Sherman's Travel

Free breakfast may be standard at many hotel chains, but what about something to pick you up at the end of the day? With Sheraton Hotels rolling out a new premium wine program in partnership with Wine Spectator, we’ve rounded up a few of the other spots to get your drink on without stepping out the front door.

Available at 240 properties worldwide, Sheraton’s initiative features Social Hour wine tastings three to four nights a week where you’ll be able to sample vintages from the new Wine Spectator-approved menu. However, be warned that the tastings cost $5 in North America.

All Kimpton hotels (except Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco) do a nightly Wine Hour where guests can meet the general manager and enjoy a glass of vino.

Similarly, Embassy Suites properties host nightly Manager’s Receptions with beverages and appetizers. Note not all hotels are able to serve booze, due to individual state liquor laws.

Hyatt House, the newly rebranded extended stay concept, has an Evening Social, with days and inclusions varying by location. It could consist of a cheese tasting as well as wine and beer.

Promoted as something of an “anti happy hour,” the Affinia Comfort Hour is a chance to partake in free snacks and drinks, as well as try out items from the “comfort cart” like specialty pillows or an Xbox Kinect.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more.

We’ve all read the doom and gloom surveys: Americans are less likely to travel this summer because of the high price of gas, the state of the economy, or maybe because Venus is in retrograde (can’t be too careful with your horoscope). It seems hotels have read these surveys, too, and have devised ways to entice you to stay by footing part of your gas bill or even doling out cold hard cash.

Perhaps the most generous offer comes from InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), which will give you a $75 prepaid MasterCard for every stay of two consecutive weekend nights (Friday-Sunday) through September 3. You will have to wait 6-8 weeks to receive the gift card, but the deal applies to all IHG brands, from InterContinental to Holiday Inn.

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This summer, dine at one of the finest restaurants in Washington, D.C., while staying at a sleek downtown hotel. Book a Friday or Saturday night at the Liaison Capitol Hill and take advantage of its Wine and Dine Weekend Escape, which includes a $100 credit at the renowned Art and Soul Restaurant. Rates start from just $169 this summer — a savings of 30% on the combined components of this package.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia hotel, is the closest hotel to the U.S. Capitol. It’s also within walking distance to The Smithsonian, the National Mall, and dozens more of the city’s most visited museums and monuments. The hotel offers modern and recently renovated guestrooms with high-speed WiFi (complimentary with this package), iHome docks, flat-screen TVs, and remodeled bathrooms. Take advantage of the rooftop pool in the hot summer months, or enjoy the coolly sophisticated lobby, bar, and business spaces downstairs.

Helmed by two-time James Beard Award-winner Art Smith, Art and Soul is one of the top-rated restaurants in D.C., offering upscale soul food in an elegant environment. Choose from the restaurant’s excellent wine list (rated one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” by Wine Enthusiast magazine) and enjoy Southern dishes with a modern bent with your $100 credit.

The Wine and Dine Weekend Escape is available from now through the end of the year. We found rates as low as $179 in June, $184 in July, and $169 in August. This offer is only valid for arrivals on Friday or Saturday, but guests can stay two nights and will receive a $100 credit per day. Click here to book using the promo code PKGESC. Or call 202-638-1616 and mention the same code.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Washington, D.C. For even more trip-planning information, see our Washington, D.C. destination guide.

Want to travel more and pay less this year? Get away to Chicago and stay at the 4-star Affinia for only $89 a night. Travel through March 31 and this deal saves as much as 55% on current rates when booked between Wednesday, January 11 and end of day Friday, January 13.

The stylish Affinia is situated  in the Windy City’s Navy Pier district and located just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, which offers a wide range of shopping and dining options. Or stay in and relax in the spacious rooms that feature eclectic decor, high-speed Internet, 32” flat-screen cable TV, and more. When you get hungry, check out C-House, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant, or enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace.

THE VALUE: You’ll save as much as 55 percent on current rates with this offer.

THE CATCH: This offer is only bookable for three days: from Wednesday, January 11 to end of day Friday, January 13.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Affinia Website or call 866-246-2203 to book. Mention promo code JAN3DY.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our Chicago Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, packages, and more travel deals.