 2011, American Express Travel has you covered. They’ve got rates that range from $30/night at the Riviera Hotel and Casino to $55/night at the Hard Rock to $149/night at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas (with a $100 resort credit included!). Many properties are also throwing in sweet extras like room upgrades, spa credits, or show tickets. Though anyone can score these low rates, American Express cardholders get the bonus perk of double rewards points when booking through Amex Travel (and can even pay for the vacation with points). Book by July 13 for travel through December 31.

THE VALUE: Rates are discounted up to 40 percent.

THE CATCH: Most of the low rates for this deal are for midweek stays. Rates don’t include resort fees charged by some hotels.

THE DETAILS: Book through the American Express Travel website.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to Las Vegas.

For general trip planning information, see our Las Vegas Travel Guide.

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has launched a decadent pool party package to help you rock out on the weekends all summer long. Overlooking the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel’s rooftop pool and lounge is hosting Intervention Sundays at Float. This daytime pool party features celebrity DJs, tasty cocktails, and private cabanas for lounging. Book the hotel’s Intervention Stay package from now through August 30 at rates from $149 per couple. The deal includes a studio room on any Sunday night through summer, VIP guest access to the party deck, and two wristbands for entry to Intervention. Party on, dude.

Adults traveling with small children should consider booking this affordable Cape Cod Railroad Package on offer from the Tidewater Inn, a charming 4-acre property overlooking scenic Lewis Bay in Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Starting from just $155, the package includes accommodations for two in a spacious guestroom with a balcony or patio and a fun-filled, 2-hour train ride from Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal. Kids will rejoice as the train whistles and you chug along past cranberry bogs, lush woodlands and scenic marshes. The package is available from May through October and also includes breakfast at Helen’s, the Tidewater’s 50s-era diner with black-and-white checkered floors.

Jet off and enjoy a little time to yourself, courtesy of the Flyin’ Solo Package from the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Ideally situated in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this rockin’ 420-room hotel boasts a landscaped rooftop deck pool with private cabanas – the perfect oasis to catch up on some much needed R&R, and a little alone time away from your boss, your kids, or whoever else might be giving you grief. Starting at just $528, this 2-night package includes a passport to the tranquil 12,000-acre Balboa Park, granting you access to attractions like the Japanese Friendship Garden, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and best of all, the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Plus, guests enjoy a $100 credit at the onsite Rock Spa (don’t miss the decadent Dream Weaver Massage) and a $30 dining credit towards breakfast.